Syria entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. You must get it before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. Processing times vary, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a Syrian tourist eVisa before you fly. Apply through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.sy. Processing times vary — start at least 2 weeks before your trip.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for the entire duration you plan to stay in Syria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Damascus Airport asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but around $500 USD for a short trip is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no exceptions
Nigerian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Syria. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be denied boarding or entry.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Syria, not from your departure date. If your passport expires in 5 months, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Syrian eVisa website and complete the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 USD depending on nationality). Processing takes 3–7 business days, sometimes longer.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. Double-check your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's stay. Keep confirmations handy — you'll need them at check-in and immigration.
4
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
Most flights from Nigeria connect via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul. At Damascus airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. You'll be asked a few questions about your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
5
Receive entry stamp
Once cleared, the officer stamps your passport. Your eVisa is valid for a single entry. Check the stamp for the allowed stay duration — typically 15 or 30 days.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostUSD 50 (approx. $50 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostUSD 100 (approx. $100 USD)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible per stay.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
USD 200 (approx. $200 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a Syrian employer sponsor. Requires a work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable annually
USD 100 (approx. $100 USD) plus university acceptance
For enrolled students at Syrian universities. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, non-refundable. | USD 50 (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | USD 10 per day (approx. $10 USD) |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | USD 200 (approx. $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Nigeria passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Syria, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Transit through Damascus International Airport with confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours may be visa-free for some nationalities, but not for Nigeria.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; 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 extensions and permits for northern region.
Practical information for NG 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. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Nigerian citizens. You must obtain an eVisa before traveling.
Processing typically takes 3–7 business days, but can take longer during peak periods or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality but is usually between $50 and $100 USD. Check the official eVisa portal for the exact amount before paying.
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.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the allowed stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or difficulties at immigration.
Yes. Syrian immigration requires proof of onward travel, whether it's a return flight to Nigeria or a ticket to a third country.
It is not always checked at entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Syria may require upfront payment, and insurance covers unexpected costs.
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.