Syria entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. Apply online, pay the fee, and get approval before you fly. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, and you need a return ticket. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Syria. Apply through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.sy. Processing times vary — submit at least 2 weeks before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for the entire 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 | Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking confirmation ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Syrian host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card statement. Syria is a cash-heavy economy — bring US dollars or euros in good condition, as ATMs are unreliable. | Recommended |
Syria is a high-risk destination
The UK Foreign Office and many other governments advise against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking anything. Travel insurance may not cover you in active conflict zones.
eVisa only for tourism
The Syrian eVisa is for tourism and short visits only. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer, you need a different visa from a Syrian embassy. The eVisa cannot be extended.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50-100 USD, depending on processing speed). Wait for approval — processing can take 3-10 business days.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once you have eVisa approval, book a return flight and your first night's hotel. Keep the confirmation emails and screenshots on your phone. If you're flying into Damascus International Airport, you'll go through immigration there.
3
Arrive at the airport in Syria
At Damascus International Airport, proceed to the immigration hall. Have your passport, eVisa approval (printed or on phone), and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport validity (6+ months), stamp your entry, and you're in. The whole process usually takes 10-20 minutes if you have all documents.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
For multiple visits; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD
Requires invitation letter or sponsor in Syria.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus employer sponsorship)
For foreign nationals employed by a Syrian company. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (plus university fees)
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 (plus investment minimum)
For individuals investing in Syrian businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Required for Bulgarian passport holders; apply online before travel. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by nationality) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard eVisa for tourism. | ~$50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~$100 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD per day |
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
Bulgarian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside. Check with the airline or embassy for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Some airlines may have agreements for short layovers; verify before travel.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in some rural areas, especially in the north. 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
Al-Midan, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for northern region.
Practical information for BG 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 = 112.27 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 Bulgarian passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
Processing usually takes 3 to 10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There is no official expedited option, but some visa services offer faster processing for an extra fee.
The eVisa fee is typically between $50 and $100 USD, depending on the processing speed and the service you use. Check the official eVisa website for the exact current fee.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Syria.
It's not mandatory, but highly recommended. Immigration officers may ask to see it. Keep a printed copy in your carry-on, and also save a screenshot on your phone as backup.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you would need to apply for a different type of visa through a Syrian embassy before travel.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and hospital stays can be very expensive. Insurance covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.