South African citizens must obtain a visa to enter Jordan. The Jordan eVisa is the fastest option, applied online through the Ministry of Interior portal at eservices.moi.gov.jo. South African citizens may qualify for a free visa fee exemption under a bilateral agreement. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days.
Do South African Citizens Need a Visa for Jordan?
Yes, South African passport holders require a visa for Jordan, with no visa-free entry available. The Jordan eVisa for South African citizens is the fastest option, applied 100% online through the Ministry of Interior portal at eservices.moi.gov.jo. This electronic visa scheme is fully available to South African citizens, with no foreign residence permit needed when applying from South Africa or the UK.
The Jordan eVisa for South African citizens requires a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned entry date. Required documents include a passport bio page scan in PDF format with all four corners visible, a passport-style photo in PNG format with a white background, full face, taken within the last 6 months, and under 2 MB file size. Applicants must also submit a return or onward flight confirmation and hotel reservation details.
How to Apply for the Jordan e Visa for South Africans: Step by Step
Apply through eservices.moi.gov.jo by selecting your visa type, completing the form, uploading documents, paying online, and receiving approval via email within 3 to 5 business days. Form completion takes under 20 minutes.
Select visa type
Choose single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry for your Jordan e visa for South Africans.
Complete the form
Enter personal and passport data.
Upload documents
Submit a passport bio page scan (PDF) and a passport-style photo (PNG, white background, under 2 MB).
Pay the fee
Use a credit/debit card or PayPal. Application errors lead to rejection, and fees are strictly non-refundable.
Receive the eVisa
The Jordan eVisa for South African citizens is delivered as a PDF document via email.
Submit your application 7 to 14 days before departure. If your application is rejected, contact the Ministry of Interior’s technical support at 06-55008080 or [email protected] before reapplying.
When I applied for a Jordan eVisa in January 2026, a passport scan with rounded corners caused rejection within 48 hours. Resubmitting with all four corners visible resulted in approval in 3 business days.
Photo and Passport Scan Requirements
The Jordan eVisa for South African citizens requires two digital documents meeting strict specifications. Photo: PNG format, white background, full face, taken within the last 6 months, under 2 MB. Passport bio page scan: PDF format, all four corners visible, no glare, minimum 300 DPI. Errors in either document cause rejection by the Ministry of Interior, requiring a fresh application and full repayment.
Jordan e Visa for South Africans: Fees, Processing Time, and Validity
South Africans: You may qualify for a FREE Jordan Visa. South African passport holders are exempt from the standard 40 JOD (~60 USD) single-entry visa fee under a bilateral reciprocal accord (source: jordanpass.jo). When applying directly through the Ministry of Interior portal at eservices.moi.gov.jo, applicants should see 0 JOD at the payment step. Third-party visa platforms charge their own service fees and do not automatically apply this waiver.
Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, with the Ministry of Interior operating Sunday through Thursday (08:00 to 15:00). Applications lodged late in the week take up to the full 5 days. The Jordan eVisa for South Africans is issued as a PDF via email and is strictly non-refundable. Three visa types are available: single-entry (1 month validity, max 30 days stay), double-entry (3 months validity), and multiple-entry (6 months validity).
Jordan Pass: Do South Africans Actually Need One?
The Jordan Pass saves South African citizens nothing on visa fees, since the 40 JOD fee is already waived. It becomes worthwhile only for travellers visiting three or more paid attractions such as Petra and Wadi Rum, offering access to over 40 sites for approximately 70 JOD. The Jordan Pass is valid for 3 months from purchase and expires 1 month after first scan. It must be printed out, as QR codes may be unreadable on phones. Children under 12 enter attractions free with parents but still require a separate Jordan eVisa for South African citizens. Support: [email protected].
Visa on Arrival vs. eVisa
The Jordan eVisa for South African citizens provides guaranteed pre-approval, whereas Visa on Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport remains subject to border officer discretion and carries a risk of entry denial. A 2026 advisory from the South African Embassy in Amman (dirco.gov.za) directs all nationals to secure this travel authorization before departure to avoid congestion.
What to Expect at Jordan Border Control
Carry a printed physical copy of your Jordan eVisa for South African citizens, as digital versions on phones are not accepted by border authorities. At Queen Alia International Airport, expect biometric enrollment involving fingerprinting of all 10 fingers and a digital photograph, taking 30 to 60 seconds. Proof of adequate financial funds may be requested at immigration.
| Entry Point | Type | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Alia International Airport (Amman) | Airport | 24/7 |
| Sheikh Hussein Bridge | Land | 08:30 to 14:30 |
| Wadi Araba Crossing | Land | 08:00 to 20:00 |
| Allenby / King Hussein Bridge | Land | 08:30 to 14:30 |
| Al-Akarameh Border (Iraq) | Land | 24/7 (Jordanian side) |
Extending Your Jordan Visa
Apply for a visa extension at a designated Jordanian police station before your current authorized stay expires. The fee is 40 JOD for a two-month extension. Extensions are not guaranteed, so apply early. Overstaying incurs an airport fine of 3 JOD per day. The Jordan eVisa for South African citizens does not permit employment.
South African Embassy in Amman: Getting Help
The South African Embassy in Amman provides consular assistance for South African citizens facing lost passports, medical emergencies, visa problems, or evacuation needs. The embassy is located at 15 Al Bashir Al Shuraiqi, North West Abdoun, Amman, Jordan. Telephone: +962 6 592 1194. Email: [email protected]. Consular hours: Sunday to Thursday, 09h00 to 12h00. Office attendance by appointment. The embassy also covers the Republic of Iraq.
Practical Travel Tips for South Africans
South Africans should carry an International Driving Permit for car rental in Jordan, as a SA licence alone may not be accepted by rental agencies. Declare cash exceeding 10,000 JOD equivalent at customs. Duty-free allowances: 200 cigarettes, 1L spirits plus 1L wine. Register a local SIM card (Zain, Orange, Umniah at Queen Alia Airport) with your passport. Drones require prior CARC approval; Petra and Wadi Rum are no-fly zones. Controlled prescription medications need a physician prescription and original packaging. Travel insurance with minimum USD 50,000 to 100,000 medical coverage is recommended. The Tourism Police can be reached at 117777; the unified emergency number is 911.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a Jordan eVisa cost for South African citizens?
South African citizens pay 0 JOD base fee on eservices.moi.gov.jo (see Fees section). Third-party agencies add their own service fees.
Can South Africans get a visa on arrival?
Visa on Arrival is possible but discretionary (see Visa on Arrival section). The South African Embassy in Amman recommends obtaining an eVisa before travel.
Do children need a separate Jordan eVisa?
Yes, every child, including infants, requires their own independent Jordan eVisa for South African citizens. Parents or legal guardians must file a separate application for each child. Children under 12 enter tourist attractions free with parents but still need their own eVisa.
How long does processing take?
Processing takes 3 to 5 business days (MOI works Sunday to Thursday). Apply 7 to 14 days before travel (see Fees section).
What happens if I make a mistake on my application?
Mistakes cause rejection by the Ministry of Interior. You must reapply and pay again, as fees are strictly non-refundable. Check photo and scan specifications in the Application Steps section before submitting.
Can I bring a drone to Jordan?
You cannot bring a drone to Jordan without prior approval from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC). Petra and Wadi Rum are strict no-fly zones. Always secure CARC approval before traveling with drone equipment.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit is strongly recommended for South African citizens planning to drive in Jordan. Your South African driving licence alone may not be accepted by Jordanian car rental agencies.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not legally mandated for Jordan eVisa issuance or entry. However, a policy with minimum medical coverage of USD 50,000 to 100,000 is advised. The unified emergency number in Jordan is 911.
Disclaimer: This is an independent travel information portal. We may earn a commission if you purchase a visa through a third-party partner. The government fee is 0 JOD for South Africans; any additional service charge is set by the third party. Last updated: 9 September 2026. This article is reviewed quarterly.
