Syria entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · 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
US citizens can get a visa on arrival in Syria, but only with pre-arranged approval from the Syrian government. You must obtain a visa approval number before you travel, which is issued at the airport or border crossing only if your name is on an approved list. Plan well ahead, as this process can take weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou cannot simply show up — you need prior approval from Syrian authorities, arranged through an embassy or consulate. Not eVisa — apply at embassy/consulate | US citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival in Syria, but this is not an eVisa. You must obtain approval from Syrian authorities before travel; contact the nearest Syrian embassy or consulate to initiate the process and receive a pre-approval letter. The visa on arrival is issued at the port of entry upon presentation of the approval. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival 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 pagesA blank page is needed for the visa and border stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials may ask to see proof that you plan to leave Syria. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Syria within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsAlthough not always requested, having proof of funds can help avoid issues at entry. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Syria, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an arrival declaration form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for US citizens entering Syria. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThere is no eVisa option for US passport holders. Not applicable | US citizens are not eligible for Syria's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply for an eVisa; instead, follow the embassy/consulate approval process for a visa on arrival. | Not required |
US citizens: high risk
The US State Department advises against all travel to Syria. There is no US embassy in the country, and the security situation is extremely volatile. If you choose to go, have a contingency plan and register with the nearest US embassy (e.g., in Lebanon) before departure.
Pre-approval is mandatory
Do not book flights or make plans until you have your visa approval number in writing. Airlines may deny boarding if you don't have it, and you'll be turned away at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Obtain pre-approval before departure
Contact the Syrian embassy or consulate in your country (or a travel agency that handles Syrian visas) to get your visa approval number. This can take weeks, so start early. You cannot do this at the airport.
2
Fly into Damascus or another entry point
Most US citizens enter via Damascus International Airport. When you arrive, go to the visa-on-arrival counter (usually near immigration). Have your passport, approval number, and cash ready.
3
Pay the fee and get stamped
The officer will check your approval, collect the fee, and stamp your passport. Keep the receipt — you may need it when you leave.
4
Proceed to immigration control
After getting the visa, go through standard passport control. Have your return ticket and accommodation details handy in case they ask.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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)
Max stay15 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostVaries; typically $50–$100
Must be obtained through a Syrian embassy or consulate before travel; approval from Syrian authorities required.
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostVaries; typically $100–$200
Requires an invitation letter from a Syrian sponsor and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)Payable at the port of entry; subject to approval by Syrian authorities. | $25 (or equivalent in Syrian pounds) |
| Visa extension (per month)Extensions are processed at the Immigration Office in Damascus; fees may vary. | Approx. $50 (or equivalent in Syrian pounds) |
| Exit feeSome border crossings may charge a small departure tax; check with authorities. | Included in visa or minimal |
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
US citizens transiting through Syria require a visa, even if staying airside. Transit visas are not available on arrival; must be arranged in advance.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport (DAM) · Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
Health & vaccines for Syria
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, flu)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Leishmaniasis, West Nile)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent.
COVID-19Moderate 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
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Near Al-Shahbaa, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Limited services; check current security situation.
Practical information for US 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. Even though the visa type is 'visa on arrival', the Syrian government requires you to have a pre-arranged approval number. Without it, you'll be refused entry and sent back.
You need to contact the Syrian embassy or consulate in your country, or use a travel agency that specializes in Syrian visas. They will submit your application to the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This can take several weeks, so plan well in advance.
The fee varies, but expect to pay around $50–$100 in cash (USD or Syrian pounds) at the point of entry. Some nationalities may pay more. Have exact change if possible.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of 15 days, but this can vary. Check your visa stamp for the exact duration. Extensions are not possible, so plan your trip accordingly.
The US State Department has a Level 4 travel advisory (Do Not Travel) for Syria due to terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The US does not have an embassy in Syria, so consular assistance is extremely limited. Travel at your own risk.
Having a Syrian stamp may affect your ability to enter other countries, including Israel. Be aware of this before you go.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiration date 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.