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.
As of August 2026, both Allenby Bridge and Sheikh Hussein crossings are fully open and operating on regular hours, and Ben Gurion Airport has been fully operational since April 9, 2026. What hasn’t changed is demand: with summer travel at its peak and more travelers than usual choosing land crossings, queues remain longer than average. That means the planning advice in this guide accurate hours, required documents, and the option of VIP fast-track still matters just as much as it did earlier this year.
Is Allenby Bridge Open in 2026? Current Status
Yes – both major Israel-Jordan land border crossings are open for passenger travel. Hours below reflect the regular published schedule; always verify the morning of travel, especially around holidays.
Border Crossing | Current Hours (August 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 summer 2026 reality: with higher passenger volumes during peak travel season, wait times at both crossings can extend well beyond the norm. Crossing times of 3–5 hours are 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 conditions:
- Location — Allenby: 53km from Jerusalem, southern Jordan Valley | Sheikh Hussein: Near Sea of Galilee, northern Israel
- Distance from Amman — Allenby: 57km | Sheikh Hussein: 90km
- Jordan Visa on Arrival — Allenby: Not available, must pre-arrange | Sheikh Hussein: Available on arrival
- Best For — Allenby: Jerusalem, West Bank, Tel Aviv travelers | Sheikh Hussein: Galilee, Haifa, northern Israel travelers
- Israeli Citizens — Allenby: Not permitted | Sheikh Hussein: Permitted
- VIP Service Available — Both: 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. With continued high summer demand, 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 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 who prefer land crossing for flexibility or itinerary reasons
- 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 a 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 during peak summer periods.
- Check crossing status the morning of your crossing. Hours can still shift with little notice around holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) is open Sunday–Thursday 08:00–17:00 and Friday 08:00–15:30. It is closed on Saturdays. Hours can shift with little notice around Jewish and Muslim holidays; always verify on the morning of your crossing. Israel Welcome monitors border status 24/7 and can provide real-time updates to booked clients.
A standard crossing without assistance typically takes 2.5 to 5+ hours during peak summer months, depending on volume and processing at both the Israeli and Jordanian sides. With Israel Welcome’s VIP fast-track service, most travelers clear the crossing in 45–90 minutes.
Yes. Both Allenby Bridge and Sheikh Hussein crossings are open to eligible foreign tourists. Most nationalities can enter Israel visa-free through these crossings — check your nationality’s specific requirements before travel, and confirm the current exit fee with Israel Welcome.
Yes. A Jordan visa must be arranged in advance at an embassy, consulate, or online before crossing at Allenby Bridge; it is not available on arrival there. Visa on arrival is available at the Sheikh Hussein crossing instead.
Israel Welcome’s VIP border service starts from $219 per person and includes a personal VIP representative, private lounge access, luggage handling for up to two bags, fast-track security and passport control, full document handling, private shuttle transfer across the crossing, and escort to your waiting driver.
The Israeli exit fee is payable at the crossing in NIS. Because the fee is updated periodically, confirm the current amount with Israel Welcome before you travel.
Yes. The VIP border service is widely used by families traveling with young children and by travelers accompanying elderly relatives, since it removes the multi-hour queue and physically demanding shuttle process for those who need extra support.
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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