Jordan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Jordan enforces an absolute ban on pork and all pork-derived products. Alcohol is strictly regulated: 1L of spirits or 2L of wine/beer is duty-free; any excess requires a permit and payment of duty. Cash over JOD 15,000 must be declared. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers arriving in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1L of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2L of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Any excess requires a permit from Jordan Customs and payment of duty.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$21,150

Declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding JOD 15,000 (≈USD 21,150) using the Customs Declaration Form (C1) at the red channel.

Goods duty-free

$705

Duty-free allowance for personal goods up to JOD 500 (≈USD 705). Above that, a flat 20% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin)
Pork and pork products (including ham, bacon, sausages, gelatin, and cured meats)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without a permit)
Pornographic materials (including digital content)
Counterfeit goods and pirated items
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (require a permit from JFDA and a prescription)
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft (require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission)
Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission)
Live animals (require import permit and health certificate)
Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the Department of Antiquities)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to customs. Use the green channel if nothing to declare; use the red channel if goods exceed allowance, cash to declare, or carrying prohibited/restricted items. No arrival card required; officers may ask verbally.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourist VAT refund available for purchases over JOD 100 (≈USD 141) from a single store. Claim at Queen Alia International Airport before check-in. Refund is 16% VAT minus a processing fee.

Bringing medication

Personal medications in original packaging with a prescription are allowed for up to 3 months' supply. Narcotics, psychotropics, and drugs containing codeine or tramadol are strictly controlled or banned; require a permit from the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) in advance. Declare at the red channel.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Pork and pork products are banned outright.

Rules worth knowing

Alcohol permit for excess

If you bring more than 1L of spirits or 2L of wine/beer, you must obtain a permit from the Jordan Customs Department before arrival or at the airport. Unauthorized excess alcohol is confiscated.

Cash declaration threshold

Cash or bearer negotiable instruments exceeding JOD 15,000 (≈USD 21,150) must be declared. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.

Duty-free goods limit is per person

The JOD 500 (≈USD 705) duty-free allowance for personal goods is per traveller, not per family. Families cannot combine allowances.

Frequently asked questions

No. The allowance is 1L of spirits OR 2L of wine/beer. You cannot mix. If you bring both, the excess is subject to duty and requires a permit.

Codeine is a controlled substance in Jordan. You need a permit from the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) in advance. Without it, the medication will be confiscated and you may face legal action.

Personal electronics for your own use (laptop, camera, phone) are generally allowed without declaration. However, if they appear new or in excess of reasonable personal use, customs may ask for proof of ownership or charge duty.

Yes, but you must declare them. Small quantities for personal use are usually allowed. Large quantities may be inspected for pests and subject to quarantine.

Yes. If you are transiting and have cash exceeding JOD 15,000 (≈USD 21,150), you must declare it at the red channel. Failure to do so can result in confiscation.

You must pay a flat 20% duty on the value exceeding JOD 500 (≈USD 705). For example, if your goods are worth JOD 700, you pay 20% on JOD 200 = JOD 40.

Drones require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC). Without it, the drone will be confiscated. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.

Official source

Jordan Customs Department (JCD)