Syria entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders must obtain an eVisa to enter Syria. As of 2026, the eVisa is the only way to get a tourist visa — visa-on-arrival is not available for Canadians.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for a Syrian eVisa | Apply for a Syrian eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — border officers will check it before issuing the visa sticker on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Damascus Airport ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Syria. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you are staying outside Damascus. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $1,000 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Syria is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. The Canadian government advises against all travel. If you decide to go, register with the Canadian embassy in Beirut (Lebanon) and have a contingency plan.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa-on-arrival for Canadians. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight to Syria. Airlines check this before letting you check in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website (search 'Syria eVisa' — the URL changes). Fill in your details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing takes 3–7 business days. You'll get an email with your eVisa approval — print it and save the PDF on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents
Before you leave Canada, gather: your printed eVisa approval, passport (valid 6+ months), return flight booking, first night hotel confirmation, and travel insurance docs. Put them all in a clear plastic folder — you'll need them at immigration.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
When you land at Damascus (the main international airport), follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and let you through. Keep your eVisa printout with your passport — you may need it when leaving.
4
Exit the airport
After immigration, collect your luggage from the baggage carousel, then proceed through customs. There's usually a green channel for nothing to declare. If you're carrying more than $10,000 USD in cash or equivalent, you must declare it. Outside arrivals, taxis are available — negotiate the fare before getting in.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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 15 days
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~$80 USD
Allows multiple visits within validity period.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
For longer stays; requires sponsorship or specific purpose.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a Syrian employer sponsor. Requires job offer and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at Syrian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors with significant capital in Syrian businesses. Requires proof of investment and government approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeEstimated cost for Canadian passport holders; exact fee may change. | ~$50 USD (varies by nationality) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard single-entry eVisa for tourism. | ~$50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry option for frequent travellers. | ~$80 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; may accumulate. | ~$10 USD per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay; subject to change. | ~$200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Transit visa required
Canadian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside. Check with the airline or Syrian embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Some airlines may have agreements for short transits; verify in advance.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in northern and eastern regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to 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 City Center, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern region.
Practical information for CA 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 = 113.43 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
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. The eVisa is the only option for Canadian passport holders. There is no visa-on-arrival facility at any Syrian airport or land border.
The official eVisa fee varies but is typically around $50–$80 USD. Check the official eVisa website for the current fee — it can change without notice.
Yes. Print the eVisa approval email and keep a digital copy on your phone. Immigration officers at Damascus Airport will ask to see the printed version.
No. The eVisa is single-entry and not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and reapply for a new eVisa.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Syrian immigration. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Syria.
The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and security risks. Check the latest travel advisory before booking. If you do go, travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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.