Syria entry requirements for Ukraine 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
Ukrainian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Syria, so you don't need to visit an embassy beforehand. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and you have the visa fee in cash. The process is straightforward but expect some paperwork at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get the visa when you arrive in Syria, but you cannot extend it once issued. Entry permit | Ukrainian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Syrian ports of entry. The visa is not extendable. Prepare the visa fee in cash (likely in USD or SYP) and have a passport-sized photo. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. 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 visa stamp needs an empty page — make sure you have one available. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave Syria. Proof of departure | Have a printed or electronic copy of a return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Syria within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving cash on hand helps avoid problems at entry and during your stay. Sufficient cash | Carry enough cash (USD, EUR, or SYP) to cover your stay, as credit/debit cards are not widely accepted and ATMs may be unreliable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival declaration. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Ukrainian citizens entering Syria. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationYou cannot apply for an eVisa — just get the visa when you arrive. Not applicable | Ukraine is not eligible for Syria's eVisa program. Do not attempt an online eVisa application; instead, obtain the visa on arrival at the border. | Not required |
Serious safety concerns
Syria is an active conflict zone. Travel is extremely risky. Check your government's travel advisory (e.g., Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs) before even considering a trip. If you go, have a professional security plan.
No Israeli stamps
If your passport has any Israeli visa, stamp, or entry/exit mark, you will be denied entry. This is a strict policy — no exceptions.
Cash is king
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD or SYP). There are no ATMs or card facilities at the visa-on-arrival area. Bring enough cash for the fee and some extra for emergencies.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
After landing, follow the signs to the visa-on-arrival area. It's usually before the main immigration counters. Look for the bank counter first.
2
Pay the visa fee at the bank counter
Go to the bank counter (often marked with a bank logo) and pay the visa fee in cash (USD or SYP). You'll get a receipt that you must keep.
3
Submit your application at the visa desk
Take your passport, photo, and payment receipt to the visa-on-arrival desk. The officer will check your documents, take your photo if needed, and process the visa. This can take 15–30 minutes depending on the queue.
4
Proceed to immigration
Once your visa is stamped, go to the immigration counter. The officer will check your passport and stamp your entry. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostFree (for Ukrainian citizens)
May require a letter of invitation from a Syrian sponsor. Obtainable from Syrian embassy before travel.
Residence permit (for work or study)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostApprox. $100–$200 (depending on category)
Requires sponsorship by employer or educational institution. Apply after arrival at the Immigration Department.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a Syrian employer. Requires work permit and sponsor. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (plus university fees)
For enrolled students at Syrian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (plus investment minimum)
For investors with significant business or property investment in Syria. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)As of 2026, Ukrainian citizens are granted visa on arrival at Syrian entry points. | Free (for Ukrainian citizens) |
| Visa on arrival (business)Business visa on arrival is also free for Ukrainian citizens. | Free (for Ukrainian citizens) |
| Extension of stay (up to 3 months)Apply at the Immigration Department in Damascus before your current visa expires. | Approx. $50 (or equivalent in SYP) |
| Exit feeSome airports may charge a departure tax; check with your airline. | Included in airfare or paid at airport |
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
Ukrainian citizens transiting through Syria require a visa, even if staying airside. Visa on arrival is available at Syrian airports for transit purposes.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members of international flights may be exempt.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent and netting.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in northern and eastern regions. Prophylaxis recommended for 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 extensions and permits.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Aleppo City Center, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and residency matters.
Practical information for UA 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 fee varies and can change without notice. As of 2026, expect to pay around $50–$100 USD (or equivalent in Syrian pounds). Have extra cash just in case, as the rate may be higher at the airport.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You'll need to leave Syria before the visa expires. The typical stay is 15 days, but confirm the exact duration stamped in your passport.
No, for Ukrainian passport holders, no sponsor or invitation letter is required for the visa on arrival. Just your passport, photo, and fee.
Visa on arrival is available at most official border crossings, but the process may be less organized. It's best to use Damascus International Airport for a smoother experience. At land borders, have extra patience and cash.
The security situation in Syria is volatile. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Many embassies advise against all travel due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping risks. If you do go, have a solid plan and emergency contacts.
No, Syrian authorities will deny entry if your passport shows any Israeli stamps, visas, or entry/exit marks. If you have such marks, you'll be refused entry at the border.
No, the visa on arrival does not require separate registration. Your entry stamp serves as your registration. Just keep your passport with you at all times.
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.