Syria entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Zambian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You must apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before departure. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and approval is not guaranteed. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your Zambian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Syria. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Syrian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Damascus Airport routinely asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Overstaying your visa can result in fines and exit delays. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Syrian host. Border officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Syria is a cash-heavy economy, and ATMs are unreliable outside Damascus. | Recommended |
eVisa only — no visa on arrival
Zambian passport holders cannot get a visa at the Syrian border. You must apply and receive approval online before you fly.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Syria, not from your departure date.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50-100 depending on processing speed). Wait for approval — typically 3-7 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print two copies — one to show at check-in and one for Syrian immigration.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in. The whole process takes 5-10 minutes if your documents are ready.
4
Show accommodation and onward ticket if asked
Immigration officers may ask for proof of where you're staying and your exit flight. Have the booking confirmation and ticket screenshot on your phone or printed.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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~$60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
Apply at Syrian embassy; requires sponsor or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For frequent travellers; conditions apply.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Zambia passport holders applying online. | ~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applied at embassy)Alternative to eVisa, may require embassy visit. | ~$60 USD (approx. 60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day overstayed; no cap known. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
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
Zambia passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside. Apply in advance.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Leishmaniasis, West Nile)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and nets.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most urban 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, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Near Al-Shahbaa, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Limited services; check current security situation.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 113.02 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. There is no visa on arrival for Zambian citizens. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
Typically 3-7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
Around $50-100 depending on processing speed. Check the official eVisa portal for current fees.
Yes. Print at least one copy to show at check-in and at immigration. A digital copy on your phone may not be accepted.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Syrian immigration. Renew your passport first.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your visa expires.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.