Syria entry requirements for Austria 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
Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Syria, so you don't need to visit an embassy beforehand. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and you have one blank page for the visa stamp. The visa is issued at the airport or border crossing, but be prepared for a bit of a wait.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou get the visa when you arrive in Syria, not before you travel. Obtain at Syrian port of entry | Austrian citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival in Syria. You will need to apply for and receive the visa at the airport, land border, or seaport upon arrival. No prior eVisa application is available for Austrian passport holders. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after you arrive in Syria. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Austrian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Syria. Ensure your passport does not expire before this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. Check that you have a clean, unmarked page available. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials often want to see that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Syria before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsYou may need to show you can support yourself financially while in Syria. Sufficient money for stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statements, or credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Syria. The amount is not fixed but should be reasonable for your planned duration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form before you travel. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Austrian citizens entering Syria. You only need to complete standard immigration forms provided on arrival. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThere is no online visa application for Austrian passport holders for Syria. Not applicable | Austrian citizens are not eligible for Syria's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply for an eVisa online; instead, obtain your visa on arrival at the border. | Not required |
Serious security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. If you decide to go, get comprehensive travel insurance that covers war zones, and register with your embassy.
Visa on arrival is not guaranteed
Even though it's officially available, immigration officers have broad discretion. Have a backup plan, like a contact at a Syrian embassy, in case you're refused at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most visitors fly into Damascus. After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank' before passport control. There's a bank counter where you pay the visa fee. Keep the receipt.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the bank counter, pay the visa fee in cash (USD or SYP). Get a receipt — you'll need it for the immigration officer. The fee varies, so ask the teller for the exact amount.
3
Get your passport stamped
Present your passport, the payment receipt, and any requested documents to the immigration officer. They'll stamp the visa into your passport. Expect a short interview about your purpose of visit and accommodation.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After the visa stamp, you're officially in. Collect your luggage and exit. There are no additional visa-related steps after this.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Syrian Embassy visa (pre-arranged)
Max stayUp to 90 days (depending on visa type)
ValidityUsually 3 months from issue date
CostVaries (approx. US$50–100)
Recommended for longer stays or business; obtain before travel from a Syrian embassy (e.g., in Vienna).
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity3–6 months
CostVaries (approx. US$80–150)
Requires invitation from a Syrian company and approval from Syrian authorities.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus employer sponsorship)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (plus university enrollment)
For those enrolled in a recognized Syrian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash at the port of entry; subject to approval. | US$35 (or equivalent in Syrian pounds) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Damascus; extensions are discretionary. | Approx. US$50 (subject to change) |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers; confirm at departure. | Included in visa fee or nominal at border |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Transit visa required
Austrian citizens transiting through Syria generally require a visa, even for airside transit. Visa on arrival is not guaranteed for transit; pre-arranged visa is strongly advised.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have exemptions.
- Crew members on duty may be exempt.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport (DAM) · Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled or boiled water, avoid street food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
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, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern region.
Practical information for AT 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
Visa on arrival is available at Damascus International Airport and some land borders, but it's not guaranteed at all crossings. The most reliable place is the airport. If you plan to enter overland, check with the Syrian embassy or a recent travel forum before you go.
The fee varies and is set by Syrian authorities. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. You'll pay at the bank counter at the airport. Bring cash in US dollars or Syrian pounds — no cards.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 15 days, but the exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer. It is not extendable, so plan your trip within that window.
No, Austrian passport holders do not need a sponsor for a visa on arrival. You just need a valid passport, the fee, and a reason for visiting (tourism is fine).
Many governments advise against all travel to Syria due to armed conflict and security risks. Check your foreign ministry's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, travel with a reputable tour operator and have a solid plan.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need a longer stay, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type at a Syrian embassy before you travel.
Immigration may question you and could deny entry if they think you won't leave. Have a return or onward ticket ready, even if you plan to change it later.
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.