Changes in Visa and Border Regulations for Jordan in 2016

IMPORTANT: Starting January 1, 2016, the Jordanian Authorities announced changes for the border crossing and visa requirements for entering Jordan through the Arava Border Crossing next to Eilat and Aqaba.

As one of the largest providers of tours from Israel to Petra, we are pleased to announce that all of the tours listed in our website will continue into 2016, with some minor changes. This article will keep you up to date with the border crossing and visa requirement changes as they become available. We will be updating this site over the next few weeks with new information. Please see our selection of tours to Petra in our site, and contact us for any questions.

Border Crossing and Visa Requirements for Entering Jordan until December 31, 2015:

Arava Border Crossing: Visa is issued upon arrival in Jordan for most nationalities. Visa is free. Border crossing fee cost $65, which includes payment to both Israel and Jordan.
The Arava Border Crossing is the major border crossing used for tours from Eilat to Petra. This crossing is the closest to Eilat, making the journey to Petra faster. The other two border crossings (Allenby and Sheikh Hussein/Beit Shean/River Jordan) are more expensive and add additional time to the journey.
Beit Shean Border Crossing: Visas are issued for free to most international travelers, but border taxes cost much more at $107 per person.
Allenby Bridge Border Crossing: Visas must be rearranged. (Certain tour operators like Tourist Israel can arrange the visa for travelers.)

Border Crossing and Visa Requirements for Entering Jordan beginning January 1, 2016

Travelers in groups can still receive upon arrival if they cross through the Arava Border Crossing subject to a $60 visa fee. For those who have pre-arranged a visa in their country, there will be no such fee (NB there will be the same $65 border tax as before)
Those wanting to travel outside of a group tour will not be able to receive a visa at the border.
No changes to procedures or requirements for the Beit Shean Border Crossing or the Allenby Bridge Border Crossing.

How this Affects Tours to Petra

As one of the leading operators of tours from Israel to Petra, Tourist Israel is excited to announce that our tours will continue to operate to Jordan as usual.
Our tours which previously crossed at the Arava Border Crossing will continue to operate without change, but those who have not pre-arranged a visa in their country (this is not required), will need to pay the $60 visa fee to the Jordanian authorities.
Our tours which cross via the Beit Shean Border Crossing continue without change.