Syria entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Chinese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Chinese nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Syrian tourist eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at the border.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Chinese passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Syrian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus and Aleppo airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Syrian host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Syria is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Chinese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Syria. You must apply and receive an eVisa before you travel. Boarding without one will result in being denied entry and sent back.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Syria, not from your departure date. Double-check this before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa portal and fill out the application. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on processing speed) and submit. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Book your flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Save the confirmation emails or screenshots on your phone.
4
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most flights from China arrive at Damascus International Airport. After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional forms to fill on arrival.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · China 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Syrian embassy or via eVisa; extension possible at immigration.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For multiple visits; extension possible per stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Estimated cost for Chinese passport holders; check official eVisa portal. | ~$50 USD (varies by nationality) |
| Overstay fine per dayMay apply if overstaying visa validity; exact amount not widely published. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Chinese passport holders transiting through Syria generally need a transit visa, even if staying airside. Check with the Syrian embassy or airline for specific requirements.
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.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Leishmaniasis, West Nile)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Transmission risk exists; 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 extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits; bring passport and visa.
Practical information for CN 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
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. Some agencies offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Apply at least 1–2 weeks before your flight to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the validity expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
No. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Chinese nationals. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity requirement is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Only the first night's accommodation is required for entry. However, it's a good idea to have a rough itinerary ready in case immigration asks.
The eVisa is valid for entry at Damascus International Airport. For land border crossings (e.g., from Lebanon or Jordan), check with the Syrian embassy or your eVisa provider, as rules may differ.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or if there are security concerns. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable. Contact the eVisa support team for guidance.
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.