Jordan Pass Guide
What is the Jordan Pass?
The Jordan Pass is an all-in-one prepaid package designed to enhance your experience in Jordan. It combines the visitor entry visa fee and entrance fees to over 40 attractions across Jordan, including the world-famous archaeological site of Petra, into one convenient document.
Introduced by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board, the Jordan Pass aims to encourage tourists to explore more of Jordan's attractions while saving money and time.
Quick Summary
- Cost: JD70-80 ($99-113) depending on package
- Includes: Tourist visa waiver + 40+ attractions
- Validity: 2 weeks from first use
- Visa benefit: Must stay minimum 3 nights (4 days)
- Purchase: Online before arrival in Jordan
Benefits of the Jordan Pass
Cost Savings
The most significant benefit of the Jordan Pass is the potential for substantial cost savings:
- Visa fee waiver: JD40 ($56) saved on entry visa
- Petra entrance: JD50-60 ($70-85) for one-day entry
- Other attractions: JD3-10 ($4-14) per site
Even if you only visit Petra and two other attractions, the Jordan Pass already pays for itself. For most travelers, the savings can be JD50-100 ($70-140) or more.
Convenience
- Skip ticket lines at major attractions
- No need to carry cash for entrance fees
- Streamlined entry process at sites
- Digital pass can be stored on your smartphone
Visa Benefits
The Jordan Pass waives the tourist entry visa fee (JD40) for non-restricted nationalities, provided you:
- Purchase the pass before arriving in Jordan
- Stay a minimum of 3 consecutive nights (4 days) in Jordan
- Present your Jordan Pass at immigration upon arrival
Important Note
If you stay less than 3 nights in Jordan, you will need to pay the visa fee at departure. The visa waiver benefit does not apply to restricted nationalities that require a pre-approved visa.
Jordan Pass Packages
The Jordan Pass comes in three different packages, varying only in the number of days included for visiting Petra:
| Package | Petra Access | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Wanderer | 1 day | JD70 ($99) | Short trips, quick visit to Petra |
| Jordan Explorer | 2 days | JD75 ($106) | Most travelers, thorough Petra visit |
| Jordan Expert | 3 days | JD80 ($113) | In-depth exploration of Petra |
All packages include the same benefits for other attractions; they differ only in the number of consecutive days you can visit Petra.
Pro Tip
For most travelers, the Jordan Explorer (2-day Petra) package offers the best value. Petra is vast, and having a second day allows you to explore areas like the Monastery, High Place of Sacrifice, or hike to viewpoints that you might miss on a single day.
Attractions Included in the Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass covers entry to over 40 attractions across the country. Here are some of the most notable sites included:
Major Sites
- Petra: The iconic ancient city (1, 2, or 3 days depending on your package)
- Jerash: One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world
- Wadi Rum: Protected desert wilderness (entry only, activities not included)
- Amman Citadel: Historical site in the capital with panoramic views
- Roman Theater: Well-preserved ancient theater in downtown Amman
Religious and Historical Sites
- Mount Nebo: Where Moses viewed the Promised Land
- Madaba: Famous for its Byzantine mosaics
- Bethany Beyond the Jordan: Jesus' baptism site (partial discount only)
- Ajloun Castle: 12th-century Muslim castle
- Karak Castle: Impressive Crusader fortress
Desert Castles and Nature Reserves
- Qasr Amra, Qasr Kharana, Qasr al-Hallabat: Umayyad desert castles
- Azraq Wetland Reserve: Oasis in the eastern desert
- Shobak Castle: Remote Crusader fortress
Museums
- Jordan Museum: National museum in Amman
- Jordan Archaeological Museum: Located at the Amman Citadel
- Folklore Museum: In downtown Amman
What's NOT Included
While the Jordan Pass covers many attractions, there are some notable exclusions:
- Dead Sea beaches: Public and private beach access fees
- Petra by Night: Evening show at Petra (JD17)
- Wadi Rum tours: Only the entry fee is covered, not jeep tours or camping
- Transportation: The pass does not include any transportation
- Guide services: Professional guides at sites are not included
- Aqaba Marine Park: Snorkeling and diving areas
How to Purchase the Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass must be purchased online before arriving in Jordan to benefit from the visa waiver:
- Visit the official website: www.jordanpass.jo
- Select your preferred package (Wanderer, Explorer, or Expert)
- Create an account and provide your passport information
- Pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard)
- Download your digital pass or save the confirmation email
- Print a copy or keep the digital version on your smartphone
Pro Tip
Purchase your Jordan Pass at least 3 days before your arrival to ensure processing time. After purchase, you'll receive a PDF with a QR code that will be scanned at each attraction.
Using Your Jordan Pass
At Immigration
- Present your passport and Jordan Pass (digital or printed)
- The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a tourist visa
- No payment is required if you meet the minimum stay requirement
At Attractions
- Present your Jordan Pass at the ticket office or entrance
- Staff will scan the QR code or check the pass details
- Each site can only be visited once with the pass
- For Petra, your consecutive days must be used together
Validity Period
- The Jordan Pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase
- Once activated at the first attraction, it remains valid for 2 weeks
- The Petra component must be used on consecutive days
Is the Jordan Pass Worth It?
When the Jordan Pass IS Worth It
- You're staying 3+ nights in Jordan
- You're planning to visit Petra
- You'll visit at least 2-3 other attractions
- You need a tourist visa on arrival
When the Jordan Pass May NOT Be Worth It
- You're staying less than 3 nights in Jordan
- You're not visiting Petra
- You're a Jordanian resident or citizen
- You're from a nationality that requires a pre-approved visa
- You're under 12 years old (children enter most sites for free)
Cost Comparison Example
| Expense | Without Jordan Pass | With Jordan Pass (Explorer) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | JD40 ($56) | Included |
| Petra (2 days) | JD55 + JD5 = JD60 ($85) | Included |
| Jerash | JD10 ($14) | Included |
| Wadi Rum (entry) | JD5 ($7) | Included |
| Amman Citadel | JD3 ($4) | Included |
| Karak Castle | JD2 ($3) | Included |
| Total | JD120 ($169) | JD75 ($106) |
| Savings | - | JD45 ($63) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy the Jordan Pass upon arrival?
No, the Jordan Pass must be purchased online before arriving in Jordan to benefit from the visa waiver. It cannot be purchased at the airport or border crossings.
How do I use the Jordan Pass for the visa waiver?
Present your Jordan Pass (printed or digital) along with your passport at immigration upon arrival. The officer will stamp your passport with a tourist visa at no additional cost.
Do children need a Jordan Pass?
Children under 12 years old can enter most tourist sites for free and typically receive a free visa when traveling with parents. Therefore, they usually don't need a Jordan Pass.
Can I visit Petra multiple times with the Jordan Pass?
Yes, but only on consecutive days according to your package (1, 2, or 3 days). You cannot split these days throughout your trip.
What if I stay less than 3 nights in Jordan?
If you stay less than 3 consecutive nights (4 days), you will need to pay the visa fee (JD40) at the airport or border when departing. The Jordan Pass will still cover your attraction entries.
Can I share my Jordan Pass with someone else?
No, the Jordan Pass is personal and non-transferable. It's linked to your passport number and cannot be shared or transferred to another person.
Final Tip
For the vast majority of visitors planning to see Petra and staying at least 3 nights in Jordan, the Jordan Pass offers excellent value and convenience. It simplifies your travel experience while providing significant cost savings.