The following guide is updated as of 2019. If you have any more updated information, kindly, let me know and I will update it accordingly.
The Israeli – Jordan border crossing is one of the few overland borders in the Middle East which can be crossed. Jordan and Israel are not the best friends in the world but both countries signed a peace agreement some decades ago so, surprisingly, travel to Jordan from Israel (and vice-versa) is pretty easy and straightforward.
However, this is the Middle East, which means that there is a bunch of confusing rules you should know before crossing such a border.
Read: A travel guide to Palestine (Tips + 2-week itinerary)
Index:
Travel tips
Allenby / King Hussein Bridge
Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin border
Beit She’an / Sheikh Hussein border
Do you know what a VPN is? A Virtual Private Network allows you to access blocked sites when you travel, as well as it lets you access content only available in your home country (like Netflix), plus it prevents hackers from stealing your personal data. Learn here all the reasons to use a VPN for traveling
Things to know before crossing the border
Don’t trust any information coming from an official source – If there is something I learned after 3 years of living in the Middle East is that, when it comes to bureaucracy stuff, you can’t trust the local authorities. The Middle East is the most chaotic, changing and flexible region, I have ever been. This means that you should always take any information coming from any authority, including embassies, with a grain of salt.
For example, the Official Jordan Tourism board says that the Wadi Araba border doesn’t issue visas since January 2016. Well, this information is totally wrong, as I got a visa on arrival in April 2017. With this, I am not saying that my information is right and theirs is wrong but, at least, I try to keep this post updated based on information from travelers who crossed the border recently.
Border timings – All borders are open every day, except during some specific Jewish holidays. You can find a very detailed schedule here.
Israeli stamps – Israelis doesn’t stamp your passport anymore but, if you enter Jordan overland, the stamp says that you came from Israel. I strongly recommend you read my very updated post: Avoid Israeli stamps – FAQ.
Crossing with your own vehicle – Entering Jordan from Israel (and vice-versa) in your own vehicle is possible but, if you plan to do a road trip in Jordan with an Israeli car, you might find your windows broken on the next day, so it’s definitely not a good idea. Israeli people change their license plate to Jordanian one at the border.
Israeli visa – Most high GDP countries, including EU countries, the USA, Canada and Australia can get a free visa on arrival for Israel via any port of entry. If you are not sure about your passport, contact the Israeli embassy.
Jordanian visa – Like for Israel, most people can get their visa on arrival EXCEPT if you try to enter via King Hussein bridge, the only border that requires having a pre-arranged visa.
Being interrogated by the Israeli authorities – When you cross from Israel to Jordan, the Israeli authorities are pretty friendly and they don’t give you too much hassle. It’s when you enter Israel from Jordan that you may be interrogated for some time.
However, there’s nothing to worry about. Just answer their questions and you won’t have any trouble. Once, I entered Israel with stamps and visas from UAE, Lebanon, Iraq, Oman and Iran and nothing happened. However, some travelers have reported different experiences. Read more about it: Avoid Israeli stamps – FAQ.
Getting from the different borders to the cities – At all the borders, there will be taxis waiting for you. At the Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin border, you are not allowed to go to Aqaba City by foot (3km). They claim it’s a military road but, in my opinion, they just say that, so you are forced to take a taxi.
Normally, the taxi fares are set at all the borders and you should find a signboard, saying the price of each destination, including Wadi Rum, Petra and places like that. However, one piece of advice: border taxi fares are fairly expensive. If you are on a budget, you should take a taxi to the nearest city and take a bus from there.
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You can pay by card at the border – According to two different travelers, it’s possible today to pay by credit or debit card at the different borders, at least at both Allenby and Wadi Araba borders.
Remember to have proper travel insurance for both Israel and Jordan. For this, I recommend you read: How to find the best travel insurance
Israel – Jordan border crossing: The rules in each border
For crossing from Israel to Jordan (and vice-versa) there are three open borders.
Which one should you go through? Well, each border has its own specific rules, so it will all depend on your time, money and final destination.
Jordan – Israel border crossing Map
1 – The Israel-Jordan border crossing at Allenby / King Hussein Bridge
This is the border located in Jericho, which is also very close to Amman.
How to cross from Israel into Jordan
Good if:
- Very convenient if you are planning to go Amman and you are in Jerusalem or Jericho.
Cons:
- Jordanian visa is not available on arrival, which means that you’d have to apply for it at the Jordanian Embassy in Ramallah. According to a German traveler who applied for it in March 2017, it costs 100USD and you get it at the moment.
- The Israeli exit fee is more expensive than any other border: 176ISL (50USD) vs 105ISL (29USD).
- It’s 220 kilometers from Petra and 320km from Wadi Rum, which means that it’s not the most convenient one if you’re going in this direction.
Important! If you fly into Jordan, enter Israel overland (from Jordan) and plan to re-enter Jordan again, you need to know that the visas issued at Queen Aila airport are only valid for one single entry.
However, one exception applies. You’ll be allowed to re-enter Jordan on the same visa ONLY if: you exit and re-enter from Allenby / King Hussein Bridge.
How to get to Allenby / King Hussein Bridge border (from Israel)
From Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, there are direct minibusses.
Price: 40ISL (1USD1) + 5ISL (1.40USD) for luggage.
Alternatively, you can travel to Jericho (Palestine) on a local bus (it’s only a couple of kilometers from the border) and stay there for 1 or 2 days.
How to cross from Israel into Jordan
Pros:
- If you are planning to go to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and you are in Amman, this border is really convenient.
- Unlike when you come from Israel to Jordan, the Israeli visa is available on arrival.
Cons:
- If you spent more than 2 nights in Jordan, you will have to pay a departure tax of 10JD (14USD).
- If you are in Petra or Wadi Rum, this border is very, very far.
How to get to Allenby / King Hussein Bridge border (from Jordan)
A bus to the border costs 8JD (11.30USD) but be aware that the station is a bit far and a taxi costs 5JD (7.50USD).
Therefore, if you travel with someone else, it is more convenient to go directly by taxi the border, as the local price for a taxi is 26JD (36USD). Ask your hotel/hostel to arrange it for you.
Once you crossed the border successfully, the shuttle bus to Jerusalem costs 7.50JD per person plus 1.50JD per bag.
Read: A travel guide to Beirut
Where to stay in Jerusalem
Budget Hostel – Abraham Hostel – The most famous hostel in Israel is a massive building located at the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. The owners are great and they organize all sort of activities: from endless tours to pub crawls and much more. This is one of the greatest hostels I have ever been.
Click here to see the latest prices
Mid-range Hotel – Hotel Hashimi – A pretty cool hotel in the heart of the Old City with stunning views to the Dome of the Rock.
Click here to see the latest prices
If you are looking for more fancy options, check this post: Where to stay in Jerusalem
Where to stay in Amman
Backpacker Hostel – Jordan Tower Hotel – Good for both backpackers and people who like to stay in a private room, this hotel has become a classic in Amman. Great staff, good breakfast and awesome location (in Downtown) are the reason why you should stay here.
Click here to check the latest prices
Mid-range hotel – 7 Boys Hotel – A really good mid-range option that has hosted travelers from all over the world.
Click here to check the latest prices
Read: A travel guide to the West Bank (Palestine)
2 – The Jordan – Israel border crossing at Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin border
This is the southern border, shared between the Israeli city of Eilat and the Jordanian city of Aqaba.
How to cross from Israel into Jordan
Pros:
- At this border, there’s a FREE VISA available on arrival, with some exceptions (see below). They will give you the Independent Travelers’ Entry Manifest through South Wadi Araba Crossing Border”, which you need to keep upon your departure. It’s very important not to lose it.
- The Israeli exit fee is only 105ISL.
- Very convenient if you are going to Petra (130km) and also Wadi Rum (64km).
Cons:
- It’s very far from Jerusalem and Amman (300km and 340km, respectively).
- There’s a FREE VISA but, if you are one of the exceptions, it can be really expensive.
Important information – You may have read from different sources (including the official Jordanian website) that they are not giving free visas anymore at this border. The truth is that they have been saying this since May 2017 but there is not a single traveler I know who has paid for their visa since then. As I told you at the beginning, you shouldn’t trust any official source but just facts from travelers. Further updates regarding this topic are more than welcome.
Exceptions: The visa is free but only if you plan to stay in Jordan for more than 2 nights.
This is what would happen if you stayed less than 3 nights:
- If you spend 1 night or less in Jordan and come back to Israel through the same border (Wadi Araba), you’ll have to pay a 60JD fee upon your exit.
- If you stay 2 nights and you also come back to Israel through the same border (Wadi Araba), you’ll just pay a 10JD fee.
- If you exit through a different border than Wadi Araba, you will always pay a flat fee of 10JD, regardless of the visa type and length of your stay in Jordan.
- Furthermore, if you leave Jordan by plane, you won’t have to pay any extra fee, regardless of how many nights you stayed there.
How to get to Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin border (from Israel)
There are direct buses from Jerusalem Central Bus station to the Israeli city called Eilat.
I’m not sure about the price as I traveled there from Jericho but, from Jericho, I paid 60ISL.
Read: Lebanon 2-week itinerary
How to cross from Jordan into Israel
Pros:
- Very convenient if you are already in Petra (130km) or Wadi Rum (64km).
- If you had entered Jordan through this border and spent more than 2 nights, you won’t have to pay any exit fee.
Cons:
- If you had previously entered Jordan through this border and only stayed 1 or 2 nights, you may end up paying a lot of money.
- If you are in Amman, don’t use this border
How to get to Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin border (from Jordan)
From Aqaba, you can take a taxi the border and, from Eilat, there are buses to many places around Israel.
Read: How to travel to Syria (Visa + Tips)
Where to stay in Eilat
Backpacker Hostel – Almog Eilat Backpacker’s Inn – One of the most budget options in Eilat is a pretty cool, modern hostel.
Click here to see the latest prices
Nicer – Palm Diving resort – Not a resort but a cool house with a garden that has really decent budget rooms. In fact, this is one of Eilat’s favorites.
Click here to see the latest prices
Where to stay in Aqaba
Aqaba has great accommodation but it’s a little bit pricey and the cool places are meant to relax and stay, at least, for a few days, as they are right next to the beach. However, I do recommend staying in Aqaba for a few days and go snorkeling (or diving) in the Red Sea.
Beach Hostel – Darna Village Beach Hostel – One of the best-rated hostels in Aqaba and the most backpacker friendly. Darna is just 50 meters from the beach and the coral reefs.
Click here to check the latest prices
Budget Hotel – Aqaba Roza – A very decent budget hotel located in a very central location. I would say this is a very functional place for those just transiting in Aqaba.
Click here to check the latest prices
3 – Israel – Jordan border crossing at Beit She’an / Sheikh Hussein
This is the least transited border, located in the north.
How to cross from Israel to Jordan
Pros:
- Visa is available on arrival.
- It’s very close to the Roman ruins of Jerash (50km).
- The Israeli exit fee is 105ISL.
- If your destination is Amman and you don’t have a visa, you should use this border, instead of Wadi Araba.
Cons:
- You have to pay for the Jordanian visa, which costs 40JD.
- It’s so far away from both Petra and Wadi Rum. If these are your destinations, you shouldn’t enter through this border.
How to get to Beit She’an / Sheikh Hussein border (from Israel)
From Jerusalem Central bus station, there are daily buses (except for Shabbat) to Beit She’an (7km away from the border). Price: 42ISL. From here to the border, you will have to take a taxi.
The nearest city is called Irbid and taxis charge around 20JD. From there, you will easily find a public bus to anywhere in Jordan.
How to cross from Jordan to Israel
Pros:
- Good if you are in Jerash
Cons
- To be honest, unless you are already in Jerash or somewhere in the north, there is no reason to use this border for entering Israel, as King Hussein bridge is much faster and more convenient.
These are the rules that apply on each border. I entered Jordan through Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin border because it was visa-free. It was not the most convenient one for me, as my final destination was Amman (I had my flight to Pakistan on the next day) but, for 6JD ($9), I took a bus from Aqaba to Amman (5-6h). If you have any more up-to-date information or you think there is something wrong, let me know! Safe travels!
More information
Don’t forget to read my travel guide to Palestine
As well as my guides to Lebanon
Would you like to travel to Syria? Read how to travel to Syria (Tips + Visa)
And here you can check all my guides to the Middle East
Going to from Israel to Egypt instead? Egypt – Israel border crossing
Also read: Things to do in Jordan
127 comments
Good overview of the options. I love that you went through the pain of collecting all the different visa/exit fees — that can be really confusing!
May I add that you can also catch a convenient bus from Nazareth to Amman (bookable via AbrahamTours, AbrahamHostels tour company)? I’ve linked up to my experience taking that bus.
Happy continued travels!
C
Hi Carola, thanks for your comment! I didn’t know about this tour! But why is it leaving from Nazareth and not Jerusalem or Tel Aviv? It would make more sense as both hostels are there!
Hi, there is an Abraham hostel also in Nazareth but the bus is not operated by them, it is operated by Nazarene Tours… the reason it leaves from Nazareth, I think, is because most people who use it are Arabs from the North of Israel… the Arabs from Jerusalem area go via Allenby and there are shuttles from Jerusalem to Allenby frequently. Israelis are not allowed to go via Allenby , so it could have been wonderful if there was a bus like that from Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv… the Nazarene bus to Amman leaves on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday and returns the same days… I took it several times and am planning on taking it again soon. It is very convenient and cost effective. Blessings
That definitely does sounds confusing and lots of rules. This is going to be helpful to me and many others that may cross these borders. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.
Your welcome! Surprisingly, this border is quite transited and frequented by tourists. Let me know how it goes!
Good job on the border crossings, Joan. I only knew about the King Hussein Bridge border crossing. This might come in handing for when I head back to Israel!
Thanks! The other two borders are more chaotic but I love overland borders 😀
You have a mistake for Allenby/King Hussein Bridge – it’s not the closest to Petra, it’s over 400km away from Petra. The closest crossing to Petra is Arava near Eilat/Aqaba.
Fare from Jerusalem to Eilat is 70 NIS (10 NIS more than what you paid). It makes a lot of sense, when traveling from Jerusalem to Petra, to take a bus to Eilat and then cross to Jordan on Arava border, since:
* Visa on arrival (in Allenby you have to get a visa in advance, for most cases)
* Closer to Petra
* Wadi Rum is also not far
Hi Amos, thank you for this. I am updating this article and making all respective changed. You’re right in some of the things you mention but I just doubled check and Petra is 220km from Allenby, not 400. Thanks!
The Wadi Araba part doesn’t seems to match with http://international.visitjordan.com/generalinformation/gettingaround/bordercrossings.aspx
It says that the visa is required for all borders and is no longer available on Wadi Araba border.
Hello Ivan,
Thanks for pointing this out. However, in my experience, after 3 years of living in this region, when it comes to bureaucracy, you can’t trust what the local authorities said, as everything is a chaos, things change overnight and they are extremely flexible. The proof is that I got my visa as an independent traveler at Wadi Araba border in March 2017, so we can’t really trust what the official source says. I am not saying that I’m always right but any official source should be taken with a grain of salt, including embassies.
You’re right, I meant over 200 km, not 400km. Anyway, Eilat/Aqaba border is the closest to Petra, and it makes much more sense to get to Petra from Israel via Eilat (it’s shorter + no visa hassle like in Allenby..), so definitely a winner.
The borders are to be travelled according to your destination, see list below:
Destination : Border
================
Amman : Allenby (no visa) / Beit She’an (visa on arrival) [if you don’t have a visa I would go to Beit She’an, it’s not a big hassle)
Petra / Wadi Rum : Eilat
Jerash : Beit She’an
Thank you so much for such a detailed post. We are very confused about something and hoping maybe you would be able to help us..
we have an Indian passport and live in the UK. We are travelling to Israel this April and were planning to go to Petra from Israel before we fly back to London. The issue however is that we have got a single entry Israel visa. We think this may cause a problem if we go to Jordan from Israel as we may not be allowed to enter again to catch our return flight 🙁
We emailed the Israeli embassy to ask how to convert our single entry visa to multiple entry but we haven’t heard of a way from them. We cant find any resources online either.
Do you know by any chance what is our best option in this scenario?
Thanks a lot
Megha
Hi Megha, thanks for your message but I am afraid I can’t help you as I don’t know what are the special requirements for your passport. Normally, most nationalities would get a free visa on arrival, so not sure how to deal with your case. Best wishes.
Thanks for replying. Hope you have a good day
Hi, thanks for this info. I really think it would help us as we are planning to travel to Jerusalem & Nazareth soon this year. Just one point to ask; is it okay to travel there with no tour guide? We intend to travel as backpackers.
Thanks for your help.
Hi, yes, it is all right to travel as backpackers. It’s easy, I do it myself all the time 🙂
Whilst referring to all of these borders as Israeli may be technically correct on an immigration basis but when referring to any border with the West Bank it is a denial of the Palestinians legitimate claim to the land. A blog post like this is not the place to get into the arguments on the issue of course but I think it at least deserves inserting the word Palestine in brackets after Israel where appropriate. Useful info thanks.
I think you’re trying to push politics into a technical guide..
How could referring to a the Israeli-Jordanian border is denying the Palestinians claims or rights?
1) The Allenby border crossing has been established as a result of the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty in 1994. If Jordan signed this treaty, are you claiming that Jordan is denying the Palestinian’s rights and claims to the land?
2) The Israeli government has recognized the Palestinians’ right and claims to self determination in the land, in the Israeli-Palestinian Oslo agreement in 1993. Additionally, in the Israeli-Palestinian interim agreement (signed in 1995) Allenby border crossing is agreed to be under Israeli control while serving the Palestinian population.
Are you claiming that the Palestinians, including their leader Yasser Arafart who signed this treaty, are denying their own legitimate claims?
Allenby border crossing has two terminals – an Israeli terminal west to the Jordan river, a Jordanian terminal east to the Jordan river. Acknowledging that is just acknowledging reality, as it is on the ground and as it is recognized by the Palestinian government and by the Jordanian government.
I agreed that the term used is technically correct but wouldn’t a Palestinian say they were crossing the Jordanian – Palestinian border. Would a Palestinian call it the Israeli border when they perceive it to be the entry or exit to Palestine? If that is true then it would seem respectful to use a term that acknowledged the fact, eg putting Palestine in brackets after Israel. If you’ve spoken to Palestinians about it and they call it the Israeli border then I’ll happily take your point, it just seems unlikely to me. I’ll certainly ask when I get there.
Palestinians (and Israelis) call it just “Allenby” border, or sometimes the “Jordanian” border. Maybe the Jordanians call it the “Israeli” border, that’s how things go.
Anyway, Palestinians crossing back from Jordan are indeed on their way to Palestine – but they have to go through Israeli controlled areas to do so, but their final destination is Palestine (which is “Area A” of the West Bank). Palestinians have bus shuttles from the Allenby terminal to the bus station in Jericho, and from there they can take another bus or servees shuttle to other destinations.
So, as a Palestinian you’re obviously ‘in transfer to Palestine’ but your’e not crossing the Jordanian-Palestinian border, there’s no such thing (niether technically nor as a figure of speech). It’s just ‘Allenby’ border or sometimes the ‘Jordanian’ border.
In that case it does seem to be a bit of an anomaly for a border to a disputed territory. I’ve never heard the borders to Somaliland or Nagornokarabak referred to as the Somalia or Azerbaijan borders for instance. Anyway, thanks for the info and I’ll ask when l get there
Is it possible to fly from the UK to Israel to access the West Bank
Yes, it is
I am confused about the Visa you get at Queen Alia Passport. My friend, who is a dual U.S./Israel citizen works in Saudia Arabia. He enters/exits that country with his US Passport that has a Saudi Work Visa (I thnk that is the type). He wants to visit Israel this summer. His thought was to use his U.S. Passport with Saudi Work Visa to enter Jordan at the Airport, exit Jordan via the King Hussein bridge up north using that same passport but asking Jordan not to stamp that passport; enter and leave Israel with his Israeli Passport, and finally enter Jordan at the King Hussein Bridge using his U.S. Passport with the Jordanian Visa he got at the Queen Alia Airport. Are you saying that visa will not work??? Does he need to purchase a separate entry visa for his Israeli Passport, noting also that he won’t be returning to Israel for another year?
Hello,
I have one update for you. You’ve written in Wadi Araba crossing description:
“However, if you stay in Jordan for less than 3 nights but you exit through a different border, (Allenby or Sheikh Hussein) you will always pay 10JD ($14).”
I have entered through Wadi Araba and left through Sheikh Hussein one week ago. I had to pay 10JD exit fee even though I stayed 5 days, so the statement above is not entirely correct. Border official said that everyone has to pay it regardless of visa type and length of stay in Jordan.
It may also be worth mentioning that going through Sheikh Hussein on foot is rather cumbersome. When crossing from Jordan you have to:
– pay for the taxi to the border checkpoint (from Amman it costed me 35JD – it was rather good deal; you can also use taxi from Irbid for 20JD));
– pay for the taxi from the border checkpoint to the Jordan crossing 1,5JD per person;
– pay for the bus from Jordan side to Israel side 3JD/20NIS per person;
– pay for the taxi from Isreal crossing to the destination, there is no public transportation – cheapest option is 50NIS to Beit She’an (70NIS to railway station).
Best regards, Pawel
Hey Pawel, that’s really awesome. Thanks for the info man, I updated it accordingly and apologies for the misleading information 🙂
please let me know about the working houra of Allenby bridge on Sunday 14/04/2018
best regards,
Ahmed
what are the working hours at Allenby bridge on Sunday 15/4/2018
I recently returned to Jordan from Palestine over the Allenby /Hussain bridge border using my visa on arrival from Queen Aila airport just before the month was up so the two week rule you mention must have changed. I checked at the Jordanian Embassy in Ramallah first and they assured me I’d be ok up to the one month visa date. No one at the border made any comment .
This is a great read with wonderful tips. After reading various posts from a multitude of forums, I am unsure what’s the best way to Jerusalem via Dead Sea. Would you be so kind and patient to let me know what’s the best way to get to Allenby bridge? As well, what can I expect once I get to the border and how much JOD or NIS I should carry to pay for any necessary fees? I’ll be traveling to Jordan and onwards to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv (by land) before flying out to go home this October. Any tips for a smoother trip would be amazing! Many thanks!
Hi Anne. Buses to the border leave from Damascus gate in Jerusalem. For that border, you will need to arrange your visa in advance, hope you are aware of this. I am not sure about how much money you need but there are exchange offices at the border and I think that you can even pay by card.
Thank you for your swift reply! Eeps!! I should’ve been a bit more specific. I’ll be leaving Dead Sea from the Jordan side and I have a Jordan pass that will cover my visa. The confusion is really about transportation and transferring from Jordan to Jerusalem. Thanks again!
Can anyone confirm that crossing to Jordan via Eilat still qualifies to free visa (staying 3 nights in Jordan, and leaving by air with EU passport).
Do you know the rules on bringing pets?
Hi Adam, I don’t know about this, so sorry.
I am flying into Jordan/Amman on a UK passport….albeit from Hawaii, where I live. I will get visa on arrival. I plan to cross after 10 days to Israel on Allenby Bridge on a Sunday. I am a solo, female traveler, 67 yrs. Any tips?
It is safe for any gender and age! Any other further tips are in the post 🙂
Thank you so much. I have actually decided to go from Aqaba to Jerusalem, via Eliat. Working out taxi and bus now. Your posts are SO helpful. Mahalo.
Hello, I read a comment that you are not allowed to bring food throught Jordanian border, but it was just a single comment on the internet. Can anyone confirm or disprove it, please?
We also read this, and we had brought sandwiches and yogurt. We even read it on the signs at the border. We forgot our bag of food on the bus, went through the border, and were sitting in the shuttle to Jerusalem when an Israeli official burst in with our bag of food, explaining that she had found us because there was a photocopy of our passports in the bag!
Hello, First of all thanks for informations and helps . I am Turkish citizen and will travel in Jordan for 5 days and is it possible for me to pass to Israel for a day to see Eilat. Normally we should apply for a visa to visit Israel so is it possible to get visa at the Wadi Araba Gate?
Hi Mehmet, I don’t know about the special visa requirements for Turkish citizens. You should contact the embassy
I really need an answer as soon as possible , I am a Canadian citizen and I am planing to visit a friend in West Bank, so I will fly from Canada to Jordan stay in Jordan few days and then go to the Allenby crossing bridge that connect me with Jericho so I can visit my friend in West Bank , so my question is , do I need a Israel visa when I am crossing the border or just with my Jordanian visa I can get into West Bank , I am confuse if the Israel part will ask me for visa too besides the Jordan one . And if so , where in Jordan I can get that visa ? Please advice me
The West Bank is occupied by Israel, so to enter the West Bank you just need an Israeli visa which you get on arrival when you leave Jordan: https://againstthecompass.com/en/visit-palestine-travel-west-bank/
Thanks for the answer , you said I will get the Israel visa upon my arrival ? Arrival where ? In the Allenby crossing ? Because I read that there is not issue visas in the borders , it need to be pre- arranges when you get there to cross , so I don’t want to to get there ready to cross and the the Israel ask me for visa that I don’t have and then tell me that I need to go to another place and it will take few days of something like that , I thought that at the border the Israel just ask you few question and then granted you a permission . Can you you clarify my concern please 🙁
Like I say in the article, all Western countries can get an Israeli visa on arrival at any border crossing with Jordan
Thanks for the answer
Only the western countries…. I’m a Indian… Wil I get a visa from land border if I cross border from Jordan to israel
Another question , I will be in the city of jenin , do you hear about the north gate hotel ?
I don’t know anything about this hotel
Hi Joan can you please suggest some good tour operators who can help me with 1 day tours of :
Amman to Jerash & dead sea
Aqaba to Wadi Rum & Petra
Tel aviv to Jerusalem & Bethlehem
Hi there, sorry but I don’t know about any tour operator. I did everything by myself. Cheers.
We really liked our tour operator who arranged for his driver Laith to pick us up from Allenby, stay overnight in Petra driving us wherever a few minutes after we called him (everybody uses the app WhatsApp to make wifi calls), then driving us back to Allenby. They booked our hotel too. They provide tours throughout Jordan.
Correction: Nabil Abboud not Nabil About.
Hi Mary, I would appreciate if you could send him this info in private as promoting other companies is not allowed 🙂
Hope you can understand
Thanks for your blog. In May, 2019, I am planning on traveling to Petra from Jerusalem for two days. The Jordanian Embassy in Wash D.C. informed me the only Jordanian visa I can get immediately at the border is now at the northern Beit She’an crossing. Should I ignore this advice about the southern border crossing near Eliat?
If I decide instead to cross at the King Hussein Bridge, do you have any idea if I can wait for it to be processed at the Embassy in Tel Aviv or at the Jordanian Consulate in Jerusalem? I could visit either would appreciate knowing if there is an advantage in stopping by the Jordanian Embassy over the Consulate, or vice versa. Your advice will determine where I have a guide meet me. I would prefer to cross at Allenby since it is closest to Jerusalem, where I will be coming from that day.
Hi Mary, yes, you should ignore the advice from the embassy in the USA. In the Middle Eastern world, each embassy will tell you something different, so it is better to stick to the experience from travelers, which is the one on this blog.
If you want to cross via Hussein Bridge, you can get your visa at the Embassy yes and, if I am not mistaken, you get it instantly. Regarding embassy or consulate, I would choose whatever is more convenient for you. I don’t think there is much difference, besides their location.
Thank you so much. When I return from my trip, I will share my experience here regarding whichever crossing(s) we made from Jerusalem to Jordan
.
I would really appreciate that, thank you so much 🙂
I just returned from my trip to Israel/Jordan. I’m writing back to share how we traveled from Jerusalem to Petra. While in Tel Aviv, we stopped nearby to the Jordanian Embassy to purchase a visa. This process took just 30 minutes for us because nobody else was at the office requesting one.
We asked our hotel to request a driver who could take us from Jerusalem to the Allenby Bridge. We left Jerusalem at 7 am, arrived at 7:30. The bridge opens at 8 but we waited to pass to the next point until 8:30. By the time we went through the border, went thru security, paid our tax and took a free bus to the other side, it was 9:45 until our Jordanian driver met up with us. The drive to Petra was 3 1/2 hours. We were at the Petra gate at 1:45.
We found going out of Israel and into Israel, as Americans, fairly easy. The security checkpoints, for us, were similar to going thru security at an American airport.
While on the Jetbus across Allenby which is required for individual travelers to ride, our passports were taken from us but returned when we arrived into Jordan at the passport office. Some people can get nervous about this if it is unexpected–but this is totally normal and our passports were returned to us within the hour.
I have no experience with the other entry points. We found the drive through Jordan side beautiful and diverse in its geography. The drive was one of the most scenic parts of our 18 day trip and I am grateful we saw more of Jordan by crossing the border at Allenby and heading south to Petra from there. Petra is awesome and shouldn’t be missed. We were gone from Jerusalem from 7 am on Wednesday until 3 pm on Thursday and though we were at Petra just under five hours, we were grateful for the time there. Bring a hat/sunscreen. The hike is almost always in full sun, and the temperature on our visit was 98 F. Water and snacks are available to purchase throughout the park. I opted for a carriage ride available for people who have trouble with hiking for 1/3 of the way. I found out later it’s free with tips encouraged but the guide I was provided told me it was 30 dinar. Also be wary of the carriage drivers asking for larger tips. In total I paid 40 dinar for a 10 dinar trip. Still worth it to ensure I could visit everything I wished to see during my short trip there.
thank you for your report!
Thanks for sharing, Mary. When you returned to Israel from Jordan, do you recall how many days your new visa was good for?
Hi Ron,
The visa date was reset. At first it was 5/9 thru 8/9 and now it is 5/23 thru 8/23 or three months.
Have a good trip,
Mary
Hi,
My husband and two adult children are currently in Amman and wish to travel to Jerusalem for one day via the Allenby border just to see some main sites. We arrived in Jordan a week ago via queen alia airport and used the Jordan pass to pay for the visa fees. We do not need anything to return to Jordan correct since we have a visa good for a month?
And arriving in Israel we need not pay for a visa but we do pay 50USD to exit correct? We would like to pay the fee via credit card prior to leaving Jerusalem- where would you suggest to do this?
What time do you suggest we return to the Allenby bridge to cross in enough time prior to it closing for the night?
Thank you so much!
Hi, everything what you say is correct
Not sure about the credit card, but I think you can pay there but better to bring cash just in case
About the timing, here you can see a detailed border schedule: http://www.iaa.gov.il/he-IL/borders/Documents/Opening%20Hours,%20Israeli%20Land%20Border%20Crossings%20%20Terminals%202017%20Holiday%20Schedule.pdf
Just try to leave Jerusalem at least 2 hours before closing time, even earlier
Hi
I am travelling to Jerusalem from Amman this June during Eid. Really confused with which border to take and will I get the visa issued at border. I am having an Indian passport with UAE resident visa. I also have Jordan visa. My return to Jordan is to Petra. So I guess I should take Eilat border. Is it possible to enter via Allenby and exit by Eilat? Please give your suggestions. Thanks
yes, you can take this route, no problem
We travelled from Elat to Petra via the wadi araba border. Was really easy. We are on New Zealand passports and we didn’t organise a visa before hand. We did buy a Jordan Pass each for 75JD.
We got an Uber from our Elat hotel to the border – 50 shekels
We paid 103 shekels each to exit Israel and changed some shekels to JDs at the same time, just enough for the taxi ride to Petra (55JD)
We went through security and passport control and then walked to the Jordan side of the border.
We went through security there and then went to “window 10” for Jordan pass holders. They were friendly, stamped our passports, looked at our Jordan passes and sent us on our way.
Through the border we checked the sign with the set taxi prices, it said 53jd to Petra. There was a guy organising the taxis and he choose one for us and that was that.
We are staying three nights in Jordan in total so shouldn’t have to pay anything when we return to Elat.
thank you for sharing your experience 🙂
If you are from a country that does not requires you to apply for a visa at a Jordanian embassy, do you need to stop in Ramallah on the way to Amman or can you just show up at the border and give your passport?
I will be on a bike so I don’t want to have to turn around.
Hi Alexandre, it depends on the border and in the article your question is perfectly answered
If I enter Israel through TLV as a US passport holder, they provide me with a 90 days tourist visa. I plan on staying in Israel for 60 days but want to spend a weekend in Aqaba. When I enter back into Israel from Jordan through the Eilat/Aqaba boarder, do they issue me a new visa and if so, how long is it valid for? I plan to stay in Israel for 4 more weeks after I come back.
Thanks!
Ron
I don’t now if that visa is multiple entry but, in any case, you will get a free visa on arrival anyways, so I shouldn’t worry much about it.
Thanks for the quick response! It’s definitely not a multiple entry, so they would have to issue me a new one now that I think about it lol. Do you or anyone on here know how long the new visa issues at the Eilat boarder is valid for?
Like if you go to European Union, the way it works is that you get 90 days within a 180-day window
Hi I was looking at the King Hussein border and I typed that into google maps but instead of taking me through the border it just makes me take a turn all the way to the Sheikh Hussein Border. Does this matter and once I go to the King Hussein or will I just enter and make that turn. I am confused, thanks!
Hi Mahdi, I don’t understand your question. May you please clarify?
Hi! I am traveling in Middle East and I have planned to cross the South Border (Eilat x Aqaba). I am writing to say that today, June 6th 2019, I entered Jordan through this border. NO Visa in advance and NO Jordan Pass. Just arrived with my Brazilian Passport, then the officer asked me for how many days I would stay in Jordan (4 days) and than he said “Free Visa, no money needed”.
Definitely, the content of this article is more reliable than the official sources.
Have a nice trip!!!
Amazing Bruno, thank you so much for your feedback 🙂
yes thanks for tip and good news but what about the fee of differents places to visit in Jordan ?? you have to pay separetely right ?! so finally it s much more expensive ? so if you take the jordan pass, the price of visa is included in the pass and the 40 differents activities. good that there is no visa fee at this border but no use because once in jordan you will have to pay for all activities and more expensive than if you had the jordan pass !
i think !!! it s a question in same time ! lol
Sorry I am not sure if I should inquire here, but I just finished a two weeks trip in Iran and I am on my way to Jordan by flight from Iran.
The Iranian immigration no longer stamp your passport (similar to Israeli immigration) so there is no evidence that I went to Iran except the port of departure before Iran was Nairobi, Kenya (I travelled in Africa first before heading to middle east) and there is a blank two weeks period before I enteri. Jordan.
While I know I should not get denid for entry to Israel through King Hussein from Jordan, I am not sure whether they would question about this blank two weeks upon arrival at and departure from Israel (departure will be from Tel Aviv airport), and whether I should confess that I went to Iran, or I should tell them I went home (a theory that may collapse once they start asking about my flight number, etc.)
Would be grateful if you could share your thoughts.
There is a blog and a thread for this topic: https://againstthecompass.com/en/avoid-israeli-passport-stamp/
I recommend you read it as well but in any case, if you have a European passport, I would just say that I went to Europe (EU citizens never get their passport stamped ever) but if not, in the hypothetical case they asked for it, you don’t really want to lie unless you have a very good excuse, which you probably don’t.
Thanks for your reply.
Yes I had read the horror stories of people having Iranian visa and bring questioned for hours. In my case
１. I do not have a Iranian stamp
2. I am a Japanese and departure and arrival to Japan are not shown on the passport.
Hence as you mentioned how EU citizens can say they went back from Kenya for two weeks and came to Jordan, I was wondering if I could say I returned to Japan, but I am not sure how much they would question if I stick to that story. (flight numbers, etc)p
hi!
i am holding a Philippine Passport and a valid resident of Saudi Arabia. im planning to visit Jordan through plane. after three days, i want to proceed to Israel to see Jerusalem for another three days via land / crossing the border.
what visas do i need to have in advance ? as holder of Philippine passport is visa free when travelling israel.. do i need Jordan multiple entry visa at hand so i can enter and exit and re-enter Jordan?
my planned airtravel via Jordanian airline / Saudia Airline is Jeddah-Amman and the return is the same Amman-Jeddah.
please i need your tips and advices so i can travel and be back safe to my working place.
thank you.
Hi Melanie, I am sorry but I don’t know what are the specific requirements for Filipinos. Maybe you should contact the embassy in the Philipines or the nearest one to KSA, probably Turkey
Hi Joan, in the next days I will do the trip mentioned above and I will be happy to update your travel experience records. Just one question now.
I am planning to cross from Jordan to Israel at Allenby Bridge and re-ross for my return trip.
Wondering about the visa issues re-entering Jordan. Do you think I need to go to the Consulate in Ramallah or I can re-enter Jordan on the same Visa? How do I prove I exited from Allenby Bridge if, for example, I ask them not to stamp my passport when I exit?
Thank you very much,
Dario
Hi Dario, if you exit through King Hussein and re-enter using the same border, you can get it with the same visa, as long as the time in Israel doesn’t exceed 2 weeks. Even if they don’t stamp your passport, you are in their database and, in any case, when they don’t stamp your passport, they give you a separate piece of paper. Good luck, and thanks for your future updates, they will be more than welcome
Hi Joan,
We’re a party of three Mexican citizens planning on crossing into Jordan for five days via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge. We have Jordan Passes. I’m getting conflicting versions as to whether we need to get Jordanian visas in Mexico before we leave on the trip or whether they’ll let us through with just the Jordan Passes. The official web sites indicate that no visas are given at the Allenby crossing. However, I’ve seen comments by people saying that they were let through with just the Jordan Pass for no charge.
Do you know what the real story is?
Hi Gil, the Allenby border crossing does’t issue Jordanian visas on arrival – You will need to use one of the other 2 borders, or get the visa in advance (in Ramallah you can get it within a day)
The Jordan Pass isn’t a valid visa but it is just a mechanism that waives the visa fees in case you stay in Jordan more than X days
Hi Joan, I was worried about the same issue… but JORDANPASS clarified in email exchanges that one can enter Jordan through Allenby bridge by just showing a Jordan pass… they said the rues have changed.
I am not saying you are wrong but given all the misinformation provided by the Jordanian authorities for the last years, I won’t believe it until an actual traveler verifies it by himself. If you try it and succeed, kindly let us know 🙂
Hello
I just crossed to Jordan in Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin border and stayed 4 days/3 nights (28/july/19). I didn’t have to pay the Visa neither the tax to exit.
Your information on website help a lot, thanks!
Thank you very much for the update 🙂
Hi Edinson,
Did they give a visa at the border or you got one at the embassy?
Thanks
Hello,
I am Belgian. I plan to travel with my own car registrated in UAE from Abu Dhabi to Ashdod (Israël) and then take a ship to Italy.
Can I cross the border Jordan/Israël with my UAE plates?
If not, can I get temporary Israeli plates at the border?
Thanks in advance for your answer!
I believe you plan to do UAE-Saudi-Jordan and then Israel? First time I would hear about someone doing this, so not sure whether you would be allowed or not to enter Israel, and also I am not sure whether you can get an Israeli plate
Hi,
Thank you for your thorough detail. I am travelling from Amman airport to jerusalem, so therefore I will be crossing through the King Hussein border. However, on the way back I am staying in wadi rum, can I exit through the Eliat border? Or must I exit through the same border I entered?
Hi there, if you want to use the same visa, you must enter via the same border King Hussein
Hi Joan,
I hold both Israeli and EU passports and will be crossing to Aqaba this weekend.
It’s my third trip there and usually, I user my Israeli passport on both sides of the border but it seems that recently Jordan requires Israeli passport holders to take a local guide for the border crossing for registration process that needs to be done by such local guide/tour operator up to 72 hours before crossing. Reading in Israeli travel sites, multiple travelers reported of the requirement and the fact that they took the services of such local guide/agency at a cost of around 30 JOD. I have yet to come across a traveler review/report that they were asked to turn back when having no local guide.
Would it be an issue using my EU (Hungarian passport) at the Jordanian side instead of my Israeli passport?
Thanks!
I believe it wouldn’t be a problem to use use your second passport!
Hi Joan,
many thanks for such a comprehensive post, but I’ve still got a question. Is it possible to enter Jordan via Eilat > Aqaba, and leave through King Hussein? Or is it mandatory to enter and leave through the same border?
Hey Carla, you can enter and exit through any border you want
great work! thanks for all the tips for border crossings between Israel and Jordan. We used Yitzhak Rabin border crossing this past April and stayed for 3 nights and 3 days in Petra and Wadi Rum. We didn’t have to pay anything on Jordan side. My question now is: is the visa fees waived if we use 2 different enter/exit points in Jordan? If we enter through SHB and exit through Wadi Arava, will we still be charged visa fees even if we stay 3 nights in Jordan?
Please advise.
Many thanks.
Hi Joan,
amazing information you have here. Many thanks!
I just want to make sure I got it right. My plan is the following:
-arrival to Jordan (Queen Alia airport) and stay 3 nights in Amman.
-cross to Jerusalem (King Hussein Bridge) and stay 2 nights
-cross back to Amman using the same border (King Hussein Bridge) and stay in Jordan until the end of my trip.
If I understood properly, my airport visa will be valid for the crossing back into Jordan the second time as I am using the same crossing-point. Am I correct? I also have the Jordan Pass if that helps.
Thank you very much,
Hi there, yes, you understood it correctly. The visa will be valid. Cheers,
Can someone help me I am from Ghana and I work in the UAE I want to visit Israel through Jordan, I can get a visa on arrival at Jordan airport travelling as a Ghanaian no issue for that , what I want to know is that which of the the border may I use in order to have free visa to enter Israel please I really need this answer and also I have a UAE working visa in my passport I hope there won’t be any issue with the israeli authorities.
Please i really need an answer
Hi,
Thank you for all the information!!
I have a question: If I enter via Wadi Araba, stay for a week with friends in Jordan and then leave via the Northern border, will I have then to pay the 40JD visa fee on top of the 10 JD exit fee? ( a Jordanian travel agent told me that as of 6 month ago, that is the case). Do you know?
you will just have to pay the 10JD exit fee
Hi Joan, excellent and superb information. This helped me to plan out my upcoming trip. One thing that I found is if you get JORDANPASS (https://www.jordanpass.jo/) the visa fee is waived by Jordan immigration.
Holder of JORADNPASS does not need to buy tickets for Petra and any museums – they get free entry. Also, in an email response, JORDANPASS clarified that anyone with JOARDANPASS can get visa on arrival (granted the traveler is from an approved country) from any of the three land crossings between Israel and Jordan.
I am not saying you are wrong but given all the misinformation provided by the Jordanian authorities for the last years, I won’t believe it until an actual traveler verifies it by himself. If you try it and succeed, kindly let us know
Hi, Joan, thank you so much for the info. We’re planning a 2 day trip from Jordan to Israel in November and we need some advice. We plan to travel from Amman to Jerusalem on Friday morning and return Saturday. I know the King Hussein Bridge Crossing closes early on Fridays and Saturdays, but different sites show different closing time. Do you know what time they actually close, and what time do we have to get there to ensure they let us pass? Or would it be easier to use Sheikh Hussein Crossing on our return trip? Thank you very much in advance.
Hi Helen, you can see timetables in this link: https://www.iaa.gov.il/he-IL/borders/Documents/Opening%20Hours,%20Israeli%20Land%20Border%20Crossings%20%20Terminals%202017%20Holiday%20Schedule.pdf
I believe if you arrive 1 hour before closing time there shouldn’t be any issue
Hello Joan,
Thank you for such detailed and updated information !
We are a couple of Belgians living in Jerusalem at the moment and we are planning a trip to Jordan with an entry by Aqaba and an exit by Allenby. Is it ok to enter by one border and exit by another ? I searched the web and asked the Jordan embassy but couldn’t get an answer.
Thank you very much,
Florence
Hi Florence, yes, you can enter and exit through different borders
Hello Joan!
First of all , I would like to congratulate you on your blog. Such an impressive work based on research and own experience!
I’m working in Jeddah right now, and every weekend I try to get away to nearby countries and I must say that your blog has inspired me/ served me as a travel guide.
Anyway, I’ve read about combining different entry/exit borders, but mostly using the wadi rum border.
My plan is to fly to Amman, cross to Jerusalem through Hussein bridge, stay in Jerusalem and then go north to visit Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee, and then cross through the north border so I can visit Jerash on the way down to Amman.
My question is, will I face any issue, besides having to pay for 2 Jordan visas?
Will they let me through in northern pass, and also will I face the issue with the exit stamp? (I work in Saudi Arabia, so I would be pretty screwed)
Also what do you think about the itinerary?
Thank you very much!
Hey Pelayo! Thanks for your message.
Yes, you are right, the only problem would be that you would have to pay for 2 visas. If money isn’t really an issue for you, then you don’t need to worry about anything. The previous visa would just remain invalid and then you would do a new visa on arrival.
As per the stamp, when I crossed the souther border, I told them to please not stamping it and they didn’t, and other travelers have told me the same. Just make sure to let them know when you hand in your passport.
Good luck,
Hi Joan,
This post has been incredibly helpful.
We’ve just come back from a trip to Israel and Jordan. We crossed the Eilat/Aqaba border on the 24/09 and it was the easiest thing ever. It costed us 107 NIS to leave Israel, paid by card, got the visa to Jordan at Aqaba border (we’ve got Brazilian passport), got the manifesto and didn’t need to pay for anything. Lonely Planet mentions a handling visa fee but we were not charged for anything. Everything was free.
We stamped the manifesto in the visitor centre in Petra. On the way back, on the 26/09, we were asked how many days we stayed in Jordan. We said 2 nights, paid 10 JD each and went back to Israel.
Thanks a lot for this post.
Cheers
Caio
oky, but what about Egypt-Israel border. As in few weeks i have a flight to Cairo and plan to cross onland into Israel at Taba and leave from Tel Aviv. Whats the situation over ther as of october 2019. Thanks!
Hi Vlad, I’ve never crossed that border
Hi Joan!
Very informative blog. Would like to ask, are philippine passport holders included in the visa on arrival at the Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin border? Planning on crossing the border from Israel! Thanks!
You must stay 2 nights/ 3 days to have the visa free of charge ! You do not need to stay “more than 2 nights “ as mentioned on this website!
Hi Joan,
I have a question re traveling with two passports, – both are from the same EU country, but one contains an israeli student visa and the other one is ‘clean’ for ease of research purposes in Jordan. I entered Israel by air on my usual passport with the student visas and will be crossing to Jordan by land (sheikh Hussein crossing).
In view of the above, I would like to know which document (clean or visa’d) would be best to use on exiting Israel? Will my passport be taken from me (as I read above), in which case, can I leave on my clean passport now that I have just entered on my visa one? Will this discrepancy be flagged up?
Many Thanks!
Hi Nadia, I am not sure if I understand your question, but why would you exit with your clean passport, if there may be the possibility of getting a stamp when you enter Jordan?
You should save your clean passport for when you travel to countries where Israeli stamps are not welcome.
I have been told by Jordanian Tourist board (Jordan Pass group) via email that you can now get a Visa on arrival at the King Hussein border with the Jordan Pass.
it could be but, given all the misleading information given by the actual authorities, I won’t believe it until someone tries it successfully!