Israel shares land crossings with Jordan (three) and Egypt (one), opening up Petra, Amman and the Sinai. Rules and hours change, so treat this as orientation and verify current details and travel advisories before you go; guided tours handle most of the logistics.
The three Jordan crossings
Yitzhak Rabin / Wadi Araba (South, by Eilat). The gateway to Petra and Aqaba. Closest crossing to Petra, used by the popular Petra day trips and overnight tours from Eilat; a Jordanian visa is often available on arrival here, and tour operators arrange it.
Jordan River / Sheikh Hussein (North, near Beit She’an). Best for travelling between the Galilee and northern Jordan or onward to Amman and Jerash.
Allenby / King Hussein (Central, near Jericho). The closest crossing to Jerusalem and Amman, and the one used by many West Bank–based travellers. Note that visa-on-arrival rules differ here — confirm in advance.
The Egypt crossing
Taba (South, by Eilat). A short hop from Eilat into the Sinai Peninsula — Taba, Nuweiba, Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh. Depending on your nationality and how far into Egypt you plan to go, you may be eligible for a free Sinai-only entry permit or need a full Egyptian visa. Check the current rules and your government’s Sinai travel advice before committing.
Practical tips
- Hours vary by day and holiday (Shabbat, Jewish and Islamic holidays) — check before travelling and arrive early.
- Exit and entry fees apply on both sides; carry some cash.
- Passport, not the entry slip — keep both; you’ll need the paper entry slip to re-enter Israel.
- Going to Petra? An organised tour from Eilat is by far the simplest way to handle the crossing, the Jordanian visa and the long day. Compare options on our Eilat guide.
- Re-entry security to Israel is thorough — allow time and answer questions straightforwardly.
For wider planning, see Is Israel safe to visit? and our first-time guide.