Jordan Travel Guide
Jordan Facts
- Location: western part of Asia, in the rocky desert of the northern Arabian Peninsula. It is a landlocked country, bordered by 5 Nations: Syria in the north, Iraq in the east, Saudi Arabia in the south and southeast and Israel and Palestine in the west.
- Official Language: Arabic
- Capital: Amman
- Population: 10.26 million (2021)
- Currency: Jordanian Dinar(JD) 1 JD =1.41 US Dollar(2022)
- Time Zone: UTC +2
Why you should visit Jordan
1. The country has been dubbed “an open-air museum” due to its historical heritage, like Petra Ancient city and some of the most well-preserved archaeological sites of the Roman Empire.
2. Incredible landscapes. The green and luscious north seems a world away from the beautiful dry deserts of the south, and Amman’s mountainous landscape makes for awe-inspiring sunsets over the city.
3. You can enjoy incredible Middle Eastern cuisine here. Must-try dishes include rice and meat-based mansaf and maqloube. If you’re travelling in the summer, the assortment of colourful fresh salads, such as tabbouleh, will complement these meals well.
4. Friendly welcoming locals and safe to travel in the country. If Jordan is famous for only one thing, it is the hospitality and kindness of the people. You’ll find the residents are always prepared to help and will go above and beyond to make sure you are enjoying yourself in their country.
Jordan remains comfortably sheltered from the troubles of the region. It is safe to travel in the country, either independently or in a group.
5. It is easy to get visa to Jordan. Jordanian immigration requirements specify that up to 140 nationalities are able to obtain a Jordan eVisa through an electronic tourist package named Jordan Pass. The QR code on the Pass will allow you to obtain a visa on arrival or a visa from an embassy free of charge.
The Best Time to Travel in Jordan
Jordan is an incredible year-round destination. Whether you’re swimming in the Dead Sea, visiting the ancient city of Petra or hiking the beautiful Wadi Rum landscape – there’s always something to discover.
March to May and September to November are the best time to travel to Jordan. These months are ideal for all things outdoors: touring historical sites, hiking, rock climbing, rooftop bars and sleeping under the stars. The only downside is that the good weather means you won’t be alone. Hotels were booked up fast, and flights prices are higher than other period.
December to February is rainy season .Jordan receives 75% of its annual rainfall during this time, and heavy rains can cause site closures, tour cancellations, and flash flooding, so you’ll need to be flexible with your itinerary.
June to August is the hot season; the temperature can surpass 38 ℃ (100℉) on some days. In the desert, temperatures can climb to 48 ℃ (118.4℉) in July and August. But it often cools down in the nights. So outdoor activities are not as enjoyable and can even be risky if you’re not properly hydrated and protected from the sun.
Top Things to do in Jordan
1. Float In Dead Sea
With around 34 percent saline, almost ten times that of seawater. The bright-blue Dead Sea attract many swimmers who want the odd feeling of floating without any effort at all. The Dead Sea's extreme saltiness means that once you wade in, your body instantly bobs to the surface—leaving you free to lie back, relax, and enjoy a soak at the planet's lowest point.
2. Visit the lost city of Petra and relics of the Roman Empire
Petra is an ancient city that lies in present-day Jordan and dates back to the fourth century B.C. Ruins of the once-great metropolis and trading center now serve as an important archeological site and tourist attraction.
Around the first century A.D., present-day was a part of Roman Empire. Today, visitors can explore remains of some of these cities scattered throughout the country. In the northern town of Umm Qais, wander the rows of an amazingly intact Roman amphitheater, constructed of dark, sturdy, volcanic rock.
3. Desert Camping With The Bedouins Under The Stars
Bedouin, literally desert dwellers—are famous for their hardiness and hospitality. These seminomadic people traditionally live in remote communities, herding camels and goats and making their homes in goat-hair tents. Fortunately, visitors can get a feel for Bedouin life more comfortably in Wadi Rum, a stunning desert in southern Jordan. Several tented campsites allow you to spend a few days roaming this protected wilderness, which humans have inhabited since prehistoric times.
4. Explore Jordan’s rich culinary culture
Jordan is a foodie's delight. Jordan culinary culture dates back thousands of years and parts that are influenced by its modern history and the diversity of the people who live here. The national dish is called mansaf—lamb or goat cooked in yogurt and seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, then sprinkled with almonds and pine nuts and served over a mountain of rice. Jordanians spend hours making mansaf, which requires many steps, and it's usually enjoyed with a group and eaten with the hands.
5. The Red Sea Snorkeling near Aqaba City
For more than 2,000 years, Aqaba has been a crucial port for sea routes from Asia, Africa, and Europe—and still is, as the many big ships in the harbor attest. You can relax on a private beach, or, as we recommend, book a snorkeling trip and spend a day sailing the Gulf of Aqaba.
Visa to Jordan
Up to 140 nationalities are able to obtain an eVisa for Jordan for tourism through an expedited electronic application, called Jordan Pass.
Those who apply for this online tourist package have their visa fees for Jordan waived if they are staying at least 3 nights in the country. The Pass also includes free entry to over 40 major tourist attractions in the Kingdom.
European Countries: All European countries except Albania and Moldova are eligible to get a visa to Jordan on arrival.
North American Countries: All North American countries except Belize and Cuba are eligible to get a visa to Jordan on arrival.
South American Countries: All South American countries except Columbia are eligible to get a visa to Jordan on arrival.
Passports should be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon arrival to Jordan. Always make sure your passport is up-to-date before you travel. Visitors who intend to stay in Jordan for more than 30 days as a resident or a long-term visitor will require an HIV test and certificate.
Jordan COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
Since March 1, 2022, the Government of Jordan no longer requires travelers arriving to Jordan to take a pre-travel PCR test nor a PCR test upon arrival. But visitors will still have to sign a pledge to get tested if they feel coronavirus symptoms and agree to self-isolate if they contract COVID-19. Travelers should check with their airlines whether the airline has additional requirements.