Syria entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Australian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Australians. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Syria eVisa | Apply for a Syrian eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before travel. Processing times vary and approval is not guaranteed — apply at least 2 weeks in advance. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your Australian passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Syria. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Syria has limited ATM access and international cards rarely work — bring enough cash for your stay. | Recommended |
Travel advisory: Syria is a high-risk destination
The Australian government advises against all travel to Syria due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. If you decide to travel, get specialised insurance, register with DFAT, and have a contingency plan to leave quickly.
Registration required within 15 days
After arriving, you must register with local police or immigration. Your hotel can usually do this for you. Keep the registration card with your passport at all times — you may be asked to show it at checkpoints.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa portal (if available) or contact the nearest Syrian embassy. Complete the application form, upload your passport scan and a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply at least a month before travel.
2
Wait for approval and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa document by email. Print at least two copies — one to present at immigration on arrival, and a backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
At Damascus International Airport (or any land border), you'll go through immigration. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your itinerary. Answer clearly and calmly.
4
Enter Syria and register with local authorities
Within 15 days of arrival, you must register with the local police or immigration office in the city where you're staying. Your hotel can usually help with this. Keep the registration card with your passport at all times.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay15 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (eVisa)
Standard option for most tourists; must be obtained before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay15 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; subject to approval and may require additional documentation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa entry feeSingle entry eVisa for tourism, valid for 15 days from arrival. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by nationality, check official site) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not officially available for eVisa holders; overstay fines apply. | Unknown (typically processed through immigration office) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is not recommended; fines accumulate daily and may lead to detention. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap known) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
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
Transit visa required
Australian passport holders transiting through Syria generally need a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
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, etc.)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Leishmaniasis, West Nile)Moderate risk
Risk varies by region; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis may be considered for rural travel in northern 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, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa-related issues; bring passport and visa copy.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Near Al-Shahbaa, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Limited services; best to handle matters in Damascus.
Practical information for AU 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 = 112.24 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. There is no visa on arrival for Australian passport holders. You must get an eVisa or a visa from a Syrian embassy before you travel.
Processing times vary, but typically take 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure. There is no official rush service.
The cost depends on the visa type and processing channel. Expect around USD 100–150 for a tourist eVisa. Check the official portal or embassy for the exact fee.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Yes. All foreign visitors must register with local authorities within 15 days of arrival. Your hotel can usually handle this for you. Keep the registration card with your passport.
The Australian government advises against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and security risks. If you do travel, get comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and check your government's travel advice regularly.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban on re-entry. Leave before your visa expires. If you have an emergency, contact your embassy immediately.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.