Syria entry requirements for Cyprus passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
As a Cypriot passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival in Syria. You don't need to visit an embassy beforehand—just arrive at the border or airport with your passport and the required documents, and you'll be issued a visa at the entry point. The security situation in Syria remains volatile, so plan carefully and check the latest travel advice before you go.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa in advance; you will get it when you arrive in Syria. Entry permit issued at Syrian port of entry | Cyprus passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated Syrian airports and land borders. The visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. Prepare the visa fee in cash (USD or SYP) and have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner than 6 months after you arrive, you may be denied entry. Minimum 6 months from date of entry | Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Syria. Check your passport's expiry date before booking travel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to place your visa and entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp and visa sticker. Ensure no pages are damaged or torn. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketSyrian immigration may ask to see your exit ticket to ensure you will leave the country. Proof of departure from Syria | You must present a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Syria within the allowed visa period. The ticket must be in your name. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationImmigration officers often ask where you will be staying; having proof speeds up the process. Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation for your entire stay in Syria, or a formal invitation letter from a Syrian host if staying privately. This may be requested at the border. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always checked, but having proof of funds can help if asked. Financial means for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. The amount is not fixed but should cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you from high medical costs if you get sick or injured. Medical and evacuation coverage | Although not officially required, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended due to the security situation and limited healthcare facilities. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to prepare any special arrival form in advance. No separate form required | No arrival declaration is required for Cyprus passport holders entering Syria. You will fill out a standard immigration card on arrival. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa system is not available for your nationality, so skip any online application. Not applicable for Cyprus passport holders | Cyprus passport holders are not eligible for Syria's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply online; obtain your visa on arrival instead. | Not required |
Serious safety concerns
Syria is an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. If you must go, get comprehensive travel insurance, register with your embassy, and have an exit plan.
No visa extensions
The visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires—overstaying can lead to fines or worse. Plan your itinerary with a buffer.
Cash is king
Bring enough US dollars in cash to cover your visa fee and initial expenses. ATMs are unreliable, and credit cards are rarely accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border or airport
The main entry points for visa on arrival are Damascus International Airport and land borders like Masnaa from Lebanon or Nassib from Jordan. Head to the immigration hall and look for the visa-on-arrival counter.
2
Submit your passport and documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (if given), and any requested documents like your return ticket. The officer will process your visa application.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash. Keep the receipt—you may need it when you leave the country.
4
Receive your visa stamp and proceed
Once the visa is stamped into your passport, you'll be cleared to enter. Proceed to baggage claim and then customs.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged via Syrian embassy)
Max stay15 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$50–$100 (varies by embassy)
Recommended due to security situation; must be obtained before travel.
Business visa (pre-arranged via Syrian embassy)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$100–$150 (varies by embassy)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Syrian company and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash at the port of entry; valid for 15 days. | $25 (or equivalent in SYP) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Department in Damascus; extensions are discretionary. | $50 (or equivalent in SYP) |
| Exit feeCharged at land borders and airports when departing Syria. | $10 (or equivalent in SYP) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Security concerns25%
Insufficient funds15%
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
Cyprus passport holders transiting through Syria require a visa, even for airside transit. Pre-arranged transit visa is mandatory.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt with prior approval.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport (DAM) · Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedPolioEssentialRabiesConsiderTetanusRecommended
Health risks
TyphoidModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food and water
Hepatitis AModerate risk
Common in areas with poor sanitation
LeishmaniasisLow risk
Transmitted by sandflies in rural areas
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in some rural areas, especially during summer months. Prophylaxis recommended for travel to affected 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-Mazraa, Damascus
Sun-Thu 08:00-14:00
Practical information for CY 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
Not all crossings offer visa on arrival. The most reliable are Damascus International Airport and the main land crossings from Lebanon (like Masnaa) and Jordan (like Nassib). Smaller or unofficial crossings may not have the facility, so stick to the major ones.
The fee varies and is not always published. It's typically around $50–$100 USD, but it can change. Bring US dollars in cash—they're widely accepted—and some extra in case the rate has gone up.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for 15 days, but the exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer. It's not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly.
Hotels usually register you with the police automatically. If you're staying in private accommodation, you may need to register yourself at the local police station within a few days. Ask your host to help.
The security situation is volatile. Many governments advise against all travel to Syria. If you do go, stick to government-controlled areas, avoid border zones, and have a solid plan. Check your home country's travel advisory before booking anything.
Syria does not allow entry to anyone with Israeli visas or stamps, or even evidence of travel to Israel. If you have any, you'll be denied entry. This is a strict policy—don't try to hide it.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or being banned from re-entering. The visa is not extendable, so leave before it expires. If you have an emergency, contact the immigration office in Damascus.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.