Syria entry requirements for Rwanda 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

Rwandan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Syria. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. This rule applies in 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply for Syria eVisa
Apply for your Syria eVisa through the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and you'll need a scanned passport photo and a clear copy of your passport data page. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — border officers at Damascus and Aleppo airports check this before issuing the entry stamp.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Syria. Airlines at Kigali International Airport enforce this strictly — they'll deny boarding if your passport expires sooner.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Damascus International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they've denied entry to travellers who couldn't show one.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host in Syria. Border officers sometimes ask for this during secondary screening, especially if you're travelling solo.Recommended
Proof of funds
Financial means
Have bank statements or a credit card showing at least $500 USD available for your stay. Officers rarely check this for short visits, but it helps if they question your purpose of travel.Recommended
eVisa only — no visa on arrival
Rwandan passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or any land border. You must apply and receive approval for an eVisa before you travel.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save PDFs of your eVisa, hotel booking, and flight tickets on your phone and email. If you lose the printed copies, you can show digital versions at immigration.

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 photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print at least two copies — one to hand over at immigration, one as backup.
3
Arrive at Damascus International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download Syria Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD

Apply at Syrian embassy; requires sponsor or hotel invitation.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD

Limited availability; requires strong justification.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Paid online before travel; non-refundable.~$50 USD (exact amount varies by nationality)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstay.~$10 USD per day

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

Rwanda passport holders transiting through Syria generally need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic passports may be exempt.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
LeishmaniasisModerate risk

Sandfly-borne disease; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.

Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Typhoid feverModerate risk

Spread through 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-Mazraa, Damascus
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.

Aleppo
Aleppo Immigration Office
Al-Aziziyah, Aleppo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Limited services; check current security situation.

Practical information for RW 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police112
Medical110
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least 7 days before your departure to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
The eVisa is typically valid for entry at Damascus International Airport. For land borders, check with the Syrian embassy before you travel.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return flight to Rwanda or a ticket to your next destination. A screenshot or printed itinerary is fine.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Rwandan passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Syria can be very high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.

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.