Passport and Visa Rules for Petra: What You Need at the Gate

Required: A valid passport at the Petra ticket office (no exceptions). Visa rules depend on your nationality and where you are crossing. Most visitors qualify for visa-on-arrival (40 JOD) or ASEZ free visa from Aqaba. Jordan Pass holders can waive the visa, but only if staying three consecutive nights.

PassportMust show at ticket office. Valid for 6+ months recommended.

Visa costs40 JOD (~$57) for most nationalities on arrival at the border

Visa-free or visa-on-arrival countriesCheck gov.jo for your nationality—varies

ASEZ (Aqaba entry)Free visa for up to 30 days if you enter and exit through Aqaba, minimum 2 nights

Jordan PassWaives 40 JOD visa if you stay 3 consecutive nights (three-night trap exists)

Passport copy for Sharm tourRequired. Send 2 days before to the local partner.

Israel stamp conflictIsraeli passport holders must use Israeli passport at every crossing (no loopholes)

Passport at the ticket office

Bring your valid passport to Petra. You must show it to buy a ticket. No exceptions, no scans, no photos. If you do not have your passport, you cannot enter. Keep it safe but accessible. Most hotels have safes; you can leave most of your valuables there and carry your passport, money, and phone.

Visa on arrival (40 JOD)

Most nationalities can buy a visa on arrival at the border when entering Jordan. Cost: 40 JOD (~$57, USD, EUR, or JOD accepted). Jordanian officials will collect this and stamp your passport. You do not need to arrange it in advance. Your tour operator will help you through the process if you are on a guided tour.

ASEZ from Aqaba (free visa)

If you enter Jordan through Aqaba (airport, port, or Wadi Araba from Eilat), you can get a free visa for up to 30 days under Aqaba Special Economic Zone rules. Conditions: you must exit through the same Aqaba port, and you must stay a minimum of two nights. The Aqaba tour qualifies for this automatically. The Eilat tour also benefits (you enter via Wadi Araba into the ASEZ zone).

Jordan Pass (three-night trap)

The Jordan Pass costs 70–80 JOD and waives the 40 JOD visa. But the visa waiver only works if you stay three consecutive nights in Jordan. Buy the Jordan Pass, stay one night, and you still pay the 40 JOD visa at the border on your way out. This is the "three-night trap" and catches people off guard. Only buy the Pass if you are genuinely staying three full nights or more.

Israeli passport holders: no workarounds

If you hold an Israeli passport, you must use it at every crossing into Jordan. There are no workarounds with dual nationalities at this crossing. Use your Israeli passport, expect the crossing to take longer, and be prepared for extra questioning. It is routine, not discriminatory, just slower.

Sharm El Sheikh tour: passport copy required

The Sharm tour requires a passport copy sent to the local partner at least two days before departure. This is for the ferry and the Jordanian entry visa. Make a photocopy, email it ahead, and keep your original passport with you on the day.

Insider tip

Bring your valid passport to the gate. Most nationalities can buy visa-on-arrival (40 JOD). ASEZ and Jordan Pass save you the visa if you meet their conditions. Israeli passport holders use their Israeli passport and expect a longer crossing.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to enter Jordan for Petra?

Most nationalities can buy a visa on arrival at the border (40 JOD, ~$57). Check gov.jo for your nationality; visa rules vary. No advance visa needed for most countries.

Can I skip the visa by using the Jordan Pass?

The Jordan Pass waives the 40 JOD visa, but only if you stay three consecutive nights in Jordan. Fewer than three nights and you pay the 40 JOD visa at the border anyway. It is the three-night trap—know it before you buy.

What about the ASEZ free visa from Aqaba?

If you enter through Aqaba (airport, Wadi Araba from Eilat, or the port), you get a free visa for up to 30 days. Conditions: you must exit through the same Aqaba port and stay at least 2 nights. The Aqaba tour qualifies automatically.

Do Israeli passport holders face issues?

Israeli passport holders must use their Israeli passport at every crossing. The crossing takes longer and there may be extra questioning, but it is routine. No workarounds or dual-passport tricks work here.