Syria Travel Update: Passport Control & Entry Procedures (2026)
Summary: In 2026 every foreign visitor goes through organized passport control on entry and exit — Damascus airport and land crossings — with a passport valid at least six months, a printed entry permit, and paper copies ready.
Details
- Air entry (Damascus): After landing you pass immigration then customs. Officers ask for the original passport, printed visa/entry approval, and sometimes hotel booking or local address. Keep any slip they return with your entry stamp.
- Land borders: You may hit passport control plus additional checkpoints on the road. Keep the passport on you; hand it only to uniformed officers. A local guide who speaks first saves time.
- Exit: At the airport allow 45–90 minutes before departure for passport and security — queues vary by season. Land exits may include a register step before you cross the line.
- Fees: Any entry or border fee is paid in cash (USD/EUR). Do not rely on international cards or airport ATMs inside Syria.
What this means for you
Before travel: ensure 6+ months passport validity after your return date; print three colour copies of passport, entry permit, and hotel booking. Keep originals in your carry-on — not checked luggage.
On arrival: no photos in the immigration hall; answer briefly if asked (“tourism” / “family visit”). If your Arabic is limited, book a guide or driver pickup who knows 2026 procedures — delays drop from 30 minutes to a few.
On departure: arrive early and keep your last entry-stamp paper. For land exit to Lebanon or Jordan, check same-day border hours — some close early in Ramadan and holidays.