If you are planning to cross the Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) or the Sheikh Hussein North Border between Israel and Jordan in 2026, this guide gives you everything you need updated operating hours, current wait times, visa requirements, and the one service that makes the entire experience dramatically easier.
The situation at Israel’s land borders has changed significantly in the past year. With Ben Gurion Airport operating at reduced capacity and international flight availability fluctuating, more travelers than ever are relying on Israel’s land border crossings as their primary entry and exit route. That means longer queues, heightened security checks, and more stress unless you plan a head.
Is Allenby Bridge Open in 2026? Current Status
Yes — as of March 2026, both major Israel-Jordan land border crossings are open for passenger travel. However, operating hours have been adjusted and can change rapidly based on the security situation.
| Border Crossing | Current Hours (2026) | Closed On |
|---|---|---|
| Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) | Sun–Thu: 08:00–17:00 Fri: 08:00–15:30 Sat: Closed | Saturdays, Yom Kippur, Eid al-Adha (1st day) |
| Sheikh Hussein (North Border / Jordan River) | Sun–Thu: 08:30–18:00 Fri–Sat: 09:00–17:00 Must arrive by 16:30 | Subject to security situation |
Key 2026 reality: Due to increased security measures and higher passenger volumes from travelers who cannot fly, wait times at both crossings have extended significantly. Standard crossing times of 3–5 hours are now common, particularly mid-morning. Arriving early and having professional assistance is more important than ever.
Allenby Bridge vs. Sheikh Hussein: Which Should You Use?
Choosing the right crossing can save you hours. Here is a straightforward comparison based on current 2026 conditions:
| Allenby Bridge Sheikh Hussein (North) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Location | 53km from Jerusalem, southern Jordan Valley | Near Sea of Galilee, northern Israel |
| Distance from Amman | 57km | 90km |
| Jordan Visa on Arrival | Not available — must pre-arrange | Available on arrival |
| Best For | Jerusalem, West Bank, Tel Aviv travelers | Galilee, Haifa, northern Israel travelers |
| Israeli Citizens | Not permitted | Permitted |
| VIP Service Available | Yes — Israel Welcome | Yes — Israel Welcome |
What to Expect at the Allenby Bridge in 2026
Anyone who has crossed Allenby Bridge before knows it can be one of the most demanding border experiences in the region. In 2026, with increased demand and tighter security, here is what a standard crossing looks like without VIP service:
- Arrival at the Israeli terminal — join the general queue (currently 45–90 min wait just to enter processing)
- Security screening — X-ray, bag inspection, questioning (can be extensive for certain nationalities)
- Passport control — Israeli side — receive a printed entry/exit permit (Israel no longer stamps passports)
- Shuttle bus to Jordan side — wait for bus to fill (you cannot walk or take a private car)
- Jordanian immigration — pay departure tax of 10 JOD (~$14 USD), passport processing
- Exit and find transport — navigate to taxis or pre-arranged pickup
Total time for a standard crossing: 2.5 to 5+ hours, depending on volume and security procedures that day.
Why Travelers in 2026 Are Choosing VIP Border Service
- Business travelers and diplomats who cannot afford unpredictable delays
- Journalists and NGO workers crossing regularly with equipment and documentation
- Israeli diaspora visiting family — often traveling with elderly relatives or young children
- International tourists using land crossing because of limited flight availability
- Dual nationals whose crossing procedures require extra documentation support
🏅 Allenby Bridge VIP Service
- Personal VIP representative at entrance
- Private lounge with refreshments
- Luggage handling (up to 2 bags)
- Fast-track security & passport control
- All document handling on your behalf
- Private shuttle across the bridge
- Escort to your waiting driver
🏅 Sheikh Hussein VIP Service
- Personal VIP representative at entrance
- Private VIP lounge access
- Luggage handling (up to 2 bags)
- Fast-track both sides of the border
- All paperwork handled for you
- Private transfer across the crossing
- Escort to your driver
Ready to Cross Without the Stress?
Book your VIP border crossing service today. Available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Our team handles everything — you just walk through.
Book Border VIP Service — $219/person View Full Service DetailsVisa & Document Requirements for 2026
Crossing from Israel into Jordan
- Jordan visa: Must be arranged in advance at an embassy, consulate, or online — NOT available at Allenby Bridge. Available on arrival at Sheikh Hussein.
- Jordan departure tax: 10 JOD (~$14 USD) — payable in local currency only
- Passport validity: Minimum 6 months beyond your travel date, with at least one blank page
- Israeli exit: You will receive a printed exit permit — Israel does not stamp passports
Crossing from Jordan into Israel
- Most nationalities can enter Israel visa-free (check your nationality’s specific requirements)
- Israel entry permit: Printed document issued at the crossing — keep it safe throughout your stay
- Israeli exit fee: Payable at the crossing in NIS — confirm the current fee amount with Israel Welcome before travel as fees are updated periodically
- Security questioning: Expect thorough questioning, particularly for those with ties to Palestinian territories
Practical Tips: Crossing in 2026
- Arrive early. The first hour of operation is consistently the least crowded. Arriving at 08:00 can cut your wait time in half.
- Bring cash in multiple currencies. ATMs at the crossing are unreliable. Carry USD, NIS, and JOD.
- Arrange Jordan visa in advance if using Allenby Bridge — no exceptions.
- Have all documents ready before you reach the window: passport, visa, any invitation letters or accommodation details.
- Don’t rely on private cars. Private vehicles cannot cross — all travelers must use the shuttle bus, or the VIP private shuttle service.
- Book VIP service in advance. Walk-in VIP availability cannot be guaranteed, especially in current conditions.
- Check crossing status the morning of your crossing. In 2026, closures have occurred with very little notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under standard conditions in 2026, the crossing takes between 2.5 and 5 hours due to increased security procedures and higher passenger volumes. With Israel Welcome’s VIP fast-track border service, most clients complete the full crossing in 45–90 minutes. A dedicated VIP representative handles all procedures while you wait in a private lounge.
Yes. Allenby Bridge and Sheikh Hussein (North Border) remain open for international travelers. In fact, with Ben Gurion Airport operating at reduced capacity in early 2026, many travelers — including tourists, business travelers, journalists, and diaspora visitors — are using land crossings as their primary route into Israel. Professional VIP assistance is strongly recommended given current security procedures.
Yes — Jordan visas are NOT available on arrival at Allenby Bridge. You must arrange your Jordan visa in advance through a Jordanian embassy, consulate, or online portal. Jordan visas ARE available on arrival at Sheikh Hussein (North Border). Government visa fees and exit fees are not included in the Israel Welcome VIP service price.
Israel Welcome’s VIP border service is priced from $219 per person and includes: personal VIP representative meet-and-greet at the border entrance; private VIP lounge with refreshments; luggage handling for up to 2 bags; fast-track security screening; fast-track passport control on both Israeli and Jordanian sides; all document handling; private shuttle transfer across the border; and escort directly to your waiting driver. The service is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
The Israeli departure fee at Allenby Bridge is payable in NIS at the crossing — fees are updated periodically so confirm the current amount before travel. Jordan charges a departure tax of 10 JOD (~$14 USD) payable in local currency. Neither of these government fees is included in the Israel Welcome VIP service price.
Absolutely — and it is particularly recommended for them. Families with children, elderly passengers, and anyone with mobility considerations will find the VIP service especially valuable. Your personal representative handles all luggage, paperwork, and queue management, so you can focus entirely on your group. For groups of 3 or more, contact us for group pricing.
You can book directly through our Border VIP Reservation page. We are also available 24/7 by phone at +972-52-917-1710 (Israel) or 1-888-500-4414 (USA/Canada). We strongly recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee availability, particularly during the current period of high demand.
Cross Allenby Bridge With Confidence
In 2026, having a professional on your side at the border is not a luxury — it is peace of mind. Book your VIP service today and let our experienced team handle everything.
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