Syria Visa on Arrival

Getting a Syria Visa on arrival at the border or at the airport is very straightforward. Learn here how to get a Syrian visa step-by-step.

Everyone, before travel to Syria must acquire a border security clearance number unless they come from one of the visa-exempt nations. The Visa policy of Syria is very clear about it, and the whole process is relatively easy and straightforward to deal with.

In order to obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) at the land border or airport in Syria, there are a few things you will need to have with you.

You need:

1. Passport valid for at least six months;
2. Travel Insurance.
3. Syria border security clearance number done in advance free of charge through RJ Travel services.

Note: Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months. This is a requirement for all travelers to Syria, regardless of their nationality or the purpose of their visit. Additionally, you will need to have travel insurance. Finally, you need to obtain a Syria border security clearance number in advance, which can be done free of charge through RJ Travel services. Having these documents and items with you when you arrive at the airport will ensure that you can smoothly and efficiently obtain your VOA and begin your trip to Syria.

Syria security clearance number

A border security clearance number typically refers to a unique identifier assigned to travelers who have undergone a security clearance process by local authorities. This number is often used by government agencies or security personnel to verify an individual’s clearance status and access to restricted areas or sensitive information. In this case, every tourist in Syria needs special permits to acquire their Syria Visa on Arrival, cross the border, and travel around the country.

Syria Travel Regulations

Travelers planning to visit Syria should be aware of specific restrictions. It is important to note that independent travel in Syria is not allowed, and traveling without a tourist guide and an organized tour is not possible.

You need to know:

1. Independent travel in Syria is not allowed.
2. Tourists are required to have a tourist guide and an organized tour at all times.

Prior to 2018, it was feasible to travel to Syria independently. However, due to an incident involving a German journalist who entered the country as a tourist but engaged in press-related activities, the authorities implemented new visa requirements. Now, it is mandatory to have an accompanying tourist guide and a confirmed hotel reservation at all times.

Additionally, border authorities strictly enforce regulations regarding travel history to Israel. If there are any indications in your passport suggesting prior travel to Israel or self-governed territories like Palestine, entry into Syria will be denied, regardless of possessing a valid visa or being part of a group visa. It is crucial to understand that even holding a visa does not guarantee entry if there are suspicions regarding travel to Israel.

To ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey, it is important for travelers to adhere to these regulations and carefully plan their trip to Syria accordingly.

Syria Entry Restrictions

Journalist Restrictions

It’s important to note that specific limitations apply to journalists interested in traveling to Syria. In particular, journalists are denied tourist visas, presenting a unique challenge for those in the press or media industry wishing to visit the country. If you are a journalist and wish to travel to Syria, please contact us for further information and potential alternative arrangements. It’s crucial to understand these restrictions to avoid any complications during the application process or upon arrival.

Prior travel to Israel

It is essential to highlight that the Syrian authorities have strict regulations concerning prior travel to Israel. If, while purchasing your Syria Visa on Arrival, border authorities find any evidence in your passport that raises suspicions of previous visits to Israel, your entry into Syria will be unequivocally denied.

This restriction extends not only to passports containing Israeli visas or entry/exit stamps but also to entry stamps from specific border crossings with Israel from neighboring countries like Jordan or Egypt that you may have recently visited. Consequently, Syrian immigration officials will refuse entry if such stamps are present.

The Syrian government rigorously enforces these restrictions, and to ensure a smooth entry into Syria, travelers must be mindful of their travel history. This involves understanding the significance of their passport stamps and planning their itineraries in the region accordingly. The goal is to avoid any complications that might arise from any perceived connection with Israel during the immigration process.”

For your convenience, we would like to highlight the border crossings to avoid having stamps in your passport:

1. Jordan Border Crossings:
   – Wadi Araba Crossing/South Border
   – Allenby/King Hussein Bridge
   – Sheikh Hussein Crossing/Northern Border

2. Egypt Border Crossings:
   – Taba
   – Nitzana
   – Sharm el Sheikh

It is important to note that having an entrance stamp from Sharm el Sheikh Airport has led to cases where clients were denied entrance to Syria. We understand the significance of this information and want to ensure a seamless travel experience for all our valued clients.

Syria visa for Americans

Exciting News: Syria Tours Now Available for US Passport Holders

We are thrilled to announce that starting April 2023, our highly sought-after Syria tours are once again open to US passport holders. This means that as an American citizen, you can finally embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage of this extraordinary country.

At our esteemed travel agency, we have years of experience serving hundreds of satisfied clients. We are confident that our meticulously crafted itineraries, ranging from 4 to 10 days, will cater to your every desire. Whether you seek historical landmarks, hidden gems, or breathtaking landscapes, our private tours will take you on a mesmerizing adventure through all the major sites of Syria.

To ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience, we kindly request 6 to 8 weeks (two months) to process your visa security code. Planning ahead is crucial as this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

At our agency, we take immense pride in offering solo tours designed with your utmost comfort and satisfaction in mind. Throughout your journey, our dedicated, full-time guides will accompany you, providing expert knowledge and personalized attention. You can rest assured that you will never feel “dumped” on local guides as you travel from one awe-inspiring destination to another.

Prepare yourself for an incredible experience as you delve into the wonders of Syria with our exceptional tours. We look forward to creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Syria Visa on Arrival Application Process

To ensure a smooth visa application process for your trip to Syria, please follow the guidelines below:

1. Visa Form: Once you have booked a Syrian tour with us, we will provide you with a link to our automated Syria Visa Form. This form is crucial for requesting a Syria border security clearance number, which is necessary to obtain your Syria tourist visa.
2. Visa Reference Number: The Visa Policy of Syria is clear, and for most nationalities, a Syrian visa can be secured at the border with the visa reference number document. We will assist you in obtaining this document, which typically takes between 4 to 15 working days to process, depending on your nationality.
3. Document Handling: Once your application is approved, our driver will have the border security clearance number document ready to assist you at the border. You will need to have a printed paper version of your trip voucher, which will be sent to you by our staff prior to your travel to Syria.
4. Visa on Arrival (VOA): With the border security clearance number, you can bypass the line at the border and proceed directly to pay for your Visa on Arrival. It is important to note that the visa-on-arrival facility is available for individuals from all European countries, Canada, South American nations, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Russia if entering the country with a Syria tour operator like us, RJ Travel.
5. Special Permissions: While visa-on-arrival is available for all nationalities, certain countries such as Thailand, Singapore, USA, Taiwan, and African countries require special permission, which may extend the security clearance process to 5-6 weeks. It is essential to consider this if you belong to any of these countries.
6. Visa Details: The visa on arrival is valid for a single-entry period of up to 15 days, and your passport must be valid for at least six months.
7. Visa Costs: The visa fee varies depending on your nationality, ranging from 25 to 150 Euros. Please note that specific costs can differ for each country, so it is advisable to check the latest fees. The specific costs for Syria visa on arrival are as follows: 72 USD for European Union nationals, 150 USD for US citizens, around 20 USD for South American nations, 31 USD for China (75 USD for Hong Kong), 30 USD for Japan, 140 USD for the UK, 90 USD for Canada, free for Malaysia, 30 USD for Jamaica, 35 USD for Georgia, 60 USD for Mexico, and 35 USD for Thailand.
8. Visa Exemptions: Citizens of Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates do not currently require visas to enter Syria.

Note: It is important to note that visa requirements and fees are subject to potential changes by the government without prior notice, and as such, we cannot be held responsible for any last-minute modifications.

Syrian Visa FAQ’s