Syria entry requirements for Croatia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Croatian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. Apply online before you travel — approval is linked to your passport number. Processing can take up to a few weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Syria tourist eVisa | Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before travel. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and you'll need a scanned passport photo and a hotel booking confirmation. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the border.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Croatian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines at Zagreb and connecting hubs enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may check it before stamping entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Syrian host, including their contact details and address. Border officers occasionally ask for this to confirm where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $1,000 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Syria is a cash-heavy economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
While not always checked at immigration, medical costs in Syria can be very high. A hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Get insurance that covers medical evacuation.
eVisa processing times vary
Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip. Some applications are approved in a week, others take up to a month. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
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 details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 USD, depending on processing speed). Wait for approval — this can take 1–4 weeks.
2
Pack your documents
Print your eVisa approval, passport bio page, return ticket, and hotel booking. Also save digital copies on your phone. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
3
Arrive at the airport in Syria
At Damascus International Airport (or other entry points), go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport and eVisa printout. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly and calmly. You'll get an entry stamp — valid for the duration of your eVisa.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Standard tourist visa for Croatia holders; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible per stay.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For longer stays; requires sponsorship or specific purpose.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Croatian passport holders applying for Syrian eVisa. | ~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstaying the visa validity. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | ~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD) |
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
Croatian passport holders transiting through Syria require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Transit through Damascus International Airport may have specific agreements; check with airline.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport (DAM) · Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)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.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in northern and eastern regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers to 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 Syria.
Practical information for HR 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 = 113.42 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. Some applications are approved within a week, others take up to a month. Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee is typically between $50 and $100 USD, depending on the processing speed you choose. Check the official eVisa portal for current rates.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Yes, you need at least one blank page for the entry stamp. The eVisa itself is electronic, but the immigration officer will stamp your passport.
Rejections are rare but can happen. You'll usually get a reason (e.g., incomplete documents, security concerns). You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Syrian embassy for guidance.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. However, check the current status of each crossing before traveling — some may be closed or restricted.
No, there is no arrival declaration requirement for Croatian passport holders. Just show your eVisa and passport at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.