Syria entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
UK passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. Apply online before you travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Syria. Apply through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.sy. Processing times vary — start at least 2 weeks before your trip. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.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. Syria does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. Carry at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus and Aleppo airports will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. If you're crossing by land from Lebanon or Jordan, the same rule applies at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a Syrian host. If staying with friends, ask them to send a signed invitation with their ID number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash in USD or EUR for your stay — Syria's banking system is largely offline and credit cards rarely work. A daily budget of $50–$100 per person is reasonable. Keep receipts from currency exchanges as proof if asked. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
You cannot get a visa at the airport or land border. The eVisa must be approved and printed before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight.
Passport validity counts from arrival
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you enter Syria, not your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa portal (no third-party sites). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing takes 3–7 working days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print at least two copies — one to hand over at immigration, one as backup. Keep a digital copy on your phone too.
3
Arrive at Damascus or Aleppo airport
Most flights land at Damascus International Airport. At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They may ask for your accommodation address. The process is straightforward if you have all documents ready.
4
Collect your passport stamp
The officer will stamp your passport and return it. Check the stamp for the entry date and any handwritten validity. Keep the eVisa copy with your passport during your stay.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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
Cost$50 USD (approx. £40)
Apply at Syrian embassy; requires sponsor letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. £80)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for UK passport holders applying online. | $50 USD (approx. £40) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the authorized stay. | $10 USD per day (approx. £8) |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $200 USD (approx. £160) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete eVisa application30%
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 transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Syrian embassy.
Transit hubsDamascus 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
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Hepatitis AModerate risk
Common due to poor sanitation; vaccination strongly advised.
LeishmaniasisLow risk
Sandfly-borne; risk in rural areas; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in some rural areas, especially during summer; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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 permits.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Salah al-Din Street, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions 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 = 112.3 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 times vary, but typically take 3–7 working days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or detention.
Yes, at least one blank page is required for the entry stamp. More is better if you plan to visit other countries on the same trip.
The eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. The process is the same — show your printed eVisa and passport.
Not explicitly required for the application, but strongly recommended. Medical care in Syria is limited and expensive. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding.
No. The eVisa requirement applies to all UK passport holders, including diplomatic and official passports. Everyone must apply online in advance.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or if you have a travel history to Israel. You'll receive a reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but there's no appeal process.
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.