What to see & do with your IDP in Jordan?
Exploring Jordan by car gives you the freedom to experience its breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and small-town charm. With an international driving permit in Jordan, you can chart your own course—on your own schedule.
Begin your journey in Amman, where you can balance sightseeing with vibrant city life. Visit the Amman Citadel and Roman Theater, then enjoy local dishes at bustling downtown cafés. From there, the historic King’s Highway leads south, winding through mountains, valleys, and small towns rich in heritage.
Make a stop in Karak to tour the medieval castle that once guarded vital trade routes. The views are impressive, and the town’s market is great for a short break. Continue to Petra, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site. Driving gives you more flexibility to arrive early before tour buses or to stay late and see the famed Treasury lit by candles at night.
Wadi Rum, located further south, offers a dramatic shift in scenery. With towering rock formations and wide-open desert, it’s a favorite for guided 4×4 excursions and overnight Bedouin camps. Many travelers rent SUVs in Aqaba or Wadi Musa for this leg—an IDP simplifies the rental process.
Round out your road trip in Aqaba, Jordan’s window to the Red Sea. Whether you prefer diving, snorkeling, or just relaxing at a beach resort, the drive there—especially along the Desert Highway—is quick and efficient. You can also take side trips to the Dead Sea or Mount Nebo from Madaba, both reachable within a day.
Having an IDP ensures smooth coordination across rentals, local authorities, and hotel check-ins requiring identification. It adds convenience to a country where road travel is one of the best ways to experience its hidden treasures.
Time to travel around Jordan
With its central Middle Eastern location, Jordan serves as a springboard for regional exploration. If you’re planning a longer road adventure, an international driving permit in Jordan can ease car rentals and checkpoints when crossing borders. Just ensure you’re informed about visa and vehicle entry requirements for each country.
Everything You Need to Know About International Driving Permits for Jordan
Visitors to Jordan from countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the EU can generally drive using their domestic license for short stays. However, travelers are often advised—and sometimes required—to carry an international driving permit in Jordan, particularly if their home license is not printed in English or Arabic.
Rental car companies may request an IDP at pickup, especially in places outside major cities. It’s wise to carry both your national license and the IDP to prevent delays. Police and military checkpoints are common on intercity roads and near sensitive areas; officers typically ask for identification and driving documents. Presenting an IDP speeds up these encounters by avoiding translation issues.
City driving, especially in Amman, can be unpredictable. Drivers may not signal, and traffic congestion is routine. Rural roads are less chaotic but can have fewer road signs and lighting. A defensive driving mindset is essential.
Key driving laws to note:
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Speed limits: 60–80 km/h in towns, 110 km/h on highways
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Seatbelts are mandatory for front seat passengers
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Alcohol limit: zero tolerance
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Mobile phone use is banned while driving (unless hands-free)
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Some roads have toll booths—carry cash
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Random stops for license checks are legal and frequent
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Arabic and English road signage is standard
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Illegal parking may lead to towing or fines
For updates and official traffic guidelines, visit Jordan’s Ministry of Transport and Public Security Directorate.
Explore rules, safety tips, and more in our complete Jordan Driving Guide.
Yes, most tourists can drive in Jordan using their valid foreign driver’s license for a limited period, especially if the license is in English or Arabic. Travelers from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and European Union member states generally do not need to obtain a local Jordanian license for short-term visits. However, if your license is printed in another language, rental companies and authorities may have difficulty verifying it.
For this reason, carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license is highly recommended. The IDP provides a standardized translation that can help avoid delays at police checkpoints or rental counters, particularly outside major cities. While not a mandatory requirement in all cases, an IDP makes driving in Jordan more straightforward and hassle-free for visitors.
Car rental companies in Jordan typically require you to present a valid driver’s license from your home country. If your license is not in English or Arabic, many agencies will ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well. The IDP acts as a multilingual reference of your license, making it easier for local staff to verify your eligibility to drive.
Even if your license is in English, some rental providers may still prefer to see an IDP, especially in rural or less tourist-heavy regions. Additionally, police checkpoints are common throughout the country, and showing an IDP alongside your national license can simplify interactions with local authorities.
To streamline your rental process and avoid complications, you can apply directly through our website. Our platform offers a fast and secure way to get your IDP delivered digitally.
Yes, many of Jordan’s desert regions are accessible and safe to drive through, especially well-traveled areas like Wadi Rum and the route between Petra and Aqaba. However, desert driving requires preparation. Road conditions can vary—while main routes such as the Desert Highway are paved and maintained, some remote desert tracks may require a 4WD vehicle.
Before heading into desert areas, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and has a full tank of fuel. Cell service may be limited in some remote zones, so informing your accommodation or guide about your route is a smart precaution. It’s also advisable to travel during daylight hours and carry water, navigation tools, and emergency contact numbers.
If you plan to explore desert regions with a rental car, having an IDP can help streamline the rental process, particularly if you’re requesting a specialized vehicle.