Syria entry requirements for Malaysia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Malaysian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Syrian airports and land borders. This process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready before you travel. As of 2026, the visa on arrival is available at Damascus International Airport and the main border crossings with Lebanon and Jordan.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Syrian airports and land borders | Malaysian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Damascus International Airport and certain land border crossings. Have USD cash ready — the fee varies by nationality and is typically around $50–$80 USD. The visa is valid for up to 15 days and is not extendable.Syria MFA — Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) enforce this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Damascus Airport asks for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready — showing a flight out of Syria within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your Syrian host. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay — showing a bank statement or cash is sufficient. | Recommended |
Cash is king in Syria
ATMs are scarce and card payments are rarely accepted. Bring enough USD or euros in cash to cover your entire stay. Exchange at official bureaus or banks — avoid street changers.
Visa on arrival is straightforward but have documents ready
The process at Damascus Airport usually takes 15–30 minutes. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation printed or easily accessible on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Damascus International Airport or land border
Head to the visa on arrival counter after passport control. At Damascus Airport, it's clearly marked. At land borders (e.g., Masnaa from Lebanon), look for the immigration office. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form asking for basic details: name, passport number, purpose of visit, and address in Syria. Fill it in clearly. Keep your passport and supporting documents handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. As of 2026, the fee is around $50 USD (or equivalent in Syrian pounds). Exact amount may vary, so bring small USD bills. No card payments accepted.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
Once processed, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Then proceed to the immigration queue. Show your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof if asked. You'll be stamped in and allowed entry.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Malaysia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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~$50 USD (equivalent in Syrian pounds)
Apply at Syrian embassy before travel for longer stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in Syrian pounds)
Requires prior approval; limited availability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 15 days. | Free (no fee for Malaysian passport holders) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; avoid overstaying to prevent issues. | Unknown (estimated $10–20 USD per day, no official cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
No transit visa needed
Malaysian passport holders transiting through Syria do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to security concerns, transit is limited and may require prior coordination with the airline.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Dengue is present in urban areas; malaria risk is low but exists in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Tap water is unsafe; avoid street food and drink bottled water.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended but may be considered 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-Mazzeh, Damascus, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Near Saadallah Al-Jabiri Square, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern Syria.
Practical information for MY 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 = 113.08 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 fee is approximately $50 USD (or equivalent in Syrian pounds). You must pay in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring small USD bills to avoid exchange issues.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Damascus International Airport and the main land borders with Lebanon (Masnaa) and Jordan (Jaber/Nasib). It is not available at all crossings, so stick to these major ones.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 15 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly. If you need longer, you must apply for a visa in advance at a Syrian embassy.
No, proof of funds is not required for the visa on arrival. However, you should have enough cash for your stay since ATMs and card payments are unreliable in Syria.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling to Syria.
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for the visa on arrival. However, it is strongly recommended because medical care in Syria can be expensive and insurance covers emergencies.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type at a Syrian embassy before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.