Syria entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Syria, so no advance visa application is needed. Just show up at the airport with your passport and you'll be issued a visa at the border. This has been the case in 2026, but always double-check with the nearest Syrian embassy before you travel, as rules can change quickly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou don't need to apply for a visa in advance; you'll get it when you arrive in Syria. Entry permit issued at Syrian border | UAE passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Syrian airports and land border crossings. The visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. Have the visa fee in cash (USD or SYP) and be prepared to provide a local contact address. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival in Syria. Minimum 6 months from arrival | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Syria. Check your passport's expiry date before booking travel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page (not the endorsement page) for the Syrian visa stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou should have proof that you plan to leave Syria, such as a return flight booking. Proof of departure from Syria | Immigration officials may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Syria within the visa's validity period. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to have some cash or a bank statement to show you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Syria. Carry cash (USD or EUR are widely accepted) or a bank card, and be ready to show a recent bank statement if requested. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival declaration form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for UAE passport holders entering Syria. You will simply go through passport control after landing. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you if you get sick or injured during your trip. Recommended for medical coverage | While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended due to the volatile security situation and limited healthcare facilities in some areas. | Recommended |
Travel advisory: high risk
Syria is an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. If you go, you do so at your own risk. Check your government's travel advisory, get specialized insurance, and have a solid plan.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The visa on arrival is for a short stay (usually 15 days) and cannot be extended. If you think you'll need more time, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Damascus International Airport or cross by land from Lebanon or Jordan, head to the immigration hall. Follow the signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreigners'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the immigration counter, you'll be given a visa application form. Fill it out with your personal details, passport info, and purpose of visit. Keep it simple and accurate.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa fee is typically paid in cash. Have USD or Syrian pounds ready. The exact amount varies, so ask at the counter. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your passport stamped
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check that the stamp is clear and the dates are correct before you leave the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After getting your visa, collect your luggage and pass through customs. You're now officially in Syria.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$60 (approx.)
Obtainable from Syrian embassy; allows single entry.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Syrian company; single entry.
work visa
Syria Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Syria Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrollment in Syrian universities or educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Damascus; subject to approval. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for UAE citizens. | Included in visa |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Syria
No transit visa needed
UAE citizens transiting through Syria do not require a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
- For stays over 24 hours, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport · Aleppo International Airport
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Risk in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider in rural border regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Damascus
Directorate of Immigration and Passports
Al-Mazzeh, Damascus
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport and photos.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Near Al-Shahba Mall, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern Syria.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalDamascus
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySyrian pound (SYP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 112.99 SYP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,LTypes C (Europlug), E (French), and L (Italian) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival. You don't need to apply in advance. Just show up at the border with your passport and you'll be issued a visa there.
The fee varies, but it's typically around $30-50 USD or equivalent in Syrian pounds. It's best to have cash in USD, as exchange rates can be unpredictable. Pay at the immigration counter.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 15 days, but this can vary. Check with the immigration officer when you arrive. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to visit the immigration office in Damascus to extend, but extensions are not guaranteed.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different type of visa before you travel.
The visa on arrival is available at land borders too, but it's always a good idea to check with the border crossing beforehand. Some crossings may have different rules or limited hours. Have your passport and cash ready.
The security situation in Syria is complex and can change quickly. Many governments advise against all travel to Syria. If you must go, check your government's travel advisory, get comprehensive travel insurance, and stay informed about local conditions.
Your passport, and possibly proof of onward travel. Have your flight itinerary or ticket ready. They might also ask where you're staying, so have your hotel address or contact details handy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.