Israel Restricts Private Car Departures to Jordan Ahead of Yom Kippur

Israel's Airports Authority has temporarily banned the exit of private vehicles to Jordan from September 15 to September 20, citing expected congestion around the upcoming Yom Kippur holiday. The restriction applies to the Jordan River Crossing and the Yitzhak Rabin Crossing, two key border points.

Travelers who had planned to cross into Jordan with their own cars for vacations or other purposes must now make alternative arrangements. This includes those who had already booked accommodations or planned itineraries involving their vehicles. The ban specifically targets private car departures, not all travel to Jordan.

For those traveling without a vehicle, passage will still be permitted at the Jordan River Crossing during its operating hours. The Airports Authority offers a shuttle service across the border for 8 shekels per passenger, serving as a replacement for private vehicle transit at the terminal. Travelers continuing into Jordan are advised to arrange onward transportation on the Jordanian side.

Both border crossings will observe modified hours during the holiday period and will be closed entirely on Yom Kippur itself. The Jordan River Crossing operates from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (last passenger entry at 4:30 PM) from Sunday to Thursday, and 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (last passenger entry at 2:30 PM) on Fridays. The Yitzhak Rabin Crossing is open from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM (Sunday-Thursday) and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Fridays and Saturdays), with a recommendation to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.

Travelers are strongly advised to verify updated operating hours and announcements from the Airports Authority before heading to the border crossings, especially given the potential for last-minute changes during the holiday season. The primary risk is arriving at the terminal with a vehicle only to discover it cannot be taken into Jordan.