Arab Country Relaxes Entry Requirements for GCC Residents

Foreign nationals and Syrian residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and all European countries can now enter Jordan without prior approval.

The updated policy reduces the residency requirement from six months to four months and extends eligibility to residents of all European countries, not just EU member states. Syrian residents in these countries are now also permitted entry, marking a significant policy shift.

Key Highlights of the New Policy:

1. Residency Requirement:
   • Foreign nationals and Syrian residents must hold valid residency in eligible countries for at least four months.
2. 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 without requiring prior security clearances.
3. Equal Treatment:
   • Foreign residents of eligible countries will be treated as citizens of those nations, provided their residencies meet the four-month validity requirement.
4. Domestic Workers:
   • Domestic workers accompanying Jordanian expatriates or GCC citizens can now enter Jordan with their employers. These workers are eligible for temporary three-month residency permits issued at border crossings, facilitating visits for expatriates and GCC nationals.

Objectives of the New Measures

The Jordanian Ministry emphasized that these changes aim to:

• Boost tourism and attract foreign investment.
• Align with the Economic Modernization Vision, which focuses on enhancing Jordan’s position as a global tourism hub and a favorable investment destination.

• Balance security considerations with national economic growth priorities.

These policy adjustments reflect Jordan’s strategic commitment to fostering economic development while simplifying entry procedures for travelers and investors.