What are the operating hours of the Eilat Border crossing?
The Aqaba, or Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing is located between Eilat and the Jordanian city of Aqaba. The Crossing is open from Sunday to Thursday between 06:30 and 20:00, and Friday and Saturday between 08:00 and 20:00. It is closed on Yom Kippur and the first day of the Muslim New Year.
When there is a time difference between Jordan and Israel (which can occur with the start/end of daylight savings) the border will operate according to Israel time.
Please note that the border can be subject to closures at other times without or limited warning which are outside of our control.
What are the fees/taxes to be paid at the Eilat Border?
Israeli Visa fee : Free
Israeli Departure Tax (to be paid by yourself) : 105NIS (Israeli Shekels) or approximately $30USD. Can be paid in USD or NIS.
Jordanian Visa Fee (if not included in your tour package or eligible for free visa/stays less than 2 nights) : 40JD or approximately $60USD. Must be paid in JOD. There are ATM’s and exchange offices at the border.
Jordanian Departure Tax (if not included in your tour package and where applicable): 10JD or approximately $15USD. Must be paid in JOD.
Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)'s fees(if not included in your tour package and only applicable for stays of less than 2 nights or day trips) : 20JOD or approximately $30USD. Must be paid in JOD.
How do I complete the border crossing at Eilat border?
Please note that all our tours start and end at the Jordanian side of the border crossing. Private vehicles are unable to use this border crossing therefore we are unable to pick up/drop off at your hotel or airport in Eilat/Israel. It is easy to catch a taxi to the border and you will need to arrange this yourself.
The process of crossing from Israel to Jordan via the Arava (Rabin) Crossing, usually takes no longer than one hour, but delays do happen from time to time.
- Complete the Israel side of the border crossing.
As you enter the border area, and you have a rental car you can leave it in the designated area. You will be required to pay the Israeli Departure Tax. Please note that tax is not included in your tour rate as it is collected by the Israeli Government. The Departure Tax is currently 105 NIS (Israeli Shekels) which is approximately $30USD USD). It has to be paid in cash at the border (or can be paid in advance by other methods). It can be paid in $USD or NIS.
You will proceed to the Israeli customs control where you will receive your exit stamp and pay the departure tax.
- Exiting Israel and entering into Jordan.
You will walk up to the last point in Israel which is the exit from the duty free store at the border terminal. After exiting the store there is a short walk, (200 meters or so), from the Israeli to Jordanian terminal. As you leave Israel, you are on the way over to Jordan.
- Entering Jordan and meeting our Representative.
Our Jordanian border representative will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it as you enter into the Jordan side of the border crossing. Our representative will assist you through the Jordanian side and take care of the necessary paperwork for your visa on arrival. Our representative will then take you to meet your driver at the exit of the terminal.
How do I meet the Representative at the Eilat Border crossing?
Please note that all our tours start and end at the Jordanian side of the border crossing.
If the meet and assist service is included in your tour package our representative will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it as you enter the Jordanian side of the border crossing. Our representative will assist you through the Jordanian side and take care of the necessary paperwork for your visa on arrival.
Please don’t go to visa control/immigration until you have found our representative.
Why do you need my passport details in the booking form?
Our tours that start from the Eilat Border include the meet and assist service from our representative. Our representative will meet you when you enter to the Jordanian side of the Eilat border and assist you with your visa on arrival (free visa issued to guests who are staying in Jordan for 2 or more consecutive nights). To offer this meet and assist service we prepare a visa manifest which must include the passport details for all guests.
Can you pick me up or drop me off at my hotel in Eilat or the airport in Eilat?
All our tours start and end on the Jordanian side of the border crossing. Private vehicles are unable to use this border crossing. You will need to arrange for a taxi to/from the border to your hotel or airport in Eilat.
What are the regulations for groups of 6 or more people at the Eilat Border crossing?
According to the Jordanian Government regulations groups of 6 or more people are required to be accompanied by a licensed guide and policeman for your entire time in Jordan.
What are the Regulations and Visas for Israelis entering Jordan from the Eilat Border crossing?
Israeli national are granted a free visa on arrival regardless of the duration of their stay in Jordan.
There are new regulations in place for Israeli passport holders entering Jordan through the Eilat border. These are subject to change. Please contact us for the latest information.
What is the best way to get from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to Eilat Border?
There are 3 ways that you can travel from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to the Eilat Border.
- Flight with Arkia Air : https://www.arkia.com/
We recommend this option as the most efficient and relatively cheap option. The one way flight is only 45 mins from Tel Aviv and flights start from 30Euro.
- Bus with Egged Bus Company : www.egged.co.il/HomePage.aspx
This is the cheapest option but takes 5 – 6 hours.
- Private transfer which we can arrange.
Private transfers are expensive in Israel. The private transfer from Tel Aviv to Eilat in a 4 seater passenger vehicle is $450USD. Please ask us about rates for other transfers and vehicles.
