Planning a trip to Syria? By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which visa you need, how to apply online, where you can cross the border, and which airlines fly direct to Damascus and Aleppo.
Types of Syrian Visas
Syria offers several visa categories. The one you’ll most often use is the Tourist Visa (sometimes referred to as Type P2), valid for up to 90 days. Other categories include business and transit visas.
– Tourist Visa (Type P2)
– Business Visa (Type P3)
– Transit Visa
– Diplomatic/Official Visa
For an up-to-date list of all categories, see the Visa policy of Syria on Wikipedia{:target=”_blank”}.
Introducing the E-Visa Platform
In November 2018, Syria launched an electronic visa (e-Visa) system that lets you apply online and pick up your sticker at a land border or airport. This replaced a fully paper-based process and cuts processing time to as little as 48 hours. You can review current requirements on the IATA Travel Centre’s Syria visa page{:target=”_blank”}.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Gather your documents: passport scan, recent photo, and proof of onward travel.
- Complete the online form on an authorized portal.
- Pay the visa fee via credit card.
- Wait for confirmation (typically 2–5 business days).
- Print your e-Visa approval and present it upon arrival.
Document Checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Digital passport-style photo (35 × 45 mm)
- Copy of confirmed return ticket
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter
Visa Fees and Reciprocity
Syria applies visa fees based on the type of visa and, in some cases, your nationality. A one-month e-Visa costs approximately US $60 for most travelers, according to Travisa’s Syria visa information{:target=”_blank”}.
Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Access
- Lebanon: Citizens enter without a visa.
- Select countries (e.g., Iran, Malaysia, Mauritius) may obtain a one-month visa on arrival for US $25.
- All other nationalities require an e-Visa or embassy-issued sticker.
(Information as per the Visa policy of Syria on Wikipedia{:target=”_blank”}, updated periodically.)
Border Crossings and Entry Points
Not every frontier is open. Your main entry points by land are:
– Masnaa–Jdeideh (Lebanon)
– Naseeb–Jaber (Jordan)
Air travelers arrive at:
– Damascus International Airport (DAM)
– Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
For detailed border-crossing information, consult the UNHCR Syria Border Dashboard{:target=”_blank”}, which lists official crossing points and operating statuses.
Direct Flight Connections Restored
Several carriers now serve Syria directly:
– Qatar Airways resumed flights to Damascus and Aleppo in September 2022, according to a Reuters report{:target=”_blank”}.
– Turkish Airlines lists Damascus on its route map{:target=”_blank”}.
– Royal Jordanian shows scheduled services to Damascus on its network page{:target=”_blank”}.
Smooth Sailing Tips
- Apply at least two weeks before departure.
- Double-check border operating hours if crossing by land.
- Keep both digital and printed copies of your e-Visa.
- Register your arrival with local authorities within 48 hours.
Ready for Your Syrian Adventure?
You’ve got the visa type, fees, and entry points covered. All that’s left is to book your flight, pack your bags, and experience the rich history and culture of Syria. Safe travels!