Jordan tourist visa: who needs one, how long you can stay and how to extend

The Ministry of Interior divides nationalities into restricted and non-restricted. Restricted nationals, including citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan and other listed states, need prior approval: a person or company in Jordan applies for a visit visa for them on the MOI e-services portal while they are still abroad. Holders of travel documents rather than passports are also treated as restricted, except Vatican documents.

Non-restricted nationals have two options: an instant e-visa bought online from the MOI, or a visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and most land borders. Jordan Pass, bought before arrival, waives the single-entry visa fee for tourists who stay at least two consecutive nights, and the Jordan Pass help pages name South Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan and the Vatican as nationalities exempt from paying visa fees.

For restricted nationals, the MOI asks the applicant in Jordan to upload a copy of the visitor's passport or travel document valid for at least six months, and proof of the visitor's residence in a third country of at least six months if they do not live in their home country. A non-Jordanian sponsor adds a copy of their own passport and Jordanian residence permit; a company or institution adds its valid professional licence.

The MOI e-applications page sets a service allowance of JOD 2 and a financial guarantee of JOD 1,000 for each invited person; categories that were already exempt from fees and guarantees remain exempt. Payment can be made by card through the electronic payment portal.

In January 2026 the Minister of Interior announced that foreigners arriving at any border point are granted temporary residence for three months instead of one, recorded directly in the passport at the border. The visa system itself is unchanged, and the rule does not apply to people entering on a work visa. Before the change, visitors received one month and had to visit a police station to extend by two months.

The decision is based on the Residence and Foreigners Affairs Law No. 24 of 1973. The ministry presented it as a way to support tourism and medical tourism and to give potential investors time to study opportunities.

If you intend to stay more than two weeks, Article 11 of the residence law requires you to visit the Public Security Directorate, one of its branches or a security centre and declare your personal data and address. Hotels, hostels and anyone hosting a foreigner must notify the police within 48 hours of arrival or departure, and landlords of furnished flats within 24 hours. Breaches are fined JOD 200 under Article 36.

Departure by land or sea carries a departure tax, which the Jordan Tourism Board puts at JOD 10 at all border crossings except airports.

A visitor already in Jordan can apply online for an extension of temporary residence for a total of up to six months from the date of entry. The application is filed in Jordan, while the visitor is inside the country, with a copy of the passport valid for at least six months, the visa used for entry and the last entry stamp. The approval notice must be used within two months of being issued.

Staying beyond six months requires a residence permit for a specific purpose, such as study, work, family or a bank deposit.