While visa-exempt status applies to citizens of certain neighboring Arab countries, European citizens must obtain a visa to enter the Kingdom.
The Jordanian government has established specific protocols to facilitate tourism and business travel from the EU. European travelers should determine their eligibility based on their specific passport before booking flights.
The primary method of entry authorization for tourism is now the Jordan e-Visa, a digital alternative to traditional stamps that expedites the border control process.
Alternatively, tourists from Europe can easily get a Visa on Arrival in Jordan. Long-term stays or specific purposes, such as employment, require obtaining a Regular Visa at the embassy.
IMPORTANT: Jordan regulations can vary slightly depending on the specific country of citizenship, but the general process remains consistent for EU nationals.
Types of Jordan Visas for European Citizens
The Jordanian Ministry of Interior provides Europeans with several Jordan visa categories depending on the method of application and the traveler’s intent.
Jordan e-Visa
The Electronic Visa, or e-Visa, is the most recommended option for European citizens. It is available in several categories (Visit Visa, Transit Visa, Exit/Entry Visa, Study Visa, and Work Visa).
It allows travelers to secure their travel document prior to departure, reducing wait times at Queen Alia International Airport or land border crossings.
This system is fully digital, meaning applicants submit their information and receive their approved visa via email. It covers various purposes, including tourism, transit, and short-term visits.
Visa on Arrival
European citizens visiting Jordan for tourism are also eligible for a Visa on Arrival.
This can be obtained at major entry points, such as airports and select land borders.
While this offers flexibility for spontaneous travel, it often involves standing in queues at immigration counters to complete paperwork and pay fees upon landing.
Regular Visa (Embassy Application)
For travelers from Europe who do not want to apply for an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival — or for those seeking long-term residency, work permits, or study visas — a traditional application through a Jordanian diplomatic mission is required.
This is less common for standard tourists but necessary for complex travel needs.
Necessary Documents to Apply for a Jordan Visa
To successfully apply for a Jordan visa, EU citizens must prepare a specific set of documents.
These requirements must be met whether the application is submitted online or in person.
Ensuring these files are valid and formatted correctly is crucial to avoiding rejection:
- Passport: The document must be effective for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Jordan. It must be issued by an eligible country.
- Face photograph: A recent color photo against a white background is mandatory. For e-Visa applications, this must be a digital file meeting specific resolution standards.
- Proof of travel: A flight itinerary showing the arrival and departure dates is often required to prove the intent to leave the country.
- Accommodation details: Applicants should provide a hotel reservation or the address of their residence in Jordan.
If a European citizen is applying based on residency in another jurisdiction (such as an Arab or foreign country listed in specific eligibility clauses), a residence permit valid for at least 6 months may be required.
Jordan Visa Application Process
The application process for European nationals varies significantly depending on the type of Jordan visa selected.
The government has prioritized the digital system to modernize border security and improve the visitor experience.
Applying for the Jordan e-Visa
The electronic application is the most efficient route for EU passport holders. Follow these steps to complete the process:
- Access the official website: Navigate to https://moi.gov.jo/EN/Pages/Visa_E_Applications. Select the appropriate visa type.
- Create an account on the portal. This requires entering an email address and a verification code. If you have previously applied, simply log in; otherwise, complete the registration.
- Review guidelines: Before proceeding, carefully read the terms and general guidelines provided by the Ministry. Once understood, select “Apply Here.”
- Complete verification: Enter the confirmation code displayed on the screen to verify you are a human user, then click “Next.”
- Specify if you are applying as an individual or an organization. Input your nationality category, passport nationality, and document type.
- Provide your personal information: Choose the visa option and enter your full name, date of birth, passport number, and passport expiry date exactly as they appear on your travel document.
- Share your contact and address details: Enter your intended address in Jordan (hotel or private residence) along with your email and phone number. Review the legal acknowledgment and accept the terms.
- Confirm your application: A code will be sent to your registered email address. Enter this code to confirm and lock in your form.
- Make the payment: Complete the process by paying the required visa fees using a valid credit or debit card via the secure online portal.
- Proceed with submission and tracking: Once submitted, you can log back into the portal to check the status (Pending, Approved, or Needs Action).
Upon approval, the Jordan e-Visa is sent as a PDF to your email. This must be printed and carried with you to present to immigration control upon arrival.
Applying for a Visa on Arrival
If you’re getting a Visa on Arrival, head to the immigration area when you land in Jordan and find the designated counters.
You’ll need to fill out a physical application form, present your passport and return ticket, and pay the visa fee.
It’s best to have Jordanian Dinars for payment, though currency exchange is often available nearby. Once paid, you’ll receive a stamp in your passport and can proceed to immigration control.
Applying for a Regular Visa
To apply for a Regular Visa, locate the nearest Jordanian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence and schedule an appointment if required.
You’ll need to submit the physical form, your passport, photos, and any other supporting documents.
After paying the consular fees, you will need to wait for your application to be processed. You can then return to the embassy to collect your passport with the affixed visa.
Stay, Validity, and Extensions
Understanding the validity of the Jordan visa is vital for European citizens to avoid overstay fines or legal issues, but it varies depending on the type.
A single-entry visa typically allows for a stay of up to 30 days and must be used within 2 months of being issued.
A double-entry visa permits two entries within a 3-month period, while multiple-entry visas are available for 6 months, one year, or 5 years.
The 6-month and one-year visas generally allow for a 30-day stay per visit, whereas the 5-year visa allows for a longer stay of up to 90 days.
To extend a Jordan visa, EU passport holders must visit a police station or security center with a residency extension office before their current visa expires. Failing to do so can result in fines payable upon departure.
Jordan Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Jordan visa varies depending on the type of application. An e-Visa typically takes between several business days and 2 weeks to process, so it is best to apply a few weeks before your trip to avoid any potential delays.
For those European nationals choosing a Visa on Arrival, the application is processed immediately at the border, though waiting times will depend on airport traffic.
Alternatively, a Regular Visa issued by an embassy usually takes up to 2 weeks, depending on the current workload of the consular section.
Jordan Entry Requirements
Holding a Jordan visa does not guarantee entry; European travelers should meet all border control requirements.
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival. Border officials will verify this strictly.
Europeans intending to stay in Jordan for more than 30 days are required to undergo an HIV test.
Jordan also has strict laws regarding the importation of drones. It is necessary to apply for approval to bring a drone into the country at least 10 working days before travel. Bringing a drone without prior permission will likely result in its confiscation at the airport.
While not an entry requirement, European nationals should be aware of the exit rules. A departure tax of 10 Jordanian Dinars is applicable at land border crossings, and this must be paid in cash.
Jordan Pass
For EU citizens planning a tourism-heavy itinerary, the Jordan Pass is an excellent alternative to buying a visa separately.
Obtained online before travel, the Jordan Pass acts as a unified ticket that includes:
- Pre-paid entry to over 40 tourist attractions, including Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum.
- A waiver of the tourist visa fee (provided the traveler stays in Jordan for a minimum of 3 nights/4 days).
To use this, Europeans purchase the pass online and present it at the airport immigration counter. The visa fee is waived upon scanning the pass. This is often the most cost-effective option for tourists.
Jordan Embassies for European Citizens
Jordan maintains diplomatic missions in most major European capitals.
These embassies provide consular services, Regular Visa processing, and assistance to travelers.
Major locations include Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Madrid. EU passport holders requiring assistance that falls outside the scope of the e-Visa system should contact the nearest mission.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides a complete list of missions on their official website. It is advisable to check the specific opening hours and appointment requirements of the local embassy before visiting.
FAQs about Jordan Visa for European Citizens
- Can European citizens get a Visa on Arrival in Jordan?
Most European citizens are eligible for a Visa on Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and Sheikh Hussein Bridge. However, applying for an e-Visa beforehand is recommended to save time. - What is the difference between the Jordan Pass and the e-Visa?
The e-Visa is strictly a travel visa. The Jordan Pass is a tourism package that includes a visa fee waiver if specific conditions are met, along with entry to tourist sites. - Can I enter Jordan with a National ID card instead of a passport?
No. European citizens must present a passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity. National ID cards are not accepted for entry. - How do I extend my stay in Jordan?
You must visit a police station designated for residency issues. You will likely need to undergo a blood test (for HIV/Hepatitis) if the extension is for a significant duration. - Can I apply for a Jordan e-Visa if I am a dual citizen?
Yes, but you must apply using the passport you intend to travel with. The information on the e-Visa must match the passport presented at the border exactly. - Do I need to print my Electronic Visa to Jordan?
You should print the PDF copy of your approved e-Visa and present it to immigration officers upon arrival in Jordan. Relying solely on a digital copy on your phone is not recommended.
Conclusion
While the administrative aspects of travel can seem complicated, the Jordanian government has taken significant steps to simplify the process through the e-Visa system.
European citizens have several options to choose from: the e-Visa, Visa on Arrival, Regular Visa, or the cost-effective Jordan Pass.
By preparing the necessary documents — specifically a valid passport and proof of accommodation — and applying in advance, travelers from Europe can ensure a seamless entry into the Kingdom.
