Jordan
Essentials
The answers you need first
Best for
Archaeology, desert landscapes, the Dead Sea, hiking, food and Red Sea reefs
Ideal first trip
8–12 full days
Main language
Arabic
Currency
Jordanian dinar
Emergency
911
Main transport
Rental cars, private drivers, intercity buses, taxis and domestic flights
Climate
Dry overall, with hot summers and cool highland winters
Power
230 V, 50 Hz; several plug types are used
01
Is Jordan right for your trip?
Jordan suits travellers who want major archaeological sites, desert landscapes, biblical history, hiking, food and Red Sea access.
Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Aqaba form a practical first route.
Distances look manageable, but site days, heat and road timing require restraint.
- Excellent for archaeology and landscapes.
- A road trip works well.
- Petra needs real time.
- Desert temperatures vary sharply.
- Eight full days is practical.
02
When should you visit?
Spring and autumn usually offer the easiest temperatures for a first country-wide trip.
March to May and October to November are popular for walking and archaeology.
Summer can be extremely hot in Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba, while winter nights can be cold in the highlands and desert.
- March to May: mild but popular.
- October to November: comfortable.
- June to September: intense heat.
- December to February: cold nights and possible rain.
- Start outdoor days early.
- Pack for elevation changes.
Important
Flash floods can affect wadis, Petra and desert roads. Never enter a closed canyon or ignore weather warnings.
03
What must you check before entering Jordan?
Visa eligibility, e-visa rules, arrival points and fees depend on nationality and travel document.
Use Jordan's Ministry of Interior guidance before departure.
Land borders have their own hours, visa arrangements and transport procedures.
- Confirm visa eligibility.
- Check passport validity.
- Verify the chosen border.
- Carry onward-travel evidence.
- Save accommodation details.
- Keep documents offline.
04
How many days do you need?
Eight to twelve full days gives enough time for Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba or the Dead Sea.
A shorter trip should focus on Amman, Petra and one nearby extension.
Do not reduce Petra or Wadi Rum to rushed roadside stops.
- 3 days: Amman and Jerash.
- 5 days: add Petra.
- 8 days: add Wadi Rum.
- 10 days: add Aqaba or the Dead Sea.
- 12+ days: add Dana and the King's Highway.
- Keep one weather buffer.
05
What is a realistic first-time route?
A strong route runs from Amman through the King's Highway to Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba.
Travel south gradually instead of returning repeatedly to Amman.
Use the Dead Sea near the start or end depending on flights.
- Days 1–2: Amman.
- Day 3: Jerash and the north.
- Day 4: Madaba, Mount Nebo and the King's Highway.
- Days 5–6: Petra.
- Days 7–8: Wadi Rum.
- Days 9–10: Aqaba or Dead Sea.
06
Should you buy the Jordan Pass?
The Jordan Pass bundles entry to many attractions and may affect visa-fee treatment for eligible visitors.
Compare the official conditions with your nationality, length of stay and Petra plan before purchase.
It is not a visa and does not replace entry eligibility.
- Buy only from the official site.
- Check minimum-stay conditions.
- Choose the correct Petra option.
- Carry a digital and offline copy.
- Verify excluded sites.
- Do not assume universal eligibility.
07
How should you travel between regions?
A rental car or private driver offers the most flexibility, while scheduled buses connect major visitor routes.
Public transport is less comprehensive for multi-stop itineraries.
Confirm bus departure points and book popular services early.
- Compare car and driver costs.
- Reserve major buses.
- Allow road buffers.
- Travel with water.
- Save routes offline.
- Avoid overloading transfer days.
08
What should you know about driving?
Driving is practical outside central Amman, but traffic, speed bumps, lighting and road behaviour require attention.
The Desert Highway is fastest, while the King's Highway is slower and more scenic.
Avoid unfamiliar rural roads after dark.
- Review insurance.
- Use offline maps.
- Watch for speed bumps.
- Avoid night driving.
- Keep fuel above half.
- Check weather and closures.
09
How should you plan Petra?
Petra requires at least one full day, strong footwear, water and realistic expectations about distance.
The route from the Siq to the Monastery involves substantial walking and climbing.
A second day supports quieter trails and less rushed archaeology.
- Arrive at opening.
- Wear stable shoes.
- Carry water and sun protection.
- Use authorised guides.
- Respect closed routes.
- Consider two days.
10
How should you plan Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum works best with a reputable camp, a clearly defined desert tour and an overnight stay.
Confirm whether the camp is inside the protected area and what transport is included.
Desert nights can be cold even after hot days.
- Book a licensed operator.
- Confirm pickup point.
- Compare tour duration.
- Carry warm layers.
- Protect against sun.
- Leave no waste.
11
What should you know about the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea is best treated as a short wellness and landscape stop rather than a swimming destination.
Use managed beach access with showers and avoid getting water in eyes or cuts.
Hydration and sun protection matter.
- Use organised access.
- Limit time in the water.
- Wear water shoes.
- Shower afterward.
- Protect cuts.
- Stay hydrated.
12
When should you add Aqaba?
Aqaba adds Red Sea swimming, diving, snorkelling and a relaxed finish after Petra and Wadi Rum.
It is especially useful for travellers who want marine activities or a southern departure.
Choose accommodation by beach access because central and resort areas differ.
- Allow two full days.
- Use registered dive centres.
- Protect coral.
- Check beach access.
- Plan heat carefully.
- Link with Wadi Rum.
13
How should you choose accommodation?
Choose by location, heating or cooling, vehicle access and the day's first activity.
Petra properties vary greatly in distance and slope from the visitor centre.
Desert camps differ in insulation, bathrooms, electricity and transport.
- Check exact location.
- Confirm heating or cooling.
- Review stairs and slopes.
- Ask about parking.
- Verify camp transfers.
- Save addresses offline.
14
What should you eat?
Jordanian food centres on mezze, grilled meats, rice dishes, seasonal vegetables, sweets and hospitality.
Mansaf is culturally important, while falafel, hummus, mutabbal and maqluba are easier everyday choices.
Accept hospitality respectfully and communicate dietary needs clearly.
- Try mansaf.
- Order mezze.
- Taste maqluba.
- Eat fresh falafel.
- Try knafeh.
- Ask about allergens.
15
How should you handle money?
Jordanian dinars are essential for smaller purchases, tips, taxis and rural stops.
Cards are common in hotels and larger restaurants but not universal.
Use secure ATMs and carry small notes.
- Carry small dinar notes.
- Use bank ATMs.
- Bring two cards.
- Keep backup cash separate.
- Confirm taxi payment.
- Check conversion before paying.
16
How should you behave respectfully?
Modest dress, polite greetings and awareness of religious customs improve every interaction.
Ask before photographing people and avoid intrusive photography in communities.
During Ramadan, opening patterns and public behaviour may differ.
- Dress modestly.
- Ask before photography.
- Greet staff.
- Respect prayer spaces.
- Use the right hand when practical.
- Follow Ramadan etiquette.
17
What are the real safety risks?
The main visitor risks are road incidents, heat, flash floods, hiking exposure, theft and rapidly changing regional conditions.
Use official advice and check routes before long drives.
Stay away from border areas and demonstrations unless current official guidance clearly supports travel.
- Check current advisories.
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Follow flood warnings.
- Use reputable guides.
- Keep valuables discreet.
- Call 911 in an emergency.
18
What should you know about health?
Travel insurance, heat management, safe water, sun protection and activity coverage are important.
Medical care is strongest in Amman and more limited in remote desert areas.
Hiking and diving evacuation can be expensive.
- Purchase insurance.
- Carry prescriptions.
- Drink safe water.
- Use strong sun protection.
- Review hiking and diving coverage.
- Keep insurer contacts offline.
19
Before you go checklist
Complete these checks before departure.
Recheck entry rules, regional advice, border status, weather and attraction access.
Keep essential bookings and emergency details offline.
- Confirm documents.
- Choose a realistic route.
- Compare the Jordan Pass.
- Reserve Petra and Wadi Rum stays.
- Download maps.
- Carry small dinar notes and two cards.
- Purchase insurance.
- Save 911.
- Pack sun and warm layers.
- Check flood forecasts.
- Confirm transport.
- Allow road buffers.
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