Syria entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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 need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Austrian citizens. Plan ahead, as processing times can vary.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa | You need an eVisa to enter Syria. Apply through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.sy. Processing takes a few days — do this at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Austrian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Syrian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Syria | Immigration officers at Damascus Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. If you're flying out of Syria, the airline checks this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Syria. Border officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you're a solo traveller. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have at least €500 in cash or a credit card statement ready. Syria is a cash-heavy country — bring euros or US dollars to exchange at the airport or local banks. | Recommended |
Travel advisory — high risk
Syria is an active conflict zone. The Austrian Foreign Ministry advises against all travel to Syria. If you still decide to go, get comprehensive travel insurance that covers war zones — standard policies won't.
eVisa processing can be slow
Don't leave your eVisa application to the last minute. Apply at least 3 weeks in advance. There's no rush service, and delays are common.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa portal (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page.
2
Wait for processing
Processing can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Check your email and the portal regularly. You may be asked for additional documents.
3
Print or save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print a paper copy and also save it on your phone. Border officials will want to see it on arrival.
4
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most flights from Europe land at Damascus. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
5
Go through immigration
Hand over your documents. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer calmly and clearly.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries within validity.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Fee for standard tourist eVisa, subject to change. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by nationality) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ~$10 USD per day (maximum cap may apply) |
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 passport holders transiting through Syria generally require a transit visa, even for airside connections. Apply in advance at a Syrian embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
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 = 113.43 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
Processing times vary. Some travellers get approval in 3–5 days, others wait 2 weeks or more. Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure to be safe.
No. Austrian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.
Denials happen, often without a clear reason. You can reapply, but there's no guarantee. Consider contacting the Syrian embassy in Vienna for guidance.
No. There is no arrival declaration requirement for Austrian citizens. Just show your eVisa and passport at the border.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and reapply.
Many governments advise against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict. Check your foreign ministry's travel advisory before booking anything. Travel insurance may not cover you in active conflict zones.
The local currency is the Syrian pound (SYP). Cash is king — bring euros or US dollars in good condition. Credit cards are rarely accepted. Exchange at official bureaus or banks.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.