Jordan eVisa vs visa on arrival vs Jordan Pass – which should UK travellers choose? The Jordan eVisa (applied online) and visa on arrival (paid at the airport) both cost 40 JOD (~£44) for a 30-day single entry. The Jordan Pass (from 70 JOD) bundles visa-free entry with access to 40+ attractions and waives the visa fee entirely if you stay 2+ consecutive nights. For stays of 3+ days visiting Petra and other sites, the Jordan Pass is the cheapest option.
Last updated: September 2026. This guide is cross-referenced with FCDO travel advice (gov.uk) and the Jordan Ministry of Interior (moi.gov.jo). Visa rules can change without notice; always verify before booking.
How to Enter Jordan in 2026 – eVisa, Visa on Arrival, and Jordan Pass
The Jordan eVisa is an online pre-arrival visa, the visa on arrival is obtained at the border, and the Jordan Pass is a tourism bundle that waives the 40 JOD visa fee – all granting a 30-day single-entry stay for UK passport holders with a passport valid for at least 6 months.
Since October 2025, stays exceeding 14 days require biometric registration (fingerprint and iris scan) at a police station within 14 days of arrival. The fine for non-compliance is 200 JOD, paid upon departure. Tourists on short stays are exempt. (Source: gov.uk)
| Entry Point | Jordan eVisa | Visa on Arrival | Jordan Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Alia Airport (Amman) | Accepted | Accepted | Accepted (visa waiver) |
| Aqaba Airport | Accepted | Accepted (non-restricted nationalities) | Accepted (visa waiver) |
| Sheikh Hussein Bridge | Accepted | Accepted (conditions apply) | Accepted (visa waiver) |
| Wadi Araba | Accepted | Accepted (conditions apply) | Accepted (visa waiver) |
| King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge | Not accepted | Not accepted | Not accepted |
The King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge requires an advance embassy visa from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior. No Jordan eVisa or visa on arrival is accepted there. (Source: gov.uk)
Jordan eVisa vs Visa on Arrival vs Jordan Pass – Side-by-Side Comparison
The Jordan eVisa and visa on arrival both cost 40 JOD (~£44) for a 30-day single entry, while the Jordan Pass from 70 JOD bundles the visa fee waiver with access to 40+ attractions.
| Feature | Jordan eVisa | Visa on Arrival | Jordan Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application method | Online via MOI portal | In person at border | Online before arrival |
| Processing time | 1-3 working days | 5-10 minutes | Immediate (PDF by email) |
| Cost | 40 JOD (~£44) | 40 JOD (~£44) | 70-80 JOD (waives 40 JOD visa fee) |
| Validity | 30 days, single entry | 30 days, single entry | 30 days, single entry (visa waiver) |
| Entry points | Queen Alia, Aqaba, Sheikh Hussein, Wadi Araba | Same as eVisa | Same as eVisa |
| Extras | Bypasses airport queue | None | 40+ attractions (Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum) |
| Best for | Pre-planners avoiding queues | Last-minute travellers | Stays of 2+ nights visiting multiple sites |
Multiple-entry visas for Israel/Palestine side trips must be obtained from the Jordanian Embassy in the UK or the Ministry of Interior before travel. A 40 JOD 2-month extension is available at any police station. (Sources: gov.uk, jordanpass.jo)
How to Apply for a Jordan eVisa vs Visa on Arrival from the UK
UK passport holders apply for the Jordan eVisa online via the MOI portal (eservices.moi.gov.jo) by submitting a passport scan, photo, and payment, then receiving approval by email within 1-3 working days.
Complete the online form
Visit eservices.moi.gov.jo and complete the online application form.
Upload required documents
Upload a passport scan (min. 6 months validity), passport-sized photo, flight itinerary, and hotel reservation details.
Pay the fee
Pay 40 JOD (~£44) through the secure portal.
Receive approval
Receive the Jordan eVisa approval by email within 1-3 working days. Apply at least 5-7 days before departure as a buffer.
Temporary and emergency passport holders are ineligible for the Jordan eVisa and must apply via Jordanian embassies. If approval is not received, check spam and contact the National Contact Center (06-55008080 / [email protected]). (Sources: rj.com, moi.gov.jo)
Visa on Arrival in Jordan – What UK Travellers Need to Know
UK citizens can obtain a Jordan visa on arrival for 40 JOD (~£44) at Queen Alia Airport, Sheikh Hussein Bridge, and Wadi Araba, with processing taking roughly 5-10 minutes for a 30-day single entry.
Immigration counters at Queen Alia Airport primarily accept JOD cash. ATMs and currency exchange counters are available airside, but availability varies. Carry sufficient Jordanian dinars before reaching the immigration desk. A 10 JOD land border departure tax applies when exiting via a land crossing. (Sources: gov.uk, tripadvisor.co.uk)
The visa on arrival can be extended for 40 JOD for a 2-month extension at any police station, up to 6 months total. The overstay fine is 3 JOD per day after the initial 30-day validity. Children under 12 enter attractions free when accompanied by parents, but the 40 JOD visa fee still applies per child unless waived by a group tour operator scheme (5+ persons via authorised operator). (Sources: jordanpass.jo, gov.uk)
Jordan Pass – How It Saves You Money on Visa and Attraction Fees
The Jordan Pass waives the 40 JOD visa fee and includes free entry to 40+ attractions when the holder stays a minimum of 2 consecutive nights (3 calendar days) in Jordan. It is not a visa; it is a tourism pass purchased online at jordanpass.jo before arrival.
| Package | Price | Petra Entry | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery | 70 JOD | 1 day | Short trip, one Petra visit |
| Explorer | 75 JOD | 2 consecutive days | Deep Petra exploration |
| Expert | 80 JOD | 3 consecutive days | Photography, full immersion |
Break-even example: 2 adults visiting Petra + Jerash + Wadi Rum for 4 nights save the 40 JOD visa fee plus a 50 JOD single Petra ticket with the Explorer Pass (75 JOD), netting approximately 15 JOD per person vs paying separately. The Jordan Pass is valid for 3 months before activation and 1 month after the first scan. Upgrading or downgrading is not allowed. Exiting via Wadi Araba with fewer than 2 nights incurs a 60 JOD penalty. Petra by Night is not included; Bethany Beyond the Jordan is an 8 JOD add-on (vs 12 JOD standard). Refund policy is not published; contact [email protected] for cancellations of unactivated passes. (Source: jordanpass.jo)
Quick Decision Guide – Which Option Should You Choose?
- Short trip (1-2 days), no Petra: Choose the visa on arrival or Jordan eVisa. Both cost 40 JOD (~£44) for a 30-day single entry. The Jordan eVisa lets you bypass the airport queue; the visa on arrival requires no pre-planning.
- Staying 3+ nights with Petra and multiple sites: Buy the Jordan Pass online before arrival. The Explorer package at 75 JOD waives the 40 JOD visa fee and includes entry to 40+ attractions, provided you stay a minimum of 2 consecutive nights (3 calendar days).
- Arriving via King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge: Neither the Jordan eVisa nor the visa on arrival is accepted. Obtain an advance visa from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior or embassy before travel. Consider a multiple-entry visa if re-entering Jordan from Israel/Palestine.
- Stays over 14 days: Register biometrics (fingerprint and iris scan) at a police station within 14 days of arrival. Fine for non-compliance: 200 JOD. Short-stay tourists are exempt.
Timing tips: apply for the Jordan eVisa 5-7 days before departure. Buy the Jordan Pass online at least 2-3 days before arrival. (Sources: jordanpass.jo, gov.uk)
Frequently Asked Questions – Costs, Fees, and the Jordan Pass
How many nights do I need to stay for the Jordan Pass to waive the visa fee?
You must stay a minimum of 2 consecutive nights (3 calendar days). The airport immigration system verifies this upon departure. Fewer than 2 nights means you still owe the 40 JOD visa fee. (Source: jordanpass.jo)
What are the exact costs of the Jordan eVisa, visa on arrival, and Jordan Pass?
The Jordan eVisa and visa on arrival each cost 40 JOD (~£44). The Jordan Pass costs 70 JOD (Discovery), 75 JOD (Explorer), or 80 JOD (Expert), waiving the 40 JOD visa fee with 2+ consecutive nights. (Sources: jordanpass.jo, gov.uk)
Can I get a group tour visa fee waiver for Jordan?
Yes. Groups of 5 or more travelling with an authorised Jordanian incoming tour operator may have the 40 JOD visa fee waived. This must be coordinated through the tour operator in advance.
Do children need a separate visa for Jordan?
Children of any age require their own entry documentation. The 40 JOD visa fee applies per child unless waived by a group tour operator scheme. However, children under 12 enter Jordan’s main attractions for free when accompanied by parents and do not need a separate Jordan Pass. (Sources: jordanpass.jo, flypgs.com)
Is the visa on arrival at Queen Alia Airport paid in cash or by card?
Immigration counters primarily accept JOD cash. ATMs and currency exchange are available airside but availability varies. Carry sufficient Jordanian dinars before reaching the immigration desk.
Can I use a Jordan eVisa at a land border crossing?
Yes. The Jordan eVisa is accepted at Queen Alia Airport, Aqaba Airport, Sheikh Hussein Bridge, and Wadi Araba. The King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge does not accept eVisas and requires an advance visa from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior. (Source: gov.uk)
Can I transit through Amman airport without a visa?
If you remain airside and do not clear passport control, you do not need an entry visa. If you must clear immigration for an overnight layover, you will need a visa on arrival or Jordan eVisa.
Can I extend my Jordan visa while in the country?
Yes. Visit a local police station and apply for a 2-month extension for 40 JOD. Extensions are discretionary. You can extend up to 6 months total via the online system or at a police station. (Sources: jordanpass.jo, gov.uk)
What happens if I overstay my Jordan visa?
The fine is 3 JOD per day after the initial 30-day validity. Overstays can result in complications at departure and potential future entry bans. Avoid this by applying for a 40 JOD 2-month extension before your visa expires. (Source: jordanpass.jo)
Do UK passport holders need any special documentation for the visa on arrival?
A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, 2 blank pages, a return or onward flight booking, and proof of accommodation. Having these ready speeds up the process. (Sources: gov.uk, flypgs.com)
