Syria entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Hong Kong passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Syria. There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry. Processing can take a week or more, so apply early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Hong Kong passport holders must apply for an eVisa through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.sy. Processing takes several business days — apply at least two weeks before departure. Print the approval email and keep a digital copy on your phone.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Hong Kong passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. Syria does not formally require six months of validity beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Checked at check-in | Airlines flying into Syria will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket at check-in. Immigration officers in Damascus may also request proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Immigration at Damascus Airport sometimes asks for a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Book accommodation that offers free cancellation in case your visa is delayed. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. Check your home country's travel advisory and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers war zones and medical evacuation.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for Hong Kong passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa before you travel. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa portal (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 USD depending on nationality). Processing takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa document via email. Print at least two copies — one to present at immigration on arrival, and a spare. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land, have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation ready. At Damascus International Airport, proceed to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreigners' (not 'Syrians'). Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport and return it. Expect a brief interview — they may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and how long you plan to stay. Answer calmly and truthfully.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel. There is a customs declaration area — if you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're now free to enter Syria.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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. 390 HKD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 624 HKD)
For frequent travellers; each stay limited to 30 days.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 780 HKD)
Requires invitation letter from Syrian company.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 1,560 HKD) plus fees
For those with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 780 HKD) plus fees
For enrolled students at Syrian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Hong Kong passport holders. | ~$50 USD (approx. 390 HKD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$80 USD (approx. 624 HKD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstay. | ~$10 USD (approx. 78 HKD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete visa 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
Hong Kong passport holders transiting through Syria require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic passports may transit without visa.
- Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and netting.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and avoid street food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas; 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, Damascus, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Aziziyah, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern region.
Practical information for HK 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 = 111.97 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Hong Kong passport holders. You must obtain an eVisa before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe. Rush processing is not always available.
The fee varies by nationality but is usually around $50–$100 USD. Check the official eVisa portal or your visa service for the exact amount. Payment is typically online by credit card.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
No. The eVisa for tourism does not require a local sponsor or invitation letter. You just need a hotel booking for your first night.
The security situation in Syria remains volatile. Many governments advise against all travel to Syria. Check your home country's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or if you have a criminal record. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no formal appeal process. Consider using a visa service that reviews applications before submission.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.