Can I pay with credit card at Petra?

Tickets are available by cash or Credit cards . Children under 12 years are free of charge.



Yes, you can pay with a credit card at the Petra Visitor Center to purchase your entry tickets or your Jordan Pass in 2026. Major cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at the main gate and even in some of the larger gift shops and "luxury" cafes inside the site (like the Basin Restaurant). However, a supportive peer "cash is king" tip: as you go deeper into the Siq and toward the Monastery, most small Bedouin stalls selling tea, scarves, or donkey/camel rides are cash-only. In 2026, I highly recommend carrying at least 30–50 Jordanian Dinars (JOD) in small bills for these interactions. Also, be aware that "Petra by Night" tickets often require cash and are sold at a separate kiosk. While the "big" expenses can go on your card, the small, authentic experiences that make Petra special still rely on the local currency.

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TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Yes. Jordan issues single entry visas to U.S. citizens upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and most international land border crossings.

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It is fine to travel in Jordan in jeans most of the time, and you can, of course, wear them in Petra as well, in case this is the piece you never leave your home without, but as the visit of Petra requires quite a lot of walking, we think hiking trousers are a much better choice.

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If you're wondering what should tourists wear in Petra, there's no strict dress code – but it's important to respect the local culture. Although you can, in theory, wear whatever you like as a female tourist, be mindful that women in Jordan, tend not to show much skin.

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Distance and Difficulty: The Petra Main Trail is 8km / 5 miles return from the Visitors Centre. Easy walk, largely flat. Allow 3 – 4 hours return, including time to see the sites along the way.

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While there is certainly enough to occupy yourself for five or more days, two to three days is sufficient to visit all of the highlights in and around the park. One day--or worse yet a morning or afternoon--is likely to bring some disappointment to those who have traveled a great distance.

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Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops, including American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and MasterCard. Please note that many smaller shops still prefer cash payment in the Jordanian currency, and it's essential for shopping in the local souks.

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In general and for all seasons we advise to wear long sleeve clothes to protect your body from the sun. Also, it is a way to respect our culture, as women and men cover themselves. But of course if you prefer to wear shorts, short dresses, tank tops… feel free, we are used to that and we respect your choice.

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In more touristy areas (excluding mosques) such as Mount Nebo, Wadi Rum, and Petra, I dressed a bit more liberally (see photos below) and felt entirely comfortable. Our tour guide assured us wearing shorts at these places is totally acceptable and common.

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Wearing shorts can also be seen as disrespectful, so opt for long pants instead. Dress codes are generally stricter for women than men, and many female travellers choose to wear a headscarf like the local women.

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Whether you are in the city of Amman, exploring Petra, or trekking the desert valley of Wadi Rum, men should refrain from wearing shorts as it is seen as disrespectful.

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Toilets. If you're squeamish about squat toilets, you'll be relieved to hear that nearly all hotels and restaurants (even those of a lesser quality) have Western-style toilets. Regardless of the type of loo you come across, you're unlikely to find toilet paper.

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The best time to see Petra is in the early morning or late afternoon, so plan for an early start, or arrive the evening before to stay in one of the comfortable hotels in Petra.

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