🇳🇱Netherlands

🇸🇾SyriaNL-SY

Netherlands to Syria visa requirements

Q: How much does the Syria visa on arrival cost for a Dutch traveller?

Around USD 75 for a single-entry visa (the EU/EFTA fee band), payable only in cash US dollars at the border or airport.

Q: Is there a working Syria eVisa?

No. An eVisa was announced but the platform (evisa.sy) is not operational, so you must obtain the visa on arrival.

Q: Can I fly directly into Damascus and get the visa at the airport?

Visa on arrival is available at Damascus and Aleppo airports, but airlines may require a prior entry-approval letter arranged 3 days to a week in advance, so confirm before booking.

Q: Will an Israeli stamp in my passport be a problem?

Yes. Any Israeli visa, entry, or exit stamp, or Israeli nationality, results in automatic refusal of entry to Syria.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Syria right now?

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Syria, the Damascus embassy is closed, and consular help is very limited. Travel carries serious risk.

Dutch (NL) ordinary passport holders need a visa for Syria, but as of 2026 it is issued as a visa on arrival (VOA). EU citizens pay about USD 75 in cash for a single-entry visa valid for a stay of up to 30 days, available at Damascus and Aleppo airports and at the Lebanese and Jordanian land borders. Following the change of government in January 2025, Syria scrapped the old mandatory pre-arranged security clearance and now grants visas on arrival to virtually all nationalities, including Netherlands citizens. Dutch ordinary-passport tourists receive a single-entry visa on arrival for up to 30 days, with a fee of approximately USD 75 (the EU/EFTA tariff band) payable in cash US dollars only. VOA is available at Damascus International Airport (DAM), Aleppo International Airport, and at land crossings from Lebanon and Jordan. The previously announced eVisa platform (evisa.sy) is NOT operational, so there is currently no online application channel. Air travellers should note that some airlines and airports may ask for a prior entry-approval document arranged a few days to a week in advance, so arranging this through a local agent or fixer is strongly recommended before flying in. Syria is NOT part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply to this route. Critically, anyone whose passport contains an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamp, or who holds Israeli nationality, will be refused entry. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, and proof of onward travel is expected. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel to Syria (its highest "do not travel" colour code), the Dutch embassy in Damascus is closed, and consular assistance on the ground is extremely limited.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Visa on arrival (single-entry tourist visa)

Maximum stay

Up to 30 days

per entry

Entries

Single entry

from issue date

Visa fee

Approx. USD 75 (EU/EFTA band), cash in US dollars

consular fee only

Processing time

Issued on arrival; air entry may need prior approval 3 days to 1 week ahead

standard track

Validity

Enter within ~3 months of approval; 30-day stay from entry

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm your passport and eligibility

Ensure your Dutch ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and contains NO Israeli visa or entry/exit stamps. Any evidence of Israel travel means automatic refusal of entry.

· 6+ months validity· No Israel stamps

/02

Choose your entry point

VOA is available at Damascus International Airport (DAM), Aleppo International Airport, and the land borders with Lebanon and Jordan. There is no operational eVisa, so do not rely on evisa.sy.

· Air: DAM / Aleppo· Land: Lebanon / Jordan

/03

Arrange prior entry approval if flying in

For air arrivals, secure a prior entry-approval letter (typically via a local agency or fixer) 3 days to 1 week before travel, as airlines may not board you without it.

· Air only· Lead time 3-7 days

/04

Prepare cash and supporting documents

Carry the visa fee (about USD 75) in clean US-dollar cash, plus proof of onward travel and a hotel booking, as ATMs and card payments are unreliable.

· USD cash only· Onward ticket

/05

Obtain the visa at the border or airport

On arrival, present your passport, pay the fee in USD, and receive the single-entry visa stamp granting up to 30 days of stay.

· Pay on arrival· Single entry

/06

Comply with any local registration requirements, carry your passport at all times, and check restricted-area rules; security conditions change rapidly.

· Carry passport· Check restricted areas

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

Netherlands -> Syria · Visa on arrival (single-entry tourist visa)

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredDutch ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond stay

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredNo Israeli stamps, visas, or entry/exit records in passport

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredVisa fee (~USD 75) in clean US-dollar cash