Syria’s visa policy has undergone significant changes following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024 and the establishment of a transitional administration. As of January 2025, the new Syrian transitional authorities announced a revised entry policy applicable to most nationalities. Previously, Syria’s strict visa regime had been shaped by the 2011–2024 civil war, international sanctions, and regional conflicts. The current policy reflects a post-conflict openness aimed at facilitating tourism, diaspora return, and diplomatic re-engagement.

2. Current Policy (From January 2025)

Under the transitional authorities’ announcement of January 2025, most nationalities — with the exception of Iranian nationals and Israeli passport holders — may now enter Syria either via e-Visa or visa on arrival, based on a reciprocity framework.

Current Entry Policy Summary (January 2025) • All nationalities (except Iran and Israel): e-Visa or visa on arrival based on reciprocity • Iran: Must obtain an authorized visa in advance from a Syrian diplomatic mission • Israel: Entry is banned; Israeli passport holders are not permitted to enter • Lebanon: Conditional entry; Lebanese nationals may face additional scrutiny • Transitional government has signaled openness to international visitors for tourism and reconstruction

3. Iran — Advance Visa Required

Despite previously close ties between the Iranian government and the Assad administration, the new Syrian transitional authorities have imposed a restriction on Iranian nationals. Iranians must obtain an authorized visa in advance from a Syrian embassy or consulate before travel. This reflects the changed political dynamics following the Assad government’s fall and the transitional authorities’ stance toward Iran’s role in the Syrian conflict.

4. Israel — Entry Banned

Israeli passport holders are not permitted to enter Syria. This restriction has been in place for decades and continues under the transitional government. Individuals with evidence of travel to Israel in their passport may also face difficulties entering.

5. Lebanon — Conditional Entry

Lebanese nationals may enter Syria but may be subject to additional checks, particularly at land border crossings. The situation for Lebanese travelers is subject to change given ongoing diplomatic developments between Lebanon and the Syrian transitional authorities.

6. Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

The transitional government’s January 2025 announcement indicated that eligible travelers may apply for an e-Visa through an online portal. The e-Visa is intended to facilitate pre-travel authorization for tourism, business, and diaspora visits. Specific details of the e-Visa fee structure and processing times were being finalized as of early 2025.

7. Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is available to eligible nationalities at Damascus International Airport and potentially at other points of entry as reconstruction of border infrastructure proceeds. The specific nationalities eligible for visa on arrival versus those required to use e-Visa are determined by the reciprocity principle applied by Syrian transitional authorities.

8. Historical Context

Prior to the civil war (2011–2024), Syria accepted visitors from most countries via visa on arrival or with prior visa. The civil war severely restricted tourism and international travel. From 2011 onwards, most Western governments imposed travel bans and advised against all travel to Syria. The Assad-era government maintained close ties with Russia and Iran, while being isolated from Western nations and Arab League members.

Following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024 and the rise of the HTS-led transitional authority, the new administration sought to reset Syria’s international relationships and announced new visa policies as part of broader diplomatic outreach.

9. General Entry Requirements

Travelers to Syria (where permitted) should ensure they have:

• Valid passport with sufficient validity (at least 6 months recommended)
• Valid e-Visa, visa on arrival authorization, or advance visa (as applicable)
• No evidence of travel to Israel (in passport or otherwise)
• Sufficient funds for duration of stay
• Onward or return travel documents

10. Travel Advisory

IMPORTANT: Travel Advisory • Syria remains an active conflict zone with significant security risks as of early 2025 • Many governments continue to advise against all or non-essential travel to Syria • Infrastructure (airports, roads, accommodation) may be severely limited • Consult your government’s foreign travel advisory before planning any trip to Syria • Contact the nearest Syrian diplomatic mission to confirm current visa requirements • The situation is rapidly evolving — all information is subject to change