The Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin crossing connects southern Jordan with Israel near Aqaba and Eilat. Its location makes it a route to consider after visiting Aqaba, Wadi Rum or Petra.
Before travelling, confirm your entry eligibility, documents, crossing availability and onward transport. Border procedures can change, and a transport or tour booking does not guarantee admission.
This guide explains the main considerations when planning your journey and the Jordanian portion of your itinerary with Excursions Jordan.
Where Is the Crossing?
Wadi Araba is the Jordanian name for the southern crossing, known on the Israeli side as the Yitzhak Rabin Terminal.
It is convenient to consider when staying in Aqaba. From Amman, reaching it involves a substantial journey south, so compare the route with other crossings according to your itinerary and eligibility.
Use the exact terminal name when arranging transport to avoid confusion with the northern Sheikh Hussein crossing or King Hussein Bridge.
Getting to the Crossing from Aqaba
Arrange a licensed taxi or established transfer service to the Jordanian passenger terminal.
Before confirming, agree on:
Your collection point and departure time.
The terminal destination.
The total fare and luggage allowance.
Any waiting or cancellation charges.
Assistance required for children or reduced mobility.
If your booking covers only transport to the terminal, you will need separate onward arrangements after entering Israel.
Passport, Visa and ETA-IL Requirements
Entry requirements depend on your nationality, passport and personal circumstances.
Travellers from visa-exempt countries generally need approved ETA-IL travel authorisation before departure. Those who require a visa must arrange the appropriate permission in advance.
Apply through official government channels and confirm the requirements for your passport, including its validity. Do not rely on the older assumption that every visitor can simply receive a three-month visa at the border.
Neither a visa nor ETA-IL guarantees entry. Border authorities decide admission and the permitted length of stay.
Keep your accommodation details, onward plans and relevant confirmations accessible if requested.
Opening Hours
The Israel Airports Authority currently publishes the following passenger-terminal schedule:
| Days | Published hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday–Thursday | 06:30–20:00 |
| Friday–Saturday | 08:00–20:00 |
Its guidance states that passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before closing, and lists closures for Yom Kippur and the Islamic New Year.
Treat these as published operating hours rather than a guarantee for your travel date. Confirm arrangements on both sides, check for special notices and allow considerably more time than the final admission margin.
Vehicle procedures have a separate timetable.
What Happens During the Crossing?
For a typical passenger journey, expect several stages:
Jordanian departure formalities: Present your documents and settle any applicable departure charges.
Movement between terminals: Follow staff instructions for the permitted crossing procedure.
Israeli security checks: Present your passport and complete screening as directed.
Passport control: Answer any questions and provide supporting documents if requested.
Customs and exit controls: Make required declarations and retain the documents issued to you.
Processing time varies. Keep luggage with you and avoid booking a tightly timed onward connection.
If you need assistance, confirm it before travelling rather than assuming the full route will be manageable on foot.
Border Fees: Keep the Direction Clear
Jordanian departure charges and Israeli departure fees are separate costs.
An Israeli exit fee applies when leaving Israel; it should not be presented as the fee for leaving Jordan and entering Israel.
Confirm your applicable Jordanian charges directly before departure, as exemptions or additional conditions may depend on your circumstances. For a return journey, check the Israeli departure tariff and Jordanian re-entry requirements separately.
Also budget for entry authorisation, terminal services and transport where applicable.
Ask which currencies and payment methods are accepted. Do not assume that US dollars, cards or cash withdrawals will be available for every payment.
Passport Stamps and Entry Documents
Do not rely on assurances that a particular entry or exit stamp will always be issued—or omitted.
Follow the instructions of immigration officials and check any entry document you receive, including the permitted stay and conditions. Keep separate entry slips or permits secure if issued.
If passport markings could affect a later journey, seek advice from the relevant diplomatic missions before travelling. A request for alternative stamping arrangements is not guaranteed to be accepted.
Can You Cross with a Vehicle?
The terminal has procedures for eligible vehicles, so describing every crossing as exclusively pedestrian is inaccurate.
However, do not assume that a rental car, taxi or privately owned vehicle can cross without prior checks. Vehicle authorisation, insurance, customs documentation and terminal restrictions may apply.
For many visitors, separate transfers on each side are simpler to arrange. Confirm the details with your provider and the authorities before making a vehicle-based plan.
Does Joining a Tour Make Crossing Easier?
An organised itinerary may help coordinate collection times, onward travel and communication. However, it cannot bypass security checks, replace entry documents or guarantee shorter queues.
Before booking, establish whether the service includes:
Transport on one side or both.
Assistance outside or inside the terminals.
Border charges and entry authorisation.
Waiting time if processing is delayed.
Changes or refunds following a closure.
When browsing experiences on Excursions Jordan, check the stated departure and finish points. A Jordan-based activity should not be assumed to include cross-border transport or immigration assistance.
Facilities and Onward Travel
Bring drinking water, essential medication and anything you may need during a wait. Check current accessibility and facilities rather than relying on older descriptions of cafés or services.
Arrange onward transport in advance where practical. Confirm the meeting point, contact number and what happens if you arrive later than expected.
Do not assume public buses collect passengers directly outside the terminal.
Planning to Return to Jordan?
Check your Jordanian re-entry eligibility before leaving, particularly if your original visa was single-entry.
Confirm any visa, approval or booking requirements for returning through Wadi Araba. Permission to leave Jordan does not automatically establish permission to enter again.
Review official travel advice and insurance coverage for both parts of your journey.
Plan Your Jordan Itinerary with Excursions Jordan
A well-planned border day begins with confirmed documents, realistic timing and clear transport arrangements.
Excursions Jordan brings together activities from local providers across Jordan. Explore options in Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra and beyond, and confirm exactly where each experience begins and ends.
Discover tours, activities and local experiences with Excursions Jordan