Syria entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Dutch passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. The eVisa system is currently the only option for tourism — there are no visa-on-arrival or visa-free arrangements for Netherlands nationals. Plan ahead: processing can take a week or more, and you must apply before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | 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 — border officers will check it before issuing the visa sticker on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Dutch 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 enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus and Aleppo airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready. Overstaying your visa is not allowed and can result in fines or detention. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a Syrian host can speed up the visa-on-arrival process. Officers may ask where you are staying — have the address and contact number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — ATMs are scarce and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement or cash equivalent of roughly $50–100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Travel advisory: Syria is a high-risk destination
The Dutch government advises against all travel to Syria due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping risks. If you choose to travel, get comprehensive travel insurance that covers evacuation, and register with the Dutch embassy in Beirut or your nearest consulate.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for Dutch passport holders. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you travel. No exceptions.
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, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 USD, depending on processing speed). Processing takes 3–10 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. 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
At the airport, follow signs to 'Foreigners' or 'Visa on Arrival' (even though you have a pre-approved eVisa). Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a brief interview about your itinerary.
4
Register with local authorities (if staying more than 15 days)
If you plan to stay longer than 15 days, you must register at the nearest police station or immigration office within 15 days of arrival. They'll issue a residence permit sticker. Hotels can often help arrange this.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 (€45)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (€90)
Ideal for multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (€180)
Requires sponsor/invitation letter.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (€180) + processing
For those with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (€90) + tuition
For enrollment in a recognized Syrian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (€450) + investment
For those investing a minimum amount in Syria (e.g., $50,000 USD). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Netherlands passport holders applying online. | ~$50 USD (€45) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; typically processed online. | ~$50 USD (€45) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (€90) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with authorities. | ~$10 USD (€9) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Suspicious travel pattern25%
No return ticket20%
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Syria do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to security concerns, transit may be restricted.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Syrian visa may transit without additional visa.
- Transit through Damascus International Airport only.
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)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and netting.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in northern and eastern regions. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 permits.
Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Midan, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for northern region.
Practical information for NL 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. The eVisa is the only option for Dutch passport holders. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Netherlands nationals. You must have the eVisa approved before you board your flight.
Processing usually takes 3–10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. Some services offer expedited processing for an extra fee.
The official eVisa fee is around $50–$100 USD, depending on the processing speed you choose. Additional service fees may apply if you use a third-party agency.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you overstay, you may face fines or difficulties at the airport.
Yes, if you stay longer than 15 days. You must register at the nearest police station or immigration office within 15 days of arrival. Your hotel can usually help with this.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and security risks. Check the latest travel advisory before booking. If you do go, travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or if you have a travel history to Israel. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no appeal process.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.