🇷🇺Russian Federation

🇸🇾SyriaRU-SY

Russian Federation to Syria visa requirements

Q: How long does Syrian visa approval take for Russians?

Typically around 3-4 working weeks, and longer during busy periods. Apply early and avoid non-refundable bookings until approval is confirmed.

Q: How much does the Syria visa cost for Russians?

Roughly US$75 for a short (about 15-day) visit under Syria's 2026 fee structure, paid in clean USD cash on arrival, plus any tour-operator service fees. Amounts can vary by entry point.

Q: What disqualifies a traveler from entering Syria?

Any Israeli visa, stamp or indication of travel to Israel results in refused entry. Israeli and Iranian nationals are banned outright.

Q: How do Russians typically arrange the approval?

Through a licensed Syrian tour operator or sponsor that submits the application for security clearance and issues an approval/invitation letter, or via a Syrian diplomatic mission where available.

Q: Is it safe for Russians to travel to Syria?

The Russian government advises its citizens against travel to Syria due to safety and security concerns; travelers should weigh this carefully and ensure adequate insurance.

Russian ordinary passport holders need a visa to enter Syria, and as of 2026 Russia is on Syria's restricted-nationality list, so prior visa approval (security clearance) must be obtained before travel rather than a simple visa on arrival. Following the change of government in Syria in late 2024 and the new entry rules rolled out through 2025-2026, there is no visa-free or reliable visa-on-arrival channel for Russian citizens. Russia appears on Syria's list of restricted nationalities, meaning a Russian traveler must secure advance visa approval (a security clearance / approval letter) before boarding, typically arranged through a licensed Syrian tour operator or the Syrian embassy. Approval commonly takes around 3-4 weeks. Once approved, entry is normally via Damascus International Airport (and certain land borders), where the visa fee is collected in clean USD cash. The fee for Russian nationals sits in the mid tier of Syria's new pricing structure (roughly US$75 for a 15-day stay), though figures vary by source and entry point. The passport must be valid at least six months, and any sign of past travel to Israel results in refused entry. Note that the Russian government itself advises against travel to Syria for safety reasons. Because sources conflict on whether a Russian can obtain a visa purely on arrival versus needing pre-approval, the conservative and accurate verdict is visa-required with advance security clearance.

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.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Visa required (advance approval / security clearance)

Maximum stay

Up to 15 days (single short visit)

per entry

Entries

Single entry

from issue date

Visa fee

Approx. US$75 (paid in USD cash; varies by entry point)

consular fee only

Processing time

Approx. 3-4 weeks for prior approval

standard track

Validity

Approval valid for the dates granted; passport valid 6+ months

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm eligibility and the restricted-nationality rule

Verify that as a Russian passport holder you fall under Syria's restricted-nationality category, which requires obtaining visa approval (security clearance) before you travel rather than relying on visa on arrival.

· Restricted nationality· Pre-approval required

/02

Engage a licensed Syrian tour operator or the embassy

Apply through a licensed Syrian travel agency or the Syrian consular mission, which submits your details to the Immigration and Passports Directorate for security clearance and issues an approval/invitation letter.

· Approval letter· Sponsor/agency

/03

Submit documents and wait for approval

Provide passport scan, photos, itinerary and travel confirmation. Allow about 3-4 working weeks (longer in busy periods) for the clearance to be issued.

· 3-4 weeks· Apply early

/04

Avoid non-refundable bookings until approved

Do not lock in non-refundable flights or hotels until you have written confirmation that approval has been granted, as clearance is not guaranteed.

· Refundable bookings

/05

Travel with approval and pay the visa fee on arrival

Enter via Damascus International Airport (or an approved land border) presenting the approval. Pay the visa fee in clean USD cash at the entry point.

· USD cash· Damascus airport

/06

Comply with stay limits and exit on time

Respect the 15-day stay granted and depart before expiry; overstays and any indication of Israel travel can cause serious problems.

· 15-day stay· No Israel stamps

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

Russian Federation -> Syria · Visa required (advance approval / security clearance)

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredRussian passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay

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

required

RequiredApproved visa clearance / approval letter obtained before travel