Syria entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Irish citizens. The eVisa covers tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa through the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Print the approval letter and bring it to the border — you'll exchange it for a visa sticker on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. Syria does not enforce a six-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for at least three months remaining. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. Without one, you risk being denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your Syrian host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're travelling solo. A booking on Booking.com or Agoda works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Syria is largely a cash economy — bring US dollars or euros in good condition. ATMs are scarce and unreliable outside Damascus. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Syria. Check your government's travel advisory before booking anything.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry for Irish passport holders. You must get the eVisa before you travel. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website and complete the application form. Upload a digital passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online.
2
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 3–7 working days. Check your email and the portal for the approval. Print the eVisa approval letter.
3
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them together in a folder for the immigration desk.
4
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp valid for the duration of your eVisa.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Syrian embassy or consulate; requires sponsor or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, valid 6 months
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Limited availability; requires strong justification for multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Irish passport holders; check official eVisa portal for current rates. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by processing time) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid exceeding authorized stay. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Syria require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with your airline for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport · Aleppo International Airport
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommended
Health risks
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food and water; vaccination and careful hygiene recommended.
Hepatitis AModerate risk
Common in areas with poor sanitation; vaccination advised.
LeishmaniasisLow risk
Transmitted by sandflies; risk in rural areas.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural 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 matters; bring passport, visa, and sponsor letter.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Near Al-Shahba Mall, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions and permits; expect limited English support.
Practical information for IE 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 = 112.24 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. Irish passport holders must have an approved eVisa before arriving. There is no visa on arrival for Irish citizens.
Processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to be safe.
The official fee varies depending on the type and duration. Check the eVisa portal for the current fee — it's usually around $50–$100 USD. Payment is online.
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 travel.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. You need a booked onward ticket out of Syria, whether it's a return flight or a ticket to another destination. Immigration may check it.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers emergencies and evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.