Middle East·Jordan·Updated May 3, 2026

Petra Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Jordan)

Petra is one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites, but the ancient city is surrounded by hawkers running fake entry fees, misleading guide requirements, and inflated animal ride prices.

Risk Index

6.4

out of 10

Scams

14

documented

High Severity

0

0% of total

6.4

Risk Index

14

Scams

0

High Risk

Petra has 14 documented tourist scams across 8 categories in our database. Scam activity is rated high. The most commonly reported risks are Unofficial Photo Spot Entry Fees, Horse Ride Price-Switching at the Siq Entrance, Fake Mandatory Guide.

Editorially reviewed — sources cross-referenced before publishing. How we verify →

Traveler Context

What Travellers Should Know About Scams in Petra

Petra carries 14 documented tourist scams in our database — none classified high severity, but the volume of medium-severity reports (13 of 14) reflects an active tourist-fraud environment that travellers should know in advance. Tour-operator misrepresentation accounts for the largest share (4 reports), led by Unofficial Photo Spot Entry Fees: Locals positioned at cliff ledges overlooking the Treasury claim tourists must pay an unofficial "entry fee" of 5–20 JD to access the viewpoint, even though no such fee exists. Travellers familiar with Jerusalem or Dubai will recognise the broad shape of the risk environment in Middle East, though the specific local variations in Petra are what catch first-time visitors out.

Specific documented risk areas include On the cliff trails above the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) accessed via the High Place of Sacrifice path, and along lesser-used ridge paths above the Petra Basin where locals position themselves at natural viewpoints; Main Petra visitor center entrance and the 800-meter horse path leading to the Siq entrance gate, and along the Siq itself where donkey handlers also operate; At the entrance to the Siq canyon from the Petra Visitor Centre, near the main gate, and along the first few hundred metres of the Siq where touts intercept tourists before they begin the walk. A separate but related pattern is Petra Guest House Overpricing and Fake Ratings: Small guesthouses near the entrance advertise on booking sites with fake five-star reviews, then claim unavailability once you arrive. The single most effective protection across these patterns: All areas within the Petra Archaeological Park are included in your entry ticket. Refuse firmly and report to the tourist police.

How It Plays OutMedium Risk

Unofficial Photo Spot Entry Fees

Locals positioned at cliff ledges overlooking the Treasury claim tourists must pay an unofficial "entry fee" of 5–20 JD to access the viewpoint, even though no such fee exists.

On the cliff trails above the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) accessed via the High Place of Sacrifice path, and along lesser-used ridge paths above the Petra Basin where locals position themselves at natural viewpoints

How to avoid: All areas within the Petra Archaeological Park are included in your entry ticket. Refuse firmly and report to the tourist police.

This scam type is also documented in Jerusalem and Dubai.

Key Risk Areas

Where These Scams Are Most Active

Specific areas and landmarks with the highest concentration of documented incidents in Petra.

Unofficial Photo Spot Entry Fees

Tour & Activities

On the cliff trails above the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) accessed via the High Place of Sacrifice path, and along lesser-used ridge paths above the Petra Basin where locals position themselves at natural viewpoints

Horse Ride Price-Switching at the Siq Entrance

Tour & Activities

Main Petra visitor center entrance and the 800-meter horse path leading to the Siq entrance gate, and along the Siq itself where donkey handlers also operate

Fake Mandatory Guide

Tour & Activities

At the entrance to the Siq canyon from the Petra Visitor Centre, near the main gate, and along the first few hundred metres of the Siq where touts intercept tourists before they begin the walk

Animal Ride Price Inflation

Tour & Activities

Along the main Siq canyon trail between the Petra entrance gate and the Treasury, at the base of the Monastery (Ad-Deir) trail, and in the Petra Basin where donkey and camel handlers congregate

Petra Guest House Overpricing and Fake Ratings

Accommodation Scams

Wadi Musa main drag, near Petra Gate, booking agency offices

Petra Village Restaurant Price Inflation

Restaurant Scams

Restaurant row on the main road leading to the Petra Visitor Centre, eateries near Shaheed Roundabout in Wadi Musa town, food stalls just outside the Siq entrance

These areas are safe to visit — knowing the setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.

Safety Checklist

Quick Safety Tips for Petra

Key precautions based on the most frequently reported scams here.

  • All areas within the Petra Archaeological Park are included in your entry ticket. Refuse firmly and report to the tourist police.
  • Understand that the short horse ride from the visitor center to the Siq entrance is technically included in your ticket, but tips are aggressively solicited. Arrange any longer horse or donkey rides through the official Petra visitor center and insist on a written price that includes the full round trip. Do not accept verbal-only agreements and carry small denomination Jordanian dinars for any tips you choose to give.
  • No guide is required inside Petra. Download a map beforehand and walk independently. Check the official Petra Visitor Centre for accurate info.
  • The Monastery walk takes about 45 minutes on foot — handlers routinely lie about this. Agree on the exact total price before mounting any animal.
  • Book directly with established hotels in Wadi Musa; verify guest reviews across multiple platforms; confirm booking via phone before arrival.

FAQ

Petra Safety — Frequently Asked Questions

What scams target tourists in Petra?
The most frequently reported tourist scams in Petra are Unofficial Photo Spot Entry Fees, Horse Ride Price-Switching at the Siq Entrance, Fake Mandatory Guide. Most scams operate near transit hubs, tourist attractions, and busy markets. Reviewing each type before you arrive significantly reduces your risk of being targeted. Similar patterns are also documented in Jerusalem and Dubai.
Are taxis safe in Petra?
Taxis in Petra carry documented risk for tourists — 1 transport-related scam is on record. Arrange Aqaba-to-Petra transport through your hotel or a reputable agency before you arrive. If taking a taxi at the port, confirm the total all-inclusive price in writing or by showing the driver a number on your phone before entering the vehicle. JETT bus offers a scheduled service between Aqaba and Wadi Musa at a fraction of the taxi price. Where available, verified ride-hailing apps (Uber, Grab, or local equivalents) are generally safer than street taxis.
Is Petra safe at night for tourists?
Petra is one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites, but the ancient city is surrounded by hawkers running fake entry fees, misleading guide requirements, and inflated animal ride prices. After dark, extra caution is advised near On the cliff trails above the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) accessed via the High Place of Sacrifice path, and along lesser-used ridge paths above the Petra Basin where locals position themselves at natural viewpoints. Use app-based transport at night and avoid unsolicited approaches from strangers.
Which areas of Petra should tourists be most careful in?
Documented scam activity in Petra is concentrated in high-traffic tourist zones. Based on reported incidents: On the cliff trails above the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) accessed via the High Place of Sacrifice path, and along lesser-used ridge paths above the Petra Basin where locals position themselves at natural viewpoints (Unofficial Photo Spot Entry Fees); Main Petra visitor center entrance and the 800-meter horse path leading to the Siq entrance gate, and along the Siq itself where donkey handlers also operate (Horse Ride Price-Switching at the Siq Entrance); At the entrance to the Siq canyon from the Petra Visitor Centre, near the main gate, and along the first few hundred metres of the Siq where touts intercept tourists before they begin the walk (Fake Mandatory Guide). These areas are safe to visit — knowing the common setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.
How can I avoid being scammed in Petra?
The best protection against scams in Petra is preparation — knowing the specific tactics used here before you arrive. Key precautions: Arrange Aqaba-to-Petra transport through your hotel or a reputable agency before you arrive. If taking a taxi at the port, confirm the total all-inclusive price in writing or by showing the driver a number on your phone before entering the vehicle. JETT bus offers a scheduled service between Aqaba and Wadi Musa at a fraction of the taxi price. Always confirm prices before agreeing to any service, use official or app-based transport, and slow down if anyone creates urgency or distraction — that is almost always the setup.

Petra · Jordan · Middle East

Open in Maps →

Region

More destinations in Middle East

Jerusalem

Israel

19 scams

Dubai

UAE

17 scams

Eilat

Israel

16 scams

Izmir

Turkey

15 scams

Istanbul

Turkey

15 scams

Middle East safety guide →All scams in Jordan →

Experienced a scam here?

Help fellow travelers by reporting it.

Report a Scam

Editorial note: Scam warnings for Petra are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, travel community reports, and traveler-submitted incidents. All entries are reviewed for accuracy and local specificity before publication. Read our full methodology →