Syria entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. Apply online before you travel; approval usually takes 3–7 business days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Syrian tourist eVisa | 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.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. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Syrian immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Syria | Immigration officers at Damascus and Aleppo airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may request a hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Carry a printed booking confirmation or an invitation letter with contact details. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — around $50–100 per day. ATMs are scarce and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is still affected by conflict. Check your home country's travel advisory before planning your trip. Avoid border areas and regions with active fighting. Register with your embassy upon arrival.
eVisa application link
The official Syrian eVisa portal may change. Search for 'Syria eVisa official website' or contact the Syrian embassy in Baghdad for the current application link.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa portal (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 USD, depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — usually within 3–7 business days.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them in a folder on your phone and a physical copy in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most flights from Iraq land at Damascus International Airport. After disembarking, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. Expect a stamp in your passport.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs — usually a quick walk-through. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel shuttles are available.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq 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 stay15 days, non-extendable
Validity90 days from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay15 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
May not be available for all nationalities; check with Syrian embassy.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; employer-sponsored
Requires job offer and approval from Syrian Ministry of Interior.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; university-sponsored
Requires acceptance from a Syrian educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer covers fees
For foreign workers with a Syrian employer. Requires work permit and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies; university fees apply
For international students enrolled at a Syrian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
Varies; investment amount required
For foreign investors meeting minimum investment thresholds. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeSingle entry, valid for 90 days from issue, max stay 15 days. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by nationality) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration upon departure; may affect future visas. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap known) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Iraqi passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside. Check with the airline or Syrian embassy for exceptions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Some airlines may have agreements for short transits; verify before travel.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 mosquito nets.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural 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, Damascus, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles local visa issues; may have limited services due to conflict.
Practical information for IQ 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
No. Iraqi passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival option at Syrian airports or land borders.
Processing typically takes 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to avoid delays. Rush processing may be available for an extra fee.
The eVisa fee varies by processing speed and service provider. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 USD. Check the official portal for the exact amount.
No. The eVisa process does not require a sponsor or invitation letter. You just need a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking.
Extensions are not available for this eVisa type. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need a longer stay, check with the Syrian embassy before traveling.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport has issues. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Syrian embassy for guidance.
The security situation in Syria remains volatile. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.