Syria entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Australian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Australians. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You must apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa online before departure. The official portal is at syria-evisa.com. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you'll receive the approved visa by email — print two copies to carry with your passport. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Australian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Syrian immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Syrian immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready at the border. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a Syrian host. Having a printed copy speeds up the process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having cash (USD or EUR) or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay is wise. Syria is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Travel advisory: Syria is a high-risk destination
The Australian government advises against all travel to Syria due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. If you decide to travel, get specialised insurance, register with DFAT, and have a contingency plan to leave quickly.
Registration required within 15 days
After arriving, you must register with local police or immigration. Your hotel can usually do this for you. Keep the registration card with your passport at all times — you may be asked to show it at checkpoints.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa portal (if available) or contact the nearest Syrian embassy. Complete the application form, upload your passport scan and a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply at least a month before travel.
2
Wait for approval and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa document by email. Print at least two copies — one to present at immigration on arrival, and a backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
At Damascus International Airport (or any land border), you'll go through immigration. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your itinerary. Answer clearly and calmly.
4
Enter Syria and register with local authorities
Within 15 days of arrival, you must register with the local police or immigration office in the city where you're staying. Your hotel can usually help with this. Keep the registration card with your passport at all times.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Standard tourist visa for short stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries for tourism.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
For longer stays, requires sponsor or invitation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeFee for single-entry eVisa for Australian passport holders. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by nationality) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard single-entry tourist visa fee. | ~$50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry tourist visa fee. | ~$100 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Australian passport holders transiting through Syria must obtain a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially during summer; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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
Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for AU 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 = 112.3 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. There is no visa on arrival for Australian passport holders. You must get an eVisa or a visa from a Syrian embassy before you travel.
Processing times vary, but typically take 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure. There is no official rush service.
The cost depends on the visa type and processing channel. Expect around USD 100–150 for a tourist eVisa. Check the official portal or embassy for the exact fee.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Yes. All foreign visitors must register with local authorities within 15 days of arrival. Your hotel can usually handle this for you. Keep the registration card with your passport.
The Australian government advises against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and security risks. If you do travel, get comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and check your government's travel advice regularly.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban on re-entry. Leave before your visa expires. If you have an emergency, contact your embassy immediately.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.