The 1994 peace treaty between Israel and Jordan transformed a hostile frontier into a passage for travelers, opening a path between lands of immense historical and religious importance. Crossing the Jordan Valley is a transition between two distinct worlds, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s past and present. Your journey requires careful planning, as each crossing point has its own specific rules.
You have three options. In the south, the Wadi Araba crossing connects the Red Sea resorts of Eilat and Aqaba, popular with tourists. In the north, the Sheikh Hussein crossing (also called the Jordan River crossing) is a common entry point for those exploring northern Jordan. The central crossing, the Allenby Bridge (or King Hussein Bridge), is the most direct route to Amman but also the most complicated; it requires you to have a Jordanian visa in advance, as they are not issued here.
The procedures vary significantly. At Wadi Araba and Sheikh Hussein, you can typically get a visa on arrival. At Allenby, you pass through multiple stages of checks and must take a mandatory shuttle bus between the terminals. This crossing is often used by Palestinians and can have long, unpredictable wait times.
Always check the operating hours, as they can change, and be prepared for exit fees on both sides. This border, once a frontline, now serves as a bridge for those exploring the rich history that connects these neighboring lands.