Israelis planning to drive into Jordan in the coming days will need to rethink their travel arrangements. Starting today, September 15, and continuing through Sunday, September 20, the Israel Airports Authority has prohibited private vehicle exits from Israel through both the Allenby Bridge (Jordan River) crossing and the Arava (Yitzhak Rabin) crossing.
The restriction stems from anticipated congestion at the border points in the lead-up to Yom Kippur. The ban applies specifically to private vehicle crossings at these two terminals, not to all travel into Jordan.
What Happens to Travelers Who Already Planned to Drive?
Anyone who arranged a vacation in Aqaba, a tour through Jordan, or other travel assuming they would cross with their car will be unable to bring their vehicle through either crossing during the restriction period.
The notice takes effect September 15 and runs through September 20, inclusive. That means even travelers who have already booked hotels or mapped out routes with an Israeli vehicle need to find an alternative before arriving at the terminal.
Crossing Without a Car? There's a Solution at Allenby Bridge
At the Allenby Bridge crossing, pedestrian traffic will continue according to regular operating hours. The Israel Airports Authority is running a shuttle service from the Israeli side to the Jordanian side at a cost of 8 shekels per passenger.
The shuttle replaces private vehicle passage through the terminal area. Travelers planning to continue touring in Jordan should also arrange transportation on the Jordanian side in advance.
The two crossings are not closing entirely during this period. The restriction focuses on private vehicle exits, with additional schedule changes to come around Yom Kippur itself.
Both Crossings Will Close on Yom Kippur
Even travelers planning to cross on foot need to check the schedule carefully.
The Allenby Bridge crossing operates on adjusted hours during the holiday period and closes completely on Yom Kippur. The Arava crossing also does not operate on Yom Kippur.
Planning travel based on regular operating hours could result in arriving at a closed terminal or after the last passengers have been accepted.
At the Allenby Bridge, Sunday through Thursday operating hours during the relevant period are 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with passenger acceptance for border crossing ending at 4:30 PM. On Friday, operating hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM with passenger acceptance ending at 2:30 PM.
What About the Arava Crossing?
The Arava terminal operates Sunday through Thursday from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Friday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the relevant period. The authority requests arriving at least half an hour before closing.
Under normal circumstances, vehicle passage at the site closes at 7:00 PM, but through September 20 the new restriction overrides regular operating hours for all private vehicle exits from Israel.
The Mistake Worth Avoiding Before Leaving Home
The main risk is arriving at the crossing with a vehicle after a long drive only to discover it cannot continue into Jordan.
This is especially significant for families who planned to travel to Eilat and from there to Aqaba via the Arava crossing, and for travelers in the north who planned to enter Jordan through the Allenby Bridge.
Before heading to a terminal, it's worth checking that day's operating hours and updated notices from the Israel Airports Authority, particularly during the holiday period when schedules change.
