Syria entry requirements for China passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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

Chinese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Chinese nationals.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — border officers will check it before issuing the visa sticker on arrival.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire stay
Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Show proof of departure
Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Syrian host. Border officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you are traveling alone or on a short stay.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Syria is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Damascus.Recommended
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Chinese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Syria. You must apply and receive an eVisa before you travel. Boarding without one will result in being denied entry and sent back.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Syria, not from your departure date. Double-check this before applying for the eVisa.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa portal and fill out the application. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on processing speed) and submit. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Book your flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Save the confirmation emails or screenshots on your phone.
4
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most flights from China arrive at Damascus International Airport. After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional forms to fill on arrival.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)

Apply at Syrian embassy or via eVisa; extension possible at immigration.

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

For multiple visits; extension possible per stay.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa fee (single entry)Estimated cost for Chinese passport holders; check official eVisa portal.~$50 USD (varies by nationality)
Overstay fine per dayMay apply if overstaying visa validity; exact amount not widely published.~$10 USD per day (estimated)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

Chinese passport holders transiting through Syria generally need a transit visa, even if staying airside. Check with the Syrian embassy or airline for specific requirements.

Transit hubsDamascus International Airport · Aleppo International Airport

Health & vaccines for Syria

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

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

Present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

COVID-19Moderate risk

Transmission risk exists; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis may be considered for rural travel in northern regions.

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, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Handles extensions and permits; bring passport and visa.

Practical information for CN 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 = 113.42 SYP
updated May 21
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

Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. Some agencies offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Apply at least 1–2 weeks before your flight to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the validity expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
No. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Chinese nationals. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity requirement is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Only the first night's accommodation is required for entry. However, it's a good idea to have a rough itinerary ready in case immigration asks.
The eVisa is valid for entry at Damascus International Airport. For land border crossings (e.g., from Lebanon or Jordan), check with the Syrian embassy or your eVisa provider, as rules may differ.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or if there are security concerns. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable. Contact the eVisa support team for guidance.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.