Syria entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. Apply online before you travel — approval is linked to your passport. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Syrian Arab Republic eVisa | Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and you'll receive a PDF approval by email. Print two copies — one for the airline check-in counter and one for immigration at Damascus or Aleppo airport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport New Zealand passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines check this strictly at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration officers at Damascus airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may not accept a verbal explanation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host with their Syrian ID number. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you're staying outside Damascus. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have access to at least $1,000 USD in cash or a debit/credit card. Syria's economy is cash-based — bring US dollars or euros in crisp, new notes; old or damaged notes are often refused at banks and exchange shops. | Recommended |
Check travel advisories before booking
Syria is an active conflict zone. The New Zealand government advises against all travel to Syria. Check the latest travel advisory from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade before making any plans.
eVisa processing can be slow
Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip. There is no expedited option, and delays are common. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Syrian eVisa website and complete the application form. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (amount varies by nationality) and submit. Processing takes 2–4 weeks on average.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number — no sticker needed.
3
Arrive at Syrian airport
At Damascus International Airport (or other entry points), proceed to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Expect a stamp in your passport.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually a currency exchange desk and SIM card vendor in the arrivals hall.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Syrian embassy; requires sponsor or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Limited availability; check with embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders; subject to change. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay finePenalties apply for overstaying visa validity; avoid by leaving on time. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap known) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Syria do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and netting.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas; consider prophylaxis if visiting those regions.
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 permits; bring passport and visa.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Near Al-Shahba Mall, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Limited services; extensions may be referred to Damascus.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 113.43 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
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer during peak periods or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least a month before your travel date.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Entry will be denied if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date.
Transit rules vary. If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you may not need a visa. Check with your airline and the Syrian embassy for transit-specific requirements.
No, the eVisa must be obtained online before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for New Zealand passport holders.
Rejections are rare but can happen. You'll receive a reason. You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Syrian embassy for guidance.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited and costs can be high. Insurance covers evacuation if needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.