How to Apply for a Jordan Visa in Atlanta

UPDATED April 26, 2023

Millions of tourists visit the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan each year, enjoying the Arab state’s many historic, cultural, religious and natural treasures.  The Jordanian tourism industry is the largest private-sector employer in the country, accounting for 14% of its economy and drawing more than six million visitors annually, including visitors from the Atlanta area. 

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is located between the Red Sea, the Dead Sea, and the River Jordan at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe.  Modern-day Jordan has been inhabited by humans for several millennia.  The area had previously been part of the Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Roman, and Ottoman Empires before achieving independence from British rule in 1946.  The country of more than 10 million is predominantly Arab and the official language is Arabic -- the fifth-most spoken language in the world with more than 230 million.

However, 80 years after British rule ended, English remains Jordan’s primary foreign language as the kingdom pursues international trade to boost its economic growth.  English is still taught in Jordanian classrooms, as most top career opportunities require the ability to speak and write English.  There are also several institutions in Jordan that have carved out a niche teaching Arabic to English speakers. “With strengthening international commerce and trade agreements with the United States and European Union, the nation has surfaced as a hotbed for those looking to verse themselves in one of history's oldest and most influential languages – Arabic,” according to Go Overseas (https://www.gooverseas.com/language-schools/arabic/jordan). 

The United States-Jordan Free Trade Agreement of 2000 was the first FTA the U.S. signed with an Arab country.  Jordan’s global trade agreements bring a flow of business travelers to the region who pursue deals within Jordan and/or learn Arabic to improve their Middle East connections.

The United States also ranks among the top five sources of visitors to Jordan.  Amman, the capital and largest city in Jordan, is the nation’s business hub.  Known for its blend of ancient ruins and contemporary architecture, Amman is also the fourth most visited Arab city in the world.  The Jordan Museum contains numerous architectural treasures, including some of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Neolithic limestone statues. “The White City” is also considered one of the world’s most modern and liberal Arab cities, drawing expatriates and college students to its shopping malls, nightclubs, fine dining restaurants, and fast-food outlets.  Irbid, Jordan’s second largest city, offers museums and malls as well as several major universities that draw students from across the Middle East.

Most visitors from Atlanta are attracted to Jordan’s churches, mosques, and other historical and cultural sites spanning thousands of years of history.  The country has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and another dozen-plus pending approval.  The top attraction is Petra in Wadi Musa, home of the Nabateans, a complete city carved from colorful stones in a mountain.  One of the “Seven New Wonders of the World,” UNESCO-protected Petra includes a monastery, a Roman theater, ancient canals, and the Royal Tombs.  The ruins at Umm-ar-Rasas reflect Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic architecture.  Other ancient sites include the Eighth Century castle at Qusayr 'Umrah, and the medieval Crusader castles of Shoubak and Ajloun.  Religious sites include Al-Maghtas, a UNESCO site on the Jordan River where tradition holds that Christ was baptized; Muwakir, the stronghold where King Herod beheaded John the Baptist; the mosaics of Madaba; and Mount Nebo, from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before he died.

Jordan’s seashores and nature preserves are also popular with tourists from Atlanta.  The Dead Sea is home to world-class reports, water parks, bars and restaurants, and the beach club at O-Beach.  The town of Aqaba on the Gulf of Aqaba is known for its shopping centers, hotels, medieval ruins, vibrant nightlife, water sports, and scuba diving on its protected coral reefs.  The kingdom’s nature reserves include a desert oasis at the Azraq Wetlands; Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, a center for breeding endangered species; Mujib Nature Preserve on Wedi Mujib gorge at the Dead Sea; and the Dana Biosphere amidst the mountains and valleys of the Jordan Rift.  Outdoor adventures include rock climbing and camping in Wadi Rum, snorkeling the coral reefs of the Red Sea, camel trekking, mountain and desert cycling, and canyoning in Wadi Mujib, the world’s lowest natural reserve.

Jordan Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States and most other countries are required to obtain a visa before entering Jordan.  There is not currently a COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirement.  However, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country where that disease is prevalent.

The government offers a number of visas, as detailed by the Jordanian Ministry of Interior website: https://moi.gov.jo/En/Pages/E_Applications_for_Visa_and_Residence_Permits.  Visitor visas vary by the length of your stay and whether you plan to enter the country multiple times.

The primary requirement for U.S. citizens to obtain a visa is that your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry and in good condition.  It must also contain at least two blank pages for adding visa stamps.  If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will need to renew your travel document before applying for a visa.

The present options to obtain a Jordan visa are:

  • Effective March 19th 2023, applicants can now apply for an electronic visa, which replaces the process of obtaining a traditional visa through the embassy. 
  • Issued upon arrival; and
  • Apply online for a Jordan Pass, which combines a visa with entry to more than 40 prominent attractions

 

Obtaining a Jordan Visa from Atlanta

  • Option One: Jordan Pass

The most common option for Atlanta area residents planning a visit to Jordan is obtaining the Jordan Pass.  The Jordan Pass is actually a combination 30-day visa and sightseeing package. “The Jordan Pass is the ultimate sightseeing package that has been especially tailor-made for visitors to the beautiful Kingdom of Jordan,” the Jordan Pass website stated. “It gives pass holders the ability to make the most out of their trip visiting top sights and attractions while saving time, money and efforts.”

The Jordan Pass, created by the Jordan Tourism Board, provides access to more than 40 attractions in Jordan, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, and castles, such as Petra Wadi Rum, and Jerash.  If you purchase a Jordan Pass, your tourist entry fees are waived if you make your purchase in advance and stay at least four days/three nights.

There are three options available, depending on how many days you want to spend in Petra -- one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World”.  The options are:

  • Jordan Wanderer ($99 U.S.): one-day visit to Petra.
  • Jordan Explorer ($106): two consecutive days in Petra.
  • Jordan Expert ($113): three consecutive Petra days.

The costs include a 30-day, single-entry visa.  The attraction pass can be used within 12 months, and is valid for two weeks after entering your first tourist site.  To learn more or to purchase a Jordan Pass, visit https://jordanpass.jo/buynow.aspx?type=Wanderer.

  • Option Two: Visa on Arrival

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and most other nations can also obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival. “Jordanian immigration officials issue single entry visas to U.S. citizens for a fee upon arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport, the northern Sheikh Hussein crossing at the Israeli border, the Eilat/Wadi Araba crossing near Aqaba, and most other border crossings except the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge,” the U.S. State Department noted (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Jordan.html#).  If you will enter Jordan from Israel at a land border crossing, you must obtain your visa in advance. (NOTE: If you plan to obtain a visa on arrival (VOA), check to make sure which your border crossing will still issue a VOA, as Mideast tensions sometimes lead to delays and border closings).

When you arrive in Jordan, you will need to provide the same documentation as above.  The fees are also the same: $56.50 USD for a single entry, $85.00 for two entries, and $170.00 USD for a multiple-entry visa.  If you want to stay for more than 30 days, you can apply for a longer-term visa during your stay in Jordan.

The VOA is a good option if you do not have enough time to obtain a visa in advance.  However, you may also encounter long lines at the border as well as risk being turned away.

  • Option Three: Apply Through the Embassy   Apply for an electronic visa.

Atlanta area residents can now apply for the electronic visa through the Jordanian Ministry of Interior website as follows: https://moi.gov.jo/EN/Pages/Visa_E_Applications

Atlanta area residents visiting Jordan also have the option of obtaining a visitor visa in advance from the Jordanian Embassy in Washington, D.C.  The application is available through Jordan’s U.S. Embassy at https://mfa.gov.jo/documents/040822Visa%20Application%20for%20US-EU%20countries.pdf.  The application takes about 15 minutes to complete.  You must provide:

  • Your passport valid for at least six months with two blank visa pages.
  • A passport-style photo.
  • Payment for application and consulate fees.
  • Confirmed return flight
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • HIV test (if you plan to stay more than 30 days).

Fees vary depending upon how long you plan to stay and whether you expect to enter Jordan more than one time.  According to the visa application link listed above, the current visitor fees are:

  • For single entry visa valid for Two months from the date of issue: ($67.50) per applicant.
  • For double entries visa valid for Three months from the date of issue: ($97.50) per applicant.
  • For multiple entries visa valid for Six months from the date of issue: ($187.50) per applicant.
  • For multiple entries visa valid for (1) year from the date of issue: ($307.50) per applicant.
  • For U.S. Citizens, a multiple entry visa valid for (5) years ($160) per applicant.

You can either mail your application and supporting documentation to the Embassy address on its website, or make an appointment to submit your application in person.  If you mail your application, include a self-addressed postage-page envelope, and use either the U.S. Postal Service or UPS. Processing typically takes three to five business days.  You can also ask questions via email through the Embassy website.

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

Visa Supply can help you complete your application for the electronic visa and/or Jordan Pass and answer any questions about visiting Jordan.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Jordan.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans. 

If you live in Atlanta or anywhere in the state of Georgia and have difficulty applying for a Jordan visa, or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Jordan visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents. 

We provide the following Jordan visa services for our customers in Atlanta:

  • Jordan Tourist Visa
  • Jordan Business Visa
  • Jordan Official Visa
  • Jordan Pass
  • Jordan Hotel Accommodation