It’s a change that slipped under the radar for most travelers, but it’s about to make visits to Jordan longer than 14 days a bit more complicated. A new mandatory requirement has just been introduced, and it comes with a hefty fine if you miss it.
Effective Since October
Since last October, foreign tourists staying in Jordan for more than 14 days are now required to register with the police during their first 14 days in the country. The purpose? To declare their residential address in Jordan during that period. Miss this step, and you’re looking at a fine of nearly $270 (200 Jordanian dinars).
It’s worth noting that holders of transit visas, pilgrimage visas, or the Jordan Pass – a tourist package offering multiple benefits and a waiver of visa fees (40 dinars) – are exempt from this requirement.
So, is this genuinely about “prevention,” or is it simply an incentive for every visitor to purchase the famous Jordan Pass to help revive the country’s struggling tourism industry?
Tourism Struggling to Bounce Back
Unlike neighboring Egypt, which doesn’t seem to be suffering much from the tensions and conflict that have gripped the region for months now, Jordanian tourism has been in a slump for quite some time.
Whether it’s the capital Amman, the stunning ruins of Jerash, the Dead Sea, the Dana Reserve, the breathtaking Wadi Rum desert, or the beach resort of Aqaba that borders its Israeli neighbor Eilat – these destinations sit just a few kilometers from the border with Israel and Palestine. Perhaps too close for many visitors who are either canceling or postponing their trips to a country that hasn’t directly “suffered” from recent events on its own soil.
And what about Jordan’s most famous tourist site? The unmissable Petra, with its tombs, temples of extraordinary architectural richness, and countless archaeological remains bearing witness to history, appears to be hit even harder than other destinations. This Wonder of the Modern World is experiencing a dramatic drop in visitor numbers, with predictable consequences for local communities and those working at the site. Where thousands of daily visitors were common not so long ago, now only a few hundred arrive each day. The result: visitor numbers plummeted from over one million entries in 2023 to just 250,000 foreign visitors in 2024. And the outlook for 2025 might not look much brighter when the final tally comes in. Such a shame…
Info: visitjordan.com
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
