Syria: do South Africans need a visa?

We're still confirming this with official sourcesHere's what we've found so far, but check with the embassy before you rely on it.

Not yet confirmed: Visa before you travel

Visa required, with prior approval (security clearance) reported for South Africans. Travel guides say citizens of all African countries must get approval before travelling, 3 to 4 weeks ahead, then pay at the border or airport. The UK FCDO points its own citizens to an e-visa system (evisa.sy), whose operating status is unclear. No Syrian government page could be opened.5 3 4

Before you travel

Length of stay

Tourist visas are reported as 15 to 30 days single entry. The US State Department says tourist visas on arrival are valid 30 days.2 4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Purpose of visit

Tourist and transit visas (transit about 3 days). Multiple-entry and 3-month visas are reported as limited to residence, work or study purposes.4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Passport validity

UK FCDO: at least 3 months after arrival. US State Department: 6 months beyond arrival. Use 6 months to be safe. Passports with Israeli stamps or visas are refused.1 2

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

How to apply

Arrange prior approval through a licensed Syrian tour operator or the Syrian embassy, then pay the visa fee in US dollars cash on arrival. Reported fees for South Africans conflict: USD 75 (In Your Pocket; Saiga Tours, July 2025 list) or USD 150 single entry (Syrian Guides). The e-visa portal evisa.sy (cited by UK FCDO, 5 to 7 days) could not be opened.1 5 4 6

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Where South Africans apply

Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic, 963 Schoeman Street, Arcadia, Pretoria. Tel 012 342 4701 / 012 342 4566. Email syrianembassy.pta@gmail.com. Or via a licensed Syrian tour operator.7

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Travel insurance

Not published by official sources

Return or onward ticket

Not published by official sources

Proof of funds

Not published by official sources

Accommodation or invitation

Not published by official sources

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Not published by official sources

Arrival forms

Not published by official sources

Extending your stay and overstaying

Tourist and transit visas reportedly extendable at the Immigration and Passport Administration in al-Merjeh, Damascus.4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Transit

Transit visa of about 3 days reported at roughly half the tourist fee.4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Travelling with children

Not published by official sources

What changed

1 September 2026UK FCDO advises against all travel to Syria.

7 August 2026US State Department: Level 4, Do not travel (terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping, unexploded ordnance).

6 July 2025New visa fee schedule by nationality reported by tour operators after the change of government; visas on arrival were widely reopened from January 2025.

Sources

Other government

Official advice from other governments

1UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office gov.uk
2US Department of State travel.state.gov
7South African Government (gov.za) foreign representatives directory gov.za

Reference

Used to find official sources, never the final word

5Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

News and guides

Leads we check, never the answer

3Syrian Guides (tour operator) syrianguides.com
4In Your Pocket inyourpocket.com
6Saiga Tours saigatours.com

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.