Syria entry requirements for Germany 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
German citizens can get a visa on arrival in Syria, so you don't need to visit an embassy beforehand. You'll get it stamped at the airport or border crossing, but be prepared for a slow process and have all your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get the visa when you land, but you must meet all other entry conditions. Entry permit | German citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Syrian ports of entry. The visa is not extendable. Prepare to pay the visa fee in cash (likely in USD or SYP) and have a passport-sized photo. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Syria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to place the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration often requires evidence that you will not overstay. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Syria before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof can avoid problems at the border. Sufficient for stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank cards, or a bank statement) to cover your stay in Syria. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any special arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for German citizens entering Syria. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa program does not apply to your nationality. Not applicable | German citizens are not eligible for the Syrian eVisa. Do not attempt to apply online; obtain the visa on arrival instead. | Not required |
Serious security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. The German Foreign Office strongly advises against all travel. If you must go, get professional security advice, register with the German embassy, and have an exit plan.
Israeli travel history = denied entry
If your passport has any Israeli stamps, visas, or entry/exit marks, you will be refused entry to Syria. This is strictly enforced. Consider a new passport if you've been to Israel.
Cash is king
Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash to cover the visa fee and initial expenses. ATMs are unreliable, and international credit cards are rarely accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the port of entry
Fly into Damascus International Airport or cross at a land border. At the airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a form to fill out. Keep it simple: your name, passport details, purpose of visit (tourism), and where you're staying.
3
Pay the visa fee
Go to the visa payment window. Have US dollars or euros in cash. The fee is typically around $50–$100, but it can change. Get a receipt.
4
Get your passport stamped
Present your passport, the completed form, payment receipt, and any supporting documents to the immigration officer. They'll stamp your passport with the visa and entry stamp.
5
Proceed through passport control
After getting the visa, go through the regular passport control queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Expect questions about your trip.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay15 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostUS$50–100 (via Syrian embassy)
Recommended for those who want to avoid uncertainty at the border; must be obtained before travel.
Business visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostUS$100–150 (via Syrian embassy)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Syrian company or organization.
Residence permit
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries; approx. US$200–300
For long-term work or study; requires sponsorship and security clearance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)Payable in cash at the port of entry; subject to approval. | US$33 (or equivalent in EUR) |
| Visa on arrival (business)Requires a letter of invitation from a Syrian sponsor. | US$50 (or equivalent in EUR) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Damascus or other major cities. | Approx. US$20–30 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers. | Included in visa cost |
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
German citizens transiting through Syria generally require a visa, even for airside transit. A transit visa is issued on arrival for stays up to 24 hours, but must be arranged in advance in some cases.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members on duty
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 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 = 112.99 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
The fee is typically around $50–$100 USD, but it can vary. Bring more than you think you'll need, in cash (US dollars or euros). The exact amount is set by Syrian authorities and can change without notice.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You'll need to leave Syria before your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or other complications.
The German Foreign Office advises against travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and security risks. If you do travel, you do so at your own risk. Check the latest travel advisories before booking anything.
The visa on arrival is available at most official border crossings, but the process may be slower and less organized than at the airport. Have all your documents ready and be prepared for long waits.
For a tourist visa on arrival, a sponsor is not typically required. However, immigration may ask for details of your accommodation or a local contact. Having a hotel booking is usually sufficient.
Syria does not allow entry to anyone with Israeli stamps, visas, or even evidence of travel to Israel. If your passport shows any of this, you will be denied entry. You may need to get a new passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of 15 days, but this can vary. Confirm the exact duration with the immigration officer when you arrive. Remember, it's not extendable.
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.