AMMAN: Jordan has introduced new regulations for entry to the country that are designed, officials said, to enhance the country’s appeal as a global tourism and investment hub.
The revised measures, part of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, were announced on Tuesday by Tareq Majali, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior. He said the new policies simplify entry requirements for many foreign nationals, making it easier for visitors and investors to visit Jordan.
The updated regulations mean that residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and all European nations can now enter Jordan without prior approval, provided they hold residency permits in those countries valid for at least four months, the Jordan News Agency reported
The ministry has also expanded entry eligibility for Syrian nationals, allowing them to enter from all European countries rather than restricting them only to those that are members of the EU. In addition, citizens of South Sudan and Libya will no longer require prior approval to enter, in an attempt to bolster medical tourism and capitalize on the strong healthcare sector in Jordan.
In a further move to ease entry requirements, Jordan will permit foreign nationals who require prior approval to be assessed based on the entry conditions of their countries of residence, as long as they hold a residency permit valid for at least four months. Holders of Schengen and US visas will also be granted entry to Jordan, even if those visas have not been used previously.
A highlight of the new regulations is the introduction of a five-year, multiple-entry visa, issued at border crossings, that will allow holders to remain in Jordan for up to three months per visit without requiring them to report to security centers.
In a related move, domestic workers who accompany either Jordanian sponsors who reside in the Gulf or citizens of GCC countries will be eligible for a three-month temporary residency permit. This is designed to facilitate visits by Jordanian expatriates and their regional counterparts.
Majali encouraged travelers to make use of the electronic services provided by the ministry through its official website to streamline entry procedures.
