Syria entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Italian passport holders must get an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. The online application is straightforward, but approval is required before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Italian citizens.
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. Processing times vary — apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Italian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Syrian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus and Aleppo airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Syria. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're traveling solo. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing recent transactions helps if asked. | Recommended |
Travel to Syria carries serious risks
The security situation in Syria remains dangerous. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you decide to travel, stay in government-controlled areas and avoid all border zones. Register with your embassy on arrival.
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Italian passport holders cannot enter Syria without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver. Apply online at least a week before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website and complete the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the fee online with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your eVisa. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll show this at check-in and on arrival in Syria.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
At the airport, proceed to the immigration hall. Present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check for tourists, but don't bring anything that looks suspicious.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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. €45)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €90)
Ideal for multiple visits; extension possible per entry.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$150 USD (approx. €135)
Requires sponsorship from Syrian entity or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €180) + employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires work permit approval and medical check.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €90) + university fees
For those enrolled in a Syrian university or educational program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Italian passport holders applying online. | $50 USD (approx. €45) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but may be obtained on arrival if eligible. | $50 USD (approx. €45) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. €90) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay, with no official cap. | $10 USD (approx. €9) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
No transit visa needed
Italian passport holders transiting through Syria do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to security concerns, transit may be restricted.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Syrian visa may transit without additional documentation.
- Transit through Damascus International Airport only.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommended
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
LeishmaniasisModerate risk
Transmitted by sandflies; present in rural areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
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-Mazraa, Damascus, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for northern Syria.
Practical information for IT 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 = 112.98 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 usually takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Italian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Check the official eVisa portal for the current rate.
Yes, you need at least one blank page for the entry stamp. More blank pages are always better if you plan to visit other countries.
The security situation in Syria is volatile. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many countries advise against all travel to Syria. If you do go, stay in government-controlled areas and avoid border zones.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or if there are security concerns. You'll receive a notification with the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but there's no guarantee of approval.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.