If you are visiting Jordan for tourism and plan to spend at least three consecutive nights in the country, the Jordan Pass is the smarter choice — it waives your visa fee and covers entry to over 40 attractions, saving you up to $100 or more compared to buying an eVisa and attraction tickets separately. For travelers making a short transit visit, a single-day stop at Petra, or visiting from a nationality that does not qualify for the Pass, the Jordan eVisa remains the straightforward option.
Choosing between the Jordan Pass and the eVisa is one of the most common questions travelers ask before visiting Jordan. Both grant legal entry into the country, but they differ significantly in cost, validity, included benefits, and eligibility rules. This guide breaks down every difference so you can pick the right option for your trip.
Jordan Pass vs eVisa: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Jordan Pass | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 70 JOD ($99) / 80 JOD ($113) | 40 JOD ($56) single-entry |
| Visa fee included | Yes — visa fee waived on arrival | No — this IS the visa fee |
| Petra entry | 1 visit (70 JOD pass) or 2 visits (80 JOD pass) included | Not included — 50 JOD extra at gate |
| Other attractions | 40+ sites (Wadi Rum, Jerash, Ajloun, etc.) | Not included |
| Minimum stay | 3 consecutive nights required | No minimum stay |
| Where to buy | jordanpass.jo before travel | eservices.moi.gov.jo or on arrival |
| Application time | Instant (digital download) | 1-10 business days (online) |
| Validity | 2 weeks after first use | 30 days from entry |
| Nationality restrictions | Available to eVisa-eligible nationalities | 120+ countries eligible |
The table above shows the core trade-off: the Jordan Pass costs more upfront but includes far more value if you plan to visit attractions. The eVisa is cheaper if you are only passing through or have no interest in sightseeing.
What Is the Jordan Pass?
The Jordan Pass is a digital tourism package created by the Jordan Tourism Board. It serves two purposes simultaneously: it waives the visa-on-arrival fee for eligible travelers, and it provides free or discounted entry to more than 40 tourist attractions across Jordan.
There are two tiers:
- Jordan Wanderer (70 JOD / ~$99 USD): Includes one visit to Petra plus entry to 40+ other sites
- Jordan Explorer (80 JOD / ~$113 USD): Includes two consecutive-day visits to Petra plus entry to 40+ other sites
Both tiers include access to major sites like Wadi Rum, Jerash, Ajloun Castle, Kerak Castle, the Amman Citadel, Um Qais, and many more. The pass is valid for two weeks starting from the date you first use it at any attraction or border crossing.
Critical requirement: You must stay in Jordan for a minimum of three consecutive nights for the visa waiver to apply. If you leave before the third night, you will be charged the standard 40 JOD visa fee at the border, making the Pass an expensive mistake.
What Is the Jordan eVisa?
The Jordan eVisa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Ministry of Interior. It allows eligible travelers to obtain a visa entirely online before arriving in Jordan, avoiding queues at the airport visa counter.
For a detailed walkthrough of the application process, see our step-by-step eVisa application guide.
eVisa pricing:
- Single-entry: 40 JOD (~$56 USD)
- Double-entry: 60 JOD (~$85 USD)
- Multiple-entry: 120 JOD (~$169 USD)
The single-entry eVisa allows one entry into Jordan with a stay of up to 30 days. If you plan to cross into Israel or Saudi Arabia and return, you need a double-entry or multiple-entry visa, which increases the cost significantly.
The eVisa does not include any attraction tickets. You pay separately for Petra (50 JOD for a day pass), Wadi Rum (5 JOD entrance fee), and every other site you visit. For full eligibility details and document requirements, review our Jordan eVisa requirements page.
Cost Comparison: Which Saves You More Money?
The answer depends entirely on your itinerary. Here is a realistic cost breakdown for two common trip types:
Scenario 1: 5-Day Tourist Trip (Petra + Wadi Rum + Amman)
| Expense | With eVisa | With Jordan Wanderer (70 JOD) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Pass | 40 JOD | 70 JOD |
| Petra day pass | 50 JOD | Included |
| Wadi Rum entrance | 5 JOD | Included |
| Jerash entrance | 10 JOD | Included |
| Amman Citadel | 2 JOD | Included |
| Total | 107 JOD (~$151) | 70 JOD (~$99) |
Savings with Jordan Pass: 37 JOD (~$52)
Scenario 2: 2-Day Transit Visit (No Sightseeing)
| Expense | With eVisa | With Jordan Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Pass | 40 JOD | 70 JOD (but does NOT qualify for visa waiver — you still pay 40 JOD visa fee at border) |
| Total | 40 JOD (~$56) | 110 JOD (~$155) |
The eVisa is 70 JOD cheaper for short transit visits. The Jordan Pass requires a minimum three-night stay. If you stay fewer than three nights, you pay both the Pass price and the visa fee.
The Break-Even Point
The Jordan Pass becomes worthwhile the moment you visit Petra. A single Petra day pass costs 50 JOD, which alone nearly covers the 30 JOD price difference between the eVisa (40 JOD) and the Wanderer Pass (70 JOD). Add any other included attraction, and the Pass is the clear winner.
If you are not visiting Petra at all, the eVisa is almost always the better financial choice unless you plan to visit three or more other included attractions (each worth 2-10 JOD).
When to Choose the Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass is the right choice when:
- You are staying in Jordan for three or more consecutive nights
- You plan to visit Petra (the savings start here)
- You want to explore multiple attractions (Wadi Rum, Jerash, Dead Sea resorts with included access)
- You want to skip the visa queue at the airport — the Pass acts as your visa when the minimum stay is met
- You prefer a single digital document instead of separate visa and ticket purchases
The Pass is especially popular with first-time visitors who come for the classic Petra-Wadi Rum-Amman triangle route, which typically spans 4-7 days.
When to Choose the eVisa
The eVisa is the better option when:
- You are visiting for fewer than three nights (transit, business meeting, short layover)
- You have no plans to visit Petra or other included attractions
- You want the lowest possible entry cost regardless of sightseeing
- You need a double-entry or multiple-entry visa for cross-border travel
- Your nationality is eligible for the eVisa but may have restrictions on the Jordan Pass
Travelers who are crossing the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge from Israel should note that visa on arrival is NOT available at that crossing. You must arrange your eVisa in advance. For a complete overview of on-arrival options at other borders, see our Jordan visa on arrival guide.
Can You Use Both?
No, you do not need both. The Jordan Pass already includes the visa waiver, so purchasing a separate eVisa is redundant and wastes money. Buy one or the other:
- Buy the Jordan Pass before your trip at jordanpass.jo
- Buy the eVisa at eservices.moi.gov.jo (or get visa on arrival at most borders)
If you already purchased an eVisa and then decide you want the Jordan Pass, you can still buy the Pass — but the eVisa fee you already paid is non-refundable. Plan ahead to avoid this overlap.
How to Buy the Jordan Pass
- Visit jordanpass.jo
- Choose Wanderer (70 JOD) or Explorer (80 JOD)
- Enter your passport details and pay by credit card
- Download the digital pass (QR code) to your phone
- Show the QR code at your first Jordan border crossing or attraction
The pass activates automatically the first time you scan it. From that moment, you have 14 days to use it across all included sites.
How to Apply for the eVisa
- Visit eservices.moi.gov.jo or download the MOI mobile app
- Create an account and fill out the application form
- Upload a passport scan and a recent photo
- Pay 40 JOD by credit card
- Wait 1-10 business days for approval
- Download or print the approved eVisa
- Present it at the Jordan border crossing
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our complete eVisa application guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying the Pass for a short stay: The three-night minimum is strictly enforced. Travelers arriving for a one-day Petra tour from Israel often buy the Pass, only to be charged the 40 JOD visa fee on top because they leave before night three.
Buying both the eVisa and the Jordan Pass: This is redundant. The Pass includes the visa waiver. You pay double for nothing.
Forgetting that the Pass is per-person: Each traveler, including children aged 12 and above, needs their own Jordan Pass. Children under 12 can enter most attractions free but still need a separate visa arrangement.
Assuming the Pass works at Allenby Bridge: The King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge does NOT issue visa on arrival. If you are crossing from the West Bank, arrange your eVisa in advance regardless of whether you have a Jordan Pass.
FAQs About Jordan Pass vs eVisa
Is the Jordan Pass the same as a visa?
No. The Jordan Pass is a tourism package that includes a visa waiver as one of its benefits. It waives the visa-on-arrival fee if you stay at least three consecutive nights. It is not a standalone visa document.
Can I get a Jordan Pass on arrival at the airport?
No. The Jordan Pass must be purchased online at jordanpass.jo before you travel. You cannot buy it at the airport or border crossing. The eVisa, by contrast, can sometimes be obtained on arrival depending on your nationality and entry point.
What happens if I buy the Jordan Pass but leave before three nights?
You will be charged the standard 40 JOD visa-on-arrival fee at the border when exiting. The Jordan Pass itself remains valid for attraction entry during your stay, but the visa waiver does not apply. You effectively pay both the Pass price and the visa fee.
Do children need a Jordan Pass or eVisa?
Children under 12 do not need a Jordan Pass — they can enter most attractions for free. However, children of all ages need valid visa documentation to enter Jordan. For children, a standard visa-on-arrival or eVisa is typically sufficient.
Can I upgrade from eVisa to Jordan Pass after arriving in Jordan?
You can purchase a Jordan Pass at any time (even after arriving), but the eVisa fee you already paid is non-refundable. If you realize you will visit Petra and other sites, buying the Pass still makes sense for the attraction savings — just know you cannot recoup the eVisa cost.
Does the Jordan Pass cover Petra overnight stays or multi-day tickets?
The Wanderer Pass includes one day at Petra. The Explorer Pass includes two consecutive days. If you want a three-day Petra ticket, you pay the difference at the ticket office (currently 5 JOD for a third day when you already have a two-day pass).
Is the Jordan Pass refundable?
The Jordan Pass is non-refundable once purchased. Make sure your travel dates are confirmed before buying. The eVisa is also non-refundable.
