Whether you are arriving at Queen Alia International Airport or King Hussein International Airport, choosing between the Red Channel and the Green Channel causes anxiety for many travelers. This guide covers everything you need to know about Jordan customs rules upon arrival so you can pass through security smoothly.
Red Channel vs. Green Channel
Upon landing at major entry points like Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman or King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba, you will clear immigration, collect your luggage, and proceed to customs.
-
Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare and your items fall entirely under the permitted duty-free limits.
-
You must use the Red Channel if you carry restricted goods, commercial merchandise, or cash exceeding the legal threshold.
Customs Limits & Allowances
ItemLimit (Per Person)NotesCigarettes200 cigarettes (or 200g tobacco)Must be 18 or older.Alcohol1 liter of alcoholic beveragesMust be 18 or older.CashUp to 15,000 JOD (or equivalent)Amounts exceeding this strictly MUST be declared.Personal GoodsUp to 200 JOD valuePersonal items like cameras are duty-free but must be exported.
| Item | Limit (Per Person) | Notes |
| Cigarettes | 200 cigarettes (or 200g tobacco) | Must be 18 or older. |
| Alcohol | 1 liter of alcoholic beverages | Must be 18 or older. |
| Cash | Up to 15,000 JOD (or equivalent) | Amounts exceeding this strictly MUST be declared. |
| Personal Goods | Up to 200 JOD value | Personal items like cameras are duty-free but must be exported. |
⚠️ Warning: Allowances are strictly calculated per person. Family pooling—such as combining individual limits to import larger volumes of alcohol—is strictly prohibited.
The "Big Ban" / The Trap: Drones
The absolute most common trap for tourists in Jordan is bringing a personal drone. Drones are strictly prohibited in the country without prior written approval from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC). If you arrive with an undeclared and unapproved drone, it will be immediately confiscated by customs officers. In some cases, customs may hold it in storage until your departure after requiring a 500 JOD deposit, but attempting to sneak a drone through can lead to massive fines of up to 5,000 JOD.
Banned & Restricted Items List
Do not attempt to cross the border with any of the following highly restricted items:
-
Illegal drugs and narcotics.
-
Weapons, firearms, and ammunition.
-
Fresh agricultural products like meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
-
Israeli currency.
-
Pornographic or culturally offensive materials.
-
Counterfeit goods.
For the official list, refer to the Jordan Customs Department.
Fines & Payment
Violating Jordan's customs regulations results in severe, immediate consequences. Items exceeding your allowance will be subject to heavy duties, while banned items will be permanently confiscated. Attempting to smuggle restricted electronics or illegal goods can result in immediate deportation, criminal charges, and heavy cash fines. If you are penalized, fines and duties are typically collected on the spot in cash or by credit card.
Instant Internet at Customs
You never know when you might need to quickly translate an Arabic document, open your banking app to prove funds, or retrieve a digital reservation while dealing with strict border agents. Having reliable internet access the moment you land is an absolute lifesaver.
