Jordan entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Jordan. The process is straightforward at major entry points like Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. As of 2026, you pay the fee and receive a stamp valid for up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and other land/sea borders. The visa costs 40 JOD (about $56 USD) for a single-entry stay of up to 30 days. Have the exact fee in cash (Jordanian dinars) ready — the visa counter does not always have change.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Jordan | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date you leave Jordan. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration officers at Queen Alia Airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone showing your departure from Jordan within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | While not always checked, immigration may ask for your hotel booking or host's address. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have on hand | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least 500 JOD ($700 USD) in cash or a credit card with a visible limit. | Recommended |
Jordan Pass saves you the visa fee
If you're visiting for tourism and plan to see Petra, the Jordan Pass (70-80 JOD) covers entry to over 40 sites and waives the 40 JOD visa fee. You must stay at least 3 nights. Buy it online before you arrive.
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring 40 JOD or 56 USD in cash. ATMs are available after passport control, but you'll need the visa first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning at Queen Alia International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Join the queue, hand over your passport and the fee.
2
Pay the fee and receive your visa
Pay 40 JOD (or equivalent USD) in cash. The officer will issue a visa sticker and stamp your passport. Keep the receipt.
3
Proceed to passport control
Walk to the passport control booths. Present your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, hotel booking). The officer may ask a few questions about your stay.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your checked bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're now in Jordan.
Download Jordan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost40 JOD (~$56 USD)
Can be obtained from Jordanian embassy before travel. Same cost as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost120 JOD (~$169 USD)
Good for multiple visits. Apply at embassy or through licensed agent.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (sponsor-based)
Requires employer or university sponsorship. Not available for general tourism.
work visa
Jordan Work Visa (Employment Residence)
1 year, renewable
~100 JOD (~$141 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Jordanian employer. Requires company sponsorship and Ministry of Labour approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Jordan Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~50 JOD (~$70 USD) plus university fees
For enrolled students at accredited Jordanian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Jordan Investor Residence
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (minimum investment ~$50,000 USD)
For individuals investing in Jordanian businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business registration. Includes family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (JOD or USD) at border. Valid for 30 days. | 40 JOD (~$56 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap, but fines accumulate. Pay at immigration before departure. | 1.5 JOD per day (~$2.10 USD) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Jordan Immigration Department before visa expires. Requires sponsor or hotel letter. | 20 JOD (~$28 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear accommodation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Jordan
No transit visa needed
South African passport holders transiting through Jordan airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsQueen Alia International Airport (AMM), Amman · King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), Aqaba
Health & vaccines for Jordan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to street food and untreated water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present in camels and healthcare settings. Avoid contact with camels and sick individuals.
LeishmaniasisLow risk
Transmitted by sandflies in rural areas. Use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Amman
Jordan Immigration Department (Directorate of Residency and Borders)
Abdali, near Ministry of Interior, Amman
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Aqaba
Aqaba Immigration Office
Aqaba Port Area, near Customs
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the south. Less crowded than Amman.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalAmman
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyJordanian Dinar (JOD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.71 JOD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
B,C,D,F,GType B, C, D, F, G — various sockets. Bring a universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but quality varies.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Jordan
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Jordan — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, at Queen Alia International Airport (Amman), Aqaba Airport, and the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) border crossing from the West Bank. Land borders from Saudi Arabia and Syria also offer it, but check current conditions.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Department in Amman for about 20 JOD.
No. Only Jordanian Dinars (JOD) or US Dollars (USD) are accepted. Bring clean, undamaged USD bills if you don't have JOD. Exchange desks at the airport can convert currency before the visa counter.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, no visa is needed. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., for a layover in Amman), you'll need a visa on arrival.
Overstays are fined 1.5 JOD per day. You'll need to pay at the Immigration Department before leaving. It's best to extend or leave on time.
No. Your passport must be in good condition and valid for at least 6 months. Temporary passports are not accepted for visa on arrival.
Yes, if you plan to visit Petra, Jerash, or other major sites. The Jordan Pass (70-80 JOD) covers entry fees and waives the visa fee if you stay at least 3 nights. Buy it online before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.