By Iyad, Syria Travel Specialist at Syria Link · Published Updated
Overview
Obtaining a tourist visa for Syria is actually rather simple — all you have to do is book a tour through a trusted travel agency and then you pick it up at the moment you are inside the Syrian territories. The Syria Link team handles all the formalities both before and after you receive your tourist visa.
Is a Visa Required for Syria?
For travel and business, a visa to Syria is required, and the country grants both single-entry and double-entry visas. There are two different types of visas available: transit visas and entrance visas. Travelers can obtain entry visas for three months for a single entry, and six months for a single or repeated entry. Transit permits are also available for one or more travels.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Syria?
The Syrian government requires almost all nationalities to have a visa, which can be obtained through a Syrian embassy or consulate. However, passports from the following nations are exempt: Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Syrian Visa Requirements
All travelers must apply for their tourist visa using one of two methods:
- Through a Syrian embassy or consulate — Only available to those traveling independently who have a Syrian national provide the necessary invitation.
- Through a tour operator (strongly recommended) — A tourist visa is obtained by reserving a travel package through a licensed domestic tour operator approved by the Syrian Ministry of Tourism. You won't need to visit the embassy as documentation is handled at the border.
What Is a Security Clearance?
A security clearance is a document issued by the Syrian Ministry of Interior that gives you permission to enter Syria. In most cases, your travel agency must submit a request to obtain a pre-travel security clearance. It usually takes two to three weeks to process this application. A security clearance is required for most nationalities, particularly those from western nations including the US, UK, Canada, and many more.
Visa Costs and Duration
Syria's single-entry tourist visa fee for most nationalities is $55, collected in USD at the border crossing point or airport. The fee varies based on your nationality, visa duration, and purpose of trip.
Processing takes about two to three weeks after registering with a travel agency. With a single-entry tourist visa, you can remain in Syria for up to 15 days. Visa extensions can only be done through the Immigration and Passports Department in Damascus with a compelling reason.