Syria entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can enter Syria without a visa for up to 15 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, and you'll need a return ticket. This visa-free entry applies at Damascus and Aleppo airports.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get a visa when you arrive in Syria, so no pre-application is needed. Available for Saudi Arabian citizens | A visa on arrival is available for Saudi Arabian passport holders entering Syria. The visa is issued at the port of entry. There is no need to apply in advance. The maximum stay is not specified; confirm the duration granted at the border. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your travel date. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Syria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer will stamp your passport, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 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 explicitly required, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry some cash or a card to prove you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | There is no official minimum amount specified, but be prepared to show sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into Syria. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou do not need to apply for an e-visa before your trip. Not applicable | There is no e-visa process for Saudi Arabian citizens traveling to Syria; the visa is obtained on arrival. | Not required |
Security situation is unstable
Syria remains an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. If you decide to go, register with your embassy, avoid large gatherings, and have an evacuation plan. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is not optional — it's essential.
Cash is king in Syria
ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough USD or EUR in cash to cover your entire stay — at least $200–$500 for a short visit. Exchange at official bureaus or banks.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Damascus International Airport (or Aleppo), follow signs to 'Arrivals' then 'Passport Control'. There are separate queues for Syrian nationals and foreigners. Join the foreigner queue.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly. They'll stamp your passport with a 15-day entry stamp.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostApprox. $100 (via Syrian embassy)
For longer stays; requires invitation or hotel booking
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostApprox. $150 (via Syrian embassy)
Requires letter from Syrian company and approval from Ministry of Economy
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (equivalent)
For those with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (equivalent)
For enrolled students at Syrian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (up to 15 additional days)Apply at the Immigration Office in Damascus before current stay expires | Approx. $50 (subject to change) |
| Exit feeMay apply when departing from land borders; check with authorities | Included in airfare or paid at airport |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Transit visa required
Saudi nationals transiting through Syria require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members on duty
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport · Aleppo International Airport
Health & vaccines for Syria
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., leishmaniasis, West Nile)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and nets.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis may be considered 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
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Aziziyah, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern region.
Practical information for SA 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
Saudi passport holders can stay up to 15 days visa-free. This is a single-entry stay. If you need longer, you must apply for a tourist visa at a Syrian embassy before travel (costs ~$50 USD, allows 30 days extendable).
No. The 15-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you overstay, you'll face fines — check with the Directorate of Immigration in Damascus (Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00, Al-Mazraa, +963 11 333 0000).
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline. Syrian immigration technically requires validity only for the duration of your stay, but airlines enforce the 6-month rule. Renew your passport before travel.
No, if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. This applies at Damascus and Aleppo airports. If you need to leave the airport, you'll need a visa.
Top reasons: no return ticket (25% of denials), insufficient funds (30%), suspicious travel patterns like multiple short trips (20%), and incomplete documents (15%). Carry proof of funds, a return ticket, and a clear itinerary.
The security situation is volatile. Many governments advise against all travel. If you do go, get comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation. Healthcare is limited — expect to pay cash for everything.
No vaccines are required for entry, but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio) are essential. Hepatitis B and Rabies are recommended. Malaria risk is low, but consider prophylaxis for rural areas.
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.