Traveling and Visas to Jordan

Traveling and Visas to Jordan: Traveling to Amman, Jordan, is an exciting opportunity for students, researchers, and visitors eager to explore the country’s rich culture, history, and educational offerings. As the capital city, Amman serves as the main hub for international arrivals, providing modern amenities, a welcoming environment, and convenient access to Jordan’s many attractions. Whether arriving by air or land, understanding transportation options, visa requirements, and local logistics ensures a smooth and enjoyable start to your stay.

Traveling to Amman, Jordan

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is the main gateway for international students and travelers visiting the country. The city is well-connected both by air and land, making it relatively easy to reach from most parts of the world.

By Air

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) serves as Jordan’s largest airport and is located approximately 35 kilometers south of downtown Amman. It is serviced by major international airlines, connecting directly to cities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. From the airport, travelers can reach central Amman by taxi, airport shuttle, or private transfer, which generally takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

By Land

Jordan shares borders with Israel, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, allowing overland entry from neighboring countries. Major border crossings include the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge from the West Bank, Sheikh Hussein Bridge from northern Jordan near Israel, and the Jaber Crossing from Syria. Bus services, taxis, and private transfers are available from these border points to Amman.

Traveling and Visas to Jordan: Overview

Mode of Travel	Key Information
By Air	Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), 35 km south of downtown Amman; serviced by major international airlines; transport to city via taxi, shuttle, or private transfer (30–45 min).
By Land	Borders with Israel, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia; major crossings: King Hussein/Allenby Bridge (West Bank), Sheikh Hussein Bridge (northern Jordan), Jaber Crossing (Syria); buses, taxis, and private transfers available.
Local Transport	Public transport is reliable, taxis are affordable, mobile SIM cards readily obtainable; internet widely available.
City Environment	Safe, manageable city size; modern health care, supermarkets, dining, and cultural options make settling in easy for students and visitors.

Visa Requirements

Visa on Arrival

Many travelers from Western countries, including the US, Canada, EU nations, Australia, and New Zealand, are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival at the airport or major land border crossings. The standard tourist visa is valid for 30 days and can often be extended for an additional 30 days at the Jordanian Immigration Department. This should all be checked personally by anyone considering coming to Jordan.

Pre-Arranged Visas

Travelers from countries not eligible for visa on arrival must obtain a visa in advance from a Jordanian embassy or consulate. Applicants typically need a valid passport, completed application forms, passport-size photos, and sometimes proof of accommodation or travel plans.

Student and Long-Term Visas

Students planning to study in Jordan for extended periods, such as for language programs or university courses, are usually required to obtain a student visa. This can either be arranged before arrival or converted from a tourist visa after entering Jordan. Schools often provide official letters of acceptance to facilitate the process.

Special Notes

The Jordan Pass is available for tourists from many countries. It covers the visa fee (for stays of at least three nights) and grants entry to top tourist sites, including Petra and Jerash.
Most visas are single-entry, so travelers planning to leave and return to Jordan should verify multiple-entry options.
Passports should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Visa Type	Key Information
Visa on Arrival	Available to travelers from US, Canada, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and other eligible countries; valid for 30 days, extendable by 30 days.
Pre-Arranged Visa	Required for travelers not eligible for visa on arrival; obtained via Jordanian embassy or consulate; typically requires passport, photos, forms, and proof of accommodation or travel plans.
Student / Long-Term Visa	Required for extended study programs; can be arranged before arrival or converted from a tourist visa; schools provide acceptance letters to support the process.
Special Notes	Jordan Pass covers visa fee (for stays of 3+ nights) and entry to top tourist sites (Petra, Jerash); most visas are single-entry; passports must be valid for at least six months.

Settling in Amman

For students arriving in Amman, the city offers a safe and welcoming environment. Public transport is reliable, taxis are affordable, and mobile SIM cards are easily obtainable. Internet access is widespread, allowing students to stay in touch with family and friends worldwide. With modern health care services, accessible supermarkets, and a range of dining and cultural options, Amman combines convenience with a safe, manageable city size, making it ideal for students coming from abroad.

Conclusion

Amman offers a safe, manageable, and culturally vibrant base for anyone visiting Jordan, with modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and accessible services for travelers. By planning ahead for visas, transportation, and other essentials, students and visitors can focus on settling in, exploring the city, and fully immersing themselves in the rich experiences Jordan has to offer. With its combination of convenience, safety, and cultural depth, Amman is an ideal starting point for both short-term visits and extended stays in Jordan.