Arab Country Eases Entry Rules for GCC Residents
Foreign individuals and Syrian citizens residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea as well as all European countries now have the opportunity to enter Jordan without prior authorization.
The recent policy update has reduced the residency requirement from six months to four. Furthermore, residents of any European country are eligible for this new provision instead of being limited solely to EU member states. It is worth noting that this change in government policy also allows Syrian residents living within these aforementioned countries to gain entry into Jordan—a significant development.
This exciting update opens up access to Jordan for a wider range of international visitors and provides greater convenience by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Travelers from diverse regions such as GCC nations or those located across continents like North America or Europe can now enjoy easier travel arrangements when visiting beautiful Jordan—home to breathtaking historical sites like Petra and vibrant cities such as Amman.
Key Highlights of the New Policy
Domestic Workers: Domestic workers accompanying Jordanian expatriates or GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) citizens are allowed entry into Jordan along with their employers. These workers can obtain temporary three-month residency permits at border crossings, making it easier for expatriates and GCC nationals to bring them during visits.
Residency Requirement:
Foreign nationals and Syrian residents must have valid residency in eligible countries for at least four months.
Visa Holders:
Holders of Schengen and US visas can now enter Jordan without needing to use these visas in the issuing countries first. Visitors with five-year visas will receive three-month residency permits for each visit, eliminating the need for prior security clearances.
Equal Treatment:
Foreign residents from eligible countries will be treated on par with citizens as long as their residencies meet the four-month validity requirement.
The primary goals of the new measures:
- To increase tourism and entice international investments. The Jordanian Ministry is placing a strong emphasis on aligning these changes with their Economic Modernization Vision, which centers around improving Jordan’s status as a prominent global tourist destination and an appealing place for investment.
- To strike a balance between security and economic growth, Jordan has introduced policy changes. These adjustments reflect the country’s commitment to fostering economic development by simplifying entry processes for travelers and investors.
