Jordan eases visa fees for most tourists

Jordan, which is home to the third most-visited city for UAE residents, has announced it will waive entry fees and charges for most travelers, regardless of their country of origin or their departure city. Their Highnesses King Abdullah II and Queen Rania have approved the proposed changes conceived by Jordan’s minister of antiquities Nayef Al-Fayez. The Ministry has stated that the aim of the proposals is to make traveling to Jordan more convenient and affordable for people of all nationalities. Al-Fayez said: “The Jordanian tourism sector is working diligently on promoting regular and low cost flights from all around the world, specifically from new potential target markets, through the implementation of several incentive schemes and tax reductions.” Discussing the new changes, he adds: “The measures approved by the government aim to encourage travellers to add Jordan to their next itinerary and will aid in promoting Jordan as an accessible, safe, and inviting destination. They also reflect our dedication to constantly and vigilantly develop our products and services to cater to our guests from all around the world.” The new changes are below: • Waiving visa fees for tourists of all nationalities coming through Jordanian tour operators whether traveling individually or in groups. The visa fee is waived on the condition that the traveler/travelers spend a minimum of two consecutive nights in Jordan. • Waiving visa fees for individual tourists who have organized their trip to Jordan without arrangements through a tour operator and have purchased the unified tourist site ticket on the condition that they spend a minimum of three consecutive nights in Jordan. • Reducing visa fees for tourists entering Jordan through land borders. The visa fee will be reduced from 40JOD to 10JOD on the condition that these tourists spend a minimum of three consecutive nights in Jordan. • Waiving departure tax for all scheduled flights from Aqaba and Amman, on the condition that tourists purchase the unified tourist site ticket and spend a minimum of three consecutive nights in Jordan. • Waiving the departure tax and entry visa for all low cost and charter flights leaving King Hussein International Airport – Aqaba. Erik Huyer, General Manager of Corp Amman Hotel, said: The move will open new source markets for Jordan as well as help expand existing ones. It will also widen Jordan's appeal in the mid-market segment." http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/23810-jordan-eases-visa-fees-for-most-tourists/