Visitor & short-stay visas
Syrian Visa-Free Entry
Short-stay entry without a visa, available only to nationals of a limited group of neighbouring Arab states.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
On this page
- Official name
- Visa exemption (bilateral / reciprocal)
- Route type
- Visa-free short stay
- Who qualifies
- Nationals of certain neighbouring Arab states
- Exact country list varies and must be confirmed with a Syrian mission.
- Passport validity
- At least 3 months beyond your date of arrival
- Where to apply
- No visa required; entry is granted at the port of entry (Damascus/Aleppo airport or an open land border)
- Visa fee
- None for the visa exemption itself
- Maximum stay
- Short visit only; regularise with immigration to stay longer
- Exact permitted stay depends on the bilateral arrangement and was not confirmable from an official government page.
Who it is for
- Nationals of eligible neighbouring Arab states making short visits
What you can do
- Enter and stay for the permitted visa-free period
- Approach the immigration office to extend or register a longer stay
Requirements
- Be a national of a country that has a visa-exemption arrangement with Syria (confirm your nationality is currently included, as the list changes)
- Hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond your date of arrival, with at least one blank page
- Not hold Israeli or Iranian nationality (entry is barred), and hold no evidence of travel to Israel in the passport
- Be able to show onward or return travel and, if asked, proof of sufficient funds and accommodation
- Intend to stay only for the permitted visa-free period
How to apply
There is no advance visa application for visa-free entry: you present your passport at immigration control on arrival at Damascus or Aleppo international airport, or at an open land border.
- Reconfirm your nationality's current eligibility shortly before travelling, because visa-exemption lists and land-border openings change at short notice
- Present a valid passport and, if requested, onward-travel and accommodation evidence at the immigration desk
- If you intend to remain beyond the permitted visa-free period, report to the local immigration office (Idarat al-Hijra) to regularise or extend your stay before it expires
Documents you may need
- Passport valid for at least three months beyond arrival, with a blank page
- Evidence of the nationality or status that qualifies you for the exemption
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds if requested at the border
Frequently asked questions
Visa-free entry only covers a short visit. To remain beyond the permitted period you must approach the local immigration office (Idarat al-Hijra) to register and apply for a residence permit before your permitted stay expires; overstaying can lead to fines.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Syrian visas
- SHORT STAYTOURISMEMBASSY ARRANGEDTourist / Visitor Entry VisaThe standard short-stay option for tourism and general visits, normally arranged in advance through a Syrian embassy or consulate before you travel.View visa details
- SHORT STAYON ARRIVALELIGIBLE NATIONALSVisa on ArrivalIssued at Damascus or Aleppo international airports and some land borders to nationals of eligible countries, often subject to prior entry approval before travel.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITONWARD TRAVELTransit VisaA short-validity option for travellers passing through the country en route to another destination rather than staying.View visa details
- SHORT STAYONLINEVERIFY STATUSElectronic Entry Visa (e-Visa)An online system letting travellers apply without visiting an embassy, though its operational status should be verified before you rely on it.View visa details
