PassportSouth Africa

Trip checklist: Syria

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

Visa requirement

We're still confirming this with official sources. What we've found so far: Visa before you travel. Check with the embassy before you rely on it.

Permitted 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.

Before you go

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Extending your stay and overstaying

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

  • Transit

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

  • Confirm with the embassy

    Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

Where to apply

Research sources

  1. 1. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/syria/entry-requirements
  2. 2. US Department of State (Other government, travel.state.gov) https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/syria.html
  3. 3. South African Government (gov.za) foreign representatives directory (Other government, gov.za) https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/foreign-reps/syria-arab-republic-embassy
  4. 4. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Syria
  5. 5. Syrian Guides (tour operator) (News and guides, syrianguides.com) https://syrianguides.com/visa-requirements-for-syria-essential-information-for-travelers/
  6. 6. In Your Pocket (News and guides, inyourpocket.com) https://www.inyourpocket.com/syria/damascus/articles/visas-red-tape
  7. 7. Saiga Tours (News and guides, saigatours.com) https://www.saigatours.com/article/syria-new-visa-fees-july-2025

From doineedavisa.co.za/syria. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.