Syria entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
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
Greek citizens can get a visa on arrival in Syria, so you don't need to visit an embassy beforehand. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has one blank page. Be aware that the situation in Syria is complex, so check travel advisories before you go.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get your visa stamped in your passport when you arrive in Syria, but it cannot be extended beyond its validity. Entry permit issued at Syrian port of entry | Greek citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Syrian airports and land borders. The visa is issued at the port of entry; no prior embassy application is required. The visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival in Syria. Minimum 6 months from date of entry | Your Greek passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Syria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure you have a completely blank page in your passport for the Syrian visa and border stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa on arrival stamp and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary or ticket ready to show that you plan to leave Syria. Proof of departure from Syria | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Syria before your visa expires. This is typically checked at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry cash or bank statements to prove you can support yourself while in Syria. Sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Syria. Amount is not fixed but should match your planned duration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival declaration before traveling. No separate arrival form required | Syria does not require a separate arrival declaration for Greek citizens. Standard immigration forms are provided on arrival. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThere is no online visa application for you — just get the visa when you land. Not applicable for Greek citizens | Greek citizens are not eligible for Syria's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply for an eVisa; instead, obtain your visa on arrival at the port of entry. | Not required |
Travel advisory: high risk
Syria is an active conflict zone. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Syria. If you decide to go, you assume significant risk. Ensure you have evacuation plans and travel insurance that covers conflict zones.
Visa on arrival is not guaranteed
Even though visa on arrival is available, entry is at the discretion of Syrian immigration. They can refuse entry without explanation. Have a backup plan and know your rights.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Damascus International Airport (or another entry point). Follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a form on the plane or at the immigration desk. Fill it out with your personal details and travel information.
3
Pay the visa fee
Go to the visa fee payment window (usually near immigration). Pay in cash (USD or SYP). Keep the receipt.
4
Get your passport stamped
Present your passport, the completed form, and the payment receipt to the immigration officer. They'll stamp the visa into your passport.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After getting the stamp, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Have your documents ready if asked.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece 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 issue date
CostFree (for Greek citizens)
Obtainable from Syrian embassy; recommended for certainty.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
CostApprox. $100
Requires invitation letter from Syrian sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)Issued at port of entry; valid for 15 days. | Free (for Greek citizens) |
| Visa extensionApply at Immigration Office in Damascus; max extension up to 3 months. | Approx. $50 (subject to change) |
| Exit feeMay apply when leaving by land or air. | Included in airfare or paid at border (approx. $10) |
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
Greek citizens transiting through Syria require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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, etc.)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in some rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for travelers to those regions.
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, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern region.
Practical information for GR 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
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 15 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter or arrange a different visa type before arrival.
The fee varies and is subject to change. As of 2026, it's around $50 USD, but you should confirm with the Syrian embassy or recent traveler reports. Have extra cash just in case.
Visa on arrival is available at Damascus International Airport and other official border crossings. However, land borders may have different procedures and hours. It's safest to fly into Damascus.
For a visa on arrival, a sponsor is not required. However, immigration may ask for your accommodation details. Having a hotel booking is usually sufficient.
The security situation in Syria is volatile. Many governments, including Greece, advise against all travel to Syria. If you must go, get comprehensive travel insurance and stay informed about local conditions.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
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.