Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PassportsPassport valid for
at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
VisasRequired by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Note: (a) For stays of over 15 days, visitors should report to the Emigration and Passport Department, or its branches in the governorates to apply for a visa extension. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
Visa NoteThe government of Syria refuses entry and transit to: any passenger holding a passport containing a visa (valid or expired) for Israel and those holding a stamp indicating an Israel-Jordan border crossing; and holders of passports bearing evidence of entry at Sharm El Sheikh, Rafha, Gaza or Nablus. (a) If you are planning side-trips to Ledanon or Jordan you should apply for a double- or multiple-entry visa for Syria as these are difficult to obtain after arrival.
Types of Visa and CostSingle-entry: £32.
Multiple-entry: £50. Payable in cash or by postal order only. These fees are only for nationals of the UK. The cost of visas for other nationalities varies; consult the embassy for further information.
ValiditySingle-entry: three months from date of issue.
Multiple-entry: six months from date of issue. Entry visas initially allow stays of up to 14 days. Extensions for up to three months are possible; apply at the Department of Immigration.
Applications to:Consulate (or consular section at the embassy); see
General Info. Application forms must be completed online.
In countries where the Syrian Arab Republic does not have diplomatic representation, visitors can either apply by post to the nearest Syrian Embassy or can apply at the Syrian border.
Working Days RequiredTwo.
WarningDevelopments in the region may trigger public unrest. Travelers should be particularly vigilant in public places and take care to avoid demonstrations, which can turn hostile.
There is a continuing threat from terrorism in Syria. In September 2006, terrorists attacked the US Embassy in Damascus. One bystander was killed and several injured. On 12 February 2008, an explosion in the Damascus neighborhood of Kaffr Sousseh killed one person and injured several others.
On 6 September 2007, there were press reports that Israeli aircraft violated Syrian airspace and attacked a site. The situation is now calm but visitors are advised to monitor media for any sudden developments.
Travelers should not attempt to enter Iraq via the Syrian border, which is subject to restrictions on both sides.
Travelers should exercise discretion in behavior and dress, especially when visiting religious sites. There have been some isolated incidents of acid attacks against Syrian women for not wearing Islamic dress near Damascus University and on Hamra street, a fashionable retail area in central Damascus. Earlier in the summer a young British girl, walking with her parents in the Aleppo Souq, was the victim of such an attack.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travelHealth | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Diphtheria | Yes | |
| Hepatitis A | Yes | |
| Malaria | Sometimes | |
| Rabies | Sometimes | |
| Tetanus | Yes | |
| Typhoid | Sometimes | |
| Yellow Fever | No* | |
Health CareHealth insurance is recommended. Basic medical facilities exist in main cities but there are few outside them. Medical care is provided free of charge to those who cannot afford to pay.
Note* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an infected area.
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