From the ancient, rose-red city of Petra to the vast, Martian landscapes of Wadi Rum and the therapeutic, salty waters of the Dead Sea, Jordan is a bucket-list destination that captivates every traveler. For citizens of Romania, the journey to this Hashemite Kingdom has become easier, more flexible, and more accessible than ever, thanks to a modern and efficient eVisa system.
However, planning your trip can bring up a crucial and confusing question: should you get a Jordan eVisa for Romania, a Visa on Arrival, or the all-in-one "Jordan Pass"?
This guide will clear up all the confusion. We'll walk you through the entire process, explain the surprisingly simple requirements, and break down the different visa types available to Romanian citizens to help you choose the absolute best option for your trip.
Do Romanian Citizens Need a Visa for Jordan?
Yes, Romanian citizens are required to have a visa to enter Jordan. But here is the great news: as a Romanian (and EU) citizen, you have the easiest possible options available. You do not need to visit the Jordanian Embassy in Bucharest to apply in advance.
Your main choices are:
- Get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the airport or most land borders.
- Apply for a Jordan eVisa online before you travel.
- Purchase the Jordan Pass, which includes your visa fee.
We will cover all three, but the online eVisa and the Jordan Pass are by far the most convenient.
The Big Question: Jordan eVisa vs. The Jordan Pass?
This is the most important decision you'll make before your trip, and the answer depends on your itinerary.
- The Jordan eVisa: This is a standalone electronic visa. You apply online, pay the visa fee (starting at 40 JOD), and receive your visa via email. It's just a visa, nothing else.
- The Jordan Pass: This is a comprehensive tourism package from the Jordanian government. It waives the 40 JOD visa fee (as long as you stay a minimum of 3 consecutive nights) and includes prepaid entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and more.
Which is Best for Romanians: eVisa or Jordan Pass?
Here is the simple breakdown to help you decide:
Get the Jordan Pass if:
- You are staying in Jordan for 3 nights or more.
- You are planning to visit Petra.
- You are a tourist and want the best value for your money.
A 1-day ticket to Petra alone costs 50 JOD. The visa on arrival costs 40 JOD. That's 90 JOD. The basic "Jordan Wanderer" pass costs 70 JOD and includes your visa fee and 1-day entry to Petra, plus dozens of other sites. It is an incredible deal.
Get the Jordan eVisa if:
- You are staying in Jordan for less than 3 nights.
- You are on a business trip and not visiting tourist sites.
- You need a double-entry or multiple-entry visa (the Jordan Pass only covers a single-entry visa).
For 99% of Romanian tourists, the Jordan Pass is the best and most economical choice.
Jordan Visa Types Can Romanians Apply For Online
If you decide the eVisa is right for you, the online system offers fantastic flexibility. Based on the Jordan Visa application, Romanians have a wide array of options:
- eVisa - 90 days, Single entry: The standard tourist visa.
- eVisa - 90 days, Double entry: Perfect if you plan to pop over to Israel or Egypt and come back.
- eVisa - 1 Year, Multiple entry: Ideal for business travelers or frequent visitors.
- eVisa - 180 Days, Multiple entry: Another great long-term option.
- eVisa - 5 Years, Multiple entry: An amazing option for those with deep ties to Jordan.
- Transit eVisa - 72 hours, Single entry: For short layovers.
This flexibility is a huge advantage, allowing you to choose the exact visa that fits your travel needs.
How to Apply for the Jordan eVisa from Romania
If you've opted for the eVisa (and not the Jordan Pass), the process is wonderfully simple.
- Fill in the Application: Complete the online form with your personal details, Romanian passport information, and travel plans.
- Select Your "Purpose of Visit": Choose the option that best fits your trip, such as "Tourism," "Religious," "Visit historical sites," or even "Extreme Adventure."
- Upload Your Document: This is the best part. You only need to upload one document: a clear scan of your Passport Bio Page.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the visa fee securely online with a credit or debit card.
- Receive Your eVisa: Your approved eVisa will be sent to your email as a PDF, complete with a QR code. Print this out and keep it with your passport.
Jordan eVisa Requirements: A Surprisingly Simple List
Unlike many other eVisa processes, Jordan's is refreshingly minimal. For Romanian citizens, you only need to:
- Have a Valid Romanian Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Jordan.
- Upload a Passport Scan: A clear, color scan of your passport's main information page (as shown in the application).
- Have a Valid Email Address: This is where your eVisa will be sent.
- Have a Credit/Debit Card: To pay the visa fee.
That's it. No bank statements, no hotel bookings, no flight itineraries, and no photos are required during the online eVisa application itself.
How Long Does the Jordan eVisa Take? (Processing Time)
The Jordan Visa online gives you three options to control the speed of your application, which is perfect for both planners and last-minute travelers:
- Normal Processing: 3-5 Working Days
- Rush Processing: 1-3 Working Days
- Super Rush Processing: 24 Hours
"Working days" in Jordan are typically Sunday to Thursday. While the 24-hour option is available, it's always wise to apply at least a week in advance to avoid any stress.
Can Romanians Still Get a Visa on Arrival (VoA)?
Yes, absolutely. As an EU citizen, if you don't want to get an eVisa or the Jordan Pass, you can simply fly to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, go to the "Visa on Arrival" counter, pay the 40 JOD fee (they accept credit cards and JOD cash), and they will place a visa sticker in your passport.
The main downside is the queue. You will have to wait in one line to pay and get the sticker, and then wait in the immigration line. The eVisa or Jordan Pass lets you skip the payment line entirely.
What is the "Purpose of Visit" Section?
The online application asks for your "Purpose of Visit" to categorize your trip. The options are very specific, which is great for travelers:
- Tourism
- Business
- Religious
- Visit historical sites
- Extreme Adventure
- Walking, Hiking, Biking
- Wellness, Spa
For most tourists, selecting "Tourism" or "Visit historical sites" is the perfect choice. Don't worry about this section; just pick the one that best describes your trip.
What About a Transit Visa for a Layover?
If you have a long layover in Amman, the Jordan Transit eVisa is your best friend. As the visa options show, you can apply online for a "Transit eVisa - 72 hours, Single entry." This is a fantastic option that allows you to leave the airport and explore Amman or nearby sites like the Dead Sea for a couple of days.
Where is the Jordanian Embassy in Romania?
For informational purposes, the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is located in Bucharest.
However, for a tourist, transit, or short-term business trip, you do not need to visit the embassy. The online eVisa system and the Jordan Pass program are designed to handle your entry needs completely.
What to Expect at Amman Airport Immigration
When you arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), the process is well-organized.
- If you have a Visa on Arrival: Follow the signs to the "Visa on Arrival" counters first.
- If you have an eVisa or Jordan Pass: You can skip the VoA line and go directly to the immigration officer.
Have your passport and your printed eVisa or Jordan Pass ready. The officer will scan the QR code, stamp your passport, and welcome you to Jordan.
What if My eVisa or Jordan Pass Payment is Declined?
This is a very common and frustrating problem. If your payment is declined:
- Call Your Bank: Your Romanian bank (like Banca Transilvania, BRD, etc.) may be blocking the transaction for fraud protection, as it's a payment to a foreign entity. Call the number on the back of your card and pre-authorize the transaction.
- Try a Different Card: Visa is often more reliably accepted than Mastercard on some international portals, or vice-versa. Try a different card if you have one.
- Try a Different Browser: Clear your browser cache or use an "Incognito" or "Private" window.
- Use a Secure Connection: Make sure you are on a stable Wi-Fi connection, not public Wi-Fi.
Help! My eVisa Hasn't Arrived and My Flight is Soon!
You paid for "Super Rush Processing," it's been 24 hours, and your inbox is empty. Don't panic.
- Check Your Spam Folder: This is the most common culprit. The email from the Ministry of Interior might be in your junk or spam folder.
- Check the Online: Log back into the Jordan eVisa page. There is a "Check Application Status" feature. You can enter your application number and passport number to see if it's "Approved."
- Download Online: If your status is "Approved," you can usually download the eVisa PDF directly from the website, even if the email never arrived.
- As a Last Resort: If it's not approved, you can still fall back on the Visa on Arrival. As a Romanian citizen, you are eligible for VoA. Just be prepared to pay the 40 JOD fee at the airport when you land.
Problem at Check-in: Airline Staff Don't Recognize My Jordan Pass
This is a stressful situation that can happen. You're at Otopeni Airport in Bucharest, and the airline check-in staff (e.g., Ryanair, Tarom, Wizz Air) are unfamiliar with the Jordan Pass and insist you need a visa.
How to handle this:
- Stay calm and polite.
- Show them the printed copy of your Jordan Pass.
- Point to the text on the Pass that clearly states it "waives the visa fee" for stays of 3+ nights.
- Explain that the Jordan Pass is your entry document, which combines the visa fee waiver and site entry.
- Have the official Jordan Pass website (jordanpass.jo) saved on your phone to show them.
- Staff are trained to check the TIMATIC system, which confirms Romanians can get a Visa on Arrival. You can explain that the Pass simply pre-pays and waives this fee.
Crossing Land Borders vs. Flying into Amman Airport
While the eVisa and Jordan Pass are excellent, be aware of where you plan to enter.
- Queen Alia International Airport (Amman) & King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba): Both the eVisa and Jordan Pass work perfectly here.
- Land Borders (e.g., with Israel):
- Wadi Araba Border (Eilat/Aqaba): The Jordan Pass and Visa on Arrival are both accepted here.
- Allenby/King Hussein Bridge: This is the most complicated border. No visas of any kind are issued here. You cannot get a Visa on Arrival. You must have a pre-issued eVisa (or a visa from an embassy) before you arrive at this border. The Jordan Pass does not act as a visa here, as it only waives the fee for a visa that must already be in hand. Do not use this border unless you have a pre-approved eVisa.
What Happens if You Overstay Your Visa in Jordan?
Do not overstay your visa. The single-entry visa (whether eVisa or VoA) is typically valid for a 30-day stay. If you stay past this limit, you will face consequences when you try to leave the country.
At the airport, you will be directed to an immigration desk to pay an overstay fine. The fine is calculated at a rate of 1.5 JOD per day of overstay. While not excessively expensive, it's a hassle you want to avoid. Significant overstays could lead to more serious issues.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Q: Is Jordan safe for tourists from Romania?
A: Yes. Jordan is widely regarded as one of the safest, most stable, and most welcoming countries in the Middle East. Tourism is a vital part of its economy, and Romanians will find the hospitality to be warm and generous.
Q: Do children from Romania need their own eVisa or Jordan Pass?
A: Yes, every individual, regardless of age, must have their own visa. Children under 12 can enter tourist sites for free if accompanied by an adult, but they still need to be included on a Jordan Pass to get their visa fee waived.
Q: What is the currency in Jordan?
A: The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). It is a strong, stable currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but you will need cash for markets, taxis, and smaller shops.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Jordan Made Simple
For Romanian citizens, traveling to Jordan has never been more straightforward. You have three great options, but the choice is simple:
- For 99% of Tourists: Buy the Jordan Pass online before you fly. It's the best value, covering your visa and all major sites.
- For Business/Frequent Flyers: Use the Jordan eVisa online to get a flexible single, double, or multi-entry visa in as fast as 24 hours.
- For Last-Minute Trips: You can always fall back on the Visa on Arrival, but be prepared to queue and pay at the airport.
Whichever you choose, the path is clear. Get ready to explore the wonders of Petra, the history of Jerash, and the incredible hospitality of the Jordanian people.