By Iyad, Syria Travel Specialist at Syria Link · Published Updated
Overview
Almost all nationalities require a visa to enter Syria. For travel with Syria Link, book a tour package and collect your visa when you enter Syria. Our team handles the formalities before and after you receive your tourist visa.
How to Apply
Travelers who need to arrange a visa before arrival can use one of two methods:
- Through a Syrian embassy or consulate: only available to independent travelers who have a Syrian national provide the necessary invitation.
- Through a tour operator: reserve a travel package through a licensed domestic tour operator approved by the Syrian Ministry of Tourism. You do not need to visit the embassy because documentation is handled at the border.
How Syria Link Helps
- Application guidance: We walk you through the forms, documents, and steps
- Border coordination: We coordinate with authorities for smooth entry at your chosen crossing point
- Clearance support: We handle security clearance paperwork on your behalf
Nationality Requirements and Processing Times
- Saudi, Emirati, Qatari, and Kuwaiti nationals: can obtain a visa on arrival.
- Iraqi, Libyan, and Egyptian nationals: are prohibited from entering except through a company in an official capacity or with a sponsor.
- Bahraini nationals: can obtain a visa through an office, a company, or relatives; processing takes 20 days.
- Lebanese nationals: visa processing takes 5 days.
- American, Chinese, and Russian nationals: are subject to restrictions; visa processing takes between 1 month and 1 month and 2 weeks.
- British nationals: visa processing takes between 4 days and 1 week.
- Iranian and Israeli nationals: entry into Syrian territory is prohibited.
Contact Syria Link with your nationality for guidance on your application.
Security Clearance
A security clearance is issued by the Syrian Ministry of Interior and gives you permission to enter Syria. In most cases, your travel agency must submit a request for pre-travel clearance. It is required for most nationalities, particularly western nationals including those from the US, UK, and Canada. Processing times vary by nationality.
Visa Fees and Stay Duration
The single-entry tourist visa fee for most nationalities is $55, collected in USD at the border crossing or airport. The fee varies by nationality, visa duration, and purpose of travel.
A single-entry tourist visa allows a stay of up to 15 days. Extensions can only be arranged through the Immigration and Passports Department in Damascus with a compelling reason.
Entry Points
- Damascus International Airport: Primary air entry point
- Beirut-Damascus land border: Common entry from Lebanon
- Amman-Damascus land border: Entry from Jordan
Entry procedures vary by crossing point. Syria Link coordinates with you to ensure the correct paperwork is at your chosen border crossing.
Important Notes
- Visa approval is at the discretion of Syrian authorities and cannot be guaranteed
- Keep copies of all documents with you during travel
For the full explanation, see How to Get a Syrian Visa for Tourists.