Syria entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. You must apply online before travel — there's no visa on arrival for Maltese citizens. Plan ahead, as processing times can vary.
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 takes several weeks — start at least a month before your trip.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Maltese passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Syria. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Syrian law, but airlines may enforce their own 6-month rule. | 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 copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Syrian host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a solo traveller. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Syria is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Security situation
Syria is an active conflict zone. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Many countries advise against all travel. If you do go, register with your embassy and have a solid emergency plan.
eVisa only at certain entry points
The eVisa is valid for entry at Damascus International Airport and a few land borders. Confirm your specific entry point accepts eVisa holders before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website (or use a reputable visa agency). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes a few business days — don't wait until the last minute.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your eVisa document. Print at least two copies — one for immigration and a backup. Keep a digital copy on your phone too.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land at Damascus International Airport (or any other entry point), have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. Immigration officers may ask to see all of them.
4
Go through immigration
At the airport, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa. You'll likely be asked a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly and calmly. After stamping, you're in.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 (50 USD)
Requires sponsor or hotel booking; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (100 USD)
Allows multiple entries; each stay limited to 30 days.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (200 USD)
Requires strong justification and local sponsor; limited availability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Malta passport holders applying for Syrian eVisa. | ~$50 USD (50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD per day (10 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, typically after 20 days. | ~$200 USD (200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation30%
Security concerns25%
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
Malta passport holders transiting through Syria require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, due to security concerns, transit is generally discouraged.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Transit through Damascus International Airport may be allowed with prior approval from Syrian authorities.
Transit hubsDamascus International Airport (DAM) · Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
Health & vaccines for Syria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)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 mosquito nets.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most urban areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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; bring passport, visa, and sponsor letter.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Aziziyah, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions and permits; expect delays due to security situation.
Practical information for MT 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
No. Malta passport holders must have an approved eVisa before arriving. There is no visa on arrival for Maltese citizens.
Processing times vary, but typically take 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The official eVisa fee is around $50–$100 USD depending on the type and processing speed. Check the official portal for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, you still need proof of onward travel. A bus or train ticket out of Syria counts, but a flight is the easiest to show.
It's not officially required for the eVisa, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive and hard to access without insurance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.