Syria entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. The eVisa is a straightforward online application, but you must have your passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and a return or onward ticket booked.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South African passport holders must apply for an eVisa through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.sy. Processing times vary and approval is not guaranteed — apply at least 2 weeks before departure. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid on arrival | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Syria. Syria does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may still check for it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus and Aleppo airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Border officials may ask where you are staying. Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash in US dollars or euros for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted in Syria. A bank statement showing available funds can help if questioned. | Recommended |
eVisa processing times vary
Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your departure. Processing can take 3–10 business days, and there is no rush service. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the eVisa in hand.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, passport scan, hotel booking, and return ticket as screenshots on your phone. Also carry printed copies in your hand luggage. Immigration may ask to see them at the counter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 USD, depending on nationality and processing speed). Wait for approval — processing can take 3–10 business days. You'll receive an email with your eVisa PDF. Print it and save a copy on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: your printed eVisa, passport (valid 6+ months), return/onward ticket confirmation, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance certificate. Keep them in a single folder or digital folder on your phone.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer calmly. They'll stamp your passport and let you through. Collect your luggage and exit.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 850 ZAR)
Apply at Syrian embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 1,700 ZAR)
Requires justification for multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Study in Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 1,700 ZAR) per year
For enrollment in a recognized Syrian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment in Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 3,400 ZAR) per year
For those with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires work permit and sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders; subject to change. | ~$50 USD (approx. 850 ZAR) |
| Overstay fine per dayMay be assessed upon departure; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 170 ZAR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
South African passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and undercooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., leishmaniasis, West Nile virus)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and netting.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and vaccination recommendations.
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-Mazzeh, Damascus
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for northern Syria.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 113.42 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. South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel. The eVisa is typically processed within 3–10 business days.
The eVisa usually allows a stay of up to 15 or 30 days, depending on the type you apply for. Check the specific eVisa category when you apply. Extensions are not available, so plan your exit accordingly.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is calculated from the day you enter Syria, not from your application date.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel out of Syria, whether by air, bus, or private vehicle. A bus ticket or a letter from a tour operator confirming your land exit is acceptable. Keep a copy handy.
It is not always mandatory at immigration, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation costs can be extremely high. A basic policy covering medical evacuation and repatriation is a smart investment.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa. Plan your trip to fit within the allowed stay period.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport has less than 6 months validity. Check the rejection reason in the email, fix the issue, and reapply. You may also contact the Syrian embassy in your region for guidance.
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.