Syria entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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
Philippine passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. The eVisa is valid for tourism and short business visits, and you must apply online before you travel. Processing takes 3–5 working days as of 2026. Print the approval letter to show at immigration in Damascus.
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. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Damascus Airport checks it before stamping.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines at NAIA Terminal 1 and 3 enforce this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready — showing a ticket out of Syria within your eVisa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your Syrian host (with their contact details and address). Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Bring at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Syria is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Damascus. | Recommended |
Security situation is volatile
Many governments advise against all travel to Syria due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. If you decide to go, get comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. Medical facilities are limited, especially outside Damascus.
Cash is king in Syria
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Damascus. Bring at least $500 USD in cash. ATMs are scarce and may not work. Exchange currency at official exchange offices or banks — avoid the black market.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. Fill in your personal details, upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page, and pay the fee (around $50 USD). Submit and wait 3–5 working days. You'll receive an approval letter by email — print it.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: your printed eVisa approval letter, passport (valid 6+ months beyond departure), return flight itinerary, hotel booking or host letter, and at least $500 USD cash. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Check in at NAIA
At the check-in counter, the airline will verify your eVisa and passport validity. If your passport expires within 6 months of your departure from Syria, they will not let you board. Show your return ticket if asked.
4
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket. The officer may ask where you're staying and how long you'll be in Syria. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in — usually for up to 30 days.
5
Exit the airport
Once stamped, collect your luggage and proceed to customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill. You can exchange currency at the airport bank or use an ATM (limited availability).
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 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 tourist visa for short stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries for tourism.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus fees)
For those with a job offer in Syria. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at Syrian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeFee for single-entry eVisa for Philippines passport holders. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by nationality) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard single-entry tourist visa fee. | ~$50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry tourist visa fee. | ~$100 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalty, may vary; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day |
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
Philippines passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseasesModerate risk
Dengue and leishmaniasis are present; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Avoid tap water and street food; drink bottled water.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
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
Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions for northern Syria.
Practical information for PH 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Philippine passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel. The eVisa is valid for tourism and short business visits.
The eVisa fee is around $50 USD for a single entry. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on your nationality. You pay online during the application process.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend it once at the Directorate of Immigration and Passports in Damascus for an additional fee. Overstaying costs about $10 USD per day.
The airline at NAIA will deny you boarding. Even if you somehow get to Syria, immigration will not let you enter. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria.
Yes. Philippine passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside. Damascus International Airport is the main hub. There are no exceptions for short layovers.
The security situation in Syria remains volatile. Many governments advise against all travel to Syria due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. If you do travel, get comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. Medical facilities are limited, especially outside Damascus.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, and consider Rabies. Malaria risk is low, but mosquito-borne diseases like dengue are present — use insect repellent.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.