Syria entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival or visa-free access.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Syria tourist eVisa | Apply for a Syrian tourist 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 entry stamp.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines at Addis Ababa Bole Airport enforce this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Syria | Immigration at Damascus International Airport asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Overland crossings at the Lebanese border also check this. | 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 it, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour. A simple Booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have cash (USD or EUR) or a bank statement showing at least $500–$1,000 for a short visit. Syria is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. ATMs are unreliable. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. If you decide to go, have a detailed itinerary, share it with someone at home, and register with your embassy.
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa-free access or visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. You must apply and receive your eVisa before you fly. Airlines will check it at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website and fill out the application form. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a paper copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
At the airport, head to the immigration hall. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — expect a brief interview about your purpose of visit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs checkpoint — declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Then you're free to exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
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 (via eVisa)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple visits; check availability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Fee varies; check official eVisa portal for current amount. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in Syrian Pound at official rate) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated, subject to change) |
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
Ethiopian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria. Airside transit without passing immigration may be allowed for short layovers, but confirm with the airline.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Leishmaniasis, West Nile)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis may be considered for rural travel.
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 Highway, Damascus
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Near Al-Shahba Mall, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for northern region.
Practical information for ET 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 = 113.03 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
No. Ethiopian passport holders must get an eVisa before travel. There is no visa on arrival for Ethiopian citizens.
Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your flight to be safe. Processing times can vary, especially during holidays.
The official fee is around $50–$80 USD depending on the visa type and processing speed. Check the official eVisa website for the exact amount — it's paid online by credit card.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
Your eVisa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Syria does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. But check routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) with your doctor before travel.
Many governments advise against all travel to Syria due to ongoing conflict and security risks. Check your home country's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, register with your embassy and have a solid plan.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.