Syria entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
French passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for French citizens. The eVisa is valid for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Syria. Apply through the Syria Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.sy. Processing times vary — apply at least two weeks before your trip.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. No specific minimum validity period is enforced, but airlines may require at least six months validity. | 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 Recommended to carry | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you travel independently. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Have access to enough cash or a credit card to cover your stay. Syria is largely a cash economy — bring US dollars or euros in cash to exchange locally. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. The French government advises against all travel. If you decide to go, register with your embassy, have a contingency plan, and ensure your insurance covers war zones.
eVisa only at certain airports
The eVisa is valid for entry at Damascus International Airport and certain land borders. Check the official eVisa site for the latest list of approved entry points.
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 online (typically around $50-70 USD, depending on nationality). Processing takes 3-7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print at least one 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 immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask for your accommodation address. The process usually takes 10-20 minutes. Keep your passport and eVisa together.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 date
Cost~$70 USD (approx. €63)
Requires invitation or hotel booking; apply at Syrian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. €90)
For frequent travelers; subject to approval.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. €135)
Requires sponsor and specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €180) + fees
For those with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €90) + fees
For enrollment in a recognized Syrian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €450) + fees
For investors with significant business or real estate investment in Syria. Requires proof of investment and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for French passport holders applying for Syrian eVisa. | ~$50 USD (approx. €45) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Alternative if eVisa not available; check with Syrian embassy. | ~$70 USD (approx. €63) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; subject to approval. | ~$100 USD (approx. €90) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day overstayed; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
| Stay extension feeIf extension is possible; subject to immigration approval. | ~$30 USD (approx. €27) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Suspicious travel pattern25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
A transit visa is required for French passport holders transiting through Syria, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Transit without visa may be allowed for flights with same airline and no change of airport, but check with Syrian authorities.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent and nets.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in some rural areas, especially in northern and eastern regions. Prophylaxis recommended for 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 FR 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 = 112.3 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 7 business days. Apply at least 2 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 have to leave and reapply.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or if you have a travel history to Israel. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no appeal process.
If you are transiting through a Syrian airport and staying airside, you do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the eVisa.
The French government advises against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.
The local currency is the Syrian pound (SYP). US dollars and euros are widely accepted for larger purchases. Bring cash in good condition — old or torn notes may be refused. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
No vaccinations are officially required for entry. However, routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) are recommended. Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.