Syria entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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 Apply before travel | Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and approval is not guaranteed — expect scrutiny on your itinerary and purpose of visit. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a Syrian host can smooth the entry process. Officers may ask where you are staying — have the address and contact number written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — Syria has limited banking and card acceptance. A reasonable amount is $100–150 per day; officers rarely ask, but it helps if questioned. | 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 May 14, 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
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple visits; suitable for frequent travellers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders; subject to change. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in Syrian pounds) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; may vary. | ~$10 USD per day |
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
Transit visa required
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Syria require a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic passports may be exempt.
- Transit without visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport · Aleppo 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, malaria)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 cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially during summer; prophylaxis recommended for 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
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for northern Syria.
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 = 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
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 May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.