Syria entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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 passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Syria. Submit the application online, and approval usually takes a few days. As of 2026, this is the only way to obtain a tourist visa for Syria.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You must apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa before departure. The official portal is the Syria Ministry of Foreign Affairs website — start the application at mfa.gov.sy. Processing times vary, and approval is not guaranteed; apply at least 2 weeks ahead.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your US passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. Syria does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may still require it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask where you are staying, and having a printed address speeds up the process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — cash (US dollars or euros are preferred), credit cards, or a bank statement. Syria is a cash-heavy economy, so bring enough to cover your trip. | Recommended |
Travel advisory
The US State Department currently advises against travel to Syria due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. Check the latest advisory before booking. Travel insurance may not cover claims in high-risk areas.
eVisa only at certain airports
The eVisa is valid for entry at Damascus International Airport and some land borders. Confirm your entry point is covered before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 USD). Wait for approval — usually 2–5 business days.
2
Print or save eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration upon arrival.
3
Prepare documents for arrival
Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. Keep them in your hand luggage, not checked bags.
4
Arrive at Syrian airport
At Damascus International Airport or other entry points, proceed to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa. You may be asked for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer questions calmly. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Syrian embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Limited availability; check with embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Fee varies; check official eVisa portal for current amount. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in Syrian pounds at official rate) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap known; avoid overstay. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
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 generally need a transit visa, even if staying airside. Check with the airline and Syrian embassy.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport · Aleppo International Airport
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 = 113.43 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. US passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival option for US citizens.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee is typically around $50–$100 USD, depending on the service you use. Check the official eVisa site for the exact amount.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your entry date into Syria.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel — a flight out, a bus ticket, or a letter from a tour operator. A return flight is the simplest option.
It's not always required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers evacuation, theft, and cancellations.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.