Syria entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Kenya passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. Apply online through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before you travel — processing takes up to 5 business days. Don't book flights until you have the approved visa in hand.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Kenya passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. Apply through the Syria Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.sy. Processing takes up to 5 business days — do not book flights until you receive approval.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your 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 Required for entry | Immigration at Damascus International Airport asks to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines and charter flights often check this before boarding. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Border officers may ask for a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a Syrian sponsor. Keep a printed reservation confirmation or a letter with the host's contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash in USD or EUR for your stay — Syria's banking system is largely offline and credit cards rarely work. A bank statement showing recent transactions can help if questioned. | Recommended |
Transit visa required even for connections
Kenya passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if you stay airside. Damascus and Aleppo airports do not allow visa-free airside transit. Check with your airline before booking connecting flights.
Travel advisory — check before you go
Many governments currently advise against all travel to Syria due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. If you decide to travel, register with your embassy, have a contingency plan, and avoid border areas and active conflict zones.
Cash is king — bring enough
Credit cards rarely work and ATMs are unreliable. Bring sufficient USD or EUR in cash for your entire stay. Exchange at official bureaus in Damascus — avoid street changers.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to mfa.gov.sy, fill in the application form, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the ~$50 fee. Processing takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive the visa as a PDF — print two copies.
2
Pack your documents
Print your eVisa approval, passport (valid 6+ months from entry), return flight confirmation, and hotel booking. Also bring a pen for the arrival card — they don't always have one.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign nationals. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and arrival card. The officer may ask your hotel name and return flight date. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp — check the validity dates before walking away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. There's a customs declaration form if you're carrying more than $10,000 USD. Otherwise, walk through the green channel. SIM cards and taxis are available just outside the arrivals hall.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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 (eVisa fee)
Apply online before travel; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Limited availability; check with Syrian embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Fee may vary; check official eVisa portal for current amount. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in Syrian Pound at official rate) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap known) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Kenya passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside. Check with the airline or embassy for specific requirements.
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, etc.)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Leishmaniasis, West Nile)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low 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 matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Aleppo, Syria (near city center)
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Limited services; check hours before visiting.
Practical information for KE 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. Kenya passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival option at any Syrian airport or land border.
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to be safe. The fee is around $50 USD, payable online.
Yes, you can extend a single-entry tourist visa by up to 15 days at the Directorate of Immigration and Passports in Damascus (Al-Mazraa, open Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00). The extension fee is not officially published but expect around $10–20 USD. Go early and bring your passport, visa, and a passport photo.
Yes, generally. Even if you stay airside, Kenya passport holders usually need a transit visa to change planes at Damascus or Aleppo airports. Check with your airline before booking — some may arrange it, but don't assume.
You'll be fined approximately $10 USD per day. Overstays can also lead to a future entry ban. If you realise you'll overstay, visit the immigration office in Damascus before your visa expires to request an extension.
The security situation varies by region. Many governments advise against all travel to Syria due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. Check your home country's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, register with your embassy and avoid border areas.
Rarely. Most businesses deal in cash only — Syrian pounds, US dollars, or euros. ATMs are unreliable and international cards often don't work. Bring enough cash for your entire stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.