Traveling to Jordan: everything you need to know before you go
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Jordan is best known for the breathtaking ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But while Petra alone is worth the trip, there's so much more to discover in this incredible country.
From the spectacular desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, famous for its role in countless Hollywood films, to world-class diving in the Red Sea and floating in the Dead Sea—the lowest point on Earth—Jordan is packed with unforgettable experiences. If you're looking for a destination that combines history, nature, and adventure, Jordan should definitely be on your bucket list.
How to get to Jordan
Jordan is easy to reach by plane from the Netherlands and many nearby European airports.
There are direct flights from Amsterdam and Eindhoven to Amman, the capital of Jordan, with a flight time of around 4.5 hours. You can also fly into Aqaba, located in the south on the Red Sea. Aqaba is a great option if you're mainly visiting Jordan for diving or beach holidays. However, if you're planning a road trip through the country, flying into Amman is generally the most convenient choice, with year-round flight options available.
Do you need a visa for Jordan?
Yes. Dutch passport holders (and many other nationalities) need a visa to enter Jordan.
You can either apply for your visa online before your trip or obtain a Visa on Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.
A tourist visa is valid for 30 days, your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival, and the visa costs approximately €50.
How long should you stay in Jordan?
Jordan isn't a particularly large country—it's roughly twice the size of the Netherlands—which makes it easy to explore the main highlights in a single trip.
We spent one week on our Jordan road trip and felt it was enough time to visit the country's most famous attractions. If you have more time, however, it's definitely worth staying longer. There are plenty of incredible places to discover, and you'll never feel rushed.
Best time to visit Jordan
Jordan can be visited year-round, but the weather varies considerably depending on the season. During the summer months June to August), temperatures can become extremely high, especially in desert areas like Wadi Rum and Petra. For that reason, March to May and September to November are generally considered the best times to visit.
Winter can be surprisingly cold, particularly in Petra and Wadi Rum, where snowfall isn't uncommon. If you don't mind packing some warm clothing, winter can actually be a great time to visit thanks to fewer tourists and lower prices.
We visited Jordan in February and thought it was the perfect time to go. The cooler temperatures made sightseeing much more comfortable, and we ended our trip at the Dead Sea, where it was still pleasantly warm enough to relax.
Renting a car in Jordan
If you're planning a road trip, renting a car is by far the easiest way to explore Jordan.
Public transport is limited, especially if you want to visit places like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea at your own pace. An International Driving Permit isn't required for most travellers, although bringing one can be useful. Driving around Amman can feel a little chaotic at first, but once you leave the capital, the roads are generally in excellent condition. Most highways are wide, well maintained, and relatively quiet. There are plenty of petrol stations along the way, and in many cases the attendants will even fill up your car for you.
Rental cars are available from around €20 per day. We booked through Sunny Cars, as their all-inclusive insurance made travelling completely worry-free.
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
Absolutely. The Jordan Pass is one of the best investments you can make before your trip.
It includes entrance to more than 40 attractions throughout Jordan, including both Petra and Wadi Rum, as well as numerous museums and archaeological sites. Instead of purchasing separate entrance tickets everywhere, you simply use your Jordan Pass.
One of the biggest advantages is that if you stay in Jordan for at least three consecutive nights (and purchase the pass before arriving), the visa fee is waived entirely. That makes the Jordan Pass an excellent value.
There are three different versions available:
Jordan Wanderer – includes one day in Petra.
Jordan Explorer – includes two consecutive days in Petra.
Jordan Expert – includes three consecutive days in Petra.
The only difference between the passes is the number of days included for Petra, so it's worth deciding in advance how much time you'd like to spend exploring this incredible archaeological site. You can buy the Jordan Pass here.
Is Jordan safe to visit?
Yes. Overall, Jordan is considered one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East.
Popular tourist destinations such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea are stable and very welcoming to international visitors. That said, because of the wider geopolitical situation in the Middle East, it's always wise to check your government's latest travel advice before your trip and stay informed about current developments.
With normal travel precautions and a bit of common sense, Jordan is an incredibly rewarding destination and one that we would happily visit again.
