Planning a trip to Jordan often brings up one crucial question for international travelers: Is the Jordan Pass worth it? For most visitors, this all-in-one tourist package sounds like a great deal, but understanding what it includes and how much money it actually saves you is key before making a purchase.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the costs, benefits, and key details to help you decide if buying the Jordan Pass is the right choice for your travel plans.
What is the Jordan Pass?
The Jordan Pass is an official tourist package created by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. It is designed to make sightseeing easier and more affordable for international tourists staying in Jordan for at least three consecutive nights.
The pass acts as a combined ticket that covers:
- Waived Entry Visa Fee: Covers the standard tourist visa fee (40 JOD / ~$56 USD) upon arrival.
- Free Entry to Over 40 Attractions: Grants free admission to major sites including Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and the Amman Citadel.
- Free Digital Travel Brochures: Provides downloadable maps and guides for exploring the country.
How Much Does the Jordan Pass Cost?
There are three main tiers for the Jordan Pass, depending on how many days you plan to explore Petra:
| Package Name | Price in JOD | Petra Days Included |
| Jordan Wanderer | 70 JOD (~$99 USD) | 1 Day in Petra |
| Jordan Explorer | 75 JOD (~$106 USD) | 2 Consecutive Days in Petra |
| Jordan Expert | 80 JOD (~$113 USD) | 3 Consecutive Days in Petra |
Doing the Math: How Much Do You Save?
To determine if the pass is worth your money, let us look at a basic cost comparison for a classic 4-day or 5-day Jordan trip.
Standard Individual Costs (Without the Pass):
- Tourist Visa on Arrival: 40 JOD
- 1-Day Petra Entrance Ticket: 50 JOD
- Jerash Ruins Ticket: 10 JOD
- Wadi Rum Protected Area Entry: 5 JOD
- Total Cost Without Pass: 105 JOD (~$148 USD)
Cost With the Jordan Pass (Wanderer Tier):
- Jordan Pass Price: 70 JOD (~$99 USD)
- Total Savings: 35 JOD (~$49 USD) per person!
If you visit additional sites like the Amman Citadel (3 JOD) or Ajloun Castle (3 JOD), your total savings become even higher.
When is the Jordan Pass NOT Worth It?
While the pass offers great value for most tourists, there are a few scenarios where buying it might not make sense:
- Staying Less Than 3 Nights: If you stay fewer than 3 nights (4 days), you will be charged the standard 40 JOD visa fee upon exit at the airport.
- Arab Passports and Certain Nationalities: Citizens of Arab countries or specific exempted nationalities pay reduced entry fees at sites like Petra and do not need a tourist visa.
- Cruises and Day Trips from Israel: Travelers entering via specific land borders or ports for a quick day trip may have different border fee structures.
Important Tips for Buying and Using Your Pass
- Buy Online Before Arrival: Purchase your pass on the official website (
jordanpass.jo) before flying to Jordan. - Keep a Digital Copy on Your Phone: You can present the QR code on your smartphone or print out a PDF copy for border officers and site inspectors.
- Pair with Private Transportation: Having a pass saves you time at ticket booths, allowing your private driver to get you between attractions faster and more comfortably.
Need Help Planning Your Trip?
At Jordan Horizons, we offer tailored tour itineraries and comfortable private driver services across Jordan. Contact us via WhatsApp today to book your hassle-free private transportation!