Europeans will soon need an e-Visa to enter Jordan

The Jordanian government is expanding its tourism reach by introducing an e-Visa system, announced at the end of January with imminent implementation.

Until now, eligible nationalities—including Europeans—could obtain a visa on arrival. However, they will soon need to secure it in advance by downloading the mobile app available for iPhone and Android devices. This announcement was confirmed by Jordan’s Minister of Interior, Mazen Al-Faraya.

Originally, the visa on arrival allowed stays of one to two months. Under the new e-Visa system, validity is expected to extend up to five years—for most travelers.

Certain nationalities remain excluded from this arrangement, including: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, DR Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Laos, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, the State of Palestine, Qatar, Turkey, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The shift reflects Jordan’s push for more efficient border control and aligns with its broader tourism growth strategy. Notably, the kingdom has also opened entry to Syrians living as refugees in Europe, granting them one-month stays, a move expected to further boost arrivals.

The Jordan Pass: a travel essential for Jordan

The Jordan Pass is the country’s official tourism package that delivers access to over 40 of the best attractions via a mobile ticket. It’s the easiest way for tourists to explore Jordan’s top sites—like Petra, Amman Citadel, and Aqaba Castle—plus major museums and archaeological spots across the country.

For visitors staying at least three nights (four days), the Jordan Pass includes the entry visa fees, so travelers won’t need to pay again upon arrival. The pass costs at least $99.

Jordan is a land of ancient history and vibrant culture, packed with tourism treasures. Here are some of the top destinations to explore:

• Petra – A breathtaking ancient city carved into rose-red rock, one of the world’s most iconic wonders.

• Amman Citadel – A historic fortress perched on a hill with sweeping city views.

• Aqaba Castle – A seaside fort overlooking the Red Sea’s vibrant waters.

• Dead Sea – The lowest point on Earth, celebrated for its therapeutic mineral waters.

• Wadi Rum – A surreal desert of epic sand dunes and dramatic rock formations.

• Mount Nebo – A biblical site said to be where Moses saw the Promised Land.

• Jerash and Bosra – Ancient Greco-Roman cities home to spectacular ruins.

• Jordanian Museums – Including the National Archaeological Museum in Amman and the King Hussein Museum.

In 2020, Jordan welcomed approximately 7.3 million international tourists. The tourism sector directly contributes around 14% to the national GDP, supports nearly 200,000 jobs, and generated about $5 billion in tourism spending that year. Visitors typically stay an average of 4.5 days, making the Jordan Pass not just convenient, but cost-effective for travelers.