Syria Visa & Entry Requirements — A Practical Overview

Entering Syria has become easier as travel returns, but visa rules vary by nationality and change over time — so this is the general picture, and you must confirm the official details before you travel.

Entry points

• Damascus International Airport — the main gateway for arrivals by air.
• Land borders — mainly from Lebanon and Jordan, and from Turkey. More detail in Getting to Syria.

The visa — in general

• Requirements differ by nationality: some are simpler, others need arranging in advance.
• Basic documents are usually a valid passport (with enough validity) and sometimes supporting papers.
• Rules are in a period of change as travel reopens, so we don't publish numbers or fees that could be out of date tomorrow.

Visa on arrival — the practical details

• Many nationalities get a visa on arrival at the airport. However, there is some debate about a "prior approval" needed for certain nationalities before flying, and some airlines may ask for it — confirm with your airline and a Syrian embassy before booking your ticket.
• Fees are paid in cash, in US dollars at the bank booth in the airport, after which your passport is stamped. The price and the number of days vary by nationality — check your stamp (usually around 30 days, extendable).
• Some nationalities are exempt (such as Jordan and Lebanon, among others) — confirm your own.
• The airports that reopened to international flights include Damascus, Aleppo and Latakia.
• Bring US dollars in cash for the fee; cards don't work. See money in Syria.

Most important: get the current information from the official source (a Syrian embassy/consulate in your country, or the official authorities) before you book your ticket. Don't rely on old information online.

Practical tips

• Check your passport validity well before travel.
• Keep copies (paper and digital) of your passport and entry papers.
• Arrange your airport pickup in advance — it settles you from the first moment, especially on a late or night arrival.

When you arrive

Airport pickup in Damascus with a driver waiting in your name, then a car with driver or private tour to suit your plan. Read also: Is Syria safe? · Travel cost.

Wherever your road leads, we'll get you there.