Independent travel to Syria without a tourist guide and an organized tour in Syria was possible until 2018. Since then, an accompanying tourist guide with a compulsory hotel reservation became required. The Syria tourist visa is administered through collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Immigration, and Passports. There are requirements to receive a Syrian visa on arrival, including having a tourist guide, secured overnight in a hotel, and transportation arranged in advance.
Travelers to Syria are required to obtain a visa prior to their visit, either through the newly implemented e-Visa system or by applying through Syrian embassies. However, certain nationalities are eligible for visa exemptions or visas on arrival under specific conditions. The civil war in Syria, which began in 2011, has led to significant changes in its visa policies, making them less stable and subject to change.
Visitors to Syria must apply for an e-visa from the Syrian E-Visa website, except for citizens from visa-exempt or visa-on-arrival eligible countries.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Syria?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Syria. However, there are some exceptions:
- Visa-exempt countries: Nationals from certain Arab League member states do not require a visa for short stays.
- Visa on arrival: Citizens of specific countries may obtain a visa upon arrival for a limited duration, depending on their nationality.
- e-Visa: As of May 2024, all nationalities can apply for an e-visa through the official platform, allowing up to 180 days or 90 days of stay, depending on the type of visa.
Citizens of the United States of America are currently denied entrance to Syria.
Types of Visas for Syria
Syria offers several types of visas, including but not limited to:
- Tourist Visa: Issued for travelers intending to visit Syria for tourism. Must be applied for before arrival.
- Business Visa: Required for individuals visiting Syria for business purposes.
- Transit Visa: For travelers transiting through Syria, available under specific conditions.
- Work Visa: Issued for those seeking employment in Syria.
- Diplomatic and Official Visas: For diplomats and officials, governed by specific agreements.
- Electronic Visa (e-Visa): Available since May 2024, the e-Visa allows a stay of 90 to 180 days, depending on the visa category.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens from 16 countries can enter Syria without a visa for a limited time. These include Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon, and the UAE, among others.
- Indefinite stay: Arab League members, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, are exempt from visa requirements for indefinite stays.
- ID Card Entry: Nationals of Jordan and Lebanon can enter with just an ID card instead of a passport.
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Some nationalities are eligible for a Syria visa on arrival for varying durations, such as:
- 90 days: Citizens of Iran are eligible for a visa on arrival for a stay up to 90 days.
- 15 days: Nationals from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Russia, and several Central Asian countries can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 15 days.
Note that citizens of Armenia and Ukraine can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 15 days with prior approval from the Syrian Immigration Directorate.
Visa Application Process
Considering the updated Visa policy of Syria, citizens of the following countries can get a Syria visa on arrival after filling up our Syria visa form and being granted a proper Syria border security clearance number. After having this number, you can easily buy your Syrian tourist visa at the border with the help of our guide. Most nationalities can make a Syrian visa at the border after having the visa reference number document.
A Syria visa on arrival can be acquired with our services when you purchase one of our Syria tours.
Syria border security clearance number
- With this border security clearance number, you will skip the line at the border and go directly to pay your VOA (Visa on Arrival).
- The visa-on-arrival price differs by nationality and usually costs 25 to 150 Euros. Most nationalities have a 50 Euro.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- American passports need to apply two months in advance.
- Journalists are denied tourist visas. Contact us for more information.
- Citizens of the State of Israel are banned from entering the Syrian Arab Republic.
- Admission is refused to holders of passports or travel documents containing an Israeli visa or stamp or any data showing that the visitor has been to Israel or indication of any connection with the state of Israel.
The Syrian visa application process varies based on the type of visa and nationality of the applicant:
- For most visas:
- Applications must be submitted via Syrian embassies or consulates worldwide.
- Necessary documents include a valid passport, application form, proof of accommodation, and financial statements.
- Processing times may vary, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of travel.
- For e-Visa:
- Applicants can apply online via the Syrian E-Visa system starting from May 1, 2024.
- Fees are approximately 185 USD for a 180-day visa or 145 USD for a 90-day visa.
- The application must be submitted at least 3 business days before travel.
Visa Fees
Visa fees for Syria depend on the visa type and duration. For e-Visas:
- 180-day e-Visa: 185 USD
- 90-day e-Visa: 145 USD
Special categories such as diplomatic visas may be exempt from fees or subject to different regulations.
Visa Extensions
It is possible to extend a visa in Syria under certain conditions. Visitors must apply for an extension at a local immigration office or through an embassy before the visa expires. Additional fees may apply, and approval is not guaranteed.
Important Regulations for Visitors
- Currency Exchange Requirement: As of 2020, Syrian citizens and those treated as such must exchange 100 USD into Syrian pounds upon entry. This applies to most adult travelers except minors and certain vehicle operators.
- Foreign Vehicles: A $100 fee is charged for foreign vehicles entering Syria for a temporary visit. Jordanian and Lebanese plates are exempt from this requirement.
Special Visa Categories
- Humanitarian Visa: Issued for individuals entering Syria for humanitarian work, subject to specific conditions.
- Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Syria, often requiring pre-approval.
Additionally, the Syrian Ministry of Finance has imposed specific fees on foreign vehicles and has exempted Jordanian and Lebanese-registered vehicles from these charges.
Visa Restrictions
Certain nationalities face more stringent visa requirements or are completely restricted from entering Syria. Notably:
- Nationals of Israel: Completely barred from entering or transiting through Syria due to the lack of diplomatic recognition.
- Passport Restrictions: Passports with Israeli stamps or indications of prior travel to Israel may result in entry refusal.
Similarly, Syria does not recognize passports from partially recognized states like Kosovo and Northern Cyprus.
FAQ Section
- Who needs a visa to enter Syria? Almost all foreign nationals need a visa, except citizens of certain Arab League countries and others eligible for visa exemptions or visas on arrival.
- Can I get a visa on arrival in Syria? Yes, citizens of certain countries like Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia can obtain visas on arrival, though it is recommended to check eligibility before travel.
- What is the Syrian e-Visa? The e-Visa allows foreign nationals to apply online for a visa, introduced in May 2024, and permits a stay of up to 180 days.
- How much does a Syrian visa cost? Fees vary, but an e-Visa costs around 185 USD for a 180-day visa and 145 USD for a 90-day visa.
- Can I extend my Syrian visa? Yes, visa extensions are possible but must be applied for before the original visa expires.
- Are there restrictions for travelers with Israeli stamps? Yes, passports containing Israeli stamps, or evidence of travel to Israel, will result in entry denial.
Syria Visa Policy Map
