Syria entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria in 2026. The eVisa is a single-entry permit that must be arranged before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take up to two weeks.
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 times vary, so submit your application at least 2 weeks before your departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Damascus Airport ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from a Syrian host can smooth your entry. Officers occasionally ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing at least $500 helps if asked. | Recommended |
eVisa processing times vary
Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. Some applications take the full 10 business days. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
Keep your entry card
When you arrive, immigration will give you an entry card. Keep it with your passport — you'll need to hand it back when you leave Syria.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Complete the online eVisa application at least 2 weeks before your trip. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (amount varies by nationality). Wait for approval — processing usually takes 5–10 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print your eVisa approval, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Save digital copies on your phone as backup. Also keep your passport and insurance card handy.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
At passport control, present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the stamped entry card — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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
Cost~$50 USD (approx. €45)
Requires sponsor or hotel booking; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. €90)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible per stay.
work visa
Work Visa (Syria)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €180) plus fees
For those with a job offer from a Syrian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa (Syria)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €90) plus university fees
For enrollment in a recognized Syrian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Portuguese passport holders; subject to change. | ~$50 USD (approx. €45) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day over the authorized stay; maximum cap unknown. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
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
Transit visa required
Portuguese passport holders transiting through Syria require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with the airline for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
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
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis for malaria.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in some rural areas, especially during warmer months. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers to affected regions.
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-Midan, Aleppo, Syria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits; expect delays due to security situation.
Practical information for PT 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
Typically 5–10 business days, but can take up to 2 weeks. Apply well in advance.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-apply.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Portuguese passport holders.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a transit visa even for airside connections.
Not explicitly required for the application, but immigration may ask for proof. It's strongly recommended anyway.
The eVisa is valid for entry at Damascus International Airport. For land borders (e.g., from Lebanon or Jordan), check with the Syrian embassy — rules may differ.
Rejections are rare but possible. Contact the Syrian embassy in Lisbon or your nearest Syrian consulate for guidance. You may need to reapply with corrected documents.
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.