Jordan

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Aqaba

Jordan's Red Sea resort and dive hub

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Aqaba Plan a trip around Jordan

Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
Currency: JOD
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Jordan

Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0

Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, on the Gulf of Aqaba at the country's southern tip. People come for warm winter sun, coral-reef diving and snorkelling, duty-free shopping and easy access to Wadi Rum and Petra.

Largest cities

Amman
Zarqa
Irbid
Aqaba
Salt

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Jordan
Capital: Amman
City population: 140,000
Population of Jordan: 10.4M
Country area: 89,341 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) · 1 USD ≈ 0.709 JOD
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +962
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 11 m
Plugs: B / C / D / F / G · 230V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	22°	22°	26°	32°	35°	39°	41°	41°	37°	33°	28°	23°
Low	12°	12°	15°	19°	22°	25°	28°	28°	26°	22°	18°	13°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$38
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$92
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$235

Plan a trip to Aqaba

Top things to do

≈ $4
Aqaba Castle
A 16th-century Mamluk fortress at the southern end of the city beach, next to the giant Arab Revolt flagpole; it has been under reconstruction, so check locally before visiting.
- Half day
- Downtown Aqaba
- Good for kids
≈ $3
Aqaba Heritage Museum
A small museum near the castle covering local history and daily life; a quick, air-conditioned stop on a hot afternoon.
- Half day
- Downtown Aqaba
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $1
Ayla Ruins
The excavated early Islamic city beside the Mövenpick resort, with remains of walls, towers and a tetrapylon; go early or late for shade.
- Half day
- Ayla Oasis
- Good for kids
Free
Aqaba Church
The world's oldest known purpose-built Christian church, behind the JETT bus station; a small sign explains its history, so it is a short visit.
- Half day
- Downtown Aqaba
- Good for kids
Free
Aqaba Flagpole
One of the world's tallest free-standing flagpoles, flying the flag of the Arab Revolt; a good spot for sunset photos by the beach.
- Half day
- Downtown Aqaba
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
A large modern mosque east of the highway with a fine view over Aqaba; dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
- Half day
- North Aqaba and airport road
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $10
Marine Science Center Aquarium
A small aquarium about 5 km south of the city showing local Red Sea fish; it is modest for the price, but children may enjoy it.
- Half day
- South Beach and Tala Bay
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $60
Wadi Rum day trip
A full-day excursion to the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, about an hour north of Aqaba, with 4x4 tours and Bedouin camps; book transport and a guide in advance.
- Full day
- North Aqaba and airport road
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Most visitors need a visa to enter Jordan. A single-entry visa can be purchased on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport or at the Sheikh Hussein/North Border land crossing for 40 Jordanian dinars (about 56 USD), valid for 3 months. Alternatively, if staying at least 3 nights, you can buy a Jordan Pass online before travel (70–80 JD), which includes the visa fee and entry to major sites. If you plan to stay more than 14 days, you must register with the local police station within 14 days of arrival. Always check the official UK government entry requirements page for the latest rules, as

Official website

From the airport

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is about 9 km north of the city, roughly 20 minutes by taxi; there is no public transport to the airport, so take a fixed-price airport taxi or arrange a hotel transfer. Many visitors also arrive overland from Amman (about 4 hours by car on the Desert Highway) or by bus from Amman (around 10 JD).

Getting around

Most of central Aqaba is walkable, with green-and-blue local taxis (about 2 JD in town) and minibuses (0.17 JD) for longer hops; app-based taxis are not available.

Local tips

Dress modestly away from the beach and resorts; swimwear is fine at hotel pools and dive sites.
Carry Jordanian dinars in cash for taxis, small museums and local buses; cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
Agree the taxi fare before you get in, and confirm whether the price is total or per person.
Winter (November to March) is the most comfortable time to visit; summer days are extremely hot, so plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Areas worth knowing

Aqaba Marina and Port area
Downtown Aqaba
Ayla Oasis
North Aqaba and airport road
South Beach and Tala Bay

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on September 10, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK