Syria entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
German passport holders must get an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You apply entirely online before you travel, and you'll need your approval printed or saved on your phone when you arrive.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and approval is not guaranteed — expect scrutiny on travel purpose. Print the approval letter and carry a copy with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your German passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own validity checks at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Damascus Airport checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your Syrian host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this during the entry interview. A simple booking confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing recent transactions satisfies most officers if asked. | Recommended |
eVisa processing can be slow
Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure. Some travellers report delays of up to 2 weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport bio page, return ticket, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. Internet can be unreliable, so offline access is key.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa portal (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee and wait for approval — processing can take a few days to a couple of weeks.
2
Print or save eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF or confirmation email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most flights from Europe land at Damascus. After disembarking, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. The officer will stamp you in — expect a short queue.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a currency exchange desk and a taxi stand just outside the arrivals hall.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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 (€45)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (€90)
For frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (€180)
Requires sponsorship or special reason.
work visa
Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (€180)
For those with a job offer in Syria. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (€135)
For enrollment in a Syrian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard single-entry eVisa fee for German passport holders. | ~$50 USD (€45) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, typically processed online. | ~$50 USD (€45) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (€90) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ~$10 USD (€9) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
A transit visa is required for German passport holders transiting through Syria, even if staying airside.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of dengue and leishmaniasis; use insect repellent.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider in rural 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 permits.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Salah al-Din, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for northern region.
Practical information for DE 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 = 112.3 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
Yes. You must get an eVisa before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for German passport holders.
Processing times vary, but expect anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is not fixed in the database, but typical costs range from $50 to $100 USD depending on the service. Check the official portal for current pricing.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa with the new passport.
Yes, at least one blank page is required for the entry stamp.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs can be very high, and insurance covers evacuation or hospital stays.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.