Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea are a short flight from the UAE, and Jordan is one of the few destinations where your UAE residence genuinely changes the route. Several common expat passports — including Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Filipino — are on Jordan’s “restricted” list and normally need prior approval from the Ministry of Interior. But Jordan lets nationals of restricted countries who live in the GCC enter without prior approval, provided their residence has at least six months left and they hold a return ticket.
Checked on 20 October 2026 against Royal Jordanian’s published entry requirements (based on Jordanian Ministry of Interior rules), the Jordan Pass and the Ministry of Interior e-visa portal. Sources at the end.
On this page
- The short answer by passport
- The 6-month UAE residence rule
- Visa fees
- The Jordan Pass: visa fee waived
- If you still need prior approval
- Mistakes to avoid
- Questions people ask
The short answer by passport
| Passport | Entry for a UAE resident |
|---|---|
| UAE and other GCC | No visa needed; entry stamp on arrival |
| India | Visa on arrival or e-visa |
| UK, US, EU, Australia, Canada | Visa on arrival or e-visa |
| Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines | Restricted, but entry without prior approval if your UAE residence has 6+ months left and you hold a return ticket |
| Bangladesh, Nigeria | Prior approval from the Ministry of Interior regardless of residence |
The 6-month UAE residence rule
Jordan’s rules allow foreign nationals who would normally need prior approval to enter without it if they are residents of a GCC country (or of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, the Nordic countries or South Korea), and:
- their residence has at least six months remaining on the day they enter Jordan; and
- they hold a return ticket.
This exemption does not apply to nationals of Nigeria, Iran, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, or to holders of foreign travel documents. They need prior approval wherever they live.
In practice: check your residence expiry date before you book. A Filipino resident whose visa expires in five months cannot use the exemption; one with eight months left can.
Visa fees
| Visa | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | JOD 40 (about AED 207) | Up to 1 month |
| Double entry | JOD 60 | Up to 3 months |
| Multiple entry | JOD 120 | Up to 6 months |
You can pay on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, or apply in advance for an e-visa through the Ministry of Interior portal. The Embassy of Jordan in Abu Dhabi issues visas for longer stays or for those who cannot use the other routes.
The Jordan Pass: visa fee waived
The Jordan Pass is a sightseeing pass that includes entry to Petra and more than 40 attractions. Buy it before you arrive and stay at least three nights in Jordan, and the JOD 40 visa fee is waived. Since Petra’s entry fee on its own is JOD 50 for a one-day visit, the pass usually saves money even before the visa waiver.
- Buy it only on the official site, jordanpass.jo.
- Show the printed or digital pass at immigration.
- Leave earlier than three nights and you can be charged the visa fee at departure.
- The waiver applies to visa-on-arrival eligibility. It does not replace prior approval if your passport needs it.
If you still need prior approval
Bangladeshi and Nigerian passport holders, and restricted nationals whose UAE residence has less than six months left, apply in advance through the Ministry of Interior or the Embassy of Jordan in Abu Dhabi. Allow several weeks and do not book non-refundable travel until approval arrives. Typical documents:
- Passport valid at least 6 months.
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
- Return flight reservation and hotel booking.
- Employer letter or NOC and bank statement.
Mistakes to avoid
- Travelling on a restricted passport with less than six months left on your UAE residence.
- Buying the Jordan Pass after you land — it must be bought before arrival.
- Flying out after two nights with a pass-based waiver.
- One-way tickets: the residence exemption needs a return ticket.
Questions people ask
Can Pakistani residents of the UAE get a Jordan visa on arrival?
Under Jordan’s GCC residence rule, yes, if the UAE residence has at least six months left and they hold a return ticket. Otherwise prior approval is required.
Do Filipinos in Dubai need a visa for Jordan?
Yes, a visa — but with six months or more left on their UAE residence, they can normally get it without prior approval.
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
For most visitors to Petra staying three nights or more, yes: it covers Petra and waives the JOD 40 visa fee.
Related guides
- Egypt visa for UAE residents
- Saudi Arabia visa for UAE residents
- Türkiye visa from Dubai
- Georgia entry rules for UAE residents
Sources
- Royal Jordanian — Travel requirements and restrictions (Ministry of Interior entry rules): rj.com
- Jordan Pass — official site: jordanpass.jo
- Jordan Ministry of Interior — e-visa: eservices.moi.gov.jo
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 20 October 2026. Rechecked quarterly. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com — it gets fixed and logged.