Syria entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can enter Syria without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement started in 2024, making travel straightforward for short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Syria. Airlines check this before boarding. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you may be denied boarding by your airline. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their contact details. A printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry enough cash in USD or EUR to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself. $50–$100 per day is a safe estimate. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria remains an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. Check your home country's travel advisories and consider the risks carefully before booking.
Cash is king
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough US dollars or euros to exchange for Syrian pounds. ATMs are unreliable and may charge high fees.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' (usually on the ground floor). Queues can be slow, especially if multiple flights arrive at once. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your passport and ticket
Hand over your passport and return ticket (if asked). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee is charged.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel unless you have goods to declare. Taxis and hotel shuttles wait just outside the arrivals hall.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in Syrian pounds)
Requires application at Syrian embassy. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
For frequent travellers. Must apply at embassy.
work visa
Syria Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Syria Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrollment in Syrian universities or educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costExtensions are not available for visa-free entry. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines may apply but exact rates are not publicly available. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Syria
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Syrian airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport · Aleppo International Airport
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Risk in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider in rural border regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Damascus
Directorate of Immigration and Passports
Al-Mazzeh, Damascus
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport and photos.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Near Al-Shahba Mall, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern Syria.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalDamascus
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySyrian pound (SYP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 112.99 SYP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,LTypes C (Europlug), E (French), and L (Italian) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. UAE passport holders can enter Syria visa-free for up to 90 days. Just show your passport at immigration.
Up to 90 days per visit. There's no official extension process for visa-free stays, so plan accordingly.
Extensions are not available for visa-free entries. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a visa in advance through a Syrian embassy.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and optionally a hotel booking confirmation. Travel insurance is not required but strongly recommended.
The security situation varies by region. Many governments advise against all travel to Syria due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. Check your home country's travel advisories before booking.
No. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your UAE license. Rental car companies may also require a valid IDP.
The local currency is the Syrian pound (SYP). US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops, but you'll need SYP for smaller purchases. ATMs are scarce, so bring enough cash for your stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.