Syria entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. The eVisa system is currently the only way to get a visa for tourism. Plan ahead — processing times can be unpredictable and you'll need to apply before you travel.
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. Processing times vary — apply at least two weeks before your trip.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Syria. No specific minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Syrian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus and Aleppo airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Syrian host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing recent transactions can help if asked. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. Check your foreign ministry's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance may not cover claims in conflict zones.
eVisa processing delays
The eVisa system can be unpredictable. Some applicants report delays of 3+ weeks. Apply as early as possible and don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, so apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print at least two copies — one to hand to immigration, one as backup. Also save a copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most flights arrive at Damascus International Airport. After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. You'll be asked a few questions about your stay. The process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no baggage check for tourists, but keep your documents handy just in case.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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
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
Allows multiple entries; must apply at embassy.
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 fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstay. | ~$10 USD per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Transit without a visa is generally not permitted; a visa is required for any entry, including transit. Check with the nearest Syrian embassy.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport · Aleppo International Airport
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of dengue and leishmaniasis; use insect repellent and sleep under 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
Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern region.
Practical information for IS 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
Processing times vary. Some applicants get approval in 3–5 days, others wait 2–3 weeks. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Transit rules are unclear and not well documented. Most travellers transiting through Syria will need a visa. Check with your airline and the Syrian embassy before booking.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. There is no visa on arrival for Icelandic passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained before travel.
The security situation in Syria remains volatile. Many governments advise against all travel. Check your foreign ministry's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance may not cover claims in active conflict zones.
The local currency is the Syrian pound (SYP). Cash is king — credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring US dollars or euros in good condition (no tears, no marks) and exchange them locally. ATMs are unreliable.
Routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio) are recommended. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are also advised. No vaccine is mandatory for entry, but check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before your trip.
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.