Syria visas
Whether you need a visa for Syria depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip: some Arab nationals enter visa-free, others obtain a visa on arrival at Damascus or Aleppo airports, and most travellers must arrange a visa in advance. Visas and consular matters are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and Syria's diplomatic missions abroad, while entry, residence permits and passports are administered by the General Directorate of Immigration and Passports under the Ministry of Interior. Syria's entry rules change frequently and are shaped by the security and political situation, so always confirm the current position with an official Syrian mission before travelling.
Syrian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Syria — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.5 visas
- Work visasComing to Syria to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Syria — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Syria.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Syria as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Syria long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.3 visas
Syrian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to Syria?
This depends on your nationality. According to Syria's visa policy, only one type of tourist or entry visa is available. Only Lebanese and Jordanian nationals will not need a visa to enter the country. All other nationalities will need to apply for a visa before entering.
Entry into Syria
If you are visiting Syria, your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of your entry into the country. Local authorities may ask to see a copy of your passport, so you should always carry one with you. Cases of cholera have been reported across the nation. Cholera is a bacterial illness that is transmitted through contaminated food or water. Consume only boiled or bottled water, and make sure food has been properly prepared. Passengers are required to have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued no later than 96 hours prior to departure from the first embarkation point. Not applicable to passengers under 12 years old.
Documents Required For Visas to Syria
You will need
- The Syria visa policy requires that travellers provide a passport that is valid for at least six months.
- Two pictures.
- A letter of employment verification (indicating what the traveller does for a living).
- A visa fee.
Appointment Waiting Times
You may not require any appointment. It is advised you check the nearest Embassy page.
Who visit Syria without a visa?
Most nationalities. Visa-exempt foreign nationals: Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan,Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Those with a passport from any nation (except the United States) who were born in one of these nations are also exempt from visa requirements.
What to do if your Syria visa is refused?
Current travel advice: Do not travel to Syria due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and risk of unjust detention.
Syria — key facts
- Visa authority
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates (Syrian Arab Republic) — visa and consular issuance; immigration and residence overseen by the General Directorate of Immigration and Passports, Ministry of Interior
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Syrian pound (SYP)
- Time zone
- Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2; EEST UTC+3 in summer)
Syrian visas — people also ask
No vaccinations are required to enter Syria.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.