Syria entry requirements for Turkey passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Turkish passport holders can enter Syria without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement has been in place since 2026, making travel straightforward for tourism or short visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Syria. Airlines at Istanbul and Antalya airports check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Syria | Immigration officers at Damascus Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Border officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have cash (USD or EUR) or a bank statement showing at least $500 available. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you're not arriving broke. | Recommended |
Safety situation in Syria
Syria remains a high-risk travel destination due to ongoing conflict and security concerns. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Travel insurance may not cover war zones — verify your policy.
Currency and cash
The local currency is the Syrian pound (SYP). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough USD or EUR in cash to exchange — ATMs are unreliable.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months), print or save your return ticket, and book your first night's accommodation. Download a local eSIM or buy a physical SIM at the airport.
2
Arrive at Syrian border
Whether you fly into Damascus International Airport or cross by land (e.g., from Turkey via Bab al-Hawa), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport and any requested documents.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-free entry valid for up to 90 days. No fee is charged. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
4
Exit Syria
Before your 90 days are up, leave via any official border. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans. Show your passport and exit stamp at immigration.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
CostUnknown (estimated ~$50 USD)
May be obtained from Syrian embassy for longer stays beyond visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostUnknown (estimated ~$100 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Not available |
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
No transit visa needed
Turkish citizens transiting through Syria do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport · Aleppo International Airport
Health & vaccines for Syria
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (malaria, dengue)Moderate risk
Risk in rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in northern and eastern regions; prophylaxis recommended for travellers to 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, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa-related issues; bring passport and photos.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for northern Syria.
Practical information for TR 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, Turkish citizens can enter Syria visa-free for up to 90 days. Just show your passport at the border.
You can stay up to 90 days per entry. Overstaying may lead to fines or future entry restrictions.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
No, entry is free. No visa fee or processing charge applies.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, you can cross at official border crossings like Bab al-Hawa. The same visa-free rules apply — just present your passport and documents at the Syrian immigration post.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.