Syria entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · July 10, 2026
eVisa requiredVisa on arrival
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
Visa on arrival
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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Syria, but only at designated entry points and under strict conditions. You'll need to secure pre-approval from Syrian immigration before you travel, and be ready for a thorough security check upon arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa in advance; you will get it when you arrive in Syria. Obtain at Syrian port of entry | British passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival in Syria. The visa is issued at designated entry points (airports, land borders, and seaports). It is not extendable. Prepare the visa fee in cash (USD or SYP) and have a passport-sized photo ready. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must be valid for half a year after you arrive, otherwise you may be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Syria. Ensure your passport does not expire within this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa stamp needs a blank page in your passport; without it, you cannot be admitted. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the visa stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page to avoid issues at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to show that you plan to leave Syria, not stay indefinitely. Proof of departure from Syria | Immigration officials may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed or electronic copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving some cash or a card shows you can support yourself while in the country. Sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your time in Syria. Carry cash (USD or EUR) or a credit card, though cash is more widely accepted. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you from high costs if you get sick or injured. Comprehensive coverage | Although not officially required, travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the volatile security situation and limited medical facilities. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and emergency treatment. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any special arrival form before you travel. Not required | Syria does not require a separate arrival declaration form for UK passport holders. You will complete standard immigration and customs forms upon arrival. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThere is no online visa application for UK citizens; you get the visa when you arrive. Not applicable | British passport holders are not eligible for the Syrian eVisa. Do not attempt to apply online; instead, obtain your visa on arrival at the border. | Not required |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. The UK government advises against all travel. If you do go, be aware that you're travelling at your own risk, and the British embassy cannot provide consular assistance in most of the country.
Pre-approval is mandatory
Do not assume you can just show up at the airport and get a visa. Without the pre-approval letter, you will be denied boarding and entry. Start the process at least a month in advance.
Cash is king
Credit cards are rarely accepted, and ATMs are unreliable. Bring enough US dollars or Syrian pounds in cash to cover the visa fee and your expenses for the first few days.
What happens at the border
1
Get pre-approval before you travel
Contact the Syrian embassy or consulate in the UK (or a designated visa agency) to apply for a visa approval letter. This can take 2–4 weeks, so start early. You'll need to provide your passport details, travel dates, and reason for visit.
2
Fly into an approved entry point
Visa on arrival is only available at certain airports and land borders. In practice, this means Damascus International Airport is your best bet. Other entry points may not have the facility, so double-check before booking.
3
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After landing, follow signs to the visa/immigration area. Present your passport, approval letter, and any requested documents. Pay the fee in cash and wait for the stamp.
4
Pass through immigration and security
Once stamped, proceed to passport control. Expect questions about your itinerary and purpose of visit. Keep your documents handy.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay15 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostUS$30–50 (via Syrian embassy)
Recommended for those who want certainty of entry; apply at a Syrian embassy or consulate.
Business visa
Max stay15 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostUS$50–100 (via Syrian embassy)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Syrian sponsor and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
student visa
Student Visa (Study in Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. £80) per year
For enrolled students at Syrian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. £160) per year
For foreign workers with a Syrian employer sponsor. Requires work contract and ministry approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)Single entry, valid for 15 days. Subject to approval by Syrian authorities. | US$25 (or equivalent in SYP) |
| Visa extensionExtensions may be granted for up to 15 days at a time, at the discretion of immigration. | Approx. US$20 per extension |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travellers. | Included in visa fee |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Syria require a visa, even if staying airside. Transit visas are generally issued for up to 72 hours and must be arranged in advance.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members on duty may be exempt.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and netting.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and vaccination recommendations.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas, especially during summer; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban 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 permits.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for northern Syria.
Practical information for GB 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
No. Visa on arrival is only available at designated entry points, primarily Damascus International Airport. Land borders may not offer this facility, and you could be refused entry if you arrive without a pre-arranged visa. Always confirm with the Syrian embassy before travelling.
You need to apply through the Syrian embassy in London or a visa agency that handles Syrian visas. Submit your passport copy, a completed application form, and a letter explaining your purpose of visit. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so plan well ahead.
The fee varies and is often quoted in US dollars — expect to pay around $50–$100 depending on your nationality and visa type. Have the exact amount in cash, as credit cards are not accepted at immigration.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Syria before the authorised stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
If you hold Syrian nationality, you may be subject to different rules, including military service obligations. Contact the Syrian embassy for specific guidance. Dual nationals are often treated as Syrian citizens by the authorities.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and security risks. Even if you get a visa, you should be aware that the situation is volatile. Travel insurance is very difficult to obtain, and consular support is limited.
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return or onward ticket ready to show, even if it's not always requested.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.