Syria entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Syria, so you don't need to arrange anything before you fly. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has a blank page for the visa stamp. The process is straightforward, but expect some paperwork and a fee at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Syrian visa (visa on arrival)You do not need to visit a Syrian embassy beforehand; you get the visa when you arrive in Syria. Obtain at port of entry | Malta passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival in Syria. You will need to apply for and receive the visa at the point of entry (airport, land border, or seaport). Ensure you have the required fee in cash (USD or EUR accepted at many entry points) and any supporting documents requested by Syrian immigration. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip; it needs to be valid for half a year beyond your arrival. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Malta passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Syria. Check your passport's expiry date before booking travel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa and entry stamps need a clean page to be placed on. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 completely blank page (not counting the endorsement pages) for the Syrian visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to show you have plans to leave Syria, not just arrive. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket. Syrian immigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Syria before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Syria, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation, food, and other expenses. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you if you get sick or injured while in Syria. Recommended for medical and trip coverage | Although not a formal entry requirement, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended due to the security situation and limited healthcare facilities in Syria. | Recommended |
| Arrival declaration formYou don't need to fill out an extra form on arrival beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration (such as a customs or health form) is required for Malta passport holders entering Syria, according to current regulations. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThere is no online visa application for you; you get the visa when you land. Not applicable | Malta passport holders are not eligible for Syria's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply for an eVisa online; instead, obtain your visa on arrival at the port of entry. | Not required |
Serious safety concerns
Syria is an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. If you must go, get comprehensive travel insurance, register with your embassy, and have a clear evacuation plan.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The visa you get on arrival is for a short stay (usually 15 days) and cannot be extended. Overstaying can lead to fines or detention. Make sure your travel plans fit within the allowed period.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
After landing, follow the signs to the visa on arrival area. You'll see a bank window where you pay the visa fee before going to immigration.
2
Pay the visa fee at the bank desk
Go to the bank counter (usually before immigration) and pay the visa on arrival fee. Keep the receipt — you'll need to show it to the immigration officer.
3
Present your passport and receipt to immigration
Hand over your passport, the payment receipt, and any requested documents (like your return ticket). The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After getting your passport stamped, proceed to baggage claim, then through customs. You're now in Syria.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged via Syrian embassy)
Max stay15 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostUS$50–100 (varies by embassy)
Recommended for certainty; obtain before travel if possible.
Business visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
CostUS$100–150
Requires invitation letter from Syrian sponsor; may allow multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash at the port of entry; subject to approval by Syrian immigration. | US$35 (or equivalent in Syrian pounds) |
| Visa extension (per month)Must be arranged through the Syrian Immigration Department in Damascus; fees vary. | Approx. US$20–30 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travellers; confirm at departure. | Included in visa fee |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation30%
Security concerns25%
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
Malta passport holders transiting through Syria require a visa, even for airside transit. Visa on arrival is generally not available for transit passengers; obtain a visa before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
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 mosquito nets.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most urban areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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; bring passport, visa, and sponsor letter.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Aziziyah, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions and permits; expect delays due to security situation.
Practical information for MT 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 = 112.99 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
The visa on arrival is available at Damascus International Airport. For land borders or other entry points, it's best to check with the Syrian embassy before you travel, as procedures may differ.
The fee varies and is subject to change. It's typically around $50–$100 USD, but you should bring extra cash in case. The exact amount is set by Syrian authorities and must be paid at the bank desk at the airport.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for a short stay, typically 15 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly.
For a visa on arrival, a sponsor or invitation letter is not typically required. However, immigration officers may ask for details about your purpose of visit and where you'll be staying.
Many governments advise against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking anything. If you do go, travel with a reputable tour operator and have a solid plan.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed to work. Better to plan your stay within the allowed period.
You might be denied entry. Immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy of your return flight or a bus/train ticket out of Syria to avoid problems.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.