Syria visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Syria

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

  • Original national passport. The visa should be valid for 6 months after exit from the country. The passport should have one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Two completed copies of visa application form which should carry the necessary signatures and stamp.
  • One recent passport-size photograph taken with a plain background. The passport should follow the photo specification for a visa application.
  • Proof of sufficient fund for the duration of stay in the country. This may be in form of bank statement which should not be older than 3 months from the period of application.
  • Valid travel insurance which covers medical insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Syria Visa for South Africans

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 5 - 8 working days 90 days
Business visa 5 - 8 working days 90 days

General Requirements for Syria Visa

  • Original national passport. The visa should be valid for 6 months after exit from the country. The passport should have one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Two completed copies of visa application form which should carry the necessary signatures and stamp.
  • One recent passport-size photograph taken with a plain background. The passport should follow the photo specification for a visa application.
  • Proof of sufficient fund for the duration of stay in the country. This may be in form of bank statement which should not be older than 3 months from the period of application.
  • Valid travel insurance which covers medical insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
Syria Tourist visa Syria Business visa

Syria Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners to visit all the tourist sites in the country during their time in Syria.
  • Foreigners can sightsee, relax or partake in recreational activities with this visa.
  • With this visa, you can visit friends and relatives in the country.
  • If you have a host in the country, a letter of invitation from the host is required. The letter should have the home address and telephone number of your host in the country.
  • A valid means of identification of your host should be provided.
  • Minors should ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Immunization against tetanus is advised.
  • Non-South Africans are expected to have a South African stay permit.
  • Receipt of paid visa application is required.
  • You are not allowed to work nor study with this visa while you are in the country.
  • All visitors are expected to obey the rules of their visa.
  • Business activities are not permitted in the country.
  • The visa ceases to be valid after three months.

Syria Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Everyone visiting Syria with this visa intend to partake in business activities while they are in the country.
  • Holders of this visa may meet up with business partners to develop the already existing relationship between them.
  • You may attend conferences, business summits, and trade fairs while they are in the country.
  • Proof of prior business transactions between you and your partner in Syria should be presented, if any.
  • Certificate of business registration of your partner company.
  • Letter of invitation from your partner is required. Relevant details of the company should be written in the letter. The duration and purpose of your visit in the country should also be stated.
  • Your current employer should also provide a letter stating that he/she is aware of your business leave. The purpose of your visit and duration of your leave should be clearly stated in the letter.
  • Travelers are advised to be immunized against tetanus before leaving for Syria.
  • Holders of this visa are prohibited from being paid for services they render while they are in the country.
  • Minors should possess a letter of consent signed by both their parents.
  • You cannot seek public funds while you are in the country.
  • Receipt of paid visa application form should be provided.
  • The visa is valid for 90 days.

Syria Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

144.00 (USD)

Business visa

144.00 (USD)

Syria Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

963 Schoeman Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa.

+27 12 342 4701

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Syria called before it became Syria?
The country was formerly called Assyria.
How old is Damascus?
Findings indicate that Damascus was inhabited as early as 8,000 to 10,000 BC.
How many tourists visit Syria each year?

Before the war in 2011, the country received an average of more than 7 million foreigners between 2009 and 2010.

Is it safe to travel to Syria?
Due to the civil unrest in the country, presently, it is not safe to travel to Syria.
What is the cause of the civil war in Syria?
The civil war in Syria started as a result of the conflict between forces of the Ba’ath government and the forces who want to remove this government.
is it safe to visit damascus?