Jordan Visa for British Passport Holders

From the ancient, rose-red city of Petra to the vast, Martian landscapes of Wadi Rum and the buoyant, salty waters of the Dead Sea, Jordan is a destination that truly ignites the imagination. For travelers from the United Kingdom, planning this adventure has become a key question of logistics: should I get a visa on arrival, an eVisa, or the famous "Jordan Pass"?

This guide will demystify the process, focusing on the new Jordan eVisa system. We'll answer your most searched "Jordan Visa for British Passport Holders" from processing times and document needs to which option is best for your trip.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Jordan?

Yes. Citizens of the United Kingdom must have a valid visa to enter Jordan. The good news is that you have multiple, very convenient options for getting one:

1. Visa on Arrival (VoA): You can get a visa stamp when you land at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman.
2. The Jordan Pass: An all-in-one tourist package that includes your visa fee and entry to major sites.
3. The Jordan eVisa: A pre-approved online visa you apply for before you travel.

This guide will focus on the eVisa and how it compares to the other options.

Jordan eVisa vs. The Jordan Pass

This is the most critical decision for a UK tourist.

• The Jordan Pass: This is not a visa. It is a tourism package that waives the 40 JOD (approx. £45) visa on arrival fee IF you stay in Jordan for a minimum of three consecutive nights (4 days). It also includes entry to over 40 sites, including Petra (which alone costs 50 JOD for one day). For 99% of tourists, the Jordan Pass is the best and most cost-effective option.
• The Jordan eVisa: This is a stand-alone visa. You apply and pay for it online, in advance. This is the best option for people who are not eligible for the Jordan Pass (e.g., staying less than 3 nights) or who are traveling for purposes other than tourism (like business or family visits).

Who is the eVisa For?

The eVisa is the right choice if you:

• Are staying in Jordan for less than 3 nights.
• Are traveling for business, education, or a family visit.
• Want the security of a multiple-entry visa for a longer period (e.g., 1 or 5 years).
• Are entering at a land border (like the Allenby Bridge) where a pre-approved visa is mandatory.

What are the Jordan eVisa Types?

If you've decided the eVisa is right for you, the online portal offers a huge range of options. This flexibility is its biggest advantage.

As you can see, the options are extensive:

• Transit eVisa - 72 hours, Single entry: For very short layovers where you plan to leave the airport.
• eVisa - 90 days, Single entry: The most common choice for a standard holiday.
• eVisa - 90 days, Double entry: Perfect if you plan to pop over to Israel or Egypt and come back.
• eVisa - 180 Days, Multiple entry: For frequent travelers.
• eVisa - 1 Year, Multiple entry: For regular business travelers or those visiting family.
• eVisa - 5 Years, Multiple entry: For those with deep business or personal ties to Jordan.

How to Apply for the Jordan eVisa: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process is straightforward and 100% online.

1. Fill Out the Application: You'll navigate to the application form, where you'll enter your details (name, address, etc.) exactly as they appear on your passport.
2. Select Your Visa: Choose the visa type (from the list above) and your purpose of visit.
3. Upload Documents: Upload the few required documents.
4. Pay the Fee: Pay the visa fee online using a valid credit card.
5. Receive Your Approval: Your approved eVisa will be emailed to you as a PDF.

What "Purpose of Visit" Should I Select?

The application form asks you to be specific about your intentions. This dropdown menu is more than just a formality; the purpose you select can influence the documents you're asked for and the scrutiny your application receives.

• For Tourists: For most UK travelers, you should simply select "Tourism" or "Visit historical sites." These are the most straightforward options and align with the minimal document requirements.
• For Business: If you select "Business" or "Official Visit," be prepared to upload supporting documents, such as an invitation letter from your counterpart company in Jordan or a letter from your UK employer.
• For Other Purposes: Options like "Family Visit," "Education," or "Medical treatment" may also require specific proof, like a letter from your family or an acceptance letter from a hospital or school.

Rule of thumb: Be honest. If you're coming for a mix of tourism and wellness, selecting "Tourism" or "Wellness, Spa" is fine.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Jordan Visa?

For UK citizens applying for a tourist eVisa, the Jordan eVisa Requirements list is refreshingly short. The one non-negotiable upload is:

• Passport Bio Page: A clear, high-resolution color scan of your UK passport's information page (the one with your photo).

This simple upload is the single biggest reason for an application to be delayed or rejected. To avoid this, ensure your scan:

• It is in full color (not black and white).
• Is not blurry and all text is perfectly readable.
• Has no glare or reflections obscuring your photo or details.
• Shows all four corners of the passport's information page.

For business or other visa types, you will be prompted to upload additional documents (like an invitation letter) based on the "Purpose of Visit" you selected.

What Are the Jordan eVisa Processing Times?

One of the best features of the Jordan eVisa is the clear, tiered processing schedule. You can choose the speed you need.

• Normal Processing: 3-5 Working Days
• Rush Processing: 1-3 Working Days
• Super Rush Processing: 24 Hours

These rapid options are fantastic for last-minute business trips or spontaneous holidays, offering peace of mind that you'll have your approval in time.

How Much Does the Jordan eVisa Cost?

The cost depends on the visa type and the processing speed. Choosing "Rush" or "Super Rush" processing will add an extra service fee to these base prices. Remember, if you buy the Jordan Wanderer Pass (70 JOD), it includes the 40 JOD visa fee and one day in Petra (50 JOD), saving you money instantly.

How Do I Check My Application Status?

After you submit your application, you can check online at any time. Using your application reference number, you can check the status, which will typically show as "Pending," "In Process," or "Approved." You will also receive an email notification once a decision is made.

Can I Enter Jordan by Land with the eVisa?

Yes. The approved eVisa is valid at Jordan's major international airports (like Amman and Aqaba) as well as at the main land borders. This makes the eVisa a flexible option if you are doing a multi-country Middle East tour.

However, you must be aware of the rules at different crossings.

The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge Exception: A Critical Warning

This is a major "real problem" for travelers. The Allenby Bridge (known as King Hussein Bridge on the Jordanian side) is the crossing point directly between Jerusalem/West Bank and Jordan.

You CANNOT get a visa on arrival at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge.

You must have a pre-approved visa before you arrive at this border. This makes the Jordan eVisa or a pre-purchased Jordan Pass (which acts as your visa waiver) an absolute necessity for this crossing. Do not show up without one.

What About the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) Visa?

You may have heard of a "free visa" in Aqaba. This is true. If you arrive in Aqaba (by port, land border from Eilat, or at the airport) and state you are staying in the Aqaba zone, you can receive a free visa.

However, it has strict conditions. You must leave Jordan from an Aqaba border crossing as well, and if you travel north to Petra or Wadi Rum, you must do so within a certain timeframe. For most tourists, the Jordan Pass is a much simpler, more flexible option.

Do My Children Need Their Own Visa or Jordan Pass?

Yes. Every individual, regardless of age (including infants and children), must have their own visa or their own Jordan Pass to enter Jordan. When you buy a Jordan Pass, you must buy one for each family member.

Do I Need to Print My Jordan eVisa?

Yes, absolutely. You must print a physical copy of your approved eVisa (the PDF they email you). The airline staff at check-in in the UK will ask to see it, and the immigration officer in Jordan will need to see it to stamp you into the country. Do not rely on having it on your phone.

What if I Make a Mistake on My Jordan Visa Application?

This is a common "real problem." If you make a small typo, you should contact the eVisa support team immediately. However, if the error is serious (e.g., wrong passport number), you will likely have to submit a new application and pay the fee again. Double-check your passport number and date of birth before you submit.

My Jordan eVisa Payment Failed.

Another frequent issue is payment failure. If your payment doesn't go through, don't panic. Try these steps:

• Try a different card: The payment gateway may not accept all card types.
• Try a different browser: Switch from Chrome to Firefox, or try on your mobile phone.
• Call your bank: Your bank (especially Monzo or Revolut) might be blocking the foreign transaction. Let them know you are making a payment to Jordan.
• Wait and retry: Sometimes the portal is just busy. Wait an hour and try again.

What's the Difference Between Jordan Visa Validity and Duration of Stay?

This is a vital concept for Jordan eVisa Validity.

• Validity: This is the window of time you have to enter Jordan. For example, a 90-day visa might be "Valid for 6 months." This means you can enter Jordan any time within those 6 months.
• Duration of Stay: This is the maximum number of days you can remain in Jordan after you enter. This is the "90 days" part.

Your "Duration of Stay" (e.g., 90 days) begins on the day you arrive, as long as you arrive before the "Validity" date expires.

My Jordan eVisa Was Approved. Am I Guaranteed Entry?

This is an important legal distinction. An approved eVisa (or a Jordan Pass) makes you eligible to travel to Jordan, but it is not a 100% guarantee of entry.

The final decision always rests with the immigration officer at the border. As long as you are polite, have your printed eVisa, your valid passport, and can answer simple questions about your trip (e.g., "Where are you staying?"), you will have no problems.

Can I Extend My Visa While I'm in Jordan?

What if you fall in love with Wadi Rum and want to stay longer? You can extend your visa, but you cannot do it online.

You must go in person to a main police station (e.g., in Amman or Aqaba) before your current visa expires. It can be a bureaucratic process, so it's best to apply for the correct visa duration (e.g., the 180-day eVisa) from the start if you think you might stay longer.

Final Verdict: eVisa, VoA, or Jordan Pass?

Let's make it simple for you.

• Choose the JORDAN PASS if: You are a tourist, staying 3 nights or more, and plan to visit Petra. This is the best value for money for 99% of UK tourists.
• Choose the eVISA if: You are staying less than 3 nights, traveling for business, want a multiple-entry visa, or are crossing at the Allenby Bridge.
• Choose the VISA ON ARRIVAL (VoA) if: You are a tourist, eligible for the Jordan Pass (staying 3+ nights), but forgot to buy it online. You can buy the Pass at a special desk before immigration at Amman airport (AMM).

Whichever path you choose, Jordan awaits with its incredible history, world-class hospitality, and landscapes that will stay with you forever.