Syria entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Qatari passport holders can enter Syria without a visa for short visits. This visa-free arrangement, in effect as of 2026, allows stays for tourism or business. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will receive your visa when you arrive in Syria, but approval is not guaranteed. Entry permit issued at Syrian border | Qatari citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Syrian ports of entry. The visa is granted at the discretion of Syrian immigration authorities. No pre-application is required. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. Minimum 6 months from entry | Your Qatari passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Syria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will need a clean page to stamp your visa. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the visa stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Syria can help avoid issues at the border. May be requested | Although not always required, Syrian immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Carry a printed copy of your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to have some money available in case they ask to see it. May be requested | You may be asked to show sufficient funds for your stay in Syria. Carry cash (US dollars or Syrian pounds) or a bank card, though cash is more reliable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before you travel. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for entry into Syria. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou do not need to apply for a visa online in advance. Not applicable | No e-visa application is required for Qatari citizens traveling to Syria; the visa is issued on arrival. | Not required |
Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended
While not always required for entry, medical costs in Syria can be very high. Hospital stays can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Travel insurance covers unexpected emergencies and gives you peace of mind.
Check current entry conditions before you go
Syria's entry requirements can change with little notice. Always verify with the Syrian embassy or your airline a few days before departure. The visa-free policy for Qatari nationals is active as of 2026, but confirm it is still in place.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before travel
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book a return/onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Save all confirmations as screenshots on your phone. Consider getting travel insurance and an eSIM.
2
Arrive at Damascus International Airport or other entry point
At the immigration counter, present your passport and any requested documents. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. No visa fee is charged for Qatari nationals.
3
Receive entry stamp and proceed
Once cleared, you will receive an entry stamp. There is no separate visa sticker. You can then collect your luggage and exit the arrivals area.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostApprox. $100 (via Syrian embassy)
Recommended for longer stays or if visa-on-arrival is not available at your point of entry.
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostApprox. $150 (via Syrian embassy)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Syrian company and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrollment in a Syrian university or educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Damascus; extensions are granted at discretion. | Approx. $50 (subject to change) |
| Exit fee (if applicable)Some border crossings may charge a small departure tax; confirm at time of travel. | Varies (often included in ticket or charged at border) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Qatari citizens transiting through Syrian airports do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours. If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If transiting through Damascus International Airport (DAM) and staying airside for less than 24 hours, no visa is required.
- If you need to leave the airport, you must obtain a visa on arrival (free for Qatari citizens).
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport (DAM) · Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some regions; use insect repellent and netting.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to sanitation issues; 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-Mazraa, 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 for visitors in northern Syria.
Practical information for QA 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 = 112.99 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, Qatari passport holders can enter Syria visa-free for short stays. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
The visa-free stay duration is not explicitly defined in the official database, but it typically covers short tourism or business visits. For stays longer than a few weeks, check with the nearest Syrian embassy or consulate.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a proper visa before travel or leave and re-enter.
You need a passport valid for 6+ months from your entry date. Immigration may also ask for a return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation for your first night. Keep these handy on your phone.
It is not always required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies like hospital stays or evacuation.
Yes, but the visa-free policy applies at all official entry points. However, border conditions can change quickly, so check current status with your airline or the Syrian embassy before travel.
Renew your passport before traveling. Airlines may deny boarding if your passport does not meet the 6-month validity requirement, even if you are visa-free.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.