Welcome to Jordan

Romantic Jordan is a wonderland of World Heritage Sites, friendly people, mythical deserts and Bedouin fantasies. This is a storybook land where you can sleep under the stars in Wadi Rum, overshadowed by red sands and towering rocks … where you can marvel at a 1,300-year-old castle … where you can channel your inner Indiana Jones and venture into the ancient Nabatean city of Petra.

As for the latter, don’t skimp on your time here – it will take at least two days to see the best of Petra, from the mysterious Djinn Blocks to the Obelisk Tomb. Head back to modernity in the hilly capital city of Amman, full of swanky shops, bustling cafes and fantastic art galleries.

Explore Jerash, known as the “Pompeii of the Middle East,” and soak in the healing salts and minerals of the Dead Sea. The tradition for hospitality here is ageless – you’ll follow in the footsteps of Nabateans, Romans and Muslims who all made their way through this mystical landscape.

Unique Facts

• Hollywood has been inspired by the landscapes of Jordan. Movies with scenes shot here include Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Martian, Red Planet and Lawrence of Arabia.
• The shore of the Dead Sea in Jordan is the world’s lowest point of dry land at 1,378 feet below sea level.
• Several biblical sites are in Jordan, including the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, and Mount Nebo, where Moses died.
• Jordan is old, really old. There are traces of human activity dating back to the Paleolithic period (500,000 to 17,000 BC).
• The national dish of Jordan is mansaf, a traditional Bedouin meal served on special occasions. It’s lamb shank cooked in fermented yogurt, seasoned with paprika and cumin, sprinkled with pine nuts and chopped almonds and served with flatbread, warm yogurt sauce and steamed rice.

Language

Jordan’s official languages are Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic.

When To Go

The best time to go to Jordan is from late March to April or late September to mid-November. The temperatures get very hot from June to August. December and January are very cold, especially at night.

Airports

Queen Alia International Airport, Amman
King Hussein International Airport, Aqaba

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes. Jordan issues single-entry visas to US citizens upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and most international land border crossings.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Jordan: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C, D, F, G and J. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Jordan Dinar

Getting Around

Roads in Jordan are well-maintained and -marked, though driving habits may differ from those in the United States. Drivers may be aggressive and inattentive to their surroundings. Cars are driven very closely together on highways. Take care in the rainy season and winter months.

The popular tourist routes of the Desert Highway outside Aqaba, the Dead Sea Highway from Amman and the King’s Highway between Petra and Madaba, are narrow, winding and steep. Avoid these roads during after dark.

There is abundant taxi and ride-share service in Jordan. It is best to make taxi arrangements via your hotel. JETT, the national bus carrier, offers regular service between major cities.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Amman
Al-Umayyaween Street,
Abdoun neighborhood,
Amman 11118
Jordan
Telephone: +(962) (6) 590-6000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(962) (6) 590-6500
Fax: +(962) (6) 592-4102
Amman-ACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Jordan Tourism Board
PO Box 830688
Amman, Jordan 11183
Tel: 0096265678444
info@visitjordan.com

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911

Safety and Security

Petty crime is the most common form of crime against tourists in Jordan. Pickpocketing, purse snatching and crimes of opportunity can occur at major tourist sites. Use caution when leaving banks or ATMs. Safeguard personal belongings.