Syria entry requirements for Laos passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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

Laos passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa on arrival option for Lao citizens.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply for Syrian eVisa
Apply online at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes several weeks — start at least a month before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry only.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines check this strictly before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Damascus Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Syria. Border officials sometimes ask for it, especially if you're staying outside Damascus.Recommended
Proof of funds
Financial means
Have at least $1,000 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Syria is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.Recommended
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Laos passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Syria. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you fly. Without it, you will be denied boarding.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Syria, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Submit your eVisa application through the official Syrian eVisa portal. You'll need a digital copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport photo. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. The approval is linked to your passport number.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

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)

Apply at Syrian embassy or consulate; may require sponsor.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)

Limited availability; check with embassy.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Laos passport holders; subject to change.~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration.~$10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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

Laos passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria. Airside transit without passing immigration may be allowed for short layovers if holding a confirmed onward ticket and visa for the next destination.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
  • Transit without visa may be allowed if staying airside and not leaving the airport.
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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.

Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk

Present in some areas; use insect repellent and nets.

COVID-19Moderate risk

Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.

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 matters.

Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Aziziyah, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Handles extensions for northern region.

Practical information for LA 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
updated May 29
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
Police112
Medical110
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes. You must get an eVisa before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Lao citizens.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires.
Your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa.
Yes. Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy ready.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs can be very high if something goes wrong.
The eVisa is valid for entry at Damascus International Airport. For land borders, check with the Syrian embassy before you travel.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.