The Jordan Pass 2026: Is It Worth It? (Price Breakdown & Tips)
- Fadi Haddad
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Updated: a few seconds ago
Navigating the ancient landscapes of Jordan should feel like a curated journey, not a series of administrative hurdles. For the sophisticated traveler, the Jordan Pass is more than just a ticket; it is the ultimate logistical tool that bridges the gap between arrival and exploration. In 2026, as Jordan continues to modernize its tourism infrastructure, understanding the nuances of this official digital pass is essential for any high-end itinerary.
Managed by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, this pass is designed to streamline your entry into the Kingdom while providing unfettered access to over 40 of the nation’s most storied treasures. Whether you are walking through the colonnaded streets of Jerash or standing in awe before the Treasury in Petra, the Jordan Pass ensures that your focus remains on the history, not the paperwork.
To secure these benefits and ensure the visa fee waiver is applied, you must purchase the pass online before your arrival. It is exclusively available through the official government portal, jordanpass.jo, which is directly managed by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The Economics of the Jordan Pass: A 2026 Price Breakdown
To truly appreciate the value of the Jordan Pass, one must look at the standard entry costs for the Kingdom's primary attractions. For most international travelers—including citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and the EU—the financial benefit is realized almost immediately upon landing at Queen Alia International Airport.
Comparative Savings Table
Note: Conversions are based on 2026 market rates ($1 USD ≈ 0.71 JOD).
Attraction / Fee | With Jordan Pass (Wanderer) | Without Jordan Pass |
Jordan Entry Visa Fee | Included (Free) | 40 JOD (~$56 USD) |
Petra (1-Day Entry) | Included | 50 JOD (~$70 USD) |
Jerash | Included | 10 JOD (~$14 USD) |
Wadi Rum | Included | 5 JOD (~$7 USD) |
Amman Citadel | Included | 2 JOD (~$3 USD) |
Amman Roman Theater | Included | 2 JOD (~$3 USD) |
Ajloun Castle | Included | 3 JOD (~$4 USD) |
Umm Qais | Included | 5 JOD (~$7 USD) |
Madaba Archeological Park | Included | 3 JOD (~$4 USD) |
Karak Castle | Included | 2 JOD (~$3 USD) |
Baptism Site (Bethany Add-on) | 8 JOD (~$11 USD) | 12 JOD (~$17 USD) |
ESTIMATED TOTAL | 70-78 JOD (~$110 USD) | 122-134 JOD (~$188 USD) |
By purchasing the pass, the average luxury traveler saves approximately $78 USD per person before even considering the smaller museums and historical sites included in the bundle.
The "Petra by Night" Strategy: Avoiding the Jordan Wanderer Trap (Not Included)
The Jordan Pass holders does not include the world-famous Petra by Night experience. The price for this mesmerizing candlelit experience is 30 JOD (~$42 USD), and it remains a separate ticket not included in any Jordan Pass tier.
However, the Jordan Pass you choose determines when you can attend.
"Petra by Night"-Ticket Guide with the Jordan Pass
To purchase a Petra by Night ticket, you must hold a valid daylight entry ticket for that same day. This is where many travelers encounter issues with the Jordan Wanderer (1-Day) pass.
The Evening Arrival Scenario: If you arrive at your hotel in Wadi Musa in the evening and decide to attend Petra by Night as your first activity, the authorities will "scan" your Jordan Pass to verify your daylight entry. If you have the Wanderer (1-day) pass, this scan uses your single day of entry. Consequently, you will have no valid entry for the next morning to explore the site in the daylight.
The Solution: If you plan to do Petra by Night on the evening before your full day of exploration, you must upgrade to the Jordan Explorer (2-Day) pass. This ensures you have two consecutive days of entry—one for the night show "check" and one for your full-day tour.
The Same-Day Loop: If you explore Petra during the morning and attend the night show on that same evening, the Wanderer (1-Day) pass works perfectly, as the "check" happens within the 24-hour window of your single-day entry.
Insider Tips for 2026
The 2-Night Minimum Rule
The Jordan Pass is an incredible value, but it comes with a specific government mandate: the 2-Night Rule. To qualify for the 40 JOD visa fee waiver, you must stay in Jordan for at least two nights. If your itinerary is cut short and you attempt to depart Jordan before the second night is complete, the authorities will require you to pay the 40 JOD visa fee at the border or airport before you are allowed to clear immigration.
The Baptism Site Savings
If you are planning to visit the Baptism Site, you could save another $6 USD here in addition to the visa waiver. When purchasing your pass online at jordanpass.jo, select the site as an "add-on" for 8 JOD instead of paying the standard gate price.
Managing Your Digital Credentials
While the Kingdom is increasingly digital, the desert sun and remote checkpoints can be tricky.
The High-Res Hack: Do not rely on your email loading at a remote gate in Wadi Rum. Take a high-resolution screenshot of your QR code and save it to a "Travel" folder in your photos.
The Hard Copy: For travelers booking our Private Professional Drivers, we always suggest keeping one physical printout. Should your phone battery fail in the heat, your driver can ensure your entry remains seamless.
Exploring Jordan's Premier Sites with the Pass
Beyond the Rose City, your pass opens doors to the diverse history of the Levant. Here are the primary destinations we recommend incorporating into your journey:
Petra: The undisputed crown jewel. Spend your first day at the Treasury and your second hiking to the Monastery.
Amman: Explore the Citadel and the Roman Theater, both centrally located and fully covered.
Jerash: One of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. (Entry: 10 JOD without pass).
Wadi Rum: The Valley of the Moon. Your pass covers the protected area entry fee. (Entry: 5 JOD without pass).
Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond The Jordan): A sacred UNESCO site on the Jordan River.
Madaba: Known as the City of Mosaics, your pass covers the Archaeological Park and Museum.
Ajloun: Visit the towering Ajloun Castle for panoramic views of the Jordan Valley.
Aqaba: Use your pass to visit the Aqaba Castle and Museum before heading to the Red Sea.
Dead Sea: While the sea itself is a natural wonder, the pass covers nearby historical sites and museums in the region.
What the Jordan Pass Does NOT Cover
To avoid any awkward moments at the ticket counter, remember that the following prestigious sites are privately or religiously managed and require separate payment:
Mount Nebo: The site where Moses looked over the Promised Land (3 JOD ≈ $5 USD).
St. George’s Church: Home to the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land (2 JOD ≈ $3 USD).
Royal Automobile Museum: A world-class collection of the late King Hussein's vehicles (5 JOD ≈ $7 USD).
The Children's Museum: An interactive learning space for families in Amman (5 JOD ≈ $7 USD).
The Jordan Museum: While the Citadel museum is included, the main Jordan Museum in downtown Amman is a separate entity.
Baptism Site - Bethany: The site and river where Jesus was baptized (12 JOD ≈ 17 USD) - Only a discount of (4 JOD ≈ $6 USD) available only while buying the Jordan Pass online as an add-on
Experience Jordan with White-Glove Precision
The Jordan Pass is your key to entry, but your experience is defined by how you move between these ancient wonders. Why spend your vacation navigating traffic or haggling for transport?
At Jordan Concierge, we specialize in elevating your journey. Whether you are looking to book one of our Multi-Day Luxury Tours that include all the destinations above, or you require a Professional Private Driver for a tailored day trip, we ensure every detail is handled. From Airport Pickups that bypass the standard queues to expert guides who bring the history of the Decapolis to life, we are here to make your Jordanian dream a reality.
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