Do I need a visa for Aqaba?

Many nationalities can obtain visa on arrival at Aqaba Airport or border crossings. Aqaba Special Economic Zone offers free visa for 30-day stay when arriving directly to Aqaba. Check current requirements before travel.

Is alcohol available in Aqaba?

Yes, alcohol is available in hotels, licensed restaurants, and duty-free shops due to Aqaba's special economic zone status. Public intoxication is illegal.

Can I visit Israel from Aqaba?

The Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing to Eilat, Israel is 5km from central Aqaba. It's open daily but check current political situation and visa requirements for both countries.

What water activities are available?

Diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, jet skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, and fishing trips. The Marine Park offers protected areas with exceptional coral reefs.

Is Aqaba suitable for families?

Excellent for families with safe beaches, family-friendly resorts, water parks, and easy access to Petra and Wadi Rum. Many hotels offer kids' clubs and shallow water areas.

Aqaba

CityJordan, Asia

Aqaba is a CITY in Jordan, Asia.

Aqaba is Jordan's stunning coastal gem, where the desert dramatically meets the Red Sea. This vibrant port city offers world-class diving and snorkeling in pristine coral reefs at the Aqaba Marine Park, home to over 500 fish species and the sunken Cedar Pride wreck. Beyond underwater adventures, Aqaba serves as the gateway to Wadi Rum's Martian landscapes and Petra's ancient wonders. The city blends modern luxury resorts with historic sites like Aqaba Fort and the early Islamic Ayla ruins. Duty-free shopping, waterfront promenades with seafood restaurants, and year-round sunshine create a relaxed resort atmosphere. Aqaba Special Economic Zone benefits make it exceptionally visitor-friendly with simplified visa procedures and tax-free shopping. From kite surfing and glass-bottom boat tours to desert jeep excursions, Aqaba offers diverse experiences where Middle Eastern hospitality meets aquatic adventure in Jordan's only coastal province.

Best time to visit Aqaba

March to May and September to November offer ideal temperatures (25-30°C/77-86°F) for both beach activities and desert exploration. Summer (June-August) is extremely hot (35-45°C/95-113°F) but dry with excellent underwater visibility. Winter (December-February) is mild (15-22°C/59-72°F) but cooler for swimming. The Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival in February showcases local culture. Ramadan affects business hours but offers unique cultural experiences.

October

Now

Know before you go

Getting around

Taxis are plentiful and affordable; ensure meters are used or negotiate fares beforehand. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem operate in Aqaba. Local minibuses serve main routes but can be confusing for tourists. Car rentals are available at the airport and downtown; international license required. Walking is pleasant along the corniche and in downtown areas. Bicycle rentals are growing in popularity. For desert excursions to Wadi Rum (1 hour drive), organized tours are recommended. The Aqaba Port receives cruise ships with shuttle services to city center.

Stay connected

Calling code

+962

Stay safe

Aqaba is generally safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in tourist areas. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone has enhanced security. Avoid photographing military installations or ports. Common scams include overcharging in taxis (insist on meter) and inflated prices in some shops (negotiate politely). Beach areas and resorts are secure. Women should dress modestly outside resort areas. Road safety requires caution due to occasional aggressive driving. Political demonstrations are rare but should be avoided. Tourist Police (dial 911) provide assistance in multiple languages.

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Tourist Police

911

Entry and health

Health information

Aqaba has modern medical facilities including Prince Hashem Military Hospital and Arab Medical Center. Travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine immunizations, but hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Dehydration and sunburn are common concerns - drink bottled water and use high SPF sunscreen. The Red Sea can have jellyfish; seek local advice before swimming. Pharmacies are widely available with English-speaking staff. For diving emergencies, the Royal Medical Services Hyperbaric Chamber is available. COVID-19 precautions may apply; check current requirements.

Culture

Local customs

Dress modestly when leaving resort areas - cover shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection should be minimal. Remove shoes before entering homes and some shops. Tipping (baksheesh) is customary: 10% in restaurants if service not included, small change for porters and taxi drivers. Friday is the holy day with reduced business hours. During Ramadan, avoid eating/drinking in public during daylight hours. Hospitality is highly valued - accept tea invitations when offered. Bargaining is expected in markets but not in malls or duty-free shops. Use right hand for eating and handing items.

ArabicEnglish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Jordanian Dinar (JOD) · JD

Timezone

Asia/Amman +03:00 (GMT+3 during standard time, +02:00 GMT+2 during daylight saving)

More facts

Population

188,160

Area

6,900 km²

Government

Governorate within Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, administered by Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)

ISO code

JO-21

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: العقبة, Al-‘Aqabah, عقبه, Akabe, Αἰλάθ, Άκαμπα, 亚喀巴, अक़बा, Акаба, Ελά;Ἀηλά;Αἴλανα;Αἰλανίτης;Αἰλανή;Ἐλάνα;Αἴλανον;Αἰλάς;Αἰλών;Ἡλάθ;Αϊλά;Άιλα, ಅಕಬ, Aqaba, Akaba, Βερενίκη, 아카바, عقبہ, আকাবা, עקבה, അഖബ, 亞喀巴, اكابا, AQJ, Al-'Aqabah, Qal`at el `Aqaba, `Aqaba, akaba, ya ke ba, アカバ

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