Can Foreigners Drive in Jordan?

Key Highlights

• Foreigners can drive in Jordan if they have a valid driving license from their home country. An International Driving Permit is highly recommended for car rental and for other driving needs.

• You will have to be at least 25 years old to rent a car from most rental companies.

• People must drive on the right side of the road. All road signs are written in Arabic and English.

• You can rent a car at Queen Alia International Airport and at other places in Jordan. Make sure you check the rental companies before you decide.

• Always keep your passport, your driving license, rental agreement, and insurance papers with you. These papers are important when you reach police checkpoints.

• American, EU, and UK driving license are usually fine for most car rental companies.

Introduction

Are you planning a Jordan trip and thinking about how to get around? Driving yourself is a good way to see the country in your own time. You need a valid driving license. In some cases, you also need an international driving permit. Then you can enjoy the drive in Jordan.

This guide will tell you what you need to know. It covers car rental, which side of the road to drive on, and the driving culture in Jordan. If you want a road trip, you are in the right place.

Driving in Jordan as a Foreigner

Driving in Jordan gives you a great feeling of freedom. If you rent a car, you can go to old ruins and see beautiful deserts whenever you want. You can drive with your driving license from your home country, but it is a good idea to have an international driving permit too.

You will drive on the right side of the road. Most road signs are in both English and Arabic, but the trip can still feel like an adventure. This guide tells you who can drive and what driving license is accepted.

Who Is Allowed to Drive in Jordan?

To drive a car in Jordan, you need to follow some rules. The legal driving age is 18. But, if you want to rent a car, most rental companies want drivers to be at least 25 years old. You also have to have a driving license for at least one year before you can get a rental car.

If you are thinking about driving with a driving license from your home country, the good news is that you can. As a tourist, your license is usually fine for a short stay. This lets you drive around without the need to get a new local license.

Even though you can use your home country’s license, it is a good idea to get an international driving permit. The IDP gives a translation of your license. Sometimes rental companies or police may not ask for it, but the law says you should have one. Having an IDP may help you avoid trouble if you meet the police at checkpoints or if there is an accident.

These rules help people rent a car when they visit Jordan and make sure they are safe on the road.

Types of Accepted Foreign Driver’s Licenses

Jordan is very open to letting people drive if they have a foreign driving license. This is good for tourists who want to rent a car and drive around. If you have a valid driving license from your own country, you can drive in Jordan.

Jordan recognizes many licenses from Western countries. These are:

• An American driver’s license

• A UK driving license

• An EU driving license

Your license must be valid and must use the Latin alphabet. If your driving license is not in the Latin script, you will need an International Driving Permit. Even if your license is in English, it is a good idea to have an international driving permit. It is the official recommendation and can help you avoid problems.

Requirements for International Visitors

When you are getting ready to drive in Jordan, you must have the right documents. You need more than your driver’s license to drive without problems. Make sure you get all your paperwork ready before you get in the car.

Here are the most important documents you need to have at all times:

• Your valid passport and any needed visa for getting into Jordan.

• Your home country driver’s license and an international driving permit (IDP).

You will also need some documents for the vehicle. You must keep the car’s registration and the proof of insurance coverage with you. If you use a car rental, the company gives these to you. But you should check that the documents are there in the car before you go.

Understanding License & Permit Rules

Getting your driving license and permits sorted is very important before you start your road trip in Jordan. The legal driving age in Jordan is 18. But keep in mind that many car rental companies ask you to be at least 25 to rent a car.

A lot of people wonder if their own license will be enough, or if they need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Here, we talk about the rules for using your driving license and what you need if you want to get an international driving permit. This will help you be ready for your trip.

Using a Home Country Driver’s License

Most people who visit Jordan can use their home country driver’s license with no issue. If you want to get a rental car, car rental companies will take your valid driver’s license, especially if it is from North America or Europe. This helps you get your rental car faster as soon as you come to Jordan.

Your license needs to be valid during your whole visit. If it has expired, they will not accept it at all. It is smart to check the date on your license before you travel. This will help you avoid any problems with your car rental right before you leave.

Your license must be either in English or come with an official translation. If your license has a script that is not Latin, like Arabic or Cyrillic, you need an international driving permit to go with it. The rules also say it is a good idea to have an international driving permit even if your license is already in English and you plan to use a rental car from a car rental place.

International Driving Permit (IDP) Requirements

If you want to drive in Jordan, you should know that the law says all foreign drivers must have an international driving permit. This permit takes your license from your home country and shows the details in many languages. If you are from the UK, you need the “1949” international driving permit, and you can get this at the Post Office.

Some folks say that rental companies and police do not always ask for the permit. Still, it is best to have the international driving permit with you. This helps you avoid problems and makes things clear if you get stopped or run into any trouble. It is a simple thing that can keep you safe and save you a lot of worry.

To get an international driving permit, you have to show you have a valid driver’s license from your home country. You also must be over the legal driving age there. You usually apply for the permit before you leave for your trip. The international driving permit only works when you show it with your license. So make sure to take both with you, every time you drive.

Acceptance of American, EU, and UK Licenses

Travelers from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom will find it relatively easy to rent a car in Jordan. Your standard American driver’s license, EU driving license, or UK driving license is generally sufficient for rental companies, provided it is valid and has been held for at least one year.

However, the official recommendation remains to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). While your license will likely be accepted at the rental counter, an IDP is a legal requirement for driving in the country and can be crucial during police checks or unforeseen events.

Here is a quick summary of the requirements:

License Type	Acceptance for Rental	IDP Recommendation
American Driver’s License	Generally Accepted	Highly Recommended
EU Driving License	Generally Accepted	Highly Recommended
UK Driving License	Generally Accepted	Highly Recommended (1949 permit)

Essential Documents to Carry While Driving

When you are driving in Jordan, it is important to keep all your needed papers with you. If you do not have the right documents and the police stop you, it can cause problems, take up your time, and make you feel stressed. Keep your papers neat and easy to find in your car.

Be ready to show personal ID like your passport. Also, have the car papers, like your registration and proof of insurance coverage, with you. Next, we will talk about what each of these papers are for.

Car Registration and Insurance Papers

When you drive in Jordan in a rental car, there are two important papers you need. The car registration and insurance papers. The rental companies will give these with the car. You will usually find them in the glove box.

The Certificate of Road-worthiness is one key document. It is a small white card, like a driver’s license in size. Police will ask you for this first at checkpoints. Make sure you know where it is. Before you leave the rental lot, check all documents for the car. Make sure they are present and up-to-date.

Insurance coverage is a must. Most rental companies give basic insurance with your rental car. But road conditions can be tricky. It’s a good idea to buy full-cover insurance for the rental car. It will help you if there is damage, a flat tire, or an accident. This way, you can feel at ease during your trip.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Your passport is the most important ID you will have when you go to another country. Jordan is no different. You need to keep your passport with you all the time when you drive in Jordan. Police and military will have checkpoints. You will see them a lot on busy roads and near places people like to visit. They will ask for your passport, and you will need to show it.

You also need to make sure you have the right visa with your passport. People from different countries may have other rules they need to follow to come into Jordan or drive there. Keep a copy of your visa with your passport. It will help you get through stops faster.

Think of your passport as being as important as your driver’s license if you want to drive, not just in your country but also in Jordan. Keep your passport, your visa, your rental papers, and your international driving permit together whenever you drive. This way, you are ready for anything, and you can show you are allowed to be in Jordan and use a car there.

Rental Agreement Documentation

The rental agreement is your proof that you can drive the rental car. The document shows the rules of your car rental, like dates, costs, and insurance coverage. It is very important to keep this paper with you every time you drive.

Before you sign this rental agreement, take time to read it closely. Make sure all things are right, like the details from your driver’s license and your credit card. Look carefully at the insurance coverage to see what is covered and what is not. If there are things you do not understand, ask someone from the car rental companies before you go.

You will need this paper along with the car’s registration and your license if you are stopped or in an accident. If you keep the rental agreement handy, things with the police go easier. This paper shows your right to drive the car from the rental companies.

Renting a Car in Jordan

Renting a car is one of the best ways to see the amazing places in Jordan. The process is usually easy. There are many car rental companies, both international and local. You can book your rental car online before you travel. This helps you find the best deal.

But, getting a car rental is not just about choosing a car. There are other things you need to know. You should find out about age limits, where to look for good rental cars, and what papers you need. Let’s talk about these points so you get the most out of your car rental experience.

Minimum Age and Experience Needed

In Jordan, you can drive when you are 18, but the rules for car rental are not the same. Most rental companies want drivers to be at least 25. Some may change the age rule if you pick a large or luxury rental car, and these cars may need the driver to be even older.

Besides age, you also need some driving experience. The rental companies will want you to have a driving license for at least one year. They do this because they want people to know how to drive well, especially if you will be driving on new roads.

It is a good idea to look over the terms and conditions of your car rental company before you book. Some places rent cars to drivers who are 21 to 24 years old, but they might ask for a “young driver fee.” If you check all the rules before your trip, you will have no trouble when you go to get your rental car.

Where to Rent Reliable Cars

You can find car rental companies all over Jordan. There are many options at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. This spot is often the most convenient place to get your rental car right after you land. You will see desks for both major international brands and local rental companies.

Some people think big international rental companies are always the safest pick. But that is not always true. Some travelers say they had better service with well-known local companies instead. It is smart to read recent reviews and check a few options. Do not always think a famous name means better cars or service. To get a good price, try using comparison sites.

• Discover Cars: This is a popular site where you can check and compare prices from many car rental companies.

• Monte Carlo: This is a local car rental company. Many travelers say good things about it.

No matter what car rental company you pick, check the rental car very well before you drive off. Look at the tires, see if there are any scratches or dents, and test all the features. It matters more to do this than to focus too much on the name of the rental company.

Required Documents for Car Rental

When you go to get your rental car in Jordan, you need to bring some papers with you. If you have all these, it will be fast and easy. Make sure each one is good and not out of date before you start your trip.

Here is a checklist of what you will need to show:

• A driver’s license from your home country that you have had for at least one year.

• Your passport to show who you are.

• A credit card that is in your name for the security deposit.

Sometimes, the rental company does not ask for it, but it is a good idea to bring an International Driving Permit too. This is needed by the law to drive in Jordan. After they check your documents, you will be asked to sign a rental agreement. You should keep this paper with you at all times.

Key Driving Rules for Tourists

Knowing the local driving rules is important if you want to have a safe and fun road trip in Jordan. Some rules are the same around the world, but some are only in Jordan. You should always watch out for road signs, check speed limits, and follow all safety rules. This will help you drive with more confidence.

Driving in Jordan can be a bit different. There are speed bumps that may not be marked and traffic in the city can be busy. In the next parts, we will talk about the main rules. You will learn about road signs, speed limits, safety laws, and some common problems to stay away from.

Road Signs and Speed Limits

When you drive in Jordan, you will see two main types of road signs. Many of the signs are in both Arabic and English, especially the ones that show directions to big cities and tourist sites. These are the road signs you should look for. There are also brown signs, which show you how to get to a tourist site.

Some road signs are only in Arabic. If you do not see an international symbol on them, these signs are usually for local drivers, so tourists do not really need to worry about them. You will drive on the right side of the road. You must stop at traffic lights and follow the rules like you do in most other places.

It is very important to keep to the speed limit when you drive. The speed will always be shown with road signs. The numbers are in kilometers per hour. Here are a few things you should know:

• Urban areas: The speed limit here is usually lower. It is about 50-60 km/h.

• Highways: The speed can go higher. Most of the time, it goes up to 100-120 km/h.

• You will often find speed bumps, and many do not have a sign. Slow down when you get to these.

Always watch for road signs, brown signs, speed bumps, and traffic lights, so you have a safe time on the road.

Seatbelts, Headlights, and Other Safety Laws

You must follow Jordan’s safety rules at all times. This keeps you safe. The top rule is that the driver and every person in the car must wear a seatbelt. Before you start to drive, make sure everyone in your rental car has their seatbelt on.

It is not the law to turn on your headlights in the day. Still, it can be a good idea, and some people do it—like when you are in fog or poor light, or on long highways. You must use your headlights at night. So, check that your rental car’s headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working before you leave the lot.

Here are more safety laws you should know:

• Do not use your phone while you drive. It is illegal and very unsafe. If you really need to make a call, use a hands-free setup.

• Driving after drinking alcohol is not allowed. If you do this, you will get into big trouble.

• Your rental car has to be in good shape when you drive it. This is up to both you and the rental companies.

Rental companies care about these rules so you have a safe trip.

What Tourists Should Avoid When Driving

To help with your driving in Jordan, and to make it both safer and more pleasant, there are a few things to keep in mind. The road conditions in the country can change a lot, so you need to stay alert at all times. One thing you should be careful about is speed bumps that are not marked. These speed bumps can be anywhere, and if you go over them too fast, you could damage your car.

It is better not to drive at night, mainly in rural areas or when you are using big roads like the King’s Highway. It is harder to spot potholes in the dark, and some roads do not have enough lights. There are no toll roads in Jordan right now, so you do not need to worry about paying extra. Still, watch out for other drivers and different road hazards.

There are also some things you want to keep an eye on:

• Big Trucks: Be extra careful when you drive near large trucks. They move slowly and can sometimes be hard to predict.

• Potholes: Not all roads are in good shape. When you go out of big cities, these can show up a lot.

• Double Parking: In the city, many drivers park their cars next to other parked cars. This happens often and can make traffic back up.

Keep these things in mind for a better journey.

Navigating Jordanian Roads and Highways

Jordan has a network of roads and highways that link up the big places people want to visit, like the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum. Getting around on these roads is part of what makes visiting here an adventure. You can use something like Google Maps to help you find your way, but it’s good to know what the road conditions are like before you go.

Driving here is not the same everywhere. It feels much different when you’re in a busy city than when you are out in the quiet desert areas. The main highways, like the Desert Highway, King’s Highway, and Dead Sea Highway, all offer their own type of trip. Here’s what you need to know about what each kind of road can be like.

Driving Conditions in Cities vs. Rural Areas

Driving in Jordan feels like moving between two worlds. City life in urban areas is full of busy energy. In places like the city of Amman, there is lots of traffic. Traffic jams happen often, and drivers move fast and sometimes do not follow the rules. The driving style is quick, and you need to stay alert all the time. People may walk across the street anywhere, so you must be careful.

For most visitors, driving in the city of Amman can be hard. The older parts have narrow and crowded streets, which make it tough to get around. If you are not a confident or skilled driver who is used to messy road conditions, you may want to leave your car by the curb and use Uber or another ride-sharing app to go inside the city center.

When you leave urban areas and go toward rural areas, everything changes. The roads here are calm. There is not much traffic, and you can see beautiful landscapes while driving. Some highways feel empty and peaceful. However, road conditions might not be great. You could see potholes or speed bumps that are not marked. This means you still need to be careful driving in rural areas.

Main Highways: Desert, King’s, and Dead Sea

Jordan has some amazing main highways that many people visit for the views. These roads connect all the big tourist spots. You do not have to pay any toll fees to use them. This makes it easy for all travelers to get around.

The King’s Highway (Highway 35) is one of the oldest routes. It goes through the mountains and has great views. But the road conditions are not the same everywhere. Some parts are not paved and may have potholes or speed bumps. The Dead Sea Highway (Highway 65) runs along the dead sea. It is one of the lowest roads in the world and gives people views of the blue water. It has better road conditions, so it is smoother to drive.

The Desert Highway (Highway 15) has the best road conditions out of the three. This highway connects places like Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and northern Jordan. It is a faster way compared to the King’s Highway, which takes a longer scenic route.

• Dead Sea Highway: Smooth roads and beautiful views along the water.

• King’s Highway: Old and scenic, with changing road conditions and speed bumps.

• Desert Highway: Good roads and great for long journeys.

These main highways let people see Jordan’s beautiful sights. You can travel from the dead sea to Wadi Rum and many other places easily because the road conditions on each main highway are different, but they all have something to offer.

Police and Military Checkpoints: What to Expect

When you drive through Jordan, you will see police checkpoints and military checkpoints. This is normal, and it is for safety. You will find road signs that show when a checkpoint is near, so you can slow down as you go.

As you come close to a checkpoint, slow down and get ready to stop if an officer signals you to. Not every car gets stopped, but you should always be ready. For most people, this talk with the officer is short. The officers are usually friendly and do their job in a good way.

Make sure you have your papers ready. You will need to show your passport and the car’s registration papers. The registration is a small white card. Keep these where you can get to them fast. If you are patient, helpful, and nice, you can get back on the road soon.

Conclusion

To sum up, driving in Jordan if you are not from there can be fun and give you a good time. First, you need to know the rules and what you must have with you. It is helpful to know which licenses work in Jordan and what papers you need. It is also good to know about the roads and how people drive. When you know and have what you need, driving in Jordan will be much easier. You can try both the busy cities and the pretty roads in the countryside. If you get ready before you go, you will have a better trip. If you want help or need more details, you can ask. Have a good and safe drive!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Americans and Europeans drive in Jordan with their own license?

Yes, people with a valid driving license from the US, UK, or EU can drive in Jordan. You can use your American or EU driving license to rent a car there. But, it is a good idea to get an international driving permit before you travel since this is an official rule.

Is car insurance mandatory for foreigners driving in Jordan?

Yes, you have to get car insurance if you drive in Jordan. When you do a car rental, the basic insurance coverage comes in the package. But, road conditions can change quickly, so you should get full-coverage insurance for your rental car. This helps keep you safe from damage or accidents.

How difficult is it to drive in Jordan as a tourist?

The difficulty of driving in Jordan really depends on where you are. Driving in urban areas like Amman can be tough because there is lots of traffic. People also drive more fast and bold in the city. On the other hand, driving in rural areas or on big highways is smoother and more relaxed. You get nice views, but road conditions may change as you go.