Travel alerts & warnings
Jordan driving guide.
Driving in Jordan makes it easy to link ancient sites, desert landscapes and the Dead Sea, with generally paved roads between major destinations. Expect assertive traffic in Amman, unexpected speed humps near towns, and livestock or poorly lit vehicles on rural roads after dark.
- Advisory
- Reconsider travel
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- March to May…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travelto Jordan due to terrorism and armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- U.S. government employee travel restrictions
- Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Jordan. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues.
- Armed conflict
- Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.
- Terrorism
- There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Jordan. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Driving there
Your permit in Jordan
- Jordan honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Jordan
Road rules and local hazards
Wear seat belts, avoid handheld phone use and do not drink before driving. Watch for poorly marked speed humps, sudden lane changes and animals; avoid rural driving after dark when possible.
Speed limits
Posted limits commonly range from 40–60 km/h in built-up areas, around 80 km/h on rural roads and 100–120 km/h on major highways. Follow the signs rather than assuming a road-wide limit; cameras and police speed checks are common.
Tolls and route planning
Jordan's main tourist routes, including the Desert Highway and King's Highway, generally have no tolls. Allow extra time on the scenic King's Highway for winding sections, villages and speed humps.
Fuel stops
Stations commonly sell 90- and 95-octane unleaded petrol and diesel, usually with attendant service. Confirm the rental car's required fuel, carry Jordanian dinars in case cards are not accepted, and fill up before remote desert stretches.
Rentals and police checks
Carry your original driving licence alongside your International Driving Permit, passport and rental agreement; an IDP is not a stand-alone licence. Confirm insurance coverage and restrictions on unpaved roads. At police checkpoints, slow down, follow instructions and present documents when requested.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Jordan
Petra
Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate · About 2–2.5 hours from Aqaba.
Explore the rock-cut Nabataean city on foot after parking near the visitor centre; arrive early for cooler walking conditions.
Wadi Rum
Southern Jordan, Aqaba Governorate · About 1 hour from Aqaba to Wadi Rum village.
See sandstone cliffs and desert valleys; leave your rental at the designated meeting point and use a local guided 4×4 for the sand tracks.
Dead Sea
Sweimeh, Balqa Governorate · About 1 hour from Amman to the northern resort strip.
Enjoy saltwater floating and dramatic Rift Valley scenery, using an established beach or hotel day-access facility.
Jerash
Jerash Governorate · About 50–75 minutes from Amman.
Walk through an extensive Roman city with colonnaded streets, temples and theatres, with parking near the archaeological site.
Ajloun Castle
Ajloun Governorate · About 45–60 minutes from Irbid.
Visit a hilltop medieval fortress overlooking wooded highlands; approach roads are steep and winding in places.
Mount Nebo
Madaba Governorate · About 15–20 minutes from Madaba.
See ancient church mosaics and sweeping views toward the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea on clear days.
Heading to Jordan?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.