Jordan to Israel Border Crossing: Which Terminal to Use and What to Expect
Israel and Jordan share three operational land border crossings, each administered on the Israeli side by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA). For travelers planning to visit the Dead Sea after arriving from Jordan, understanding which crossing to use and what Israel’s entry procedures require will determine whether the transition takes one hour or most of a day.
This guide addresses each crossing from the Israeli operational perspective, covering documentation requirements, the ETA-IL pre-authorization process, security screening procedures at Israeli terminals, fee structures, and the most practical routes to reach the Dead Sea Israel side after crossing.
The Three Crossings: A Functional Overview
The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge connects the West Bank with Jordan and is about 5 kilometers east of Jericho. Road distance to Jerusalem or the Israeli Dead Sea varies by route and current access conditions, so travelers should check a live map and the official crossing page before departure.
Allenby/King Hussein Bridge is the central crossing for routes between the West Bank and Jordan. Travel distance and time to Jerusalem or the Dead Sea depend on the route and current access conditions. Check a live map and the official Israel Airports Authority notice before travel.
Jordan River Terminal / Sheikh Hussein (North)
As checked on 6 August 2026, the Israel Airports Authority publishes Sunday to Thursday hours of 08:30 to 18:00, with passenger admission until 16:30. Friday hours are 08:30 to 16:00, with admission until 14:30. Saturday is closed. Check the official live schedule on the day of travel.
Yitzhak Rabin Terminal / Wadi Araba (South)
As checked on 6 August 2026, published hours are Sunday to Thursday 06:30 to 20:00 and Friday and Saturday 08:00 to 20:00. Vehicle passage is published until 19:00. Check the official live schedule before departure.
Crossing Comparison
| Feature | Allenby Bridge | Jordan River | Yitzhak Rabin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israeli name | Allenby Bridge | Jordan River / Sheikh Hussein | Yitzhak Rabin / Wadi Araba |
| Published passenger hours, Israel side | Sun-Thu 08:00-17:00; Fri 08:00-15:30; Sat closed | Sun-Thu 08:30-18:00; Fri 08:30-16:00; Sat closed | Sun-Thu 06:30-20:00; Fri-Sat 08:00-20:00 |
| Last admission or vehicle cutoff | Arrive at least 3 hours before closing | Passengers admitted until 16:30 Sun-Thu and 14:30 Fri | Vehicle passage published until 19:00 |
| Israel entry authorization | ETA-IL or visa depends on nationality | ETA-IL or visa depends on nationality | ETA-IL or visa depends on nationality |
| Jordan visa on arrival | No; pre-arrange if required | Nationality-dependent; verify with Jordan MOI | Official Jordan sources conflict; verify before travel |
| Current operational notice | Inbound to Israel extended Sun and Thu to 18:30; outbound remains 17:00 | Check same-day IAA notice | Check same-day IAA notice |
| Israel-side exit fee | Confirm current IAA fee schedule | Confirm current IAA fee schedule | Confirm current IAA fee schedule |
| Private vehicles | Not permitted | Permitted subject to documents and border rules | Permitted subject to documents and border rules |
| Rental cars and taxis | Do not cross | Not permitted to cross | Not permitted to cross |
| Planning use | Central routes; confirm direction-specific access | Northern Jordan and northern Israel routes | Aqaba, Eilat, Petra and southern routes |
Israeli Entry Requirements: What Every Traveler Must Prepare
ETA-IL Pre-Authorization (Effective January 1, 2025)
Travelers from countries that are ordinarily visa-exempt for Israel must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before arriving at any Israeli entry point, including all three land border crossings. The application is processed online through the Israel Population and Immigration Authority portal at eta.piba.gov.il and costs approximately NIS 25 (about USD 7). Processing is typically fast, but applicants should allow adequate time before travel.
Travelers who require a full visa rather than ETA-IL must apply through an Israeli embassy or consulate in their home country.
Since January 1, 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries entering Israel at any land border crossing, including the Allenby Bridge terminal, are required to obtain ETA-IL electronic travel authorization in advance through the Israel Population and Immigration Authority. The authorization costs approximately NIS 25 (about USD 7) and must be secured before arriving at the terminal.
Passport Validity
Israeli immigration requires a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry. Travelers with less than six months of remaining validity may be denied entry.
No Passport Stamp Policy
Israeli authorities at all three land border crossings issue a separate entry card rather than stamping the traveler’s passport. This policy reflects Israel’s awareness that evidence of entry into Israel can create complications for travelers who subsequently wish to visit certain other countries. The entry card should be retained until departure from Israel.
At the Jordan River terminal, authorities may still stamp passports if the traveler does not specifically request otherwise. Travelers concerned about this should state their preference clearly to the border officer at that crossing.
Israeli Security Screening: Structure and Expectations
Allow substantial time for border processing and onward transport. At Allenby, the Israel Airports Authority advises arriving at least three hours before closing. Other terminals have their own last-admission cutoffs. Check the official live hours page for your crossing on the day of travel.
Exit Fees and Currency
Israel-side passenger exit fees effective April 15, 2026 are 208 NIS at Allenby and 120 NIS at Jordan River and Yitzhak Rabin. Payment methods and additional service charges can vary. Confirm the current amount and payment instructions in the official IAA fee schedule.
Israel-side passenger exit fees effective April 15, 2026 are 208 NIS at Allenby and 120 NIS at Jordan River and Yitzhak Rabin. Fees can change, so confirm the official IAA schedule before travel.
Vehicle and Transport Restrictions
Private vehicles cannot cross at Allenby. The Israel Airports Authority permits private vehicles at Jordan River and Yitzhak Rabin subject to current documents, insurance, licensing and border procedures. Rental cars and taxis are not permitted to cross at Jordan River or Yitzhak Rabin. From 1 March 2026, vehicles entering Jordan require an English vehicle-registration translation under the IAA notice. Check both countries’ current rules before departure.
Which Crossing Is Best for Dead Sea Visitors
The best crossing depends on which country and shore you are visiting, your nationality, visa status, vehicle type and same-day terminal operation. Allenby serves central routes near Jericho. Jordan River serves northern routes. Yitzhak Rabin connects Aqaba and Eilat in the south. Do not select a terminal from a fixed distance claim alone; compare a live route map with the official terminal notice for your travel direction.
Border-to-beach distance and travel time depend on the selected shore, route, checkpoints and current access conditions. Use a live route planner and the official terminal notice instead of a copied fixed distance.
Practical Itinerary Planning
Before travel:
- Confirm visa or ETA requirements for your passport and direction of travel.
- Open the official live-hours page for the exact terminal on the day of travel.
- Check the last-admission cutoff, not only the published closing time.
- Confirm whether your private vehicle documents meet both countries’ rules. Do not plan to take a rental car or taxi across.
- Use a live map for the onward route to the Jordanian or Israeli Dead Sea shore.
Allow extra time for security, shuttles and changes in terminal operations. Do not rely on an old timetable or fixed crossing-time estimate.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to enter Israel from Jordan?
Entry requirements depend on nationality. Visa-exempt travelers may require an approved ETA-IL before arriving; other travelers need the appropriate visa. Use the official Israel Population and Immigration Authority service and verify the rule for your passport before travel.
Which Jordan-Israel border crossing is closest to the Dead Sea?
There is no single closest crossing for every Dead Sea itinerary. Allenby serves central routes near Jericho, Jordan River serves northern routes, and Yitzhak Rabin serves Aqaba and Eilat. Choose the shore and final destination first, then compare a live map with same-day terminal access.
Will Israel stamp my passport at the border?
Israeli border control generally issues a separate entry card to foreign visitors, but procedures can vary by traveler and crossing. Keep every document issued at the terminal and confirm current practice with the responsible authority.
How long does crossing at the Allenby Bridge terminal take?
There is no reliable fixed crossing time. Security screening, shuttles, passenger volume and operational changes can materially affect the journey. Arrive within the authority’s admission window and allow substantial contingency time.
Can I get a Jordanian visa at the Allenby Bridge crossing?
Allenby does not issue Jordanian visas on arrival. Eligibility at Jordan River depends on nationality. Official Jordan sources currently conflict on Wadi Araba and Jordan Pass visa-on-arrival conditions, so obtain nationality-specific confirmation from Jordan’s Ministry of Interior before travel.
Can I bring my rental car across the Jordan-Israel border?
Rental cars and taxis do not cross. Private vehicles cannot cross at Allenby but may cross at Jordan River and Yitzhak Rabin when current documentation, insurance, licensing and border requirements are met. Confirm both countries’ rules in advance.
Is the Allenby Bridge crossing open on weekends?
As checked on 6 August 2026, Allenby is open Sunday to Thursday 08:00 to 17:00 and Friday 08:00 to 15:30; Saturday is closed. A current notice extends inbound processing to Israel on Sundays and Thursdays to 18:30 while outbound remains 17:00. Arrive at least three hours before closing and check the official live notice on the day of travel.
