Tour Tips for Jordan - Jordan Travel FAQs

Airfare booked through Living Passages is done via group booking. Ticketing for groups is not done until several weeks prior to departure, so you can expect to receive your flight information and ticket numbers approximately 3 weeks before your travel date.

All tickets are issued electronically, so you'll receive your itinerary and ticket numbers via email, along with instructions on how to change/add seat assignments or purchase more legroom. Group bookings typically require travelers to check in at the airport, so make sure you arrive at least 2 hours prior to flight takeoff in order to check in and go through security.

Travelers to Jordan require a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry.  If you don’t have a passport yet, or if yours is expiring soon, you should apply for a new one as soon as possible. US Citizens can go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html for information on how to apply for/renew passports. Please be aware that passport processing times are long, and it may take up to 13 weeks to get your passport. Wait times to get an appointment for a first-time application before the process of issuance can begin can be long depending on your location, so please do not wait to make one. Please schedule an appointment right away if you need to apply for a new passport before your trip.

To find a passport acceptance facility near you, search here: Where to Apply for a Passport Nationwide (state.gov)

If you are utilizing our air program, your visas are included for arrivals into Jordan.  If you are arriving into Jordan from Saudi Arabia with us, into Jordan to either tour Jordan, continue on to Israel or any combination, we also will include the visa and departure fees in the cost of the tour.  But if you choose to arrive independently, on your own air, you will need to purchase your own visa(s).  If you are going to travel into Israel from Jordan, you will be asked to purchase an Israel visa.  It is under $5.00 and only needs done before your arrival in the country.

The currency used in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which is pegged to the US Dollar. 1 US Dollar is the equivalent of approximately 0.70 JOD.  We recommend not attempting to purchase the local currency prior to your trip. You would only need cash for incidental spending (think an occasional ice cream or beverage at a coffee shop) or tipping (perhaps for your driver or any local guides who you wish to bless), as everything else you may need cash for is already included in the tour. If you plan to use your credit card to pay for laundry service at a hotel, or any other extra services, it’s wise to check with your card issuer or bank about foreign transaction fees before you travel so there are no surprises. ATMs will dispense any withdrawals in the local currency. In general, cash is preferable to a credit card in Jordan. Most vendors in the souks or at Petra do not accept credit cards.  It’s much more of a cash economy than Israel or Saudi Arabia.

Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes that you will be able to walk around in on uneven ground, dirt, or rocks. We recommend your shoes have soles with plenty of traction and already be broken in so you don’t get blisters! These will protect your feet when we are out in the desert of Wadi Rum or hiking in Petra, as well as keep you comfortable when traveling. Avoid heavy hiking boots — these are usually overkill and too hot.

It’s also nice to have a pair to change into at the end of a long day, so do bring a pair of comfortable shoes as well, such as sandals - the locals wear them, too! They will be fine for hotel/Dead Sea. Your feet will thank you for prioritizing comfort and practicality over style.

If you need to do laundry on the trip, there are two options:

1. Use the laundry service at your hotel. The best time to do this is when you are staying at the same hotel for two nights in a row or more. It doesn’t typically cost too much to make use of the laundry service, so check with the hotel front desk when you check-in.
2. Do your laundry by hand. If you have delicate items or have packed clothing that dries quickly, it’s easy to do it in the sink at the hotel! 

The main trail from the entrance through the Siq (narrow gorge) to the Treasury is about 1.2 miles on relatively flat, ancient paved stone. Walking through the Siq is magical—the 1.2km narrow canyon with towering walls creates anticipation. Your first glimpse of the Treasury through the canyon's end is genuinely breathtaking and unlike anything else. Beyond the Treasury, the site sprawls across valleys and mountains with thousands of tombs, temples, and structures. The High Place of Sacrifice offers panoramic views but be aware that this is a steep climb. The combination of walking distance, heat, and terrain elevation makes this more demanding than typical sightseeing.

It's a desert environment with limited shade. Sun protection is critical: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.  Bathrooms are available but limited beyond the main areas. Bedouin vendors sell jewelry, postcards, and refreshments throughout the site.

Donkeys and camels are available for hire. There are also golf carts available for hire on a first-come first served basis. There are enough of them that even if it’s busy the wait is very short.

The standard trip is to the treasury 25 JOD per person but they can go down to the basin as well. It is cheaper to take the golf cart to the Treasury and take a camel down to the basin if you are averse to a lot of walking.

Expect to be physically tired and spiritually awestruck. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and give yourself permission to sit and simply absorb the magnitude of what the Nabataeans accomplished here over 2,000 years ago. It's called one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for good reason.

Thousands of people of varying fitness levels successfully complete Jordan tours every year and with proper preparation, realistic expectations, and the right gear, you can too.

Nothing prepares you for how much walking is involved at Petra. It’s a good idea to begin working on your endurance now, especially if you do not typically do much walking. If you are not used to heat, please keep in mind that the sun can sap your energy and you will need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

If you are concerned about your mobility and need more information about this tour, please give us a call at (888) 771-8717 or (208) 765-8500 and we can discuss the activity level as it pertains to your needs specifically.

Each shirt is custom-ordered based on the size you requested in your traveler information form when you completed your registration, according to the size chart provided. Because shirts are customized for each tour and traveler, we unfortunately don’t have the ability to exchange these gifts at this time. However, if your shirt does not fit you as desired, please still bring it on the tour and have it with you at dinner on the first night: you may find that other travelers are looking to swap for a different size as well and that you can exchange them amongst yourselves!

Airlines change their luggage restrictions frequently, and no airline is the same. It’s always best to check directly with the airline you are booked on to see the latest luggage requirements, and what kind of items you are allowed to bring on the plane.

Living Passages strongly recommends traveling light and packing everything you will need for your trip into a carry-on bag and “personal item,” such as a small backpack. Checked luggage can sometimes be lost by airlines, resulting in travelers not receiving their baggage for days after their arrival. This can cause unnecessary issues, and your tour schedule may not allow much time or opportunity for purchasing replacement items if your luggage is lost.

Because of this, as well as ever-increasing fees for checked luggage, we suggest not checking a bag unless absolutely necessary, or limiting yourself to a single checked bag in these cases. Our buses have limited room for luggage transportation, and there will not be space to keep more than a small backpack with you on the bus.

If you need to check a bag, be sure to pack a couple of changes of clothing, necessary toiletries, and all medications, cameras, etc. in your carry-on luggage just in case your checked luggage is delayed. This way, if your checked bag is delayed or lost, you’ll have what you need to enjoy the first days of your tour while the airline forwards it to you, without missing valuable days of your trip to shopping.

Special luggage tags will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure - please attach these to each piece of luggage. They are very helpful to baggage handlers at hotels!

Always bring all necessary medications with you in their original containers, along with copies of the prescriptions. It’s wise to bring enough for the entire trip, along with a little extra, as there will not always be a place to get refills. If you wear eyeglasses, bring an extra pair and the prescription just in case.

In Jordan, toilet paper is not always guaranteed in public restrooms – it’s wise to carry some tissues or a travel toilet kit just in case! Hand sanitizer spray is great for a quick cleanse while traveling, too!

Being well-hydrated will help you feel your best on this trip. Consider bringing some electrolytes to put in your water each day, such as NUUN Tablets, or something equally easy to pack in your suitcase to keep you refreshed and energized. Always bring water with you when you leave for a day of touring!

You might want to consider wearing a fanny pack or light daypack to carry your water, camera, Bible, and any other incidentals you may need for a day of touring. For those who may be on a tour that involves climbing and hiking (such as Mount Paran in Wadi Rum), we recommend something like the Osprey Daylight Plus, which can fit a water bladder and has plenty of storage while remaining lightweight and comfortable. Whatever you choose to use, make sure it fits the carry-on flight restrictions of the airline you’re flying with if you’ll be using it as your personal item on the plane. We always recommend that you keep your passport, wallet, and cash in a secure location that is out of sight. While crime is low, a money belt or pouch that is worn beneath your shirt will keep your valuables more secure from pickpockets you may encounter in crowded areas. Do not keep your passport, wallet, or phone in your pockets or in your name badge lanyard, as these are easily accessed or stolen.

Electronics and Power

Critical Information: Jordan uses Type F plugs (two round pins) compatible with European devices and also Type C and Type E plugs. Sockets are standardized to 230-volt power at 50Hz.

What You Need:

• Universal travel adapter with Type F compatibility (or dedicated Type F adapter)
• Voltage converter if your devices aren't dual-voltage (check labels—most modern electronics are 110-240V)
• Power bank for charging phone/camera during long touring days
• Extra camera batteries and memory cards
• Headphones for flights and bus rides

Devices to Consider:

• Smartphone with international plan or local SIM capability
• Camera (smartphone works, but dedicated camera captures Petra better)
• E-reader loaded with books about Jordan, biblical history, or archaeology
• Portable phone charger (10,000+ mAh capacity)

For more packing tips and product recommendations, check out our blog for 8 Tips to Help You Pack Like a Pro.

Jordan is a moderately Muslim country with a small percentage of Christians as well. Here are some things to keep in mind as you travel:

• Muslim prayer takes place 5 times a day at scheduled times. We may be preparing to see a site when the drivers or guides will need to take their prayer time. Please anticipate interruptions like this and be prepared to have a patient, Christ-like, humble response.
• Do not wear or bring Jewish symbols especially with you on this trip. Do not bring tracts or gospel documents to pass out. You will endanger yourself and the rest of the group if you choose to ignore this. Missionary activity is illegal. A personal Bible is fine.
• Never eat, pass, or receive food with your left hand.
• Alcohol and pork are not prohibited but in some areas of Jordan alcohol is difficult to find outside of hotels.
• It is considered rude to show the sole of your foot or shoe - please be mindful of how you sit or cross your legs so that you are not exposing the bottom of your feet to anyone.
• Jordanians are very friendly and tourism is a major part of their local economy.  Unlike Saudi Arabia they are used to tourists.
• Smoking is very common in Jordan, and you will encounter it everywhere: hotel lobbies, airport lounges, etc. You may find residue even in non-smoking hotel rooms, and your drivers may smoke as they take you from site to site. Please know that, unfortunately, we have no control over this.

There are some significant restrictions on photography. Please respect them by:

• Not taking pictures of any government or official buildings (airports, military facilities, etc).
• Never taking pictures of Jordanian women without their permission

If in doubt, skip the photo and don’t risk it.

Please note that Jordanian security will confiscate drones that have not been specifically cleared via application process beforehand.

While technically legal with prior approval from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) and the Ministry of Interior, obtaining these permits is difficult and must be done at least 10 days in advance. Without written, stamped approval, your drone will likely be seized at the airport.

It is highly advised not to bring a drone to Jordan unless you are a professional production crew with a local fixer navigating the lengthy approval process. Casual recreational flying is generally not permitted, and the risk of having your equipment confiscated is very high.

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry.

Always drink bottled water and some may even prefer to brush teeth with bottled water.

Jordan has fewer restrictions on prescription medication than the US and antibiotics are routinely sold over the counter without prescription if one knows specifically what to request.

Insect repellent is often a good idea to have with you. 

Tipping is customary in the Middle East just like it is here at home. For good service, tips are between 10-15%. Tips for your tour guides and drivers are included in your tour. However, if you end up requiring extra attention from a driver, do consider taking care of them financially with a little something extra.

Porterage for your luggage is prepaid, although if there is an awkward moment with a bellman, an additional 2 JOD is appreciated when he’s brought your luggage up to your room.

Tipping for all your meals provided by Living Passages is included, although this does not include sodas, specialty coffees, juices, etc. If you are seated for a meal and order a beverage, it’s customary to leave a small tip on the table and settle your bill before retiring to your room.

To make sure you can use your phone while traveling, contact your cell phone service provider before you leave to ask about plans that cover you in Jordan. If they have an international plan, you can add it to your phone then. If you need to add unlimited data, please do, but if using the hotel wifi at the hotel in the evenings will be enough for your use, do not feel that it’s necessary.
You can also purchase a SIM card at the airport if needed. Two popular cell networks in Jordan are Orange and Zain.  In Wadi Rum, the cell coverage will drop as soon as you leave the village and enter the desert.

There will be internet access at the hotels we stay at in Jordan. Some offer it for free, others charge, and some will offer it for free in the lobby areas. If you need to stay connected and able to email, call, and contact others while traveling, we recommend purchasing an international mobile plan with unlimited data.

Power outlets require a different type of plug than you are used to in the United States - Jordan uses Type F plugs (two round pins) compatible with European devices and also Type C and Type E plugs. Sockets are standardized to 230-volt power at 50Hz.

We suggest a Universal travel adapter with Type F compatibility (or dedicated Type F adapter) and a Voltage converter if your devices aren't dual-voltage (check labels—most modern electronics are 110-240V). Consider bringing a power bank for charging phone/camera during long touring days. 

Christians comprise about 2-4% of Jordan's population and are well-integrated and respected within Jordanian society. Many of the country's biblical sites are maintained by active Christian communities, and both Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. Churches remain visible and active throughout Jordanian cities, reflecting the longstanding presence of Christianity in the region.  Christmas is a public national holiday.

Jordan's religious landscape is enriched by a shared heritage between Muslims and Christians. Many Jordanian Muslims are quite familiar with biblical narratives, as prophets like Moses and Abraham feature prominently in the Quran as well. Jordanians take genuine pride in their country's biblical significance and the role it plays in salvation history. Religious discussions, when approached with mutual respect, can be deeply enriching for visitors and locals alike. It's important not to assume ignorance about Christianity among Muslim Jordanians—many are well-versed in Bible stories and appreciate thoughtful conversations about shared religious heritage and the theological connections between the faiths.

The following are some of our videos that may also help you prepare for your visit to Jordan:

The Ancient Well of Beer-Lahai-Roi In Biblical Jordan

The Place Where Jacob Wrestled with an Angel – Exploring Gilead in Jordan

Todd D. Bennett on Petra Tour