Jordan Pass

Is the Jordan Pass worth it?

If you’ve been researching a trip to Jordan, chances are you’ve come across mentions of the Jordan Pass. Let me tell you: if there’s one budgeting tip for your Jordan trip, it’s this—you NEED to get this Pass. It’s one of the best investments you can make, waiving your visa fees and granting access to some of Jordan’s most iconic attractions. It doesn’t include transportation (unlike some city passes), but its savings make it an absolute must for many travelers.

When I first read about it, I wondered: Is the Jordan Pass worth it? Often, passes like these require you to see so many attractions that they end up being more hassle than help. However, I can confidently say the Jordan Pass is worth it if:

You need a visa to enter Jordan.
You’re eligible for a Visa on Arrival.
You plan to visit Petra.

If all three apply to you, the pass pays for itself almost immediately!

What you need to know about the Jordan Pass

Before purchasing, there are a few important details and limitations to consider:

Buy it before you arrive in Jordan. The pass is valid for 12 months after purchase but activates on your first use.
You must stay at least 3 nights in Jordan to have your visa fees waived.
Once activated, the pass is valid for 14 consecutive days.
Each attraction can only be entered once, except Petra, where entry depends on the pass type you choose.

While it waives your visa fees, you’ll still need to obtain your visa at the border. Present your passport and Pass to get your single-entry visa for free (normally costing 40 JD). Be mindful, though—this visa doesn’t allow re-entry, so if you plan to leave Jordan and return, you’ll need a re-entry visa.

Types of Jordan Pass and cost

The Jordan Pass comes in three versions, each varying only in the number of days you can visit Petra:

Jordan Wanderer: 70 JD – 1 day in Petra
Jordan Explorer: 75 JD – 2 consecutive days in Petra
Jordan Expert: 80 JD – 3 consecutive days in Petra

If you’re unsure how many days you need in Petra, I highly recommend spending at least two full days. As I mention in my 14-day Jordan itinerary, Petra is massive (264 square kilometers!) and offers stunning hiking trails like the Monastery Trail and High Place of Sacrifice Trail. For hiking enthusiasts, even three days wouldn’t be too much.

Keep in mind that the Petra by Night experience isn’t included in the Jordan Pass or standard Petra tickets. It requires a separate ticket costing about 17 JD.

What does it include?

The Pass provides entry to over 40 of Jordan’s top attractions, including:

Petra
Wadi Rum
Jerash
Amman Citadel
Al-Karak Castle

Most of the attractions covered in my 14-day Jordan itinerary were included. However some attractions aren’t covered, such as Wadi Mujib, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, and certain tours. Bethany does offers a discounted entry rate when paired with the pass. For a complete list of included attractions, visit the official website, where you can also buy them.

How to use the Jordan Pass?

Using it is straightforward:

Purchase it online before arriving in Jordan.
Print a physical copy, as some attractions require a printed version even if it’s scanned.
Present the pass at participating attractions, where it will be scanned or stamped.

At sites like Petra, the pass may also be exchanged for a separate entrance ticket, which is then scanned at the gate.

Is the Jordan Pass worth the money?

Let’s break it down: the Jordan Pass not only waives your visa fees (40 JD) but also covers entry to Petra (50-60 JD for 1-3 days) and dozens of other sites. To give you a clearer picture of the savings, I’ve included a cost breakdown table comparing the cost of a typical 14-day itinerary with and without the Jordan Pass.

Attraction	Cost without Jordan Pass	Included?
Visa Fee	40 JD	✅ Yes
Amman Amphitheater	2 JD	✅ Yes
Amman Citadel	3 JD	✅ Yes
Madaba Archeological Park & Museum	3 JD	✅ Yes
Church of St John	1 JD	❌ No
Petra 2 days	55 JD	✅ Yes
Petra by Night	17 JD	❌ No
Wadi Rum protected area	5 JD	✅ Yes
Karak Castle	2 JD	✅ Yes
Wadi Mujib	21 JD	❌ No
Mount Nebo	3 JD	❌ No
Jerash	10 JD	✅ Yes
Ajlun Castle	3 JD	✅ Yes
Total without Pass	165 JD
Total with Jordan Explorer Pass	117 JD

Final thoughts

The Jordan Pass is one of the best ways to save time, money, and hassle when visiting Jordan. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for convenience, this pass simplifies travel planning while offering excellent value. If you’re staying for three or more nights and planning to visit Petra, it’s an absolute must. Make sure to buy it before your trip and enjoy the benefits it brings.

For more travel tips, check out my 14-day Jordan itinerary or visit the official website.