Jordan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Jordan's customs regime is strict and enforcement is real: undeclared cash is routinely seized, and many common Western medications are treated as controlled substances. If you are unsure whether something needs declaring, the red channel is the safer choice.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
Non-Muslim passengers aged 18+ may bring 1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer, duty-free. Anything above this must be declared and is subject to customs duty plus 16% general sales tax.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying JOD 7,000 or more (approximately USD 10,000) in cash or bearer negotiable instruments. Declaration is made on the customs declaration form at the point of entry — there is no separate currency form. Undeclared amounts can be seized and fines imposed.
Goods duty-free
$280
Personal goods and gifts up to JOD 200 (approximately USD 280) are duty-free. Above that, customs duty is assessed — rates vary by item category, typically 10–30% plus 16% general sales tax. Keep receipts for high-value electronics and jewellery.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs — Jordan enforces the death penalty for drug trafficking and long prison sentences for possession
  • Cannabis and CBD products in any form, including oils, edibles, and vapes
  • Pork products and any food items containing pork
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without prior military permit
  • Israeli currency (Jordan does not accept Israeli shekels at official exchange points and their import is restricted)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Drones — require prior approval from the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission
  • Satellite phones and two-way radios — require a licence from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission
  • Prescription medications containing controlled substances — require JFDA approval before travel
  • Live animals and pets — require an import permit and veterinary health certificate
  • Cultural artefacts and antiquities — export/import requires approval from the Department of Antiquities

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Queen Alia International Airport and other entry points, you will pass through a red/green channel system. If you have nothing to declare beyond your personal clothing and used personal effects, walk through the green channel. If you are carrying cash over JOD 7,000, alcohol or tobacco above the duty-free allowance, commercial goods, or anything on the restricted list, you must fill out a customs declaration form (available at the channel) and go through the red channel. Random bag checks are common — declaring is always safer than being caught.

Bringing medication

Personal medication for your own use is allowed in reasonable quantities (typically up to 3 months' supply) with a valid prescription or doctor's letter. Jordan classifies many common Western medications as controlled — including codeine, tramadol, and certain sedatives — and bringing them without prior approval from the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) can lead to arrest. Cannabis, CBD products, and narcotics are strictly illegal with zero tolerance, including for medical use. Always carry medication in its original packaging with the prescription matching your name.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plant, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, and plants are generally prohibited or require a phytosanitary certificate. Meat and dairy products from non-approved countries are banned. Processed and sealed food items (canned goods, packaged snacks) are usually permitted in small quantities for personal use. Failure to declare agricultural items can result in fines and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is strictly enforced

You must declare JOD 7,000 (about USD 10,000) or more in cash or bearer negotiable instruments. This is not a suggestion — customs officers routinely check, and undeclared cash is seized with fines up to 50% of the amount. If you are carrying close to the threshold, declare it.

Israeli entry stamps and border crossings

If you enter Jordan via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge from Israel or the West Bank, expect thorough customs checks. Jordanian customs may question goods purchased in Israel, and some items (especially electronics) may be subject to duty even if under the normal allowance. Keep receipts.

Aqaba Special Economic Zone has different rules

If you arrive at Aqaba (King Hussein International Airport or Aqaba port), the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) applies its own customs regime. Duty-free allowances are generally more generous than the rest of Jordan, but you must stay within the ASEZA area to benefit — goods taken out of Aqaba into the rest of Jordan may be taxed.

Gifts and commercial samples

Anything that looks like commercial goods — multiple identical items, large quantities of electronics, or items in retail packaging — will be treated as commercial import regardless of your intent. You will need a customs broker and pay duty plus sales tax. If you are bringing more than one laptop or two phones, be ready to explain why.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Drones are restricted in Jordan and require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission. Without a permit, your drone will be confiscated at customs and you may face a fine. Apply well before travel — approvals are not issued at the airport.
No, not without prior approval. Amphetamine-based medications like Adderall are classified as controlled substances in Jordan and are illegal to import without a JFDA permit. Ritalin (methylphenidate) is also controlled. Contact the Jordan Food and Drug Administration before you travel — bringing them without approval can lead to arrest.
If the total value of goods you are bringing in exceeds JOD 200 (about USD 280), yes. Personal jewellery worn on your person is generally not counted, but new items in boxes or with receipts are. Gold is a common item for customs scrutiny in Jordan — declare it if in doubt.
Customs can seize the entire undeclared amount and impose a fine of up to 50% of the sum. You may also be detained for questioning. There is no 'I forgot' defence — the declaration form is clearly available before you choose a channel.
Yes, but it counts toward your 1-litre spirits or 2-litre wine/beer allowance. If you are connecting through Dubai and buy more than the Jordanian allowance, you must declare the excess and pay duty on arrival in Amman. Duty-free purchases are not exempt from Jordanian limits.
Sealed, processed snacks like protein bars and packaged nuts are generally fine in small quantities for personal use. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy are not — declare them or leave them behind. If you have a lot of food, expect questions.
Yes, a customs declaration form is typically distributed on arrival flights or available in the arrival hall. You must complete it if you have anything to declare. If you have nothing to declare, you can proceed through the green channel without submitting the form, but you may be asked to fill one out if selected for inspection.

Official source

Jordan Customs Department

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Jordan Customs Department before travelling.