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Syria Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

United States citizens must apply online for a Syria e-visa via the official embassy portal; fees are typically between 60 and 120 USD and processing usually takes 3-5 business days.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry and have at least one blank page for entry stamps or as required by the online portal.
  • Specific forms: Complete the online e-visa application on the official portal at embassysyria.org; no DS-160, VAF1A or other country-specific forms are required for Syria e-visa via the portal.
  • Financial proof: Not typically required by the e-visa system; no mandatory bank statements are requested for the Syria e-visa application.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Proof of hotel booking or invitation letter is recommended; have a plan for onward or return travel to satisfy entry expectations.
  • Photo spec: Upload a recent passport-style photo as part of the online application (acceptable formats: JPEG/JPG or PNG; max file size as shown on the portal; head-and-shoulders shot with a neutral expression and light background).
  • Biometrics: No separate in-person biometrics appointment is required for the e-visa; biometrics are captured digitally as part of the online submission where requested.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required by the e-visa; recommended to have travel health coverage during the trip.

Visa types

  • Tourist e-Visa
  • Official name: Tourist e-Visa
  • Validity: 90 days from date of issue
  • Max stay: 30 days per entry
  • Entry: Single
  • Approx fee: 60 USD
  • Business e-Visa
  • Official name: Business e-Visa
  • Validity: 90 days from date of issue
  • Max stay: 30 days per entry
  • Entry: Single
  • Approx fee: 90 USD
  • Student e-Visa
  • Official name: Student e-Visa
  • Validity: Up to 12 months from issue (subject to program duration)
  • Max stay: up to 90 days per entry (subject to program details)
  • Entry: Single
  • Approx fee: 120 USD
  • Work e-Visa
  • Official name: Work e-Visa
  • Validity: 6-12 months (subject to invitation/work permit)
  • Max stay: up to 90 days per entry
  • Entry: Single
  • Approx fee: 150 USD
  • Note: Work authorization usually requires embassy approval and a formal work permit/invitation; many applicants will not qualify for a stand-alone e-visa for employment.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: Start at the official portal linked from embassysyria.org and create an account to begin the e-visa application.
  • Steps: 1) Create account and log in 2) Choose visa type (Tourist, Business, Student, or Work) 3) Enter personal and travel details 4) Upload documents (passport data page, recent photo, invitation letter or hotel booking, onward travel proof) 5) Pay the visa fee with a credit/debit card 6) Submit the application 7) Receive the decision via the portal or email and print the approved e-visa if issued
  • Fee (local + USD): Pay the listed USD amount for the chosen visa type; local currency equivalent is displayed in the portal at the time of payment
  • Processing time: Typically 3-5 business days; expedited processing (priority) may be available for an additional fee (check the portal for current options)
  • How approval arrives: The e-visa is issued electronically and linked to the passport; you will receive a copy by portal notification or email and should print it to carry on arrival
  • Arrival with e-visa: Present the printed e-visa and passport to border authorities on arrival; border officers may re-check the document electronically

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fees (USD): Tourist 60; Business 90; Student 120; Work 150
  • Local currency: Fees are displayed in USD on the official portal; local currency equivalents are shown during payment if offered
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for the Syria online e-visa process via the official embassy portal
  • Total cost estimate: e-visa fee only (example): Tourist 60 USD; add any expedited processing if chosen (check portal for current amounts)
  • Standard processing time: 3-5 working days
  • Express/priority option: Available in some cases with an additional fee (typically 1-2 days of processing); exact price shown during application
  • Notes: Fees and processing times are set by the official portal and can change; verify current amounts on embassysyria.org before paying

Tips for United States travelers

  • Apply well in advance: Start the e-visa application at least 2-3 weeks before travel; allow extra time for any security checks or documentation issues
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants: Incomplete or inconsistent travel dates; passport validity shorter than required; missing or unclear invitation/hotel documentation; unclear or poor-quality photo; mismatched information between the passport data page and the online form
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For the Syria e-visa, apply directly online through the official embassy portal; there is no separate VFS/BLS processing path for the e-visa
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: US travelers should check the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Syria (often Level 4 Do Not Travel due to terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping risks) and follow any guidance; travel conditions can change rapidly
  • Extension options inside Syria: Extensions are not commonly guaranteed or widely available; if you anticipate needing extra time, contact Syrian authorities or the embassy before your visa expires to inquire about possible extension options

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United States passport holders

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.