Reviewed 6 November 2026: Entry rules, fee exemptions and advance-approval requirements depend on your nationality, passport and route. Historical fee examples below are not a personalised quote. — Visa fees have applied at all border crossings and airports since July 2025, and this remains the case in 2026.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Syria?
Most foreign visitors need a visa or entry permission, but exemptions and document requirements vary by nationality and route. We confirm individual cases before travellers book flights; do not rely on a blanket list of visa-free passports.
As of July 2025, visa fees are required at all borders and airports (and this is still in effect in 2026). This is a major change: land border travelers are no longer exempt from visa fees.
Important restriction (Israel)
Important: Israeli citizenship or evidence of travel to Israel may prevent entry or lead to additional checks or refusal. Check eligibility before making arrangements.
If this could apply to you, disclose relevant citizenships and travel history when enquiring so the applicable entry requirements can be checked. Do not assume an approval document overrides border restrictions.
The Visa Process
Some eligible travellers may receive a visa on arrival; others need approval documents or a different procedure before departure. Entry route, nationality, airline and transit requirements all matter.
However, some travelers must obtain visa approval in advance (security clearance), especially:
- Air travellers whose airline or nationality requires advance approval, and
- Restricted nationalities (see the restricted list below)
If you’re joining one of our tours, we can assist with the visa steps that require advance approval and help ensure everything is arranged correctly before you travel.
Planning your journey as well as your visa? Explore our upcoming Syria group tours or private Syria tours. For help understanding the entry process for your nationality, arrival point and dates, contact our local team. We can assist guests joining our tours with the steps that apply to their trip, but approval and entry cannot be guaranteed.
Visa on Arrival at Syria’s Land Borders
Eligible travellers using a crossing from Lebanon or Jordan may be able to obtain a visa on arrival. Confirm your eligibility, any required advance clearance, and the border’s current operating arrangements first:
- A visa on arrival may be available at the border for your passport and route.
- Advance documents may still be required, including for some nationalities or special cases.
- Visa fees are required now when entering by land.
- Your passport will be stamped at the border (both entering and exiting).
Expect immigration checks and any paperwork applicable to your passport. Our tour team can help explain the process and facilitate arrangements but cannot guarantee entry.
Important note: Travelers from restricted nationalities must obtain visa approval in advance, even if entering by land (see below).
Flying to Damascus or Aleppo: Approval and Boarding
If you’re flying to Damascus or Aleppo, advance approval may be required depending on nationality and route, and airlines may insist on specific documentation before boarding. Confirm requirements for your own flight and passport before purchasing a non-refundable ticket.
If you’re joining one of our tours, we can arrange the necessary visa document for you. This pre-approval makes everything smoother at the airport.
This visa service is only available for those joining our tours.
Passports Requiring Additional Entry Checks
Some nationalities and travel documents require additional checks or advance approval, whether entering by Lebanon, Jordan or air. These requirements change, and the exact procedure needs to be assessed for your case rather than assumed from an old country list.
Processing time: Some applications are resolved quickly; others can require several weeks or longer. Contact us early—ideally at least six weeks ahead when additional clearance may apply—and avoid non-refundable bookings while approval is pending.
Nationality checks: We do not maintain a definitive public list of restricted passports on this page. Tell us all relevant nationalities, passport types, arrival points and travel dates so we can check current arrangements.
Visa Fees: Historical Examples and Current Confirmation
Visa fees now apply at all entry points and must be paid in cash (USD) upon arrival.
The following figures were published in an earlier fee schedule and are retained for reference only. They are not a guarantee of the fee charged on your travel date. Confirm current amounts with the authorities or with us before departure; see the full visa-fee guide.
| Country/Region | Single (1 month) | Double (3 months) | Multiple (6 months) | Transit (15 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU Countries | $75 | $110 | $150 | $40 |
| United Kingdom | $150 | $225 | $300 | $75 |
| United States | $200 | $300 | $400 | $100 |
| Canada | $100 | $150 | $200 | $50 |
| Australia | $150 | $225 | $300 | $75 |
| New Zealand | $150 | $225 | $300 | $75 |
| Brazil | $50 | $75 | $100 | $25 |
For the full, updated visa fee table for all nationalities, see our Syria Visa Fees (Updated for 2026) page.
Payment Info
- Visa fees must be paid in cash, in US Dollars (USD) at the border or airport.
- ATMs do not work in Syria and credit cards are not accepted.
- Make sure to exchange your money to USD before arriving, especially if you’re coming from Lebanon (we recommend stopping in Chtoura for currency exchange).
What You Need to Bring
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Visa approval document (if flying)
- Visa fee in USD cash
- Travel confirmation from your tour (if applicable)
Visa Processing Times (For Special Cases)
Processing is case-dependent. Some approvals take around a week; others need extended checks and can take several weeks or more. We can offer a current estimate for your case, but not a guaranteed deadline.
However, some nationalities may require longer processing times due to additional security clearances:
- Cases requiring extra checks: allow several weeks and contact us well in advance.
- In some other select cases (depending on security checks), processing may take longer than usual. For example, travelers from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, and Indonesia may face extended processing times in certain cases.
Please contact us as early as possible, ideally at least six weeks before your intended travel date if your case may require extra checks. Approval and travel arrangements are subject to confirmation.
Summary for Travelers
- Visa on arrival: Available for eligible passports and border routes; advance approval may still apply.
- Flying into Syria: Check passport-specific approval and airline boarding requirements before travelling.
- Additional checks: Some nationalities require advance approval, which can take several weeks.
- Exemptions: Check current exemptions for your exact citizenship, passport and route.
- We can help: If you’re joining one of our tours, we assist with visa approvals, border crossing, and document preparation.
Ready to explore Syria? Contact us for personalized visa help and trip planning.