Allenby Bridge / King Hussein Bridge Information:

   Allenby Bridge / King Hussein Bridge opening times
   Exit taxes
   Transport between border Terminals: Shuttle & VIP
   Currency Exchange
   Duty Free
   Visas & Entry to Jordan
   Visas to Holyland
   Stamps in passports
   Crossing from Jordan to Jerusalem

Allenby Bridge / King Hussein Bridge Opening times for the coming period:

When is Allenby Bridge closed?:

The Allenby Bridge or King Hussein Bridge will close on Yom Kippur and Eid Al Adha. Following are the dates for Yom Kippur in the next few years: September 14, 2013; October 4, 2014; September 23, 2015. Following are future approximate dates (exact dates are known only a few days before since the date depends on the sighting of the moon) for Eid Al Adha: October 15, 2013; October 4, 2014; September 23, 2015.

The Allenby Bridge or King Hussein Bridge has shorter opening times during some Jewish holidays. These are announced only a few days in advance (and not always!). For the eve of Yom Kippur the bridge closes very early - sometimes at 10 am! Be sure to check bridge opening times around Jewish holidays (Passover, Shavout, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Succot, Hannukah) and the Moslem Holiday of Eid Al Adha & the Islamic New Year.

King Hussein/ Allenby Bridge opening times during upcoming holidays (Spring 2013) UPDATED March 17, 2013: information on opening times Note this information is surmised according to the information given by either or both Jordanians and Israelis. It applies to tourists; times may be different for Jerusalem ID holders, Palestinian Authority Residents and diplomats. We have tended to be conservative with our times to be on the safe side. For exact information please contact the authorities. We cannot be responsible for any errors in this information:

The following are the opening times for the Holidays in 2013 as announced by the Isarel Airport Authority. The times mentioned refer to the Israel/ Palestine clock. Jordan is one hour ahead of Israel during the winter (up to March 28, 2013; from March 29 Israel/ Palestine and Jordan are on the same time till the winter). You need to be at the border at least 3 hours earlier if crossing from Jordan to Israel/ Palestine; and at least 2 hours earlier if crossing from Israel/ Palestine to Jordan).

Mar 25, 2013: Bridge closes at 3pm.

Mar 26 & 31 2013: Bridge closes at 8pm.

Apr 1 & 15, 2013: Bridge closes at 8pm.

May 14-15, 2013: Bridge closes at 8pm.

OCT 15, 2013: Bridge closes on first day of Eid Adha. This is Oct 15.

NOV 4, 2013: Bridge closes earlier than usual for Muslim New Year. We recommend: To cross from Jordan to Jerusalem be at the Jordanian terminal no later than 18.00. To cross from Jerusalem to Jordan be at the Israeli Terminal no later than 19.00.

For more info see -    Allenby Bridge / King Hussein Bridge opening times.

The above and below information is provided by the Israeli & Jordanian authorities. They refer to crossing times for tourists. We cannot take responsibility for any inacuracies or mistakes. We recommend you reconfirm this information by calling the bridge authorities. We recommend arriving at least two hours earlier during weekdays and three hours earlier during weekends and Jewish Holiday eve than the stated closing times. Note all times are according to the Israeli clock; Jordan and Israel change the clocks for winter and summer time on different dates.

Allenby Bridge / King Hussein Bridge:

This is the crossing point between Jordan and the occupied Palestinian Territories - oPT (also known as the West Bank). it is not an official border since the oPT is not an independent state. It is an "unofficial" border defined as a Crossing Point by the Jordanians. In Jordan it is known as the King Hussein Bridge. In Israel & Palestine it is known as Allenby Bridge. Note entry to Jordan with an Israeli passport is not allowed at Allenby Bridge.

Allenby Bridge / King Hussein Bridge opening times:

The Allenby Bridge/ King Hussein border crossing opening hours are as below. The opening times are based on the Israeli clock. While there is a time difference between Jordan and Israel, go according to the Israel time. We recommend you arrive much earlier than the closing time to cross - see below:

Sunday through Thursday: 08:00 - 22.00
Friday, Saturday, Jewish Holidays & eve of Jewish Holidays*: 08.00 to 13.30
Closed on Yom Kippur & Eid Adha (see above for dates in 2013).

Latest time to arrive at the border:

We recommend arriving at least one hour before the last time to arrive at the border. Occassionally authorities will close early without notice.

In case you arrive late at Allenby Bridge, you can travel instead via the Jordan River Bridge Crossing (also known as Sheikh Hussein Bridge). This is approximately 1 hour north of Allenby Bridge.

Note these times are according to Israeli time. Sometimes there is a difference between time in Israel and Jordan when one country changes to summer or winter time before the other. In which case the opening times are set according to the Israeli clock. All times above are based on Israeli clocks. On March 29, 2013 Summer time starts in Israel. Clocks move forward by one hour. Jordan announced on Oct 24, 2012 that they will not switch to winter time (http://jordantimes.com/govt-rescinds-decision-to-switch-to-winter-time). So from Sept 23 to March 29, 2013 there is one hour difference between Israel and Jordan. Jordan will be one hour ahead of Israel. On March 29, 2013 at 2 am clocks are moved forward in Israel and Israel changes to summer time. Generally bridge opening times follow the Israeli clock; though the situation is rather confusing.

The bridge is closed on Yom Kippur and Eid Al Adha. The exact day of closure for Eid Al Adha is only known with a week notice. For 2013 respective dates are Yom Kippur: Sep 13, 2013 all borders are closed (and on the holiday eve borders closer earlier than usual); Eid Adha (Oct 25, 2012)

Note occassionally Israeli authorities have arbitrarilly closed the border early for various reasons, such as when the border is too crowded or they have a security situation. This seems to happen a couple of times a year. If it is critical that you cross on the day you want, then arrive early at the bridge. Note if Allenby Bridge/ King Hussein bridge is closed, you can divert to the Jordan River Crossing which is approximately 1 1/2 hours away. Keep in mind the closing times for this border.

When is the Bridge Busy:

The eve of and the day after Yom Kippur
The day before and the day after the closing of the bridge for Eid Adha.
The last day or two of Eid Adha when visitors are returning to & from Jordan.
One day before Eid Adha (when people are going home to spend the Eid at home) and three or four days after the end of Eid Adha when the pilgrims are returning from the Haj. This starts a few days after the Eid and last for around 5 days.

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Exit taxes:

From Jordan: Exit tax out of Jordan (JOD 10 pp, approx $15 - subject to change). You are exempt from this tax if you are in Jordan no more than one night.

From West Bank to Jordan at Allenby Bridge or King Hussein Bridge: NIS178 (approximately $52 - subject to change)

From Israel to Jordan at Jordan Valley Border (sometimes known as Sheikh Hussein Bridge): NIS 108 pp (approximately $32)

Note all taxes are paid in local currency.

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Transport between border Terminals - Shuttle & VIP:

The Jordanian and Israeli terminals are approimately 5 klm apart. There are two ways to get from one to the other - A shuttle bus or the VIP van:

• The shuttle bus costs JOD 5.00 pp (approx $8) plus JOD 1.50 (approx $2) per each luggage checked in the bus hold. Payment accepted in major currencies other than JOD. The first shuttle bus from the Jordanian Terminal leaves at or shortly after 08:30 am. The first shuttle from the Israeli Terminal leaves around 9.00 am. The shuttle then leaves every 1-2 hours. There does not seem to be any regular schedule.

 

• The VIP service between the Jordanian and Israeli Terminals costs approximately $110 pp each way. The service includes "VIP" waiting rooms, assistance with immigration, security and luggage; plus a van shuttle between the terminals. Usually clients go to the front of any queues. The VIP service can save lots of frustration and speeds up the crossing considerably (especially when the border is busy) and allows it to be done more comfortably.
• When crossing from Amman to Jerusalem the VIP service saves the wait for the shuttle bus between the Jordanian and Israeli terminals since a van is provided; and the VIP service expresses you to the front of all the queues for security checks and immigration procedure. This can be a conisderable saving in time and inconvenience.
• When crossing from Jerusalem to Amman the VIP service saves you queueing for immigration and waiting for the shuttle bus from the Israeli to Jordanian terminal since a van transfer is provided. It also saves you some time waiting for the immigration service in the Jordanian terminal.
• Generally our recommendation is:
  • Use the shuttle bus if you feel the VIP service cost is too high.
  • If you want to spend some money to save time and hassle, then take the VIP from Amman to Jerusalem.
  • If money is not a worry then take the VIP service both ways: from Amman to Jerusalem and from Amman to Jerusalem.

 

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Currency Exchange:

West Bank Terminal: There is a currency exchange place in the departure terminal.
Jordanian Terminal: There is a currency exchange in the arrival terminal that closes around 4 pm Sunday to Thursday and 12 on Friday, Saturdays and early closing days.

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Duty Free:

West BankTerminal: There is no Duty Free.
Jordanian Terminal: There is a Duty Free shop. You can purchase duty free items on departure or arrival

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Visas & Entry to Jordan:

You are NOT able to get a visa to Jordan at King Hussein/ Allenby Bridge. You must have a visa in advance to enter Jordan at King Hussein/ Allenby Bridge. You may apply for a visa in your home country, at the Jordanian Embassy in Tel Aviv or the Jordanian Representative Office in Ramallah. You are able to enter Jordan at Allenby Bridge/ King Hussein Bridge if you have a Jordanian visa or if you meet either of the following conditions:

1. If you have crossed from Jordan to Jerusalem via King Hussein/ Allenby Bridge, then you are allowed to return to Jordan from King Hussein/ Allenby as long as your Jordan visa is still valid. So, for example, if you arrived in Jordan at the airport on June 1 & got a one month visa, then your visa is valid till July 1. If you cross at Allenby from Jordan to Jerusalem, then you can return to Jordan via Allenby on the same visa any time till July 1. After July 1 you cannot enter Jordan at Allenby Bridge as your visa has expired.
2. If you are a group and we apply for group entry permit on your behalf. To do this you must meet all the following conditions:
   • You consist of at least 5 people
   • you spend at least 2 overnights in Jordan
   • you arrive and depart together as a group
   • you send us all your passport details in advance (we will send you what we need)
   • you give us 5 days notice for Europeans, Americans and Canadians; and 14 days notice for other nationalities.

   If you arrive at Allenby Bridge from Israel or Palestine and have not met the above 2 conditions and do not have a visa to Jordan you will be turned back by the Jordanians and refused entry to Jordan at Allenby. You can then travel north to enter Jordan at Sheikh Hussein (or Jordan River Crossing) or return to Ramallah or Tel Aviv and get a visa to Jordan at the Jordanian representative office or Embassy.

You can get a visa to Jordan at Sheikh Hussein Bridge (also known as the Jordan River Crossing) which is one hour north of Allenby or King Hussein Bridge. Visas cost JOD 20 (or $30) per person.

Note certain nationalities are restricted and must apply for visas in advance (usually countries from poorer countries).

Entry to Jordan at Allenby/ King Hussein Bridge is not allowed with an Israeli passport. The Jordan River Crossing point and Arava are the points of entry to Jordan for Israeli passports holders.

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Visas to Israel / Palestine:

Israel controls all entry at exit to Israel/ Palestine. Most western developed countries can get a visa on arrival at Allenby Bridge. Usually a visitor gets a 3-month visa. For a list of countries that can get a visa on arrival see: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Tourist+Information/Planning+your+trip/Visa.htm

If you need to apply for a visa in advance then you must do so at an Israeli Embassy. Usually you should do this at the Embassy of your home country. If you are a member of a group of 10 persons or more and want to book a tour with us, then we can apply for a group visa on your behalf. We need 3 weeks to do this. Contact us for further details.

We can apply for a visa for you if you are a citizen of a country that does not have diplomatic relations with Israel as long as you book a tour with us. We need 3 weeks to do this. Contact us for further details.

Israel has a policy of sometimes giving a visa to Palestinian Authority areas only. If you get this visa you are not allowed to visit Jerusalem or Israel. If you want to avoid getting this visa then if asked make sure that you state you want to visit Israel and Jerusalem.

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Israeli & Jordanian Stamps in passports

The current (since early 2013) policy in Israel is not to stamp passports but to issue travellers with a personalised printed card. This card has a scanned copy of your passport photo on it, along with your name and entry date. This card must be kept with your passport throughout the duration of your stay in Israel. Be sure to keep this with you, as it is your proof of entry to the country and you may need it to show at Israeli checkpoints if asked. You also need to show it when leaving Isael/ Palestine.

If you actually would like a stamp in your passport, the authorities will still provide this for you if requested.

However, please note the rules do change and we recommend you still mention to the authorities that you don't want your passport stamped. We cannot be present there to assist you inside the immigration terminal; nor do we have control over Israeli Immigration practices. From our experience not having your passport stamped does not seem to be the norm of the Israeli Authorities. We have not had an incident whereby a passport has been stamped against the wishes of the tourist for over 10 years. We, of course, cannot be held responsible in any way if your document gets stamped.

Note Jordan does not stamp passports at Allenby Bridge/ King Hussein Bridge. They do stamp passports at the Jordan River Crossing (Sheikh Hussein Bridge) and Rabin Crossing (Arava); though they will stamp a separate piece of paper (& not your passport) if asked. We, of course, cannot be held responsible in any way if your document gets stamped

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Crossing from Jordan to Jerusalem:

The following are the steps when crossing from Jordan to Jerusalem:

1. Arrive at Jordanian Terminal:
   Go through immigration or passport control & wait for the shuttle bus. The immigration officer will keep your passport & return it to you on the bus.
2. Shuttle Bus between border Terminals:
   Board the shuttle bus to the Israeli Terminal, which is about 5 Klm away. The bus leaves approximately every 1-2 hours, so you may have to wait a while before if moves. The bus charges 5 JOD per person (approx $8) plus JOD 1.50 (approx $2) per item of luggage placed in the bus hold. If you want to avoid the wait for the bus and speed up the whole border crossing you can take the VIP service. This costs a steep approximately $108 pp but will wiz you through the crossing and procedure in the border terminals.
3. Arrive at Israeli Terminal
   1. On arrival at the Isareli Terminal, you need to disembark from the bus; identify your luggage and hand it over with your passport to security for checking. If you only have hand luggage you still need to hand over your passport for a check. There are several queues for secrity, immigration and customs. The whole process is confusing and not clear. But you will eventually get through.
   2. The car picking you up from the Israeli terminal will be waiting for you just outside the terminal . The driver will have a sign with your name. If you have a taxi voucher walk to the taxi booth 5 meters on the left as you exit the terminal

 

The whole border process starting at the Jordanian border terminal and ending at the exit of Israeli terminal can take anything between 2-5 hours. Usually it takes longer when the border is busy. This tends to be during the summer months (July, August) and around Moslem holidays (when Palestinians travel to and from the oPT). The border is also busy when there is Umrah (Moslem Pilgrimage) traffic returning to Israel and Palesine. This seems to occur on Sundays and Mondays of the week.

The good news is that any delays that occur are upon entering Palestine/ Israel and almost never when leaving Israel/ Palestine and entering Jordan.

Note, much as we would wish otherwise, we have no control over the procedure, systems, crowds and queues at the border. Look at these as the possible price to pay to visit the great city of Jerusalem. If you want to avoid them consider paying the steep approximately $11o pp for the VIP service; or travelling via the Jordan River Border (also known as Sheikh Hussein - though here you will add 3 hours of driving). You may also consider complaining to the Israeli authorities about the situation at the border.

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