Cross-border route

Israel Jordan

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Israel into Jordan: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Jordan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crosses the Jordan River near Jericho.

Get my permit for Jordan Jordan requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromIsrael

ToJordan

IDP in JordanStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in JordanJOD

Emergency number911

Top speed limit120 km/h on the Desert Highway

Israel → Jordan

Crossing the border

The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crosses the Jordan River near Jericho.

Driving rules in Jordan

Drive on the right.
Seatbelts mandatory.
Zero-tolerance alcohol for driving.
Desert Highway speed cameras are common.

What to see when you arrive in Jordan

the rock-cut city of Petra
the desert of Wadi Rum
the Dead Sea
the Roman ruins of Jerash
the mosaics of Madaba

Once you're driving in Jordan

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Visitors from the US, UK and EU may drive and rent a car on their valid home licence for short stays, but an International Driving Permit is recommended and smooths things at the frequent police checkpoints and in any accident. Most rental firms accept a national licence held at least one year.

Tolls & road charges

Jordan currently has no toll roads, so no vignette or e-toll is needed; the Desert Highway, Dead Sea Highway and King's Highway are all free to use.

Parking in the cities

Street parking is generally easy outside central Amman and Aqaba; in Amman's busy districts attendants and metered/blue-marked bays apply, and a small cash fee is common, so avoid kerbs marked for no-parking.

Fines & camera enforcement

Speed and AI cameras on dual carriageways catch speeding and phone use; the minimum fine is about 20 JOD rising with severity, and on a rental the camera fine is forwarded to the agency, which bills the renter (often months later).

If you have an accident

Call police on 911 and remain at the scene; a police report is mandatory for any insurance claim and for the rental company, and vehicles should not be moved until police authorise it.

Driving in the capital

Amman's hilly, circle-based layout (the numbered 'Dawwars'/roundabouts like 1st through 8th Circle) is confusing and congested, with aggressive lane use; plan extra time and watch for sudden lane changes.

Sources: remitly.com · europcar.com · saltinourhair.com · globalpetrolprices.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Israel to Jordan?

Yes — Jordan commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Jordan recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Israel and Jordan?

No. Both Israel and Jordan drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Jordan?

In Jordan, dial 911 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 120 km/h on the Desert Highway, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Jordan?

Jordan currently has no toll roads, so no vignette or e-toll is needed; the Desert Highway, Dead Sea Highway and King's Highway are all free to use.

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.