Syria entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
No visa 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

Bahraini passport holders can enter Syria without a visa for tourism or business. This visa-free arrangement is in effect for 2026. Just show up with your passport and you're good to go.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Syria. Airlines at departure check this before letting you board.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.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Border officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have cash or a bank statement showing enough for your trip. Syria is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.Recommended
Safety advisory
Syria is under active travel advisories from many governments due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. Check your government's travel advice before booking. Travel insurance may not cover claims in active conflict zones.
Currency and cash
The Syrian pound is the official currency. ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Bring enough USD or EUR in cash to exchange for your entire stay. Credit cards are rarely accepted.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most Bahraini travellers fly into Damascus. After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport to the immigration officer. They will check your visa-free eligibility and stamp you in. No visa application or fee is needed.
3
Show supporting documents if asked
The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed. Answer any questions clearly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Syria.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

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 date
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)

Apply at Syrian embassy in Bahrain or nearest consulate.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)

Requires justification for multiple entries.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are applied at departure; exact amount may vary.Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day)

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%

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

No transit visa needed

Bahrain passport holders transiting through Syria do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport · Aleppo International Airport

Health & vaccines for Syria

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.

Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Leishmaniasis, West Nile)Moderate risk

Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent.

COVID-19Moderate risk

Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consult a travel clinic.

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-Aziziyah, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Handles extensions and permits for northern Syria.

Practical information for BH 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 = 111.97 SYP
updated May 29
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
Police112
Medical110
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Bahraini citizens can enter Syria visa-free for tourism or business. Just show your passport at immigration.
The visa-free stay duration is not officially specified, but typically you are granted a standard tourist stay of up to 15 or 30 days. Confirm with Syrian immigration upon arrival.
Extensions are not available for visa-free entries. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return or onward ticket booked and accessible on your phone.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, cancellations, and theft.
The Syrian pound (SYP). Cash is king — credit cards are rarely accepted. Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.