Saudi travellers to Jordan

Overview

Jordan is one of the most popular destinations for travellers from Saudi Arabia, combining short travel times with a compact set of world-famous sites. This guide covers the practical questions: how to cross the border, where to fly, what to see and how to get around.

Border crossings

The principal land crossing between the two countries is at Al-Haditha on the Saudi side and Al-Omari on the Jordanian side, on the main road between Riyadh and Amman. A second crossing, the Durra crossing near Haql, serves travellers heading to Aqaba and the Red Sea. Both crossings operate during daylight hours, and travellers should carry a valid passport and, for vehicles, the registration and insurance documents.

Flights

Direct flights connect Riyadh and Jeddah with Amman, and there are services to Aqaba. Flight times are short, typically under two hours from Riyadh, making Jordan accessible for a long weekend as well as a longer trip.

Road travel

The drive from Riyadh to Amman via the Al-Haditha–Al-Omari crossing is roughly 1,400 kilometres and is usually made over two days with an overnight stop. The road is well maintained and signed. From the north-west of Saudi Arabia, Aqaba is reachable in a few hours.

Petra

Petra, the Nabataean rock-cut city, is Jordan's best-known site and a UNESCO World Heritage property. The approach is through the Siq, a narrow gorge that opens onto the Treasury. Visitors should allow a full day and be prepared for walking.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a protected desert landscape of sandstone mountains and red sand, also a UNESCO World Heritage property. It is visited on jeep tours and overnight desert camps, and is a common pairing with Petra.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, the lowest point on land, is reached from Amman in about an hour. Its high salinity makes swimming a floating experience, and the mineral mud is a popular attraction.

Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan's Red Sea port, with coral reefs, diving and a relaxed waterfront. It is the closest Jordanian city to Saudi Arabia and a natural first or last stop on a road trip.

Amman and Jerash

Amman, the capital, has Roman, Islamic and modern layers, including the Citadel and the Roman theatre. Jerash, about an hour to the north, is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the region.

Driving in Jordan

Driving is on the right. A national driving licence is generally accepted for short visits, but an international driving permit is advisable. Speed limits and checkpoints are enforced, and mountain roads require care.

Entry information

Most visitors require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at Amman and Aqaba or in advance. The Jordan Pass bundles the visa fee with entry to Petra and other sites and is widely used by travellers. Passports should have at least six months' validity.

Travel planning

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. A typical first visit combines Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum over four to five days, with the Dead Sea or Aqaba added where time allows. Booking accommodation and Petra tickets in advance is advisable in peak periods.

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