Philippines to Syria visa requirements

Philippine ordinary passport holders need a visa to enter Syria. The Philippines is a "restricted nationality," so you cannot get a straightforward visa on arrival. You must obtain advance security clearance (visa pre-approval) before travel, almost always arranged through a licensed Syrian travel agency or tour operator. Pre-approval takes roughly 3-4 weeks, the entry permit is valid for 3 months, and the visa fee (typically around USD 50 for 15 days) is paid in US dollars cash on arrival. As of 2026, Syria requires Philippine passport holders to hold a visa, and the Philippines is on Syria's list of "restricted nationalities" (alongside India, China, Pakistan, Indonesia and others). Unlike EU, UK, US and several other nationals who can receive a visa on arrival, restricted nationals must first secure a security clearance / visa pre-approval before they are allowed to board a flight to Damascus or Aleppo or cross a land border. In practice this clearance is arranged through a licensed Syrian travel agency or tour operator, who submits the traveler's passport copy, personal details and profession to the Syrian authorities. Approval typically takes about 3-4 weeks (sources cite "up to one month"), and once granted the entry authorization is valid for entry within 3 months. The actual visa is then issued at the airport or border, with the fee paid in US dollars cash (ATMs and credit cards are not usable in Syria); a single-entry tourist visa is commonly USD 50 for a 15-day stay. Syria's eVisa platform is not operational, so there is no online self-service channel for Philippine citizens. A passport valid at least six months beyond the stay, proof of onward travel, and travel insurance are expected. Note the absolute bar: any Israeli stamp/visa in the passport, or Israeli nationality, results in refusal of entry. Given the post-2024 transition in Syria, conditions change frequently and an official government visa portal is not reliably published, so travelers should confirm current rules with a reputable Syria-based tour operator before booking.