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6 ways to enter

Syria visas

Syria tourist visa

Visitors have several entry options at Aleppo and Damascus International Airports. The rules describe visitor entry but do not name a separate tourist visa.

Ways to get a Syria tourist visa

  2. Visa on arrival for Gulf Cooperation Council citizens

    Visa on arrival

    Citizens of all Gulf Cooperation Council member states arriving at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport.

    Fee
    A fee applies. The amount is not stated.
    1. Arrive at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport.
    2. Obtain a visa on arrival and pay the applicable fee.

  3. 30-day visa on arrival

    Visa on arrival

    Citizens of all European Union and European Free Trade Association member states, the United Kingdom and the United States arriving at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.
    Fee
    A fee applies. The amount is not stated.

    Passports that qualify (2)

    1. Arrive at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport.
    2. Obtain a visa on arrival and pay the applicable fee.

  4. 15-day visa on arrival

    Visa on arrival

    Citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan arriving at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport.

    Stay
    Up to 15 days.
    Fee
    A fee applies. The amount is not stated.
    1. Arrive at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport.
    2. Obtain a visa on arrival and pay the applicable fee.

  5. 15-day visa on arrival with advance boarding approval

    Visa on arrival

    Russian citizens who obtain OK to board approval before departure.

    Stay
    Up to 15 days.
    Fee
    A fee applies. The amount is not stated.

    Passports that qualify (1)

    1. Obtain OK to board approval, which is permission to board the flight, at least 48 hours before departure.
    2. Obtain a visa on arrival at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport.

  6. Visa in advance from a Syrian diplomatic mission

    Visa needed

    Iranian citizens must obtain a visa in advance and prior authorization. Other visitors may need a traditional embassy visa if they do not qualify for an airport entry option.

    Passports that qualify (1)

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry need a visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey and Yemen can visit without a visa when arriving at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport. A separate prior-visa rule is also stated for some Lebanese citizens.

Good to know

  • The listed airport entry options apply at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport.
  • Israeli citizens cannot enter Syria.
  • Travellers of any nationality can be refused entry for Israeli visas or stamps, certain Egyptian or Jordanian border stamps, or other evidence of visits or connections to Israel.
  • Land border rules are unclear and change frequently.
  • Lebanese citizens without a valid residence permit in another country or at least one Syrian family member are also described as needing a prior visa, obtainable at any port of entry. How this fits with airport visa-free entry is unclear.
  • Permission validity and the number of permitted entries are not stated.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Syria?

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry need a visa. Citizens of Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey and Yemen can visit without a visa when arriving at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport. A separate prior-visa rule is also stated for some Lebanese citizens.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Syria?

There are 6 options: Visa-free airport entry (no visa at all); Visa on arrival for Gulf Cooperation Council citizens (a visa at the border); 30-day visa on arrival (a visa at the border); 15-day visa on arrival (a visa at the border); 15-day visa on arrival with advance boarding approval (a visa at the border); Visa in advance from a Syrian diplomatic mission (a visa from an embassy).

Who can go to Syria without a tourist visa?

Citizens of Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey and Yemen arriving at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport.

How much does a Syria tourist visa cost?

Visa fees depend on reciprocity, meaning how the visitor's country treats Syrian visitors. Exact amounts are not given.

What rules do I have to follow on a Syria tourist visa?

The listed airport entry options apply at Aleppo or Damascus International Airport. Israeli citizens cannot enter Syria. Travellers of any nationality can be refused entry for Israeli visas or stamps, certain Egyptian or Jordanian border stamps, or other evidence of visits or connections to Israel.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Syria?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Syria visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Syria be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Syria tourist visa rules?

On Syria's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my tourist visa once I am in Syria?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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