Syria visa options for United Kingdom passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Syria

Rules are written primarily for non-Arab foreign visitors (e.g. Western/EU, UK, US, Canadian and Commonwealth nationals); Iranian and Israeli nationals are barred, and several nationalities (Afghanistan, China, India, Pakistan, Russia, USA, etc.) need prior approval.

• Most nomadsTourist

  Tourist Visa on Arrival (Short-Stay)

  Single entry, roughly 15 days to 1 month depending on nationality tier (sources vary — verify; longer free stays apply to Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania).

  Insurance

  Recommendednot required for entry, but full travel medical cover with evacuation is strongly advised as Syrian medical facilities are limited and most insurers exclude Syria.

  Good for

  Leisure visitors and most non-restricted nationalities arriving at Damascus/Aleppo airports or the Lebanon and Jordan land borders under the post-2025 open-entry rules.

  Requirement

  Passport valid 6+ months with no Israel stamps; visa fee paid in cash USD/EUR on arrival (tiered by nationality, e.g. approx free for Jordan/Lebanon/Malaysia/Mauritania, approx $75 EU, approx $150 UK/AU, approx $200 US). Restricted nationalities (e.g. Afghanistan, China, India, Pakistan, Russia, USA) need prior approval; Iranian and Israeli nationals barred.

• Business

  Business Visa

  Short-stay (varies; tied to invitation and granted entry period — verify).

  Insurance

  Recommendednot a stated legal entry condition, but comprehensive medical/evacuation cover advised.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals visiting Syria for meetings, negotiations or company-related business with a Syrian host.

  Requirement

  Invitation/host letter from a Syrian company stating purpose and duration, plus an employer letter confirming job title and financial responsibility; standard visa documents and fee.

• Work

  Work Permit / Employment Visa

  Typically up to about 1 year, renewable (verify with the Syrian Ministry of Labor).

  Insurance

  Required/ Recommended - a health report is required in the application and valid health insurance is reported as expected for work status; confirm current employer-cover rules directly.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals taking up paid employment with a Syrian employer.

  Requirement

  Employer-sponsored: employment contract/invitation letter, application to the Ministry of Labor, biometric photo, health report and criminal-record certificate; working without a permit is illegal.

• Study

  Student Visa

  Tied to the duration of study/enrolment (verify).

  Insurance

  Recommendednot a stated entry condition, but medical/evacuation cover strongly advised.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals enrolled at a Syrian university or educational institution.

  Requirement

  Acceptance/enrolment letter from a Syrian educational institution, proof of tuition payment or sponsorship, and proof of accommodation; standard visa documents and fee.

• Transit

  Transit Visa

  Short transit period (sources cite roughly 3 to 15 days depending on nationality — verify).

  Insurance

  Recommendednot mandated, but medical/evacuation cover advised given limited local healthcare.

  Good for

  Travellers passing through Syria en route to another country, typically via the Jordan border.

  Requirement

  Valid passport with no Israel stamps and onward documentation; transit fee paid in cash on arrival (varies by nationality, roughly $25-$90).

Syria's visa system changed sharply after the January 2025 change of government and remains fluid; fees, durations and approval rules vary by nationality and border — always verify with a Syrian embassy or a tour operator before travel. Last checked: 2026-06.

Last verified June 2026

United Kingdom → Syria: frequently asked

Do United Kingdom passport holders need a visa to visit Syria?

e-Visa. Apply for a visa online before travelling. Always confirm with the official source before booking.

Can a United Kingdom passport holder live or work long-term in Syria?

Yes, via a long-stay visa. Syria has 5 documented visa types covering work, study, residence and — where it exists — digital-nomad routes.

Do I need travel insurance for Syria?

Entry to Syria never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Syria visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.