Syria entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
UK passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. Apply online before you travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Syria. Apply through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.sy. Processing times vary — apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. Print the approval and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Syria. Syria does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for at least 3 months. Carry photocopies of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus and Aleppo airports check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. Without one, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Officers may ask for a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a Syrian host. Have a printed confirmation or a contact address ready. If staying with friends, ask them to provide a notarised invitation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash in USD or EUR to cover your stay — Syria has limited ATM access and credit cards rarely work. A bank statement or travel money card showing $500+ is a good safety net. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
You cannot get a visa at the airport or land border. The eVisa must be approved and printed before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight.
Passport validity counts from arrival
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you enter Syria, not your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa portal (no third-party sites). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing takes 3–7 working days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print at least two copies — one to hand over at immigration, one as backup. Keep a digital copy on your phone too.
3
Arrive at Damascus or Aleppo airport
Most flights land at Damascus International Airport. At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They may ask for your accommodation address. The process is straightforward if you have all documents ready.
4
Collect your passport stamp
The officer will stamp your passport and return it. Check the stamp for the entry date and any handwritten validity. Keep the eVisa copy with your passport during your stay.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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 stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. £40)
Apply at Syrian embassy; requires sponsor or hotel invitation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (approx. £80)
Limited availability; requires strong justification.
student visa
Student Visa (Study in Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. £80) per year
For enrolled students at Syrian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. £160) per year
For foreign workers with a Syrian employer sponsor. Requires work contract and ministry approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for UK passport holders; subject to change. | ~$50 USD (approx. £40) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day overstay; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. £8) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
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
UK passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside. Apply in advance.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or service 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and netting.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and vaccination recommendations.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas, especially during summer; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.
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 Highway, Damascus
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for northern Syria.
Practical information for GB 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
Processing times vary, but typically take 3–7 working days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or detention.
Yes, at least one blank page is required for the entry stamp. More is better if you plan to visit other countries on the same trip.
The eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. The process is the same — show your printed eVisa and passport.
Not explicitly required for the application, but strongly recommended. Medical care in Syria is limited and expensive. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding.
No. The eVisa requirement applies to all UK passport holders, including diplomatic and official passports. Everyone must apply online in advance.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or if you have a travel history to Israel. You'll receive a reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but there's no appeal process.
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.