Hi, I’m Miki – and Jordan is the kind of country that rearranges your idea of the Middle East. A rose-red city carved into cliffs, a Martian desert where you sleep under more stars than you knew existed, a sea so salty you float like a cork, Roman streets in the north and coral reefs in the south – all within a few hours’ drive of each other.
This Jordan travel guide is updated for 2027. It explains the Jordan Pass and visa rules, how to split the country into regions, the best places for a perfect day, when to go, what things really cost and how to travel respectfully and safely. Detailed one-day itineraries for Jordan’s highlights are on their way – start here and read my complete Petra guide.
Why Jordan should be on your list
- Petra – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and far bigger than the famous Treasury.
- Wadi Rum – red sand, sandstone mountains and Bedouin camps; it doubled as Mars in several films.
- The Dead Sea – the lowest point on land on Earth and the most unusual swim of your life.
- History everywhere – Roman Jerash, Crusader castles, Byzantine mosaics in Madaba and the Baptism Site on the Jordan River.
- Compact and easy – you can see the highlights in a week, by rental car, private driver or JETT bus.
Jordan region by region
Jordan is small, and most trips follow a north-to-south line from Amman to Aqaba. Here are the regions I’d plan around:
Amman & the north
The capital’s Citadel, Roman Theatre and Rainbow Street cafés, plus day trips to the remarkably preserved Roman city of Jerash, Ajloun Castle and Umm Qais with views over the Sea of Galilee.
Dead Sea & Jordan Valley
Resort beaches for floating, the Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), Mount Nebo and the mosaic map in Madaba.
King’s Highway
The slow, scenic road south past Wadi Mujib, Kerak and Shobak castles and the Dana Biosphere Reserve – perfect for a road trip.
Petra & Little Petra
Base yourself in Wadi Musa for at least one full day in Petra – two is better – and add the free, quieter Little Petra (Siq al-Barid).
Wadi Rum
Jeep tours, sandboarding, camel rides and a night in a desert camp. Read my Wadi Rum safety guide before you book.
Aqaba & the Red Sea
Jordan’s only coastline: snorkelling and diving on coral reefs, beach clubs and a relaxed last stop after the desert.
Planning a trip to Jordan?
Most first-timers need about a week: Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba. The routes below show how to connect them.
See the best routesFollow my trips on InstagramBest places in Jordan for a perfect day
Petra
Enter at opening time to walk the Siq before the crowds, see the Treasury in soft morning light, continue to the Royal Tombs and climb the 800-odd steps to the Monastery in the afternoon. The full story is in my Petra guide.
Wadi Rum
A half-day or full-day jeep tour to Lawrence’s Spring, the Khazali canyon and the rock bridges, a Bedouin zarb dinner and a night of stargazing in camp.
Amman
Sunrise at the Citadel, the Roman Theatre, falafel downtown at Hashem and an evening walk along Rainbow Street.
Jerash
Half a day among the colonnades, temples and hippodrome of one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy, easily combined with Ajloun Castle.
The Dead Sea
Float, cover yourself in mud, rinse and repeat – then watch the sun set over the West Bank hills. Add the Baptism Site and Mount Nebo on the way.
Aqaba
A morning snorkelling trip on the reefs south of town, fresh fish for lunch and a slow evening on the beach.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Hike between sandstone and granite landscapes and spend the night in the eco-lodge or the old stone village.
Best time to visit Jordan
My short answer: March to May and September to November. Days are warm, nights are pleasant and hiking in Petra and Wadi Rum is comfortable.
| Season | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Warm days, wildflowers in the north, busy at Petra. | Petra, Dana, Wadi Rum hikes |
| Summer (June–August) | Very hot inland and at the Dead Sea (often well above 35 °C), quieter sites. | Aqaba diving, early starts only |
| Autumn (September–November) | Warm and stable, ideal for camping in the desert. | Everything – my favourite season |
| Winter (December–February) | Mild days but cold nights in Petra and Wadi Rum; occasional rain or even snow in Amman. | Dead Sea and Aqaba, low prices |
How many days do you need in Jordan?
A week covers the classics at a relaxed pace. Here are three routes I recommend:
4–5 days: the essentials
- Day 1: Amman (and Jerash if you land early).
- Day 2: Dead Sea and Madaba on the way south.
- Days 3–4: Petra (two days if you can).
- Day 5: Wadi Rum overnight, then Aqaba or back to Amman.
7 days: the classic loop
- Days 1–2: Amman and Jerash.
- Day 3: Dead Sea, Baptism Site and Mount Nebo.
- Day 4: King’s Highway via Kerak to Dana or Wadi Musa.
- Days 5–6: Petra and Little Petra.
- Day 7: Wadi Rum camp, then Aqaba.
10 days: slow and outdoorsy
- Add a hike in Dana, a canyoning trip in Wadi Mujib (seasonal) and two nights on the Red Sea in Aqaba.
Getting to Jordan and getting around
Arriving
Most visitors fly into Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) near Amman. King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba (AQJ) receives some European flights and is a handy option for the south.
By car
Renting a car gives you the most freedom: roads between the main sights are good and well signposted in English, and you drive on the right. The Desert Highway is fast; the King’s Highway is slow but far more scenic. Expect police checkpoints – keep your passport and rental papers handy.
Private driver
Very common and stress-free, especially for Amman–Dead Sea–Petra legs. Budget roughly 60–90 JOD a day plus the driver’s expenses.
Buses and taxis
JETT buses connect Amman with Petra and Aqaba (about 11–14 JOD one way to Petra). In Amman, ride-hailing apps such as Careem show the fare in advance; for street taxis, insist on the meter.
Where to stay in Jordan
- Amman: stay around Jabal Amman or Weibdeh for walkable streets, cafés and easy taxis to downtown.
- Dead Sea: the resorts along the northern shore have private beaches with showers – the easiest way to float in comfort. Most offer day passes if you don’t stay overnight.
- Petra: sleep in Wadi Musa, ideally within walking distance of the visitor centre, so you can be at the gate when it opens.
- Wadi Rum: choose between simple Bedouin camps and the bubble-tent “Martian” domes; inside the protected area you’ll usually be picked up in Rum Village.
- Aqaba: stay in town for restaurants and nightlife, or on the South Beach for snorkelling straight from the shore.
Entry rules for Jordan in 2027
- Visa on arrival: most European, UK, US and Australian passport holders can get a single-entry tourist visa on arrival for 40 JOD (valid for 30 days). Bring cash as card payment isn’t always possible.
- The Jordan Pass trick: buy the Jordan Pass online before you arrive and stay at least 3 nights, and the visa fee is waived. The pass also includes Petra and 40+ other sites.
- Passport: valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
- Israel and Palestine crossings: land crossings (King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, Wadi Araba near Aqaba) can change hours or close at short notice – check the day before.
- No EES or ETIAS: Jordan isn’t part of the EU systems, but you’ll go through them when you fly back into Europe.
Jordan Pass, money and daily budget
Jordan uses the Jordanian dinar (JOD), which is pegged to the US dollar (1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD). Cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants in Amman, Petra and Aqaba, but carry cash for taxis, small shops and tips. Tipping is customary for guides, drivers and restaurant staff.
| Jordan Pass | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Wanderer | 70 JOD | Visa waiver (3+ nights), 1 day in Petra, 40+ sites |
| Jordan Explorer | 75 JOD | Same, with 2 consecutive days in Petra |
| Jordan Expert | 80 JOD | Same, with 3 consecutive days in Petra |
Without the pass, a one-day Petra ticket costs 50 JOD and the visa 40 JOD – so the pass pays for itself on almost every trip. Petra by Night is not included.
| Travel style | Rough daily budget (per person) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 45–65 JOD | Hostels and guesthouses, JETT buses, local food |
| Mid-range | 90–150 JOD | 3–4 star hotels, a driver or rental car, a Wadi Rum camp |
| Comfort | 200 JOD+ | Dead Sea resorts, luxury desert camps, private guides |
Jordan is more expensive than many visitors expect – Petra, Dead Sea resorts and desert camps add up quickly.
What to eat and drink in Jordan
- Mansaf – Jordan’s national dish of lamb cooked in fermented yoghurt (jameed), served over rice.
- Maqluba – the “upside-down” rice, chicken and vegetable pot, flipped at the table.
- Zarb – Bedouin barbecue slow-cooked underground; you’ll usually have it at a Wadi Rum camp.
- Falafel, hummus and foul – the cheap and perfect breakfast or lunch.
- Knafeh – warm, syrupy cheese pastry; the sweet you’ll keep coming back to.
- Drinks – sweet sage or mint tea, cardamom-scented Arabic coffee and fresh lemon-mint juice.
Top experiences and nature
- Hiking in Petra – the Monastery, the High Place of Sacrifice and the back trail from Little Petra.
- A night in Wadi Rum – choose a Bedouin-run camp and look up: the stars are unforgettable.
- Floating in the Dead Sea – and covering yourself in its mud.
- Canyoning in Wadi Mujib – a seasonal water hike through a narrow canyon (usually spring to autumn).
- Snorkelling in Aqaba – healthy reefs just off the beach.
- Hiking in Dana – Jordan’s largest nature reserve, with trails down to Feynan Ecolodge.
Safety and my honest local tips
Jordan has long been one of the most stable countries in the region and the tourist trail has stayed open, but 2026 brought regional tensions and changing government advice. The UK, for example, lifted its warning against all but essential travel to most of Jordan in June 2026, while still advising against travel near the Syrian border. Check your government’s latest advice and buy travel insurance that covers Jordan before you book.
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees at sites and in towns; swimwear is fine at resorts and beach clubs.
- Start early: Petra and Wadi Rum are at their best (and coolest) in the first hours after sunrise.
- Carry water and sun protection: and drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water.
- Book camps carefully: read recent reviews and agree on what’s included before you pay.
- Avoid the border areas: the north-eastern borders with Syria and Iraq are off-limits for tourists.
- Ask before photographing people: especially women and in Bedouin communities.
Beyond the border: combining Jordan
Jordan combines well with a stopover in the Gulf – Amman has frequent flights to the UAE, where my Abu Dhabi guide can help you plan a day. Overland trips to Israel and Palestine are possible via the official crossings when they’re open, and ferries run from Aqaba across the Red Sea to Egypt’s Sinai. Find more ideas in my Asia travel guides.
Work with me
Hotel, tourist board or travel brand in Jordan?
I create honest, practical one-day itineraries read by travellers planning their next trip – plus photos, drone shots and Instagram stories from the road. I’m open to collaborations with hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, tour operators and destinations across Jordan: sponsored itineraries, destination features, press trips and social media campaigns.
Work with me Get in touchJordan travel FAQ
Do I need a visa for Jordan?
Most European, UK, US and Australian travellers can get a tourist visa on arrival for 40 JOD. The fee is waived if you buy the Jordan Pass before arrival and stay at least 3 nights.
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
Almost always. A one-day Petra ticket alone costs 50 JOD and the visa 40 JOD, while the Jordan Pass starts at 70 JOD and covers both, plus 40+ other sites.
How many days do you need in Jordan?
About 7 days for Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba. With 4–5 days, focus on Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.
What is the best time to visit Jordan?
March to May and September to November. Summers are very hot, and winter nights in Petra and Wadi Rum are cold.
Is Jordan safe for tourists in 2027?
The main tourist areas have stayed open, but regional tensions in 2026 changed some government advice. Check your government’s latest travel advice, avoid the Syrian and Iraqi border areas and get travel insurance.
What currency does Jordan use?
The Jordanian dinar (JOD), pegged to the US dollar. Carry some cash for taxis, small shops and tips.
Can you drink tap water in Jordan?
Most visitors stick to bottled or filtered water, which is cheap and widely available.
What should I wear in Jordan?
Light clothing that covers shoulders and knees, good walking shoes for Petra and a warm layer for desert nights.
Ready to plan your Jordan trip?
Start with my Petra guide, then follow me for new one-day itineraries from Jordan and the rest of Asia.
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