Syria entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 a visa to enter Syria. The e-visa is the only option—apply online before you travel. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Syrian visa (e-Visa)You cannot get this visa on arrival; you must apply and receive approval before you fly. Apply before travel | Ethiopian passport holders must obtain a Syrian e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply online through the official Syrian e-Visa portal, and carry a printed copy of the approved e-Visa to present at immigration. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Syria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Syria, not stay indefinitely. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Syria before your visa expires. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof can help avoid issues at entry. Sufficient for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, or credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Syria. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you if you get sick or injured while traveling. Recommended | Although not mandatory, it is strongly advised to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation, given the security situation in Syria. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for entry into Syria for Ethiopian passport holders. | Not required |
Travel safety in Syria
Syria is an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel to Syria due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Check your home country's travel advisory before booking anything. If you do go, have a solid plan and emergency contacts.
E-visa is not extendable
The e-visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. Plan your stay within the allowed duration, and make sure you have a confirmed departure ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Syrian e-visa portal and fill out the application form. Upload your passport scan and photo, pay the fee, and submit. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days, so apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-visa document. Print a physical copy — you'll need it for airline check-in and to show at Syrian immigration.
3
Arrive at the airport in Syria
At Damascus International Airport (or other entry points), proceed to the immigration desk. Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Keep the entry stamp safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$60 (approx.)
Obtain via Syrian embassy in Addis Ababa; requires invitation letter and hotel booking.
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)
Requires letter from Syrian company and approval from Ministry of Economy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)Available at land borders and airports for Ethiopian citizens; single entry, 15 days. | Free (as of 2026) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at Immigration Office in Damascus; requires passport photos and proof of funds. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit feeCharged at land border crossings; not applicable at airports. | $10 (approx.) |
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 citizens transiting through Syria require a visa unless they remain airside and depart within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid licenses
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)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 = 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
Processing usually takes 3 to 5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least two weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
No, visa on arrival is not available for Ethiopian citizens. You must obtain an e-visa before traveling. If you arrive without one, you'll be denied entry and sent back.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa (single entry vs. multiple entry). Check the official e-visa portal for the exact amount in US dollars. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the Syrian e-visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before the visa's validity expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa, but that's not guaranteed.
Your application will likely be rejected, and even if approved, you'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport first, then apply for the e-visa.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need to show a vaccination certificate. Check with the Syrian embassy or your airline for the latest health entry requirements.
Yes, the e-visa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders with Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. However, always confirm with the border authorities or your transport provider, as conditions can change.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.