Highlights

Petra

The ancient “rose city,” Petra is Jordan’s most iconic site — carved into sandstone cliffs and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a breathtaking feat of Nabataean architecture. 

Wadi Rum

Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum’s desert landscape of red sands and towering rock formations offers unforgettable 4×4 safaris and nights under the stars. 

Dead Sea

Float effortlessly in the world’s saltiest lake, the Dead Sea, known also for its therapeutic mineral-rich mud and sweeping desert hills.

Amman

Jordan’s dynamic capital blends modern life with ancient history — explore its citadel, Roman theatre, markets, and steep, winding hillsides.

Jerash

Take a step back to the Roman Empire in Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, with colonnaded streets and towering temples.

Wadi Mujib

This dramatic gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of Jordan,” is perfect for canyoning and hiking through its river-worn canyon walls.

Useful information

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Communications

Country Code for Jordan: +962 

Official Travel advice: 

Jordan Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Jordan | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

Emergency Services: 911 

Australian Embassy, Amman 

Abdullah Ben Al Hussein Street,
Amman 11118, Jordan 
Phone: +962 6 593 2500 
Website: smartraveller.gov.au 

New Zealand Embassy, Amman 

Abdullah Ben Al Hussein Street, 
PO Box 94, Amman 11118, Jordan 
Telephone: +962 6 586 2000 
Email: amman.embassy@nzembassy.govt.nz

Customs

Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, and modest dress is encouraged - shoulders and knees should be covered, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.  

 
During Ramadan, be discreet when eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours and always ask permission before photographing people, especially in Bedouin or more traditional communities. 

 

When greeting locals, a warm smile and a simple "Salam Alaikum" (peace be upon you) is a great start. Handshakes are common between men, but between men and women, it's best to wait and see if the woman extends her hand first. In homes and some religious sites, it's important to remove your shoes before entering. Always follow the host's lead or check with your guide. 

Electricity

Electrical Socket types: A and B 
Voltage: 120V, 60Hz 

Health

Travel to Jordan requires a high degree of caution according to Smartraveller, especially given regional security risks. There are health risks including MERS‑CoV, for which it’s advised to avoid products contaminated with camel secretions, and to wash hands regularly.  Waterborne, foodborne, insect‑borne, and other infectious diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid, measles, and sandfly fever are present, so travellers should drink only boiled or bottled water, avoid raw or undercooked foods, make sure their accommodation is insect‑proof, and use insect repellent. While Amman has high‑quality private medical services, health care outside major cities can be basic, and ambulance services may require payment upfront — serious illness or injury may mean you’ll need medical evacuation, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. 

 

Official Travel advice: 

Jordan Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Jordan | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

How to Get There & Getting Around

Visitors to Jordan usually arrive via Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Once in Jordan Smart traveller has a number of recommendations. Driving is possible, but travellers must have both a valid Australian driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit. Road travel in remote desert areas can be risky, especially at night; roads may be poorly lit, and accidents or breakdowns can be dangerous due to isolation. For public transport, buses are available but can be crowded; taxis should be licensed or arranged by hotels for safety. 

Holidays & Festivals

  • Labour Day – 1 May: International holiday celebrating workers and their contributions. 
  • Independence Day – 25 May: Marks Jordan’s independence from British rule in 1946. 
  • Eid al-Fitr – Date varies: Celebrates the end of Ramadan with prayers, family gatherings, and feasting. 
  • Eid al-Adha – Date varies: Islamic festival of sacrifice, observed nationwide with time off and family celebrations. 
  • Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts – Summer (typically July/August): Held in the ancient Roman city of Jerash, featuring music, dance, and theatrical performances by local and international artists. 
  • Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival – February: Celebrates Bedouin traditions, crafts, and music along the Red Sea coast. 

Language

The official language of Jordan is Arabic, though English is widely spoken, especially in cities. In some urban or tourist areas, you may also hear other European languages like French, German, Italian, or Spanish among more educated or internationally travelled Jordanians.

Money, Tipping & Shopping

The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but in traditional markets (souks) and smaller shops, cash in Jordanian Dinar is more commonly used. ATMs are widely available in Amman and other major cities, but less so in remote or rural areas. Smartraveller says, as a courtesy, tipping is common in Jordan - in restaurants and for guides or drivers - though the exact amount depends on the service. 

Visas

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

 

Australians can apply for an e‑Visa before they travel or obtain a single-entry visa valid for 30 days on arrival at Queen Alia Airport or most land border crossings. The visa fee is typically 40 Jordanian Dinar (JOD) for a single entry, though this can be waived if you present a Jordan Pass. For stays over 30 days or for non-tourist purposes (like work or study), Australians may need to arrange their visa in advance.  

 

Likewise, New Zealand citizens can get a tourist visa either via e‑Visa or on arrival in Jordan, also at a cost of around 40 JOD. On arrival visas are available at most international entry points, though not all land borders (for example, the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge may have restrictions).  

 

Official Travel advice: 

Jordan Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Jordan | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

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