United States citizens are eligible to enter Jordan provided they have a valid visa and meet specific criteria set by the Ministry of Interior.
As a US passport holder, you are generally not required to obtain consular approval prior to travel for standard short-term visits, as you fall under the category of nationals eligible for both the Visa on Arrival and the e-Visa.
While the VoA remains an option at specific points of entry, the Jordanian government strongly encourages the use of the electronic system.
This digital approach provides greater certainty regarding entry status before departing the United States and significantly reduces processing time upon arrival.
For entry, United States citizens must also hold a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the planned date of entry.
Types of Jordan Visas for United States Citizens
There are three main ways for United States citizens to obtain a visa for Jordan.
Choosing the correct type depends on the frequency of travel and the intended purpose of the visit.
Jordan e-Visa
The Jordan e-Visa is the most recommended option for United States passport holders.
It is an Electronic Visa linked to your passport, applied for and granted entirely online.
- e-Visa Visit Visa: The standard category for tourists.
- Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Jordan to a third destination.
- Exit/Entry Visa: Allows visitors to exit and re-enter Jordan within a specified timeframe.
- Study Visa: Requires approval and documentation from Jordanian educational institutions.
- Work Visa: Must be authorized and supported by a Jordanian employer.
The digital system allows applicants from the US to choose between single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry options, offering flexibility based on travel itineraries.
Visa on Arrival
United States citizens also have the eligibility to obtain a visa upon arrival at major international airports and certain land borders.
This process involves queuing at the immigration counters, filling out physical forms, and paying the visa fee in Jordanian Dinar (JOD).
While functional, this method can be time-consuming during peak travel seasons.
Regular Visa (Consular)
For special travel circumstances, diplomatic visits, or complex long-term stays not covered by the e-Visa, United States citizens may apply for a Regular Visa through the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Washington, D.C.
This is less common for standard tourists but remains a valid route for official business.
The Jordan Pass: An Alternative for Tourists
For United States passport holders visiting Jordan for tourism, the “Jordan Pass” is a smart and highly beneficial option.
The Jordan Pass is a travel package that includes pre-paid entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash.
Crucially, the Jordan Pass includes the cost of the visa if the visitor stays in Jordan for a minimum of 3 nights (4 days).
If a visitor purchases this document before arrival and meets the stay requirement, the visa fees are effectively waived.
NOTE: Owning a Jordan Pass does not automatically grant entry; it serves as a payment mechanism for the visa fee.
Holders of the Jordan Pass must still meet standard border control conditions. It is often the most cost-effective choice for tourists planning to visit major historical sites.
Necessary Documents for a Jordan Visa
When applying for a Jordan Visa, specifically the e-Visa, American citizens must prepare digital copies of specific identification documents. Incomplete applications may lead to delays or rejection.
The primary documents required for visas to Jordan include:
- Passport: A scanned copy of the biodata page of a United States passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
- Photograph of traveler’s face: A recent, clear, passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of travel: A copy of the flight itinerary or return ticket indicating the intention to leave Jordan.
- Accommodation details: Proof of hotel reservation or the address of residence in Jordan.
Depending on the specific Jordan visa sub-category (such as visiting family or business), additional documents like an invitation letter or proof of residence may be requested during the procedure.
Jordan Visa Application Process
Applying for a Jordan visa involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and successful process.
It is essential for United States passport holders to carefully follow the requirements and provide accurate documentation to avoid delays or complications.
Obtaining a Jordan Visa Online
The application process for the Jordan e-Visa is designed to be user-friendly.
United States citizens should follow these steps carefully to secure their travel visa.
- Visit the official portal: Select the visa type you require and follow https://moi.gov.jo/EN/Pages/Visa_E_Applications.
- Log in: Enter your account credentials and the verification code. If you are a new user, register on the site first.
- Review guidelines: Read the terms and general instructions thoroughly, then select “Apply Here.”
- Do a security check: Enter the confirmation code shown in the image and click “Next.”
- Categorize your application: Indicate if you are applying as an individual or an organization. Select your travel document type, nationality category, and passport nationality.
- Enter personal data: Choose the specific visa type and provide your full name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date.
- Provide contact information: Share your residential address in Jordan, email, and phone number. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
- Verify your email: Input the verification code sent to your inbox to confirm your identity.
- Complete payment: Pay the mandatory visa fee using a credit or debit card.
- Make final submission: Review your information for accuracy and click “Submit” to begin processing.
You can log back into the portal at any time to check the status of your application (Pending, Approved, or Needs Action).
Once approved, the Electronic Visa for Jordan will be sent to your email as a PDF document. Print this document and keep a physical copy with your travel documents to present to immigration control upon arrival.
Getting a Visa on Arrival
US citizens can obtain a single-entry visa upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and at most land border crossings (excluding the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge).
To be eligible, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay and contain at least one blank visa page.
Upon arrival, you will need to pay the visa fee, which is currently 40 JOD (approximately $56 USD).
While major credit cards are increasingly accepted at the airport, it is highly recommended to carry the exact amount in Jordanian Dinars to avoid issues with currency exchange or technical outages.
Applying for a Regular Visa
If you prefer to have your documentation sorted before departure, or if you are traveling for purposes other than tourism, you can apply for a Regular Visa through the Jordanian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
This traditional process requires submitting your physical passport, a completed form, and specific supporting documents depending on your visa category. This is often the best route for those with complex travel requirements.
It is recommended to contact the embassy directly to confirm their specific application procedures and to schedule an appointment, if necessary.
Stay, Validity, and Extensions
The validity period refers to the time frame during which you must use the Jordan visa to enter the country, while the stay period refers to how long you remain in Jordan.
The validity for single and double-entry visas to Jordan is 3 months from the date of issue. For multiple-entry visas, the validity options are 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years.
For standard tourist visas (single, double, and standard multiple entry), the permitted visit is typically 30 days from the date of entry. For the 5-year multiple-entry visa, the allowable stay is generally 90 days per visit.
If a United States citizen wishes to remain in Jordan longer than the period granted upon entry (usually 30 days), they must apply for an extension.
This process is handled within Jordan: you must visit the nearest police station or security center designated for residency and borders near your place of residence.
Jordan Visa Processing Time
Jordan e-Visa processing times depend on the specific visa type and current application volumes.
For standard processing, American nationals can typically expect a turnaround of several business days up to 2 weeks.
To avoid issues with administrative delays or requests for further documentation, United States citizens should submit their application at least 2 weeks before their planned departure date.
Jordan Entry Requirements and Health Regulations
Upon arrival at a Jordanian border crossing, United States citizens must present their valid passport and visa (or Jordan Pass). However, there are additional regulatory requirements to be aware of.
Currently, an HIV test is mandatory for visitors who plan to stay in Jordan for more than 30 days.
According to local regulations, non-residents planning to stay in Jordan for more than 14 days may need to report to a police station nearest to their residence.
Jordan has strict laws regarding the importation of drones. United States citizens must apply for approval to bring a drone into the country at least 10 working days before travel.
If departing Jordan via a land border crossing, a departure tax of 10 Jordanian Dinars (JOD) is required. This must be paid in cash. ATMs are usually available at border points, but carrying cash is recommended.
Jordan Embassy for United States Citizens
While the Jordan e-Visa system handles most entry needs for American travelers, the embassy serves as a resource for complex consular matters.
United States citizens requiring diplomatic visas or assistance with complex immigration issues should contact the Jordanian Embassy in the US.
Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Washington, D.C.):
- Address: 3504 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008
- Phone: 0012029662861
- Email: hkjconsular@jordanembassyus.org
FAQs about Jordan Visa Requirements for United States Citizens
- Do United States citizens need a visa for Jordan?
United States citizens require a visa to enter Jordan. This can be obtained as an e-Visa, upon arrival, or via an embassy. - What is the difference between the Jordan Pass and the e-Visa?
The e-Visa is strictly a travel visa, while the Jordan Pass is a tourism package that waives the visa fee if you stay for at least 3 nights, in addition to granting entry to tourist sites. - How long does it take to get a Jordan e-Visa?
The processing time for a Jordan e-Visa application can vary, but it generally takes anywhere from a few days up to 2 weeks to be completed. - Is a hotel booking required for the Jordan visa application?
Yes, you generally need to provide accommodation details or a reservation address during the Jordan visa application. - Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?
You can extend your stay by registering at a local security center/police station before your initial 30 days expire. - Do I need a printed copy of my Jordan e-Visa?
It is necessary to print the PDF Jordan e-Visa approval sent to your email and present it to immigration officers.
Conclusion
United States citizens have multiple accessible options for obtaining a visa to visit Jordan, including the convenient e-Visa system, the Visa on Arrival process, embassy application, and the Jordan Pass for tourists.
By ensuring compliance with entry requirements, such as a valid passport and appropriate documentation, travelers from the US can have a smooth, hassle-free experience in Jordan.
Jordan’s efficient visa systems and diverse travel offerings make the destination attractive for both short visits and extended stays.
