Jordan 2025 Visa Update, More frustration

Описание: Today was visa extension day here in Jordan, and wow… what a rollercoaster.
I originally arrived in Jordan back in March 2025 using the Jordan Pass, which waives your visa fee for the first 30 days if you purchase it in advance (super handy if you're planning to visit a few tourist sites). After my first month, I went to my local police station and paid 40 JD for a two-month extension, which covered me through mid-June. I had hoped to get a simple extension to cover me until my departure in July, but that’s where the real fun began…

I was told I’d need to visit the Tourism Police station in Tla Al-Al. I was also told that this extra extension wouldn’t cost anything. Sounded easy enough, right? Famous last words.

Now, if you’ve ever tried to do official paperwork in a foreign country, you’ll know how chaotic it can be. For me, it’s especially challenging because the process is never fully explained—only one breadcrumb at a time. You think you’re on step three, but it turns out you were still on step one.

To make matters more complex, my dear friend Al, who helps me navigate these things, got conflicting advice from someone who remembered the situation differently. So off we went to my local police station—only to be told we had to go to Tla Al-Ali. After all. No paperwork needed, they said. No copies. No ID extras. Just go, they said.

When we finally got to Tla Al-Al, they let Al come in with me as a translator and support person. Honestly, I needed him there, because dealing with the attitude and disorganization made me want to scream. I was sent to Desk #1, handed over my passport, and watched the officer start filling out a Form 3—the exact same form I’d already completed at my local station. Frustrated, I asked what was going on (via Al), and they explained that the extension request now had to go to the MOI. It’s an open request, and I have to return in two weeks with a copy of my passport and a document called "qushan" house ownership paper—basically proof that I live where I say I live. If I were renting, I’d need a lease; if working, a job letter. Since I live in a house, I need a document showing I have permission to stay there.

At that point, I explained—again—that I was told this was going to be a straightforward process. No forms. No copies. Just walk in and get an extension. The older officer at the desk finally stepped in, saw my rising frustration, and explained (a bit more kindly) that this type of extension—an extension of an extension—is treated as a different process altogether. But, as usual, no one tells you that upfront.

It’s just like when I inquired about residency in Jordan: to get a bank account, you need residency. But to get residency, you need a bank account. And round and round we go. I eventually opened an account thanks to a friend of a friend of a friend—but why should that be necessary? Why does every system here seem to rely on inside connections rather than transparency?

Anyway, I now have a piece of paper with a tracking number. My case is in the system, and I'm considered legally covered while it’s pending. There’s no daily overstay fine to worry about while I wait—so that’s something.

“Why not just use the app?” Ah yes, the app. Well, we did get the MOI to unlock it once, but then it glitched again, and now it’s locked again. It doesn’t tell you why. It doesn’t give you a fix. It just says “blocked.” Honestly, it looks like something out of MS-DOS.

So, that’s where we’re at. I’ll go back in two weeks to see if the Ministry has approved the extension. Emotionally I’m running on about minus five, but I know other people are going through far worse at the moment, especially with the rising regional tension. (Note: As of June 2025, increased conflict involving Iran and the occupied territories is making things even harder for travelers in the region.)

While I’m trying to stay in the country, I’m also helping others get out—supporting friends with plans to cross via Aqaba and Taba, or through Sharm El Sheikh, since airspace is still open down south. That’s life in the Middle East—never dull.

If you enjoyed this glimpse into expat life in Jordan—bureaucratic chaos and all—please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe to the channel, and ring that bell so you don’t miss the next episode of my wild retirement ride.

Thanks for watching and following along!
– Jules 🌍✈️🇯🇴

Stay safe & happy travels
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