Asia · Western AsiaUsable guideCountry in West Asia
Photo: xorge, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jordan (Arabic: الأردنّ, al-Urdunn) is an Arab kingdom in the Middle East, at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe. It has been repeatedly called an "oasis of stability" in the Middle East. Since the 1940s, millions have immigrated to Jordan for a better life. With an extensive collection of tourist attractions, ranging from biblical sites to seaside sites, there is a lot to see and do in Jordan.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Jordan.
Cards and cash
ATMs are commonly available, but might charge a fee of up to 7 JD, especially the ATM at the airport right before the visa counter which you have to use to withdraw money to pay for the visa(-on-arrival), except for when you have a Jordan Pass.
These numbers can be subsequently recharged with a prepaid card starting at only 1 JD.
Mobile networks
Tap water is said to be potable, at least in some areas, but most people drink bottled water, which is the safest choice for visitors.
Hospitals in Jordan, especially Amman, are abundant, Jordan's health care system is advanced and the country takes great pride in being a hub for medical tourism.
Jordan is a majority-Muslim country with a large Christian minority. It is one of the most liberal nations in the region and very hospitable to tourists, and locals will be happy to help you if asked.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Amman (Arabic: عمان ʻammān) is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with a population of about 4 million as of 2020. Amman forms a great base for exploring the country and does, despite popular belief, hold a few items of interest to the traveler.
Aqaba (العقبة al-ʿAqabah) is Jordan's only port city. It is on the Gulf of Aqaba in the extreme south of the country, adjacent to Eilat in Israel.
Irbid is a city in northern Jordan, some 88 km north of the capital Amman. Archaeological evidence reveals that Irbid has been settled since the Bronze Age.
Jerash, a city in northern Jordan, is famous for its Roman ruins. The archaeological site is popular for tourists, second only to Petra.
Kerak (also spelt Karak, Arabic al-Kerak) is a small, Arab city (population 170,000) in southern Jordan.
Madaba is a small town in central Jordan located south of the capital Amman on the King's Highway, some 10 km from Hesban.
Salt is an ancient town in Northern Jordan; it was once the capital of the territory.
Ajlun (also Ajloun) is a city in Northern Jordan.
Dana Nature Reserve is in Jordan, 88 km south of Kerak. It is the largest nature reserve in Jordan, covering over 300 km² and all four different bio-geographical zones of the Kingdom.
For the other part of the sea, see Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank). The Dead Sea (Hebrew: ים המלח, Hebrew transliteration:Yam HaMelach; Arabic: البحر الميت, Arabic transliteration: al-Bahir al-Mayyit) has its eastern coast in Jordan.
Petra (Arabic: البتراء, Al-Batrāʾ), the fabled "rose red city, half as old as time", is a well known ancient Nabataean city in the south of Jordan. Due to its breathtaking grandeur and fabulous ruins, Petra was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
Umm Qais is a Roman ruin in Northern Jordan.
Wadi Rum is a spectacularly scenic desert valley (wadi in Arabic) in southern Jordan. It is also known as "Valley of the Moon" and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The majority of desert castles of Jordan are in the kingdom's Eastern Desert.
Places in Jordan on the World Heritage List.
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
The most developed and populated area of Jordan where the capital city of Amman is located.
The region in which during ancient times the important trade route "The King's Highway" connected between Egypt and Aram-Naharaim (Syria and Mesopotamia). Prominent tourist attractions include the Jordanian part of the Dead Sea, and the ancient city of Madaba which became a prominent tourist attraction following the discovery of an ancient large mosaic floor (known as the "Madaba Map") in an ancient Byzantine church which depicts the Holy Land in the 6th century.
Contains, among other things, three of the most prominent tourist attractions in Jordan - Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba.
Prominent tourist attractions in this region include five different forts scattered throughout the Eastern Desert which were once used by the Caliphs.
Public transport and paid services in Jordan.
By bus
The JETT bus company has services connecting Amman to Aqaba, the King Hussein Bridge (to cross into Israel), and Hammamat Ma'in.
By train
The Jordan Hejaz Railway is the only rail line operating passenger services. It is mostly a tourist attraction and not a means of practical transportation.
By taxi
Regular taxis are abundant in most cities. They are bright yellow and are generally in good condition. A 10 km trip should cost around 2 JD.
By car
You can easily reach major cities by car in Jordan.
By plane
Considering there are only two airports in the country, there's only one domestic air route: Amman to Aqaba and back.
By tour operator
Much of Jordan's more dramatic scenery (Wadi Rum, the Dana Reserve and Iben Hamam) is best seen on 4x4 vehicles with drivers or guides familiar with the territory.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Jordan.
Finding apps for Jordan…
Other ways to travel:By servees
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Amman · International · AMM
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Amman
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 17° | 19° | 23° | 27° | 33° | 36° | 38° | 38° | 36° | 31° | 25° | 19° |
| Avg. low | 6° | 7° | 9° | 12° | 16° | 19° | 21° | 21° | 20° | 18° | 12° | 8° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 63 | 58 | 32 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 29 | 52 |
| Humidity | 69% | 66% | 63% | 56% | 49% | 47% | 49% | 53% | 54% | 53% | 55% | 63% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$45
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$130
Per person, per day
Luxury
$345
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $75 | $200 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $25 | $65 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $30 |
| Activities | $5 | $20 | $50 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 3 of 4Reconsider travel
Reconsider travelto Jordan due to terrorism and armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. As of August 29, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in Jordan. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. Terrorism There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Jordan. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack without warning, including such targets as: Tourist locations; Transportation hubs; Markets and shopping malls; Local government buildings. Jordan is relatively stable but due to high tensions in the region, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly. Zarqa City There is heightened risk of terrorism and crime in Zarqa City. All U.S. government personnel on official travel to this area must follow U.S. embassy travel restrictions. When traveling at night, U.S. government personnel on official travel must use major highways. Personal travel by U.S. government personnel to these areas is allowed only during daylight hours. Direct transit through these areas is permissible at night along major highways. Ma’an City and Ma’an Governorate There is heightened risk of terrorism and crime in the following areas: Ma’an city All areas of Ma’an Governorate east of Highway 15 (“The Desert Highway”) All areas of Ma’an…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Jordan-Syria border FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria. Regional tensions The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Jordan, against US military and civilian infrastructure. In early September renewed attacks and interceptions occurred in and around Aqaba. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should: read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis” sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts follow advice from the local authorities monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Jordan.
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in March across Japanese cherry blossoms, explosive Spanish fiestas, desert wonders in Jordan, and Irish music sessions.
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Culture & historyWhere to stand, what it costs and when to go for five of the most famous filming locations on screen, from King's Landing to Arrakis.
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Nature & adventureThe majority of desert castles of Jordan are in the kingdom's Eastern Desert.
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Culture & historyThe Roman Empire was the greatest ancient empire of Europe. At the height of its power in 117 AD, it ruled over considerable parts of Europe, as well as much of North Africa and the Middle East.
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Travel tipsThis page is an overview of ferry services in the Red Sea. It gives only basic information, see each ferry port or country's "Get in by boat" section for more on times, fares, and other practicalities - especially visas.
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ItinerariesThe Jesus Trail is a 65-km hiking and pilgrimage route in the Galilee region of Israel, connecting many sites associated with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
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