Syria entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Syria, valid for 15 days. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months and one blank page. The process happens at the airport or border crossing, but be prepared for some waiting.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa in advance; you will get it when you arrive in Syria. Obtain at Syrian port of entry | Russian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Syrian airports and land borders. Have the visa fee in cash (USD or SYP) and be prepared to provide a passport photo. This visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your travel date. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Syria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa stamp needs a blank page in your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Syria. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Syria within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof of funds can help avoid issues. Sufficient for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in Syria. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Russian citizens entering Syria. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThere is no eVisa option for Russian passport holders. Not applicable | Russian citizens are not eligible for Syria's eVisa program. Do not attempt an online eVisa application; obtain the visa on arrival instead. | Not required |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. Travel is at your own risk. Check your embassy's latest advice and register your trip if possible.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or SYP). ATMs are unreliable and cards are not accepted at the bank counter. Approximate fee: $30–50 USD.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the visa on arrival bank counter (usually before passport control). Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or SYP). The fee is approximately $30–50 USD or equivalent in SYP.
2
Get your visa stamped
Take the payment receipt to the immigration officer. They'll stamp the visa into your passport. Expect a queue — this can take 30–60 minutes.
3
Pass through passport control
Present your passport with the fresh visa, plus your return ticket if asked. Answer any questions about your stay. Then collect your bags and exit.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged via Syrian embassy)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$50-$100 (varies by embassy)
Recommended for longer stays or if you prefer to have visa before arrival. Requires sponsorship or hotel booking.
Business visa
Max stay90 days (extendable)
Validity3-6 months
Cost$100-$200 (varies by embassy)
Requires invitation letter from a Syrian company and approval from the Ministry of Economy.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 14,000 RUB) plus fees
For foreign workers with a Syrian employer sponsor. Requires work permit approval and valid contract.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 7,000 RUB) plus tuition
For enrolled students at Syrian universities or institutes. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 35,000 RUB) plus investment
For individuals investing in Syrian businesses or real estate. Minimum investment amount varies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash at the airport or border crossing. Exact amount may vary. | $25 (or equivalent in USD/EUR/SYP) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Damascus. Extensions are typically granted for 1-3 months. | Approx. $50 (or equivalent) |
| Exit feeSome border crossings may charge a small exit tax; check with local authorities. | Included in visa or nominal fee |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Russian citizens transiting through Syria require a visa. A transit visa is available on arrival for stays up to 72 hours, but must be requested at the port of entry.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members on duty
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 risk.
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 thoroughly 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; bring passport, visa, and sponsor letter.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Aziziyah, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits; expect delays due to security situation.
Practical information for RU 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
The visa on arrival is valid for 15 days. It cannot be extended, so plan your stay accordingly.
The fee varies but is typically around $30–50 USD (or equivalent in SYP). Pay in cash at the bank counter at the airport. Have exact change if possible.
Yes, in theory, but it's not guaranteed. The most reliable place is Damascus International Airport. Land crossings (like from Lebanon) may have different rules and longer waits.
No, not for a visa on arrival. You just need your passport, fee, and onward ticket.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling to Syria.
The security situation is volatile. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many countries advise against all travel to Syria.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave within 15 days or face fines and potential legal issues.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.