Jordan's culture represents a beautiful blend of ancient traditions and modern influences, shaped by its strategic location at the crossroads of the Middle East. As a country with a long history of welcoming diverse peoples, including refugees from neighboring conflicts, Jordan has developed a distinctive cultural identity that combines Bedouin heritage, Islamic traditions, and cosmopolitan elements.

Key elements of Jordanian culture include:

• Hospitality (Karam): Perhaps the most celebrated aspect of Jordanian culture is its legendary hospitality. Guests are treated with exceptional generosity, and it's common for Jordanians to insist visitors join them for meals or tea. The phrase "Ahlan wa Sahlan" (welcome) is frequently heard, and refusing hospitality can be considered impolite.
• Religious influences: Islam is the predominant religion (about 95% of the population), with Christianity forming a significant minority (around 4%). Religious tolerance is a hallmark of Jordanian society, with Muslims and Christians living harmoniously side by side. The country contains important religious sites for Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
• Bedouin traditions: Despite urbanization, Bedouin customs remain influential in Jordanian culture. These include reverence for family honor, tribal connections, poetry, traditional music, and distinctive styles of dress like the red-and-white checkered keffiyeh headscarf and the flowing dishdasha robe for men.
• Arts and crafts: Jordan has a rich tradition of handicrafts including mosaics (inspired by the Byzantine-era Madaba Map), handwoven rugs, embroidery, pottery, and silverwork. The city of Madaba is famous for its mosaic school, which preserves ancient techniques.
• Music and dance: Traditional Jordanian music features instruments like the oud (stringed instrument), rababa (single-stringed fiddle), and various drums. The dabke, a line dance performed at celebrations, involves synchronized stomping and jumping to the rhythm of music.

Family plays a central role in Jordanian society, with strong ties between extended family members. Multigenerational households are common, and important decisions often involve consultation with elders. Social gatherings typically center around family events and religious holidays such as Ramadan and Eid.

Jordanian cuisine reflects both Bedouin influences and the broader Levantine culinary tradition:

• Mansaf: The national dish consists of lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce (jameed) served over rice and topped with nuts. It is traditionally eaten communally with the right hand.
• Mezze: Small dishes served at the beginning of a meal including hummus (chickpea dip), mutabal (eggplant dip), tabbouleh (parsley and bulgur salad), and kibbeh (meat and bulgur patties).
• Maqluba: Meaning "upside-down" in Arabic, this dish features rice, vegetables, and meat cooked together and then flipped over when served.
• Zarb: A Bedouin specialty where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in an underground oven.
• Sweets and beverages: Knafeh (cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup), baklava (layered pastry with nuts), and Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom are commonly served to guests.

Modern Jordan balances traditional values with progressive attitudes, particularly in urban areas like Amman. The country has a growing arts scene, with contemporary galleries, film festivals, and music events gaining international recognition. Education is highly valued, with Jordan achieving one of the highest literacy rates in the Middle East and producing world-class professionals in fields like medicine, engineering, and information technology.

Jordan offers an extraordinary range of experiences for travelers, from ancient wonders to stunning natural landscapes. Despite being a relatively small country, it contains an impressive concentration of historical, cultural, and natural attractions spanning thousands of years of human civilization.

Here are some of Jordan's most iconic destinations:

Petra: Often called the "Rose City" due to the color of the stone from which it is carved, this UNESCO World Heritage site is Jordan's most precious treasure and greatest tourist attraction. The vast ancient city was carved into the rose-colored rock face by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. The iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), revealed dramatically at the end of a narrow gorge called the Siq, is just one of hundreds of elaborate facades, tombs, and structures throughout the archaeological park.

Wadi Rum: Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this protected desert wilderness features dramatic sandstone mountains, natural arches, and ancient rock inscriptions. Its otherworldly landscape has served as the backdrop for films like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Martian." Visitors can explore by 4x4 jeep tours, camel rides, or hiking, and many choose to spend the night in Bedouin-style desert camps under the spectacular starry sky.

Dead Sea: The lowest point on Earth at 430 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea offers a unique swimming experience as the high salt concentration (about 34%) makes it impossible to sink. The mineral-rich mud is renowned for its therapeutic properties, and numerous resorts along the shoreline offer spa treatments. The combination of low elevation, increased atmospheric pressure, reduced UV radiation, and mineral-rich air creates a distinctive health-promoting environment.

Jerash: One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world, ancient Gerasa features colonnaded streets, theaters, temples, and public squares that provide an exceptional glimpse into life during the Roman Empire. The annual Jerash Festival celebrates Jordanian and international culture with performances often staged in the ancient Roman theaters.

Amman Citadel: Located on one of Amman's seven hills, this historic site contains evidence of civilizations dating back to the Bronze Age. Highlights include the Roman Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace complex, and the Archaeological Museum. From this vantage point, visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of Jordan's capital city.

Other significant attractions include Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land; the crusader castle at Kerak; the Roman ruins at Umm Qais with views of the Sea of Galilee; the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan's largest nature reserve; and Aqaba, offering access to spectacular coral reefs in the Red Sea.

Jordan has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, making it relatively easy to navigate for tourists. The country's compact size means that most major attractions are within a few hours' drive of each other, though the quality of transportation options varies between urban and rural areas.

• Car rental: Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Jordan, particularly for reaching sites outside major cities. The country has a good highway system, with the Desert Highway (Highway 15) connecting Amman to Aqaba in the south, and the more scenic King's Highway offering a historical route with stunning views. International driving permits are recognized, and traffic drives on the right side. Note that fuel prices are relatively high, and some rural roads may be rough.
• Taxis: Available in all cities and towns, taxis are an affordable and convenient option for short distances. Yellow taxis in cities operate with meters, while service taxis (white or cream-colored) run on fixed routes between cities for a set fare. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem also operate in major cities, providing an alternative with fixed pricing.
• Buses: Several types of bus services operate in Jordan:
  • JETT buses offer comfortable, air-conditioned services between major cities with fixed schedules and online booking
  • Minibuses (coasters) connect towns and cities but typically depart only when full
  • Local city buses in Amman and other major cities operate on various routes but can be challenging for tourists to navigate
• Domestic flights: Royal Jordanian Airlines operates limited domestic flights between Amman and Aqaba, which can save significant travel time when visiting the Red Sea or Wadi Rum from the capital.
• Organized tours: Many tourists opt for organized day trips or multi-day tours, which often include transportation in air-conditioned vehicles with English-speaking drivers or guides. For remote areas like Wadi Rum, specialized 4x4 tours are typically necessary.

Border crossings: Jordan shares borders with Israel (including the West Bank), Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. The most frequently used crossings are with Israel:

• King Hussein Bridge/Allenby Bridge (near the Dead Sea) - primarily for travelers between Jordan and the West Bank
• Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein Crossing (in the north) - connects northern Israel with northern Jordan
• Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin Crossing (in the south) - connects Aqaba with Eilat

Note: Border situations can change based on regional political developments, so always check the latest information before planning cross-border travel. Entry and exit stamps from certain countries may affect your ability to enter others in the region.

Transportation tips: Traffic in Amman can be congested, particularly during rush hours. When using taxis, having your destination written in Arabic can be helpful, as English proficiency varies among drivers. For desert areas like Wadi Rum, specialized transportation (usually arranged through camps or tour operators) is necessary, as regular vehicles are not suitable for the sand terrain.

Jordan has three civilian airports, with Queen Alia International Airport serving as the main gateway for international travelers:

• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM): Located about 35 km south of Amman, this modern facility serves as Jordan's primary international airport and the hub for Royal Jordanian Airlines. The terminal, designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, opened in 2013 and features distinctive dome-shaped structures inspired by Bedouin tents. The airport offers connections to major cities in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and select destinations in Asia and North America.
• Amman Civil Airport (ADJ): Also known as Marka International Airport, this smaller facility located within Amman primarily handles domestic flights, charter operations, and some regional international flights. It also serves as a base for the Royal Jordanian Air Force and flight training schools.
• King Hussein International Airport (AQJ): Located in Aqaba, this airport serves Jordan's only coastal city and the Red Sea region. It handles both domestic and international flights, with increased schedules during the winter season when European travelers seek the warm climate of the Red Sea. The airport is particularly convenient for those visiting Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Petra.

Airport Transportation: Options for reaching your destination from Jordan's airports include:

• Queen Alia International Airport:
  • Airport Express Bus connects to Amman's 7th Circle, Abdali, and other key locations at reasonable fares
  • Taxis have a fixed rate system to different parts of Amman, with higher rates for night service
  • Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem operate from designated pickup areas
  • Car rental counters from major international and local companies are available in the arrivals area
• King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba):
  • The airport is just 10 km from central Aqaba, making taxis the most convenient option
  • Some hotels offer airport pickup services
  • Car rentals are available at the terminal

Airport tips: Jordan's airports have enhanced security measures, so it's advisable to arrive at least 3 hours before international flights. The airports offer prayer rooms, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and food options. At Queen Alia International Airport, the "Jordan Pass" desk can assist travelers who haven't purchased this combined visa and attraction ticket in advance.

Jordan has made significant efforts to simplify its visa processes for tourists in recent years, particularly through the introduction of the Jordan Pass and expansion of visa-on-arrival facilities.

Visa Options by Nationality

The following table outlines visa requirements for different nationalities:

Nationality	Entry Option	Duration
Most Western Countries (USA, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.)	Visa on Arrival	Single entry, valid for 30 days
Most Arab Countries	Visa on Arrival	Single entry, validity varies
Japan, South Korea, Malaysia	Visa Free	30 days (can vary)
Many African and some Asian Countries	Visa Required	Must apply at Jordanian embassy/consulate

Jordan Pass: This innovative tourism initiative combines the visa fee (for eligible nationalities) with entrance fees to over 40 attractions, including Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and museums. Available in three tiers depending on how many days you plan to spend in Petra, the Jordan Pass offers significant savings and convenience for most tourists. Key points:

• Must be purchased before arrival in Jordan (online through the official website)
• Waives the visa fee if staying a minimum of 3 nights (4 days) in Jordan
• Valid for 12 months from purchase for entering Jordan
• Attractions can be visited over a two-week period once in the country
• Not applicable to those eligible for free entry to Jordan (such as certain nationalities or those entering through specific border crossings)

Visa on Arrival process: For eligible nationalities, visas can be obtained upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba), and most land border crossings. The current fee is 40 JOD (approximately $56 USD) for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Payment can be made in Jordanian Dinars, US Dollars, or by credit card at most entry points.

Important Travel Considerations

• Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ): Visitors entering Jordan directly through Aqaba (either via King Hussein International Airport or the southern border crossings) can receive a free, ASEZ visa. However, this requires that you stay within the Aqaba zone for the first night, and the visa is valid for up to 30 days.
• Border crossing fees: When crossing land borders, there may be exit taxes or fees imposed by neighboring countries. These are separate from Jordanian visa fees.
• Passport requirements: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Jordan and have at least one blank page for stamps.
• Entry stamps: Be aware that evidence of travel to Israel in your passport (such as Israeli stamps or border crossing stamps) no longer prevents entry to Jordan, as the countries have diplomatic relations.

Best time to visit: Jordan's climate varies by region and elevation:

• Spring (March to May): Considered the best time to visit, with mild temperatures, wildflowers in bloom, and clear skies. Perfect for exploring archaeological sites and desert regions.
• Autumn (September to November): Another excellent period with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists than spring.
• Summer (June to August): Very hot, particularly in desert areas and the Jordan Valley (including the Dead Sea), where temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). However, the highlands around Amman are more moderate, and summer offers the lowest accommodation prices.
• Winter (December to February): Can be cold and rainy, especially in the highlands, with occasional snow in Amman and Petra. The Jordan Valley remains relatively warm. Some hiking trails may be inaccessible due to flash floods.

Safety: Jordan is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East and has maintained stability despite regional conflicts. Standard travel precautions are sufficient for most visitors. The Jordanian people are known for their hospitality and friendliness toward tourists.

Cultural considerations: Jordan is a relatively moderate Islamic country, but respecting local customs is important, particularly regarding dress and behavior. Women should dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites (covering shoulders and knees). During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting.