Syria entry requirements for Bulgaria 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
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when flying into Syria in 2026. You'll handle the paperwork at the airport, not before you travel. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has a blank page for the visa sticker.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou don't need to apply for a visa in advance; you'll get it when you arrive in Syria. Entry permit issued at Syrian port of entry | Bulgarian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Syrian airports and land borders. The visa is issued for a single entry and is not extendable. Have the visa fee in cash (US dollars or euros are commonly accepted) and be prepared to provide a local contact address. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip; it needs to be valid for half a year after you arrive. Minimum 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Syria. Check your passport's expiry date before booking travel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the visa and entry stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. Ensure you have a clean, unmarked page available. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may want to see that you have a way out of the country. Proof of departure from Syria | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Syria before your visa expires. Have your flight itinerary printed or accessible on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to have proof that you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient money for your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. The amount is not officially fixed, but you should be able to cover accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you if you get sick or injured and need medical care or evacuation. Medical and evacuation coverage | While not a formal visa requirement, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended due to the volatile security situation in Syria. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form before you travel. No separate form required | Syria does not require a separate arrival declaration for Bulgarian citizens. You will complete standard immigration and customs forms upon arrival. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationYou cannot get an eVisa for Syria as a Bulgarian citizen; you'll get your visa when you land. Not applicable for Bulgarian citizens | Bulgarian citizens are not eligible for Syria's eVisa system. Do not attempt to apply online; obtain your visa on arrival instead. | Not required |
Serious security risks
Syria is an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. If you decide to go, have a solid plan, emergency contacts, and insurance that covers conflict zones.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
You get a short stay (typically 15 days) and cannot extend it. Overstaying is a serious offence. Plan your exit before you arrive.
Cash is king
Bring enough USD or EUR in cash to cover the visa fee and initial expenses. ATMs are unreliable, and international cards may not work.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
After landing, follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. You'll see a bank or visa counter before the main passport control. Join the queue there.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Grab a form from the counter, fill it in with your details, and attach your passport photo. Keep your passport and flight details handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the form and your passport to the officer. Pay the fee in cash — USD or EUR is usually accepted. Get a receipt.
4
Get your visa stamped
The officer will process your application, stamp the visa into your passport, and return it to you. This can take 10–30 minutes depending on the queue.
5
Proceed to passport control
With your visa in hand, go to the passport control desk. Show your passport, visa, and any supporting documents if asked. Then collect your bags and exit.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostUS$50 (single entry) or US$80 (multiple entry)
Must be obtained from a Syrian embassy or consulate before travel; requires an invitation letter from a Syrian company or organization.
Tourist visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostUS$35 (single entry) or US$60 (multiple entry)
Available from Syrian diplomatic missions; recommended for those who want guaranteed entry without on-arrival uncertainty.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)Payable in cash at the port of entry; subject to approval by Syrian immigration. | US$35 (or equivalent in SYP) |
| Visa on arrival (business)Requires a letter of invitation from a Syrian sponsor. | US$50 (or equivalent in SYP) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Damascus; extensions are granted for up to 3 months. | Approx. US$30 (or equivalent in SYP) |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers; some land border crossings may charge a small administrative fee. | Included in visa fee |
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 citizens transiting through Syria require a transit visa, which can be obtained on arrival at the airport for stays up to 72 hours, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket and a valid visa for the next destination.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Travelers with a valid Syrian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
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 = 112.99 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
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Damascus International Airport. If you arrive by land from Lebanon, Jordan, or Turkey, you'll need to arrange a visa in advance at a Syrian embassy or consulate.
The fee varies and is subject to change. It's typically around $50–$100 USD, but you should bring extra cash. Payment is usually in USD or EUR, and they may not accept credit cards.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 15 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to leave and re-enter or get a different visa type in advance.
For the visa on arrival, you generally don't need a formal sponsor. However, you must provide an address in Syria (hotel or host). If you're visiting friends or family, having their contact details helps.
The security situation in Syria remains volatile. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Many countries advise against all travel to Syria due to armed conflict and terrorism. If you do go, get comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention. If you need more time, consider applying for a different visa type at a Syrian embassy before you travel.
You'll likely be refused entry and sent back. The visa on arrival is only at Damascus airport. If you plan to enter by land, you must get a visa from a Syrian embassy or consulate in advance.
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.