Is it possible to get baptized in the Jordan river in 2025?

Is it possible to get baptized in the Jordan River in 2025? If so, how do you organize this? Where do you go and what do you need to know to plan your trip?

The Jordan River is one of the most significant places to get baptized in the world. John the Baptist baptized people at the Jordan River, and this is the location where Jesus himself was baptized. So, getting baptized at the Jordan River is clearly a big deal. If you are considering it, here are some very important things you need to know. Please read this guide carefully to help you plan your baptism.

In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about getting baptized at the Jordan River. This is not intended to be a visitor’s guide to the baptism site. Instead, we want to focus specifically on the question of getting baptized at the Jordan River.

If you’re looking to learn more about the authentic baptism site of Jesus, then you may be interested in our visitor’s guide to Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al Maghtas) AND also our guide How to travel from Amman to the Baptism Site

Don’t miss these Fantastic Things to do in Amman

Is it possible to get baptized in the Jordan River?

The quick answer is “yes”, it is possible to get baptized in the Jordan River. If you are hoping to get baptized in the Jordan River, we recommend visiting the baptism site of Jesus in Jordan. The baptism site is called Bethany beyond the Jordan. In Arabic, it is known as “Al Maghtas”.

The precise location of Jesus’s baptism site is thought to be situated on the East Bank of the River Jordan, around 100 meters away from the river. Here is a picture of the actual baptism site of Jesus.

You can’t get baptised in this exact location. In fact no one is allowed to enter this area – but you can see it very well from the path on the Bethany Beyond the Jordan tour. You can however get baptised in the Jordan river a few hundred meters from this location.

To visit the Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan) you need to be in Jordan. It is easiest to access this area from Amman, which is the capital city of Jordan. The journey from Amman to the baptism site takes around 1 hour.

It is possible to get baptized at Bethany beyond the Jordan. If you are planning to do this, you probably have some questions, so keep reading for more information.

Alternatively, you can visit the baptism site from the Israel side. It is possible to get baptized here as well. However, if you visit the baptism site from Israel, you will not be able to see the precise baptism site of Jesus, which is located in Jordan, a few hundred meters away from the river.

Can you visit the baptism site of Jesus independently?

Yes, you can arrange an independent trip to the baptism site of Jesus. In fact, this is probably the best value option. Visiting the baptism site of Jesus independently is likely to be much cheaper than taking a tour.

If you’re planning to visit the Bethany Beyond the Jordan baptism site, you can take a taxi from Amman. This is likely to cost around 40 JOD (£40 or $50) for a two-way trip (including a couple of hours of waiting time). Remember to agree on all the details including waiting times before you agree on a final price. If you’re planning to visit some other attractions, such as the Dead Sea, and you want to make a longer day of it, then it may cost around 50-70 JOD for the day.

You will also need to purchase an entry ticket to the baptism site of Jesus. An entry ticket costs 12 JOD on arrival. Alternatively, if you are using a Jordan pass, you can buy a baptism site add-on for 8 JOD (this does need to be purchased when you buy your pass). The Jordan pass allows you visa free entry to Jordan. The Jordan pass also includes entry to Petra and a wide range of other attractions in Jordan. If you’re planning to visit Petra, you will save money by getting a Jordan pass.

Purchase your pass from the official Jordan Pass website

Once you have purchased your entry ticket, you need to take the tour to explore the baptism site. The entry ticket covers the cost of the mini-bus and the tour. If you are taking the tour, there will be an opportunity to enter the Jordan River and get baptized if you wish.

What are the rules to get baptized in the River Jordan?

You do not need to purchase any additional entry tickets or passes to get baptized in the River Jordan; you only need to pay for your entry ticket to the site. Furthermore, you do not need to request permission or arrange your baptism in advance.

There are no rules stating that you need to be baptized by an ordained minister or priest. Anyone is allowed to be baptized, and anyone is allowed to preside over the baptism. It is worth noting that many Christian denominations only recognize baptisms administered by ordained members of their clergy. However, the baptism site does not have any rules about who can be baptized and who can administer baptisms.

There is one rule, however. If you wish to get baptized at the Jordan River baptism site, you do need to purchase a baptism robe from the gift shop. This is the first stop on the tour, and baptism robes start at 10 JOD. There is no strict dress code at the baptism site. However, as a religious site, guests are advised to dress modestly and conservatively.

What are the facilities like at the baptism site?

If you are hoping to get baptized in the River Jordan, the facilities are reasonably good. There is a wooden platform at the side of the River Jordan with steps that lead down into the river. The river water itself is quite murky, and the bottom of the river is muddy. You may wish to get assistance if you think you will struggle to move through the water.

Just next to the wooden platform, there is a covered seating terrace. There are also private changing rooms with small cubicles situated next to the terrace. Public tours only stop at the River Jordan for around 10 minutes. This is not very long if you are planning to get changed before and after and hoping for a little time to pray and celebrate when you get baptized, so just be aware. Although this is a significant experience, it may also feel slightly rushed.

If you’re planning to get baptized in the River Jordan, we recommend wearing suitable clothing so that you can slip your robe on and get baptized straight away without needing to get changed first. This will save you time and make the whole process feel a little bit more calm and relaxed.

There are toilets situated at the visitor center at the entrance to the baptism site; however, there are no toilets on the tour. The tour takes around 1 hour, so we recommend using the toilet before you set off. There are no cafes or restaurants situated by the River Jordan, so we recommend bringing a water bottle and snacks with you.

TOP TIPS: There are no lockers at the Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptism Site. You may also want to arrange someone to take some photos whilst you get baptised.

Plan who will baptize you

If you are hoping to get baptized at the River Jordan, it is very important to consider who will baptize you. There are no specific rules about who can baptize people at the River Jordan. If you are happy with it, you could be baptized by a friend or a family member. Alternatively, you could ask a priest or church leader to accompany you and carry out the baptism.

Some Christian denominations also organize tours to the baptism site where you can get baptized by an official ordained church leader in your denomination. Ultimately, it is a personal decision whether you choose to get baptized by a church leader, family member, or friend.

What to bring if you are planning to get baptized at the River Jordan

If you are planning to get baptized at the Jordan River, we recommend bringing the following things:

• Clothes that you don’t mind getting wet; this could be a swimsuit or a t-shirt to wear underneath your baptism robe.
• A dry change of clothes.
• A travel towel.
• Camera and money.
• Water bottle and snacks.
• Jordan pass if you have purchased the baptism site add-on.
• Flip flops or sandals.

Summary – getting baptist at the Jordan River Baptism Site

Here is a summary of the key details if you are planning to get baptised at the Jordan River

• The authentic baptism site of Jesus is known as Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al Maghtas). The easiest access point is from Amman, which is around a 1-hour journey.
• It’s located on the East Bank of the River Jordan, a few hundred meters away from the river.
• You can also visit from the Israel side, but it’s not the precise baptism site.
• Independent trips are cost-effective; you can take a taxi from Amman.
• Entry tickets cost 12 JOD (£12 or $15) or 8 JOD (£8 or $10) when you buy a Jordan pass.
• No advance permission or specific religious affiliation is required to get baptized.
• You must purchase a baptism robe from the gift shop on-site (10JOD or £10 or $12)
• Dress modestly and bring suitable clothing for the experience.
• Facilities at the site include wooden platforms, changing rooms, and toilets.
• Plan who will baptize you; it can be a friend, family member, or a priest.
• Recommended items to bring include clothes for baptism, a change of clothes, a travel towel, a camera, money, a water bottle, snacks, and your Jordan pass.