Syria entry requirements for Finland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Finnish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. The eVisa is a single-entry permit, and you must apply online before you travel. Plan ahead — processing times can vary and there's no visa-on-arrival option for Finns.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Syrian tourist eVisa | Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa through the official MFA portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Finnish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Syrian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound flight required | Immigration at Damascus International Airport routinely asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. Overland exits may also be checked. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Syrian host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels, so bring enough US dollars or euros for your stay. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Finnish citizens cannot get a visa at the airport or border. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines check this before boarding.
Processing times can vary
eVisa processing can take up to 10 business days during busy periods. Apply early and check your email regularly for updates.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a digital passport photo. Pay the fee (around $50–$80 USD depending on processing speed). Processing takes 3–7 business days, sometimes longer.
2
Wait for approval
Check your email and the eVisa portal for updates. If approved, download and print the eVisa document. Keep a digital copy on your phone too.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, gather: your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance documents. Put them in a folder you can grab quickly.
4
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most Finns fly into Damascus. After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes if your documents are in order.
5
Exit and collect luggage
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Then you're free to enter Syria.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Syrian embassy/consulate; requires sponsor or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Limited availability; requires strong justification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Required for Finnish passport holders; apply online before travel. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by nationality) |
| Overstay fine per dayAvoid overstaying; penalties may apply at departure. | ~$10 USD per day (maximum cap unknown) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Finnish citizens transiting through Syria generally require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Syrian embassy.
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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider 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, Damascus, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Aleppo City Center, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Limited services; check security situation before visiting.
Practical information for FI 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 = 112.24 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. Finnish passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival for Finns. Apply online at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Typically 3–7 business days, but it can take longer during holidays or if there are application errors. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance to be safe.
The fee is around $50–$80 USD depending on processing speed. Exact amounts are shown on the official eVisa portal when you apply.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and reapply.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Syria.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A return ticket or a ticket to a third country is required.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs can be very high, and insurance covers emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.