Japan to Syria visa requirements

Japanese passport holders need a visa for Syria. Since the 2025 change of government, Syria issues a visa on arrival (VOA) at Damascus and Aleppo airports and at open land borders for non-restricted nationalities, including Japan. Japan is not on the restricted list, so no advance security clearance is required, but air travelers should secure a prior entry approval letter because airlines often will not board passengers without it. Fees are paid in USD cash on arrival. A Japanese ordinary passport holder cannot enter Syria visa-free. Following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024 and the new transitional government's January 2025 visa policy, Syria operates a visa-on-arrival (VOA) system for most foreign nationals, including Japanese citizens. Japan is NOT among the restricted nationalities (which include China, India, Russia, Iran and others that need 3-4 weeks of advance security clearance), so a Japanese traveler can obtain a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Damascus or Aleppo International Airport, granting roughly a 30-day stay. The previous eVisa platform (evisa.sy) announced for 2025 is not yet operational, so there is currently no functioning online visa. Although the visa itself is stamped on arrival, airlines flying into Damascus/Aleppo typically require a prior entry-approval letter (arranged through a licensed Syrian tour operator/agency), which for non-restricted nationals processes in roughly 3 days to 1 week; without it the carrier may deny boarding. Visa fees are paid in cash in US dollars at the point of entry (ATMs do not work and cards are not accepted in Syria), commonly around USD 50 for a one-month single-entry visa, with higher figures sometimes quoted at airports. A passport valid at least 6 months, proof of onward travel, and accommodation/itinerary are expected, and travel insurance is strongly advised. Critically, any Israeli stamp or evidence of travel to Israel, or Israeli nationality, results in refusal of entry regardless of passport. Note that most foreign governments, including Japan's, maintain a "do not travel" advisory for Syria, so this guidance covers the visa mechanics only.