Syria entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. The eVisa is a straightforward online application, but you must have your passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and a return or onward ticket booked. Plan ahead — processing times can vary, and you'll need to show your approved eVisa at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at the border.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Latvian 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 confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a Syrian host can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you are staying — have a printed copy or a digital screenshot ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement or a credit card showing available funds satisfies most officers if asked. | Recommended |
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
Medical care in Syria is limited and expensive. A hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance that covers evacuation is a smart investment — don't skip it.
eVisa processing times vary
Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. There's no official expedited service, and delays happen. Don't book non-refundable flights until your eVisa is approved.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Syrian eVisa portal (search 'Syria eVisa' or check your airline's guidance). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (expect around $50–100 USD). Processing takes 3–7 business days, but can take up to 2 weeks — apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF or email confirmation. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airline check-in desk and again at Syrian immigration.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most flights land at Damascus (DAM). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — expect a brief interview about your purpose of visit. Keep your boarding pass handy.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Customs is usually straightforward — declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 date
Cost~$60 USD (approx. €55)
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 date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. €90)
Ideal for multiple visits; extension possible per entry.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. €135)
Requires invitation letter or business purpose.
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 sponsorship.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €90) + university enrollment
For those enrolled in a recognized Syrian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €450) + investment proof
For individuals making a significant investment in Syria (e.g., business, real estate). Requires proof of investment and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Latvia passport holders applying online. | ~$50 USD (approx. €45) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applied at embassy)Alternative to eVisa, may require in-person submission. | ~$60 USD (approx. €55) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (approx. €90) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension fee, subject to approval and limited availability. | ~$30 USD (approx. €27) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Latvia passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Syrian embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Transit without visa may be allowed if holding a confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 6 hours (subject to airline approval).
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedPolioRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis for malaria.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled or boiled water, avoid street food.
Respiratory infections (COVID-19, tuberculosis)Moderate risk
Risk in crowded areas; consider masks and vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in northern and eastern regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers to those areas.
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, Damascus, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern region.
Practical information for LV 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 = 112.3 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. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Latvian citizens. Apply online at least 2 weeks in advance.
Processing times vary — typically 3–7 business days, but can take up to 2 weeks. Apply as early as possible. There's no official expedited service.
The exact cost isn't published on the official portal, but expect around $50–100 USD. Payment is usually by credit card. Check the application site for the current fee.
Yes, you need at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. The eVisa itself is electronic, but the immigration officer will stamp your passport.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application is incomplete or your passport has issues. You'll typically receive a reason. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
No, there is no arrival declaration requirement for Latvian passport holders. Just show your eVisa and passport at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.