Beit She’an (Israel) & Sheikh Hussein (Jordan River) Border Crossing

A Crossing in the Jordan Valley

Important Note for Travelers: This is a border crossing between Jordan and Israel. The political situation is tense, and the crossing can be subject to closures or changes in procedure without notice. Expect extremely thorough and potentially lengthy security checks, particularly on the Israeli side. It is absolutely essential to consult official government sources and your own country’s travel advisories before planning any travel.

The border crossing connecting the area near the Sheikh Hussein Bridge in Jordan with the region of Beit She’an in Israel is the main northern checkpoint between the two nations. This is not just a border; it is a journey across the historic Jordan River Valley, a landscape of immense religious and historical significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. To cross here is to travel from the hills of Gilead in Jordan to the fertile plains of the Galilee in Israel, a passage through a land that has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. It is a crossing defined by its deep history, its strategic importance, and the complex and meticulous security procedures that govern this sensitive frontier.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connects the Irbid Governorate of Jordan with the Northern District of Israel. It is a major international crossing, but its hours can be variable, and it is not always open 24/7. It is essential to check the current schedule before travel. The crossing is open to international tourists, as well as to commercial freight. The facility is large and modern on both sides, designed to handle a significant volume of traffic. It is a key route for trade and for the many tourist and pilgrimage groups that visit the holy sites in both countries.

A History of a Peace Treaty

The history of this crossing is the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the subsequent peace process. For decades, this was a closed and hostile military frontier. The Jordan River was a line of conflict. The 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty transformed the relationship between the two countries. The Sheikh Hussein Bridge crossing (also known as the “Jordan River Crossing”) was opened shortly after the treaty was signed, a powerful and tangible symbol of the new era of peace and cooperation. It stands as a testament to the possibility of reconciliation in a region long defined by conflict.

The Border Crossing Procedure

The border crossing procedure is a complex, multi-stage, and often very slow process, particularly on the Israeli side. You will first pay a Jordanian exit tax and receive an exit stamp. You will then take a mandatory shuttle bus across the bridge to the Israeli terminal. Here, you will undergo a rigorous and meticulous security and immigration check by Israeli authorities. This can involve detailed questioning about your travel plans, your background, and your reasons for visiting. Be prepared for a potentially long and stressful experience. You will need a valid passport. Visa requirements vary by nationality. Be aware that an Israeli stamp in your passport may prevent you from entering some other countries in the Middle East, though Israel often provides the stamp on a separate piece of paper.

The Surrounding Region: Jordan Side

On the Jordanian side, the crossing is in the Jordan Valley, the agricultural heartland of the country. The nearby Pella archaeological site has ruins from the Greco-Roman and Byzantine eras. The magnificent Roman ruins of Umm Qais (ancient Gadara), with their stunning views over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights, are also in this region. The city of Irbid is a major university town. The crossing is also a gateway to the magnificent Roman city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world.

The Surrounding Region: Israel Side

On the Israeli side, the crossing is near the city of Beit She’an. The Beit She’an National Park contains the spectacular ruins of a major Roman and Byzantine city, including a magnificent theater, colonnaded streets, and bathhouses. The crossing is the gateway to the beautiful Galilee region, the scene of much of Jesus’s ministry. The Sea of Galilee, with its holy sites like Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes, is a short drive away. The historic city of Nazareth is also in this region.

Practical Travel Information

Practical planning is absolutely essential for this route. You must have all your documents in perfect order. The official currencies are the Jordanian Dinar (JOD) in Jordan and the Israeli Shekel (ILS) in Israel. Be prepared to pay the Jordanian exit tax and the fee for the mandatory shuttle bus. Private cars are allowed to cross, but the process can be complex and expensive, involving insurance and other fees. Most travelers cross as foot passengers and take a taxi on the other side. Be prepared for a significant change in security atmosphere when you cross into Israel.

Final Considerations

The Sheikh Hussein Bridge border crossing is a journey into the heart of the Holy Land. It is a modern checkpoint that is a symbol of a historic peace treaty, but it operates with the high security that is a constant reality of the region. It is a gateway to some of the most important archaeological and religious sites in the world. For the traveler, it is a formal and meticulous process, a passage that requires patience and an understanding of the complex political context. It is a bridge that connects two nations, a journey across the sacred Jordan River into a land of profound history and faith.