Jordan eases entry for foreign nationals, Syrians

The Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday a decision allowing foreign nationals and Syrians residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and European nations to enter Jordan without prior approval.

This decision requires residents to hold valid residency in those countries for at least four months, reduced from the previous six-month requirement.

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These facilitations have also been expanded to include residents from all European countries, not just EU member states, and now allow Syrian residents of these countries to enter the Kingdom—a shift from previous policies.

The Ministry emphasized that these measures aim to boost tourism and attract investors, aligning with the goals of the Economic Modernization Vision to enhance foreign investment and establish Jordan as a leading global tourism destination.

Additionally, foreign residents of eligible countries will be treated the same as citizens of those nations, provided they have valid residencies of at least four months.

The new policy also permits holders of Schengen and US visas to enter the Kingdom without needing to use these visas in the issuing countries first. Moreover, individuals with five-year visas will now receive three-month residency permits for each visit without requiring security clearances.

Facilitations also include allowing domestic workers accompanying their Jordanian employers in GCC countries, or citizens of those nations, to enter the Kingdom with their employers. These workers can obtain temporary three-month residency permits at border crossings, easing visits for Jordanian expatriates and GCC citizens.

The Ministry said that these measures support the country's strategic interests while balancing security and economic considerations to promote national economic growth.