Syria entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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

Nigerian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. You must get it before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. Processing times vary, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at the border.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid on arrival
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host confirming your stay. Border officials occasionally ask for this to verify your itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD to cover your stay. Officers may ask to see proof of sufficient funds upon arrival.Recommended
eVisa required — no exceptions
Nigerian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Syria. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be denied boarding or entry.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Syria, not from your departure date. If your passport expires in 5 months, you'll be turned away.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website and complete the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 USD depending on nationality). Processing takes 3–7 business days, sometimes longer.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. Double-check your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's stay. Keep confirmations handy — you'll need them at check-in and immigration.
4
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most flights from Nigeria connect via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul. At Damascus airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. You'll be asked a few questions about your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
5
Receive entry stamp
Once cleared, the officer stamps your passport. Your eVisa is valid for a single entry. Check the stamp for the allowed stay duration — typically 15 or 30 days.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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
CostUSD 50 (approx. $50 USD)

Standard tourist visa for single entry; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostUSD 100 (approx. $100 USD)

Allows multiple entries; extension possible per stay.

work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
USD 200 (approx. $200 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a Syrian employer sponsor. Requires a work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
USD 100 (approx. $100 USD) plus university acceptance
For enrolled students at Syrian universities. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, non-refundable.USD 50 (approx. $50 USD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period.USD 10 per day (approx. $10 USD)
Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration.USD 200 (approx. $200 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

Nigeria passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
  • Transit through Damascus International Airport with confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours may be visa-free for some nationalities, but not for Nigeria.
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)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk

Present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

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-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 08:00–15:00

Handles extensions and permits for northern region.

Practical information for NG 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

No. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Nigerian citizens. You must obtain an eVisa before traveling.
Processing typically takes 3–7 business days, but can take longer during peak periods or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality but is usually between $50 and $100 USD. Check the official eVisa portal for the exact amount before paying.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the allowed stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or difficulties at immigration.
Yes. Syrian immigration requires proof of onward travel, whether it's a return flight to Nigeria or a ticket to a third country.
It is not always checked at entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Syria may require upfront payment, and insurance covers unexpected costs.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.