Do You Need a Visa to Visit Syria?
Yes—almost all travelers now need a visa to enter Syria, whether arriving by land or air. While citizens of Jordan, Malaysia, and Mauritania can still enter visa-free, all other nationalities must obtain a visa.
As of July 2025, visa fees are now required at all border crossings and airports. This is a major change: land border travelers are no longer exempt from visa fees.
The Visa Process
For most nationalities, a visa approval is arranged in advance through a licensed tour operator like us. You don’t need to visit an embassy; instead, your approval is processed before you travel, and your actual visa is issued and paid for upon arrival at the border or airport.
Important: If your passport shows a visit to Israel, or you hold Israeli nationality, you will not be allowed entry into Syria under any circumstances.
So if you’re planning to explore Syria’s ancient wonders and vibrant culture, make sure your passport is clear of any Israeli stamps or visas, and you’re not currently a citizen of Israel.
Syria Visa on Arrival – The Easy Way for Tourists
If you’re entering Syria by land through Lebanon or Jordan, the visa process is super straightforward:
- You’ll get a visa on arrival right at the border.
- No prior visa application or document is needed.
- Visa fees are required now when entering by land.
- Your passport will be stamped at the border (both entering and exiting).
You’ll just fill out a short form at the Syrian border post, and if you’re with a tour, your guide will handle all the steps with you.
Arriving by Air – Visa Document Required
If you’re flying into Syria (like to Damascus or Aleppo Airports), you must have a visa document arranged in advance. Airlines will not let you board without this.
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.
Visa Fees (Effective July 2025 – Land and Air Arrivals)
Visa fees now apply at all entry points and must be paid in cash (USD) upon arrival.
Below are some sample fees for popular nationalities:
| 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 2025 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)
Visa approvals for most nationalities are processed within a few working days, especially when arranged through a licensed tour operator.
However, some nationalities may require longer processing times due to additional security clearances.
For travelers from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, the visa approval process can take up to 15 working days.
Please contact us at least one month before your intended travel date so we can secure the necessary approvals for you in time.
Summary for Travelers
- Visa on arrival: Issued and paid for at all borders and airports (advance approval required for some nationalities/air arrivals).
- No visa needed: For citizens of Lebanon, Jordan, Malaysia, and Mauritania.
- 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.