If you plan to visit Syria, you will most likely need a visa.
This blog explains everything you need to know about the visa process.
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The requirements for obtaining a Syrian visa have changed in the past years, so if you have any updated information, feel free to comment below so we can keep this blog up to date.
Currently, most nationalities require a visa for Syria unless you hold a passport from one of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Syria visa for U.S. citizens:
Visa for Syria is now also possible for US Passport Holders. The process can take up to 4 weeks, and US Passport holders must travel as part of an organised tour.
Israelis and anyone with proof of travel to Israel:
Israeli passport holders are not permitted to travel to Syria. If you have proof of travel to Israel in your passport, you will be denied, too.
This includes entry or exit stamps from Egypt or Jordan, which show that you’ve crossed the land border into or out of Israel.
There are two options for how to travel to Syria – independently or with a travel agency. The visa process depends on which option you choose.
If you book a tour through a travel agency, they will apply for security clearance in Syria for you. All you need to do is email them your passport copies, personal details, and occupation.
Please note the process is different if you are a journalist. The process takes about two weeks (if you are lucky, you might get it in a week). It can take up to 4 weeks for US passport holders.
Your travel agency will notify you once the security clearance (a background check) is received. You can then obtain your Syrian visa at the border or the airport if you fly into Damascus.
When you leave Syria, you must also pay an exit fee of 2,500 SYP, around 5 USD.
You cannot get your visa at the border if you don’t have security clearance.
Getting a Syrian visa is more complicated if you wish to travel to Syria independently.
In 2018, you could get a Syrian visa by paying 300-400 USD to a tour operator, crossing the border alone, and obtaining your visa at the border. At this stage, however, it seems that travel agencies cannot supply this security clearance for independent travellers.
You might be lucky to get it; in this case, you can also obtain your visa at the border.
You must obtain your visa from the Syrian Embassy before you go. The process varies from embassy to embassy. But generally speaking, if they accept your application, they will apply for the security clearance on your behalf.
The security clearance costs 60 USD. We know of travellers who could get their visas from the embassy in Berlin or Cairo, but it also depends on your nationality. Many others have been denied.
To learn about the local Tour Operator we recommend for travel in Syria, read our post— Everything You Need to Know About Travelling to Syria.
Our post describing what it’s really like to travel to Damascus gives you our first impressions of the country and how we felt in this city. Also, Syrian food has to be one of our top 10 favourite cuisines.
Don’t miss these 9 Syrian foods; we love how fresh and tasty this food is.
If you’re planning on travelling to Lebanon, I highly recommend you visit the ancient ruins of Baalbek.
Our detailed guide about how to get from Beirut to Beirut using public transport has everything you need to know to have a fantastic day.
If you have successfully obtained a Syrian visa somewhere, please comment below. It might help other travellers.
Need some information about applying for other visas in Africa? Check out our Visa Guide.
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