from Amman via Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem
 

In September 2008, we plan to go to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Amman of Jordon by crossing the King Hussein Bridge / the Allenby Bridge. After the trip, we will re-enter Jordon via the same Allenby Bridge. Is this route OK or are we crazy? what sort of tourist visa we need to apply (single entry or multiple entries); to be exact, do we need a VISA, firstly at the Amman International Airport and secondly, another VISA at the King Hussein Bridge / the Allenby Bridge when we re-enter Jordon from Israel? We are holders of valid Portuguese Passport.

As rules for Visas are different depending on the passport you hold, I would suggest (do a Google search) you check the individual country tourist information sites for Visa requirements.

If not clear, suggest you phone or email each - Jordan and Israel - for specifics, single or multiple.

Hi
Going from Amman to Jerusalem is fine, just check the passport/visa procedures, I often do it with Portuguese tourists.
Adi

To go from Israel to Jordan via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, you need a visa obtained IN ADVANCE from a Jordanian embassy. You cannot get the visa at the border, unlike the other two crossings. You have to mail in your passport to the embassy with an application, a picture, a Money Order for the fee, and a self-addressed envelope. Not a big deal -- but do it in advance. Here's the site

http://www.jordanembassyus.org/new/c.../indexco.shtml

Also, the border crossing closes at 4:30 pm and sometimes earlier, so make sure you check the hours and plan to cross at a time when crossing is permitted.

http://www.iaa.gov.il/Rashat/en-US/Borders/Alenbi

If you are stuck, go north to the crossing near Beit She'an and Irbid, which is open 24/7.

We just did this crossing in March '08. We had a pre-arranged taxi to take us. You will need a visa from the Jordanian consulate in US in order to make the crossing. Request the single entry if you only plan to go into Jordan once. You do not need a visa for the return to Israel. There is an exit tax of 119NIS which you have to pay before you can get through the Israeli side. You go through a checkpoint. Then you are taken to a waiting station where you give up your luggage to be screened. After you negotiate the passport stamping and tax you go back outside the building to identify your luggage and have it placed onto the shuttle bus which will take you the Jordanian side. At the Jordanian look for your pre-arranged driver. (Or you can negotiate a taxi but its better to have it arranged before hand.)If you plan to return to Israel on a Friday, you will have to be across by noon as they close for Shabbot by two pm. Good luck. Its fun!