Syria entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Belgian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. Arrange it before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. Processing times vary, so apply early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Syrian tourist eVisa | Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the border.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your Belgian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Syria. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own validity requirements. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Syria | Immigration officers at Damascus and Aleppo airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a Syrian host. Carry a printed copy of your booking confirmation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement or ATM receipt can help if asked. | Recommended |
eVisa processing can be slow
Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip. Some applications take the full 4 weeks, and there's no priority option.
No visa on arrival
Belgian passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website (if available) or use a trusted visa agency. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 USD, depending on processing speed). Wait for approval — this can take 1–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Prepare your documents
Print your eVisa approval email or save it as a PDF on your phone. Also print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance certificate. Keep them all together in a folder or a notes app.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign nationals. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout (or show on phone), and return ticket. The officer may ask a few questions — answer calmly. You'll get an entry stamp. Collect your luggage and exit.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Cost~$50 USD (approx. €45)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (approx. €72)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. €135)
For longer stays; requires sponsorship or special purpose.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €180) plus fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €90)
For those enrolled in a recognized Syrian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €450)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Syria (e.g., $100,000 USD). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | ~$50 USD (approx. €45) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$80 USD (approx. €72) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | ~$200 USD (approx. €180) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Belgium passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside. Check with the airline for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Some airlines may have agreements for short transits; confirm with carrier.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport (DAM) · Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present 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
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in some rural areas; consider prophylaxis and use mosquito avoidance measures.
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 permits.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and residency matters.
Practical information for BE 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 = 112.24 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
Yes, you need an eVisa. There is no visa on arrival for Belgian citizens. Apply online before you travel.
Processing times vary widely — anywhere from a few days to 4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your trip to be safe.
The fee is typically around $50–$100 USD, depending on the processing speed you choose. Some agencies charge extra for handling.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa on arrival option for Belgian passport holders.
The security situation in Syria remains volatile. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep copies on your phone as backup.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.