Syria entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Sri Lankans. Plan ahead, as processing can take several days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | 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 — immigration at Damascus Airport will stamp you in based on this letter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Sri Lankan 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 check for at least 6 months — confirm with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Damascus Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before letting you through. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a Syrian host helps speed up immigration. Officers may ask where you're staying — have the address and contact number written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash in USD or EUR for your stay — ATMs are unreliable and credit cards rarely work. Around $50–100 per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but having cash avoids problems if they do. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. Many governments advise against all travel. If you decide to go, have a robust safety plan, register with your embassy, and keep emergency contacts handy.
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa on arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. Boarding without an eVisa will result in denial.
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 and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print at least two copies — one for your carry-on, one in your luggage. Also save a PDF on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will stamp your passport. Keep the eVisa copy with your passport until you leave.
4
Exit Syria
When departing, show your passport and eVisa again at immigration. Make sure your exit stamp is clear — it proves you left legally.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent)
Apply at Syrian embassy/consulate; requires sponsor or hotel invitation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent)
Limited availability; requires strong justification and sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Fee varies; check official eVisa portal for current amount. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in Syrian Pound at official rate) |
| Overstay fine per dayExact amount may vary; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future bans. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside. Check with the 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, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
LeishmaniasisModerate risk
Sandfly-borne disease present in rural areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to compromised sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
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 Highway, near Al-Mazzeh Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan Street, near the Old City
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for northern Syria.
Practical information for LK 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 usually takes 3–7 business days, but it can be longer during holidays or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and reapply.
The eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. However, airport entry is the most straightforward. At land borders, expect longer queues and more document checks.
No, a sponsor or invitation letter is not required for a standard tourist eVisa. Just your passport, photo, and travel details.
No. Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Syria. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has issues (e.g., less than 6 months validity) or if you have a travel history to Israel. If rejected, you can reapply with corrected information or contact the Syrian embassy for guidance.
The security situation in Syria remains volatile. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Many countries advise against all travel to Syria. If you do go, register with your embassy and have a solid plan.
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.