Jordan Pass Review: Is the Jordan Pass Worth It?
Wandering through the Wadi Rum desert felt like being on another planet.
There are some travel purchases you make without thinking twice.
A coffee at the airport? Probably. A souvenir you absolutely don't need? Somehow, yes. A pass that costs 70-80 Jordanian dinars before you've even started your holiday?
That's when I start doing the maths.
When I was planning my trip to Jordan, the Jordan Pass kept appearing in my research. It promised access to Petra, Wadi Rum and dozens of other attractions, while potentially saving money on Jordan's tourist visa. It sounded almost too good to be true.
But the real question wasn't… "What does the Jordan Pass include?" It was… "Will I actually save money by buying it?"
After travelling through Jordan, I can see why the Jordan Pass is one of the first things I'd recommend researching before your trip. But it isn't automatically the best option for every traveller.
So, is the Jordan Pass worth it?
For most first-time visitors spending several days in Jordan and visiting Petra, yes… it can offer excellent value.
Here's exactly how it works, what it includes, when it saves you money and when you might want to skip it.
Quick answer: The Jordan Pass currently starts at 70 JOD and includes Petra plus entry to more than 40 attractions. If you buy it before arriving and stay in Jordan for at least two consecutive nights (three days), eligible travellers can also have the tourist visa fee waived.
What is the Jordan Pass?
The Jordan Pass is a sightseeing pass designed for international visitors to Jordan.
Instead of purchasing individual entry tickets at each attraction, you purchase one pass that gives you access to more than 40 participating sites. The included attractions range from major bucket-list experiences to lesser-known archaeological sites, museums and castles.
And yes, the big ones are included:
Petra
Wadi Rum
Jerash
Amman Citadel
Mount Nebo
Madaba
Karak Castle
And many more.
But there's another major reason travellers buy the Jordan Pass… It can also cover the cost of your tourist entry visa, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
That's where the maths starts getting interesting.
Petra, one of the most jaw dropping experiences in Jordan.
How much does the Jordan Pass cost?
There are currently three Jordan Pass options:
Wanderer: 1 day visit to Petra, 70 JOD
Explorer: 2 consecutive days visit to Petra, 75 JOD
Expert: 3 consecutive days visit to Petra, 80 JOD
The only major difference between the packages is the number of consecutive days of Petra entry included. All three include access to the participating attractions covered by the pass.
Which one should you choose?
For most travellers, I'd keep it simple:
Wanderer: You're planning one full day at Petra.
Explorer: You want two days to explore Petra properly.
Expert: You're a serious Petra fan, photographer or history lover and want three consecutive days.
For my 7-day Jordan itinerary, I'd generally lean towards the Explorer depending on how much time you're planning to spend at Petra.
And if you're wondering whether you need three days at Petra, I'd read my Guide to Visiting Petra, Jordan: How to Experience the Rose City Without the Crowds before choosing your pass.
What does the Jordan Pass include?
This is where the Jordan Pass becomes particularly useful. The pass currently includes entry to more than 40 attractions, museums and archaeological sites across Jordan.
Some of the major attractions include:
Petra
The obvious one. And for many travellers, Petra alone is a major reason the Jordan Pass makes financial sense.
Wadi Rum
Your Jordan Pass covers entry to the protected area. Just remember that this doesn't mean your entire Wadi Rum experience is free. Your Jeep tour, Bedouin camp, meals and other activities are separate costs depending on what you book.
Jerash
One of Jordan's most impressive Roman archaeological sites.
Amman Citadel
A great introduction to Jordan's capital and an easy addition to an Amman itinerary.
Mount Nebo
Another popular stop, particularly if you're travelling between Madaba and the Dead Sea.
Madaba
The pass includes several attractions in and around Madaba, including the Madaba Visitor's Centre and Church of the Map.
There are also castles, museums and archaeological sites included throughout the country. This is where the Jordan Pass can encourage you to see more of Jordan rather than simply ticking off Petra and Wadi Rum.
Unable to wipe the smile off my face in the Dead Sea.
Does the Jordan Pass include Petra?
Yes. Petra is included in all three Jordan Pass packages.
The difference is how many days you can enter Petra:
Wanderer - 1 day
Explorer - 2 consecutive days
Expert - 3 consecutive days
One important detail: The Jordan Pass only covers daytime entry to Petra. It does not include Petra by Night.
So if Petra by Night is on your bucket list, you'll need to purchase that separately.
Does the Jordan Pass include Wadi Rum?
Yes, entry to Wadi Rum Protected Area is included. But this is an important distinction. Your Jordan Pass isn't a free Wadi Rum tour.
You'll still need to organise and pay for your actual experience, which could include:
4WD Jeep tour
Bedouin camp
Camel ride
Meals
Hiking guide
Transfers
Think of the Jordan Pass as covering the attraction entry, rather than every experience you can have there.
For my experience in the desert, the magic was in the landscapes, the Jeep adventure and staying overnight… not simply ticking "Wadi Rum entry" off a list.
Read my Wadi Rum, Jordan: A Desert That Feels Like Another Planet for the full experience.
Does the Jordan Pass include the Jordan visa?
This is one of the biggest benefits of the pass.
For eligible travellers, purchasing the Jordan Pass before arrival can waive the tourist entry visa fee if you stay in Jordan for at least two consecutive nights / three days. The standard single-entry tourist visa fee without the Jordan Pass is currently listed as 40 JOD.
That can make a significant difference to your calculations.
But there is a catch.
Buying the Jordan Pass after you arrive does not give you the visa exemption. The official terms specifically state that the pass needs to be purchased before arrival to receive the visa exemption.
So if you're planning to use the Jordan Pass to save on your visa… buy it before you travel.
Is the Jordan Pass a visa?
Technically, no.
This is an important distinction. The Jordan Pass is a sightseeing pass. Its visa benefit is an exemption from the tourist entry visa fee for eligible travellers who meet the stay requirement.
So don't think… "I have a Jordan Pass, therefore I don't need to worry about entry requirements."
Your nationality, entry point and individual circumstances still matter. Always check the current official Jordan entry requirements before travelling.
So, is the Jordan Pass actually worth it?
This is the question you're really here for. For many first-time visitors to Jordan, yes. But let's look at why.
Imagine you're visiting Jordan for a week.
Your itinerary includes:
Petra + Wadi Rum + Jerash + Amman Citadel + Mount Nebo + Madaba
Instead of purchasing each attraction separately, you're using the Jordan Pass to bundle many of your major sightseeing costs together.
Then, if you're eligible and staying at least two consecutive nights, you may also save the 40 JOD tourist visa fee.
That's where the value really starts to add up.
The biggest value isn't just the attractions.
It's the combination of:
Petra + multiple attractions + potential visa saving.
That's why I think the Jordan Pass makes sense for the typical first-time visitor.
Jordan Pass cost vs individual tickets
The exact value depends on your itinerary, so I wouldn't tell you that everyone automatically saves money.
Instead, use this simple calculation.
Step 1: Add up the attractions you actually plan to visit.
Include:
Petra
Wadi Rum
Jerash
Amman Citadel
Mount Nebo
Madaba
Other included sites
Step 2: Add your potential visa cost.
For eligible travellers, that's currently 40 JOD if you otherwise need to pay the standard single-entry tourist visa fee.
Step 3: Compare your total with the Jordan Pass.
If your individual entry fees + eligible visa cost are greater than the cost of your pass… buy the pass.
If they're lower… don't buy it just because everyone on Instagram tells you to.
That's one of my favourite travel planning rules… don't buy the travel deal. Buy the thing that actually saves you money.
Pinch me moment in Petra.
When is the Jordan Pass definitely worth it?
I'd seriously consider buying it if:
You're visiting Petra
Petra is one of Jordan's biggest-ticket attractions, so this is where the pass starts making sense.
You're visiting Wadi Rum
Add another major included attraction to your itinerary.
You're staying at least three nights
This allows eligible travellers to benefit from the visa fee exemption.
You're visiting several other attractions
Jerash, Amman Citadel, Madaba, Mount Nebo and other included sites can increase the value significantly.
You're travelling around Jordan
The more you're exploring, the more opportunities you have to use the pass.
When might the Jordan Pass NOT be worth it?
There are situations where I'd skip it.
You're only visiting Jordan briefly
If you're spending a very short amount of time in the country and aren't visiting many attractions, do the maths first.
You're not visiting Petra
This is a big one. If Petra isn't part of your trip, the pass may not provide enough value to justify the cost.
You're only visiting a couple of attractions
Again, calculate the individual entry fees.
You don't qualify for the visa benefit
The maths changes if you don't qualify for the visa exemption.
You're travelling with young children
Children under 12 can enter many of the participating tourist attractions free when accompanied by their parents, according to the Jordan Pass FAQ. So don't automatically buy a pass for every member of your family.
Jordan Pass Wanderer vs Explorer vs Expert
If you're confused by the three options, here's how I'd approach it.
Jordan Pass Wanderer - 70 JOD
Best for: Most first-time visitors.
You get one day at Petra plus access to the other participating attractions.
If your itinerary gives you one full day at Petra, this is probably the package I'd choose.
Jordan Pass Explorer - 75 JOD
Best for: Travellers who want two days at Petra.
For an additional 5 JOD over the Wanderer, you get a second consecutive day at Petra.
If you're a photographer, keen hiker or history lover, this could be worthwhile.
Jordan Pass Expert - 80 JOD
Best for: Travellers who want three consecutive days at Petra.
This is probably overkill for the typical first-time visitor.
But if Petra is the main reason you're travelling to Jordan, three days gives you much more time to explore beyond the Treasury and the main tourist route.
My Jordan Pass recommendation for a 7-day Jordan trip
For the 7-day Jordan itinerary I'd recommend for a first-time visitor, I'd choose:
Jordan Pass Explorer - 75 JOD
This allows the flexibility of exploring Petra across 2 days (which I highly recommend).
A typical route might include:
Amman → Jerash → Madaba → Mount Nebo → Petra → Wadi Rum → Dead Sea
With that sort of itinerary, you're getting plenty of opportunities to use the attractions included in the pass.
What isn't included in the Jordan Pass?
This is where travellers can get caught out. The Jordan Pass is not an all-inclusive Jordan holiday pass.
It generally doesn't cover:
Accommodation
Flights
Airport transfers
Car hire
Public transport
Private drivers
Guided tours
Petra by Night
Wadi Rum Jeep tours
Wadi Rum camps
Camel rides
Food
Travel insurance
The official FAQ specifically confirms that ground transport isn't included and Petra by Night isn't included.
So don't look at the Jordan Pass as your entire Jordan travel budget. It's your sightseeing pass.
Can you use the Jordan Pass more than once?
Generally, no.
The official FAQ states that the Jordan Pass provides single entry to each attraction, with the exception that the Explorer and Expert packages allow the specified consecutive days at Petra. So don't assume you can use your pass to pop into an attraction repeatedly throughout your trip.
Plan your sightseeing days accordingly.
How long is the Jordan Pass valid?
The official Jordan Pass information states that the pass is valid for use within three months following the date of purchase, and after the first scan at a tourist attraction it remains valid for one month. This is another reason I wouldn't leave your purchase until the last possible moment without checking the current rules.
Travel plans change. So before buying, make sure your dates and eligibility line up with the current terms.
Do you need to print the Jordan Pass?
The official FAQ recommends presenting a printed copy, because the QR code may not always be readable from your phone.
My advice? Do both. Save the pass to your phone… and print a copy. Keep the paper copy somewhere safe with your passport.
It's one of those tiny travel preparations that takes five minutes and could save you a headache later.
My Jordan Pass tips
After planning a trip around Jordan, these are the things I'd keep in mind.
1. Buy it before arriving
If you're relying on the visa fee exemption, this is essential.
2. Don't buy it blindly
Work out your itinerary first. Then do the maths.
3. Check the attraction list
There are more than 40 participating attractions, but you're not going to visit them all. Choose based on your actual itinerary.
4. Don't forget Petra by Night
It's separate, and not included in the pass.
5. Remember Wadi Rum tours cost extra
Your pass gets you into the protected area, not onto a Jeep.
6. Print your pass
Even though you have the digital version, I'd carry a paper copy too.
7. Keep your pass accessible
You'll use it at multiple attractions, so don't bury it at the bottom of your phone's downloads folder.
8. Check opening hours
Attraction opening hours can change and some locations may have closures. The Jordan Pass advises visitors to check individual attractions before visiting.
One thing I wouldn't do: plan your whole trip around the pass
This might sound strange coming from someone telling you to buy a sightseeing pass… but hear me out.
The Jordan Pass contains more than 40 attractions. That doesn't mean you need to visit 40 attractions to "get your money's worth".
Don't turn your Jordan holiday into a scavenger hunt. If you want to spend half a day drinking mint tea, wandering through Amman, photographing the landscape or simply sitting around your Wadi Rum camp watching the sunset... do it. You don't need to squeeze in another archaeological site just because your pass technically covers it.
The best travel experiences aren't always the ones with an admission ticket.
Is the Jordan Pass worth it? My verdict
Yes - for most first-time visitors, I think it is.
If you're spending several days in Jordan, visiting Petra and Wadi Rum, and planning to explore other major attractions, the Jordan Pass can be a simple and cost-effective way to bundle your sightseeing.
The potential visa saving makes it even more attractive for eligible travellers who purchase the pass before arrival and stay the required minimum.
For my style of travel, I like that it removes some of the little decisions. I don't have to stand at every ticket counter wondering how much something costs. I know the major attractions are already covered, and instead of obsessing over whether I'm getting "value" from every single site, I can simply enjoy the experience.
Because that's what I'm really travelling for…. not to collect tickets. Not to maximise the number of attractions I've visited… but to stand in Petra and see the Treasury appear through the Siq, watch the sun disappear behind the sandstone mountains of Wadi Rum, wander through ancient Roman ruins at Jerash, float in the Dead Sea, experience somewhere I've imagined for years.
And sometimes, the best travel decision is simply the one that makes the rest of the trip easier.
For me, the Jordan Pass is one of those decisions.
Planning your Jordan adventure?
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Important information
Jordan Pass prices, attraction inclusions, visa requirements, opening hours and eligibility rules can change. The information in this article reflects the official Jordan Pass information available at the time of writing.
Before purchasing, check the current information on the official Jordan Pass website and confirm the latest Jordan entry requirements for your nationality.
The Jordan Pass is non-refundable and non-exchangeable, and unused tickets generally aren't refundable under its current terms.
