Israel – Jordan border crossing: Ultimate guide

The Israeli – Jordan border crossing is one of the few overland borders in the Middle East which can be crossed. Jordan and Israel are not the best friends in the world but both countries signed a peace agreement some decades ago so, surprisingly, travel to Jordan from Israel (and vice-versa) is pretty easy and straightforward.

However, this is the Middle East, which means that there is a bunch of confusing rules you should know before crossing such a border.  

Things to know before crossing the border

Don’t trust any information coming from an official source

If there is something I learned after several years traveling in the Middle East is that, when it comes to bureaucracy stuff, you can’t trust the local authorities.

The Middle East is the most chaotic, changing, and flexible region, I have ever been to.

This means that you should always take any information coming from any authority, including embassies, with a grain of salt.

For example, the Official Jordan Tourism board says that the Wadi Araba border doesn’t issue visas since January 2016.

Well, this information is totally wrong, as everybody can get a VOA.

With this, I am not saying that my information is right and theirs is wrong but, at least, I try to keep this post updated based on information from travelers who crossed the border recently.

Border timings

All borders are open every day, except during some specific Jewish holidays.

On Friday and Saturday, limited times apply.

You can find a very detailed schedule here.

Israeli stamps

Israelis don’t stamp your passport anymore but the Jordanian authorities might stamp it and that Jordanian stamp will be evidence that you came from Israel..

I recommend you read this updated post 

Avoid Israeli stamps – FAQ.

Crossing with your own vehicle

Entering Jordan from Israel (and vice-versa) in your own vehicle is possible but, if you plan to do a road trip in Jordan with an Israeli car, you might find your windows broken on the next day, so it’s definitely not a good idea.

Israeli people change their license plates to Jordanian ones at the border.

Israeli visa

Most high-GDP countries, including EU countries, the USA, Canada and Australia can get a free visa on arrival…