Syria entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Spanish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. The eVisa must be arranged before travel — there is no visa on arrival for Spanish citizens. Plan ahead as processing can take several days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Syria. Apply through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes several weeks — start at least a month before your trip.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Spanish passport must be valid for the whole time you plan to be in Syria. No specific minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Syrian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Border officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you are travelling solo. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least €500 in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels, so bring euros or US dollars in cash. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. Travel is not recommended by most governments. If you do go, register with your embassy and have a solid emergency plan.
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa on arrival for Spanish passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Complete the official Syrian eVisa application form. Upload a digital copy of your passport data page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online — exact cost depends on your nationality and processing time.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3–7 working days. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 (approx. €45)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. €90)
For frequent travellers; each stay limited to 30 days.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. €180)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard single-entry eVisa for tourism. | ~$50 USD (approx. €45) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but may be obtained on arrival if eligible. | ~$50 USD (approx. €45) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (approx. €90) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | ~$200 USD (approx. €180) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Spain holders transiting through Syria require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Syrian embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Transit through Damascus International Airport with a confirmed onward ticket within 6 hours may be allowed without visa, but this is not guaranteed.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport (DAM) · Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate 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
Al-Midan, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern region.
Practical information for ES 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 working days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Spanish citizens cannot get a visa on arrival. You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There are no exceptions.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you generally do not need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a transit visa even for same-terminal connections.
The security situation remains volatile. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance that covers Syria is essential — many policies exclude it, so read the fine print.
The local currency is the Syrian pound (SYP). Cash is king — credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring US dollars or euros in good condition (no tears, no marks) and exchange them locally. ATMs are unreliable.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry, but routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid, polio) are recommended. Check with your travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.