United States entry requirements for Jordan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Jordanian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. For tourism or business visits under 90 days, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. embassy in Amman. Plan ahead — visa processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 tourist visa | Jordanian passport holders need a B-1/B-2 visa for any visit to the United States. Apply online at the US Department of State visa portal, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an interview at the US embassy in Amman. Processing times vary — book your interview at least 3 months before travel.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the US. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. A one-way ticket without a visa or residency in another country will likely get you refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and contact number. Immigration officers may ask where you are staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit cards | Have recent bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay. US officers rarely ask for this for short visits, but it helps if questioned about your ability to cover expenses. | Recommended |
Start early — visa processing takes weeks
Between the interview wait and processing time, expect at least 4–6 weeks from application to passport in hand. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is issued.
No Visa Waiver for Jordan
Jordan is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. A full visa is required for any purpose — tourism, business, or transit.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website and fill out the DS-160 form. Select 'Amman' as the post where you'll apply. Save the confirmation barcode page — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee through the embassy's approved payment method (usually bank transfer or cash at specific banks in Amman). Keep the payment receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the online appointment system to book a slot at the U.S. Embassy in Amman. Wait times vary — check the embassy's website for current estimates. Bring your DS-160 barcode, fee receipt, passport, photo, and supporting documents.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on time. Security screening is strict — no phones or bags allowed. The officer will ask about your trip, ties to Jordan, and background. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa issuance. Processing takes 3–5 business days typically. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport from a pickup location or have it couriered.
6
Travel to the U.S.
Once you have the visa, you can travel. At the U.S. port of entry (airport), a CBP officer will inspect your documents and may ask about your stay. The visa allows entry, but the officer decides the actual duration of stay (usually up to 6 months for B-2).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Jordan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$160 USD
Standard visa for tourism or business visits; requires interview.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$160 USD
Same as single entry but allows multiple entries during validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD + SEVIS fee (~$350 USD)
For full-time students enrolled in US institutions.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityUp to 6 years total
Cost$460 USD base + legal fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$460 USD base + legal fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$160 USD + SEVIS fee (~$350 USD)
For full-time students at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas)
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Requires significant capital and business plan. Leads to citizenship after 5 years.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$220 USD + program fees
For participants in approved exchange programs (e.g., research, teaching, training). Requires sponsorship from a designated organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most visa categories. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~$160 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for many applicants. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~$160 USD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Filing fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~$370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay can result in visa cancellation and future ineligibility. | Varies; typically no fixed per-day fine but may lead to bans |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Jordanian passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or ESTA-eligible nationals.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries do not need a transit visa (Jordan is not in VWP).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus; risk is highest in summer and early fall, especially in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
General risk from undercooked food or contaminated water; practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles I-539 extensions by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required; bring all forms and fees.
Practical information for JO travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing time varies. The interview wait at the U.S. Embassy in Amman is typically 2–4 weeks, plus 3–5 business days after approval for visa issuance. Check the embassy's appointment calendar for current slots.
No. Most applicants aged 14–79 must appear in person for an interview at the embassy. Only certain renewal cases (same visa class, expired within 12 months) may qualify for an interview waiver.
Bring your passport, DS-160 barcode confirmation, fee receipt, one photo, and any supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, and invitation letters if visiting family or friends.
The non-refundable application fee is $185 (as of 2026). This covers processing regardless of outcome. There are no additional fees unless you need expedited service or courier delivery.
You'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for denial (e.g., stronger ties to Jordan). There's no appeal process.
The visa itself is for entry. Your actual stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry (usually up to 6 months for B-2). You can apply for an extension with USCIS before your authorized stay expires, but it's not guaranteed.
Yes. Jordanian passport holders need a visa even for transit (C-1 visa) unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (which Jordan does not). A B-1/B-2 visa also covers transit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.