Syria entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. The eVisa is valid for tourism and must be arranged online before your trip. As of 2026, there are no visa-on-arrival options for Swiss citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. Apply through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at www.mfa.gov.sy. Processing takes several business days — submit at least 2 weeks before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. No specific 6-month validity rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policies — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Damascus Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready showing your departure from Syria within the eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Syria. Immigration may ask for your accommodation details during the entry interview — have the address and contact number written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Syria is a cash-heavy economy — bring US dollars or euros in good condition, as local ATMs are unreliable and card payments are rare. | Recommended |
Travel insurance strongly recommended
While not mandatory for entry, medical care in Syria can be expensive. A hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Get insurance that covers medical evacuation.
eVisa processing times vary
Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. Some applications are approved in a few days, but delays happen. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Complete the eVisa application on the official Syrian eVisa portal. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (if any) and wait for approval. Processing times vary — apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
2
Prepare documents for arrival
Print or save on your phone: eVisa approval email, passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance certificate. Keep them together in a folder.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask to see your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer questions clearly. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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
Validity90 days from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Standard eVisa option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay15 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Available for frequent travelers; must apply through Syrian embassy.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$150 USD
Requires sponsorship and approval from Syrian authorities.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa application feeSingle entry, valid for 90 days from issue, max stay 15 days. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by nationality) |
| Overstay fine per dayMay be subject to additional penalties or deportation. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Suspicious travel pattern25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Syria require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with the airline for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport (DAM) · Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
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
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern region.
Practical information for CH 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
Yes. You must get an eVisa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival for Swiss passport holders.
Processing times vary. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. Some applications are approved within a few days.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
It is not listed as a mandatory requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Syria can be very high.
The eVisa is typically valid for entry at Damascus International Airport. Check with the Syrian embassy if you plan to enter by land.
The local currency is the Syrian pound (SYP). US dollars or euros are widely accepted and can be exchanged easily. Bring cash in good condition.
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.