Syria visa requirements for Ethiopians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Ethiopians visiting Syria

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Syrian Visa.

  • An original Ethiopian passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date from Syria.
  • 2 photocopies of the biodata page of your passport.
  • 2 duly completed and signed visa application forms.
  • 2 colour passport-size photographs recently taken.
  • Copy of return flight ticket to country of origin.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of stay.
  • Proof of travel medical insurance.
  • Copy of your travel itinerary.
  • Proof of financial means for the entire duration of travel.
  • Police report showing the applicant has no criminal record.

Syria Visa for Ethiopians

Facts about Syria

Foreigners in Syria enjoying taking tours around to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the country. While on tour in the country, you can visit beaches, mountains, and ruins. The Syrian mountains are good hiking spots for tourists in the country. Geocaching is also one of the popular activities done by tourists in the country.
 
Tourism in Syria has been in decline since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Since the beginning of the war, many tourist sites have been destroyed, major hotels have closed down and major flights have suspended their operations. The movement of tourists in the country has declined by 98% in 2011. In 2010 before the crisis started, the country played host to 8.5 million tourists which was a 40% increase from the number of tourists that visited the previous year. The industry generated $8.4 billion dollars which was about 14% of the country’s economy.
 
Citizens of Arab countries do not require a visa, except Moroccan women below the age of 40 years traveling alone. Nationals of Malaysia, Turkey, and Iran also do not require a visa.

Types of Syria Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 working days 90 days
Business visa 15 working days 90 days

General Requirements for Syria Visa

  • An original Ethiopian passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date from Syria.
  • 2 photocopies of the biodata page of your passport.
  • 2 duly completed and signed visa application forms.
  • 2 colour passport-size photographs recently taken.
  • Copy of return flight ticket to country of origin.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of stay.
  • Proof of travel medical insurance.
  • Copy of your travel itinerary.
  • Proof of financial means for the entire duration of travel.
  • Police report showing the applicant has no criminal record.
Syria Tourist visa Syria Business visa

Syria Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Syrian tourist visa is issued to foreign nationals who intend to travel to Syria for tourism, vacation and other leisure activities.
  • Your Ethiopian passport must be original and have a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the date you intend to leave Syria.
  • You should note that if your passport has an Israeli visa or stamp in it, you will be denied entry into Syria.
  • This tourist visa is a single-entry visa and is valid for 3 months. A multiple-entry visa which is valid for 6 months can, however, be applied for. Under special circumstances, you may be able to extend the multiple-entry to up to one year.
  • You must fully complete and sign 2 visa application forms and attach a passport-size photograph to each.
  • You are required to make 2 clear copies of the bio-data page of your passport and attach a copy to each application form.
  • If you are employed, you must provide proof of your employment in the form of an employment contract or a letter from your employer stating the nature of the business and your role in the company.
  • If you are self-employed you must include a copy of your business license, your company's bank statement of the latest 6 months and an Income Tax Return.
  • Tourists are obliged to register with the Syrian immigration authorities if they are staying in the country for more than 15 days.
  • You are required to present proof of financial means for the entire duration of your stay in Syria. This could be in the form of your bank account statements.
  • You must also present a recent medical report showing a clean bill of health.
  • Visitors in Syria are advised to adhere strictly to the laws and regulations in the country.

Syria Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Syrian business visa is issued to foreign nationals who intend to travel to Syria for business purposes such as attending business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or other business activities.
  • Your original Ethiopian passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the date you intend to leave Syria with at least two unused pages.
  • Your passport must not have an Israeli visa or stamp in it or else your visa request will be denied.
  • You must complete and sign 2 visa application forms and submit 2 passport-size photographs with the completed forms.
  • You are required to make 2 clear copies of the biodata page of your passport.
  • You must also submit a signed business letter from your employer stating the purpose of your travel to Syria as well as the name and contact details of the partner company in Syria.
  • You must also provide an invitation letter from the partner company in Syria. The letter must state the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay.
  • If you are employed, you must provide proof of your employment such as an employment contract or a letter from your employer stating the nature of the business and your role in the company.
  • If you are self-employed you must include a copy of your business license, your company's bank statement of the latest 6 months and an Income Tax Return.
  • If you hold a business visa and intend to stay in Syria for more than 15 days, you are obliged to register with the Syrian immigration authorities.
  • You are to provide a signed guarantee letter by an authorised officer of your company that your employer will take care of all your financial needs for the entire duration of your trip to Syria.
  • You must also submit a copy of your return flight ticket to your country of origin as proof that you intend to return to leave Syria once your visa expires.
  • You are required to provide a recent medical report showing that you have no illness of public health concern.
  • The Syrian business visa is valid for up to 90 days but it is possible to get a multiple-entry visa which is valid for up to six months.

Syria Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

100.00 (USD)

Business visa

100.00 (USD)

Syria Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Ethiopia

Location

Address

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There is currently no Syrian Embassy in Ethiopia. Travellers should visit a consulate/embassy of Syria in a neighbouring country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Syria safe to visit?

Syria is a relatively safe country to visit. Damascus, the capital city, is as safe as anywhere else in the world. Nevertheless, visitors in Syria should take note to be well-behaved and NOT take photos of any military bases, checkpoints or soldiers so as not to attract unnecessary attention and suspicions.

Can I work in Syria on a tourist visa?

If you hold a tourist visa, you are not permitted to work or be paid for any services rendered. To legally work in Syria, you must get official approval from relevant authorities.

What currency is spent in Syria?

The official currency in Syria is the Syrian pound or 'lira' (£S). In Northern Syria where the Turkish Military has control, the US Dollar and the Turkish Lira are more favoured than the Syrian Pound. However, you can still use the Syrian Pound as well as Euro and even the British Pound in some places.

What language is spoken in Syria?

The official language in Syria is Arabic. You will, however, find a good number of locals who understand and speak at least rudimentary English. Visitors are encouraged to learn basic words and numbers in Arabic at the least as it will help them to find their way around and negotiate fares.

What are some fun things to do in Syria?

Syria is a country with a rich history. Damascus, its capital city, is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. With the museums and beautiful palaces, it will feel as if you have travelled back in time. The seaside resort in Latakia is also one of the many scenic places to visit in Syria.