I would like to hear from travelers who have recently gone to either Amman or Petra from Israel. We know there are 2 crossing points, but I've heard that only one is possible for tourists nowadays. The trip will happen in April 2020, we have 10 days that we'd like to split between the 2 countries. Please we prefer to hear recent experiences from those who have actually done this.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4573 posts
A couple of posts from within the year so do a search.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2622 posts
I'm doing it in a couple of weeks at the Allenby Crossing. Make a note to PM me and I'll let you know how it went. If you want more extensive details of the trip, look at my profile on this website and there is a link to my blog, which will have way more detail of my Israel/Jordan travels.
Posted by
OP
Sintra (PT)/Olney (MD)
33 posts
Thank you Valerie, I'll certainly do that.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15576 posts
There are in fact three crossing points, but only two are accessible by public transport - Allenby/King Hussein from Jerusalem and Eilat/Aqaba from Eilat. The latter is the one most used to visit Petra.
If you plan to go from Jerusalem to Jordan via the Allenby crossing, you made need to get your Jordanian visa in advance. You should check requirements with the Jordanian consulate nearest you. This crossing is mainly for Palestinians and East Jerusalem residents, not for tourists.
If you cross from Eilat to Aqaba, you will be issued a tourist visa for Jordan on the spot.
In general, 10 days is a short time to visit both countries independently. Unless you are planning to spend time in the south, going all the way to Eilat to cross the border will take up a full day. It's a 5-6 hour bus trip from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. There are several holidays in April in Israel when public transportation is very limited.
Posted by
OP
Sintra (PT)/Olney (MD)
33 posts
Thank you Chani. Now that I've seen more comments and recent tips here and other sites, I'm planning on doing the Eilat-Aqaba, and from there go to Wadi Rum and Petra. Also decided to do 30-70 instead of 50-50, meaning more time in Jordan.