Syria entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Japanese passport holders must obtain an eVisa to enter Syria for tourism. Apply online before travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — border officers will check it before issuing the visa sticker on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Japanese 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 before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show proof of departure | Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. Overstaying your visa can result in fines and delays at departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Syrian host. Border officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have access to at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card. Syria is a cash-heavy economy — bring US dollars or euros in good condition, as worn or marked notes are often refused. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many countries advise against all travel. Travel insurance may not cover you in war zones.
Cash is king
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash to cover your entire stay. ATMs are unreliable and may run out of money.
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, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on processing time). Wait for approval — typically 3–7 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF via email. Print at least two copies — one to hand to immigration, one as backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most flights from Japan arrive via Dubai, Doha, or Beirut. At Damascus airport, proceed to the immigration hall. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Expect a short queue — 15–30 minutes.
4
Show your accommodation and onward ticket
Immigration may ask for proof of where you're staying and your departure flight. Have your hotel booking and flight confirmation easily accessible on your phone or printed.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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. 7,500 JPY)
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. 15,000 JPY)
For frequent visitors; extension possible per entry.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 12,000 JPY)
Requires invitation letter from Syrian company.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 30,000 JPY) plus fees
For those with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 15,000 JPY) plus tuition
For enrollment in a recognized Syrian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 75,000 JPY) plus investment
For those investing a minimum amount in a Syrian business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Japanese passport holders applying online. | ~$50 USD (approx. 7,500 JPY) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but may be obtained at embassy. | ~$50 USD (approx. 7,500 JPY) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (approx. 15,000 JPY) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD (approx. 1,500 JPY) 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
Transit visa required
Japanese passport holders transiting through Syria generally need a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply in advance.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Transit through Damascus International Airport may have special arrangements; 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in some rural areas; consider prophylaxis and use mosquito nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Damascus
Damascus Immigration Office
Al-Mazraa, near the Ministry of Interior
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Aziziyah district
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Limited services; check hours before visiting.
Practical information for JP 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 = 113.43 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 trip to be safe. Some services offer expedited processing for an extra fee.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Japanese passport holders. Always get the eVisa beforehand.
If you're transiting through Damascus airport and not leaving the transit area, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a transit visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you need the eVisa.
The security situation can change quickly. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Many countries advise against all travel to Syria due to conflict and terrorism. Travel insurance may not cover claims in active conflict zones.
The Syrian pound (SYP) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops. Bring cash in good condition — torn or marked bills may be refused. ATMs are scarce and unreliable.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry, but routine vaccines (MMR, polio, tetanus) are recommended. Hepatitis A and typhoid are also advised. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.