Where to transit in Jordan? Important notes for transit

Jordan, the "Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan", is the jewel of the Middle East with the legendary rose-red Petra - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Wadi Rum desert "Valley of the Moon" desert where Lawrence of Arabia once fought, and the magical Dead Sea, the lowest on Earth. It is a stable oasis in an unstable region, renowned for its traditional Arab hospitality "Ahlan wa sahlan" and ancient Nabataean heritage. There are no direct flights from Vietnam, transit via the Middle East or Europe is mandatory.

Overview of Jordan's air system

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman is the main gateway, 32km from the capital with a modern terminal inaugurated in 2013. It is the hub of Royal Jordanian Airlines and serves over 8 million passengers annually.

King Hussein Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba serves the Red Sea region and ASEZA (Aqaba Special Economic Zone) with special visa privileges.

Most popular transit points

Middle East (Most optimal choice)

Istanbul (IST), Turkey:

• Hanoi Istanbul Amman has daily flights to AMM (2.5 hours)
• Advantages: Most competitive prices, modern airport, strong connections from Vietnam
• Cost: $700-1.500$USD
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

daily flights to CGK, DPS (8-9 hours)

• For longer international journeys, you can fly by has daily flights (2 hours)
• Advantages: World-class service, modern Hamad airport
• Cost: $900-1.800$USD
• Transit Visa: No visa needed if transiting airside

has 4-5 daily flights (1.5 hours)

• Emirates, flydubai have daily flights (2.5 hours)
• Advantages: World's most modern airport, excellent duty-free shopping
• Cost: $800-1.700$USD

Abu Dhabi (AUH), UAE:

• Hanoi Abu Dhabi Ammanhas regular flights
• Advantages: Competitive prices, good service

Riyadh/Jeddah (RUH/JED), Saudi Arabia:

• Saudia, Flynashave periodic flights
• Advantages : Close to Jordan, no transit visa required if staying airside

Europe (Alternative)

Frankfurt (FRA), Germany:

• Important notes for transit to Nicaraguahas regular flights (4 hours)
• Advantages: Major European hub, good connections from Singapore/Bangkok

Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands:

• KLMhas periodic flights (4.5 hours)
• Advantages: KLM has direct connections from Vietnam

Vienna (VIE), Austria:

• Austrian Airlineshas flights (3.5 hours)
• Advantages: Efficient airport, less congestion

Suggested route from Vietnam

Option 1: Via Istanbul (Best Price)

Vietnam → Istanbul IST → Amman AMM

• Time: 12-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $700-1.500$USD
• Advantages: Most competitive prices, good service

Option 2: Via Doha (Premium Service)

Vietnam → Doha DOH → Amman AMM

• Time: 14-18 hours + waiting
• Cost: $900-1.800$USD
• Advantages: World-leading service

Option 3: Via Dubai

Vietnam → Dubai DXB → Amman AMM

• Time: 12-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $800-1.700$USD
• Advantages: Great airport, many amenities

Safe transit time

Same ticket/same alliance:

• Middle East (IST/DOH/DXB): Minimum $2-3$ hours
• Europe (FRA/AMS/VIE): Minimum $2.5-3$ hours

Other tickets (self-transfer):

• Middle East: Minimum $4-6$ hours
• Châu Âu: Minimum $5-6$ hours

Special contingency:

• Ramadan: Additional$1-2$ hours due to limited service
• Sandstorm: Additional$1-2$ hours buffer
• High season: Additional$1$hours for congestion

Visa and required documents

Jordan Pass (Highest recommendation)

• Cost: $70-85$: JOD$99-120$ USD)
• Inclusions: Visa + Petra ticket + 40+ attractions
• Conditions: Minimum stay 3 nights
• Buy online: jordanpass.jo before departure
• Save: More than $50$USD compared to buying separately

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• Cost: $40$: JOD$56$USD) single entry
• Time: 30 days, extendable
• Risk: May be denied if documents are insufficient

ASEZA (Aqaba Special Zone)

• Entry via AQJ: Free visa if staying within ASEZA
• Conditions: Must stay in the special economic zone

Mandatory documents:

• Valid passport 6 months with 2+ blank pages
• Round-trip air ticket
• Proof of financial means$50$USD/day
• Hotel reservation confirmation

Transit Visa:

• IST/DOH/DXB: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours
• Schengen: Not required if transiting airside, required if exiting

Health and insurance

Vaccinations:

No mandatory vaccination requirements from Vietnam to Jordan.

Recommendation:

• Hepatitis A, B: For all travelers
• Typhoid fever: Important due to food hygiene
• Tetanus : Booster update

Health insurance:

• Recommendation: Minimum $100.000$USD
• Inclusions: Emergency, urgent evacuation, trip cancellation

Currency and costs

Currency:

• Official: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
• Exchange rate: $1JOD\approx 1.41USD$ (JOD is a strong currency)
• Reality: USD is accepted in the tourist area

Estimated 7-day cost:

• Flight Tickets: $700-2.000$USD
• Jordan Pass: $99-120$USD
• Hotel: $25-400$USD/night
• Food: $20-50$USD/day
• Transportation: $100-200$USD
• Total: $1.200-2.500$ USD/person

Payment methods:

• Credit cards: Large hotels, high-end restaurants
• Cash: Necessary for markets, taxis, tips
• ATMs: Available in major cities

Best time

Spring (March-May) – Ideal:

• Weather: $20-28°C$, most pleasant
• Advantages: Perfect for Petra trekking, Wadi Rum
• Disadvantages: Peak season, high prices 20-30%

Autumn (October-November) – Excellent:

• Weather: $18-26°C$, dry
• Advantages: Less crowded than spring, reasonable prices

Avoid summer (6-9): $35-45°C$, too hot for outdoor sightseeing

Culture and safety

Islam Culture:

• Religion: 95% Sunni Islam
• Language: Arabic (official), English is widely spoken in tourist areas
• Clothing: Modest, especially at religious sites
• Hospitality: “Ahlan wa sahlan” – Jordanians are extremely friendly

Safety:

Jordan is the safest country in the Middle East:

• Crime: Very low
• Politics: Stable under King Abdullah II
• Exclusion zone: Syrian/Iraqi borders
• Emergency number: 911

Must-visit attractions

Petra (1-2 days) – World Wonder:

• “Rose City”: Nabataean city carved into pink rock
• Treasury: Most famous symbol
• Monastery: Trekking 800 steps
• Petra by Night: Monday, Wednesday, Friday weekly

Wadi Rum (1 day):

• “Valley of the Moon”: Most beautiful desert in the world
• Overnight camping: Bedouin experience
• Lawrence’s Spring: Historic landmark

Dead Sea (half day):

• Lowest point on Earth: -428m
• Floating experience: Natural buoyancy
• Mud therapy: Mineral mud

Amman (1 day):

• Citadel: Roman ruins
• Roman Theatre: 6,000 seats
• Rainbow Street: Modern pedestrian street

Preparation checklist

Documents:

• Passport valid for 6+ months
• Jordan Pass ($99-120$ USD) – highly recommended
• Round-trip air ticket + booking confirmation
• Travel insurance$100.000$USD
• Notarized copy of documents

Clothing:

• Modest clothing: Long pants, long sleeves
• Trekking shoes: Mandatory for Petra
• Hat, sunglasses: Protect from desert sun
• Warm clothes: Cold desert nights (20°C difference)

Technology:

• Type C/D/G Adapter (Jordan has 3 types)
• Jordan SIM: Zain, Orange ($10-15$ USD)
• Power bank for long treks
• Camera for Petra and Wadi Rum

Health:

• SPF 50+ Sunscreen
• Personal medications with English prescription
• Sufficient drinking water for trekking

Conclusion

Jordan is an ideal Middle Eastern destination withthe legendary Petra, the majestic Wadi Rum desert, and renowned Arab hospitality – This is a “stable oasis” that offers a safe and memorable experience.

Optimal transit route:

• USD, competitive prices: Best price $700-1.500$USD
• USD, to both Nairobi and Mombasa: Premium service $900-1.800$USD
• - no credit cards: Great airport $800-1.700$USD

Most important preparations:

• Jordan Pass$99-120$USD – economical and includes Petra
• Good trekking shoes – mandatory for Petra
• Modest clothing – respect Islamic culture
• Ideal time: Spring (3-5) and Autumn (10-11)

"Ahlan wa sahlan fi al-Urdun" (Welcome to Jordan)! Get ready to explore a kingdom of ancient wonders, mystical deserts, and authentic Arab cultural experiences in one of the safest and most hospitable countries in the Middle East.

Note: Regional situations can change. Always check the latest information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and official sources before departure.