Important news if you hold a US passport: Americans can no longer enter Syria with a simple visa on arrival. As of November 11, 2026, US citizens need a pre-approval visa before they travel, and the approval can take up to one month. Syria Scope Travel Agency is here to help you understand what changed, the history behind it, and the two best ways to arrange your Syria visa today.

What Changed on November 11, 2026

On November 11, 2026, Syria reinstated the pre-approval requirement for US passport holders. The visa on arrival option no longer applies to Americans. Instead, every US traveler must arrange approval before departure, and the process can take up to one month. Therefore, if you are planning a trip, start your visa application early.

Can EU Citizens Get a Visa on Arrival in Syria?

Yes, citizens of EU member states, along with nationals of all other unrestricted countries, can still obtain a visa on arrival in Syria without prior approval or additional requirements. The recent change applies specifically to US passport holders. While the exact reason for this change has not been officially confirmed, it may be related to a request or policy decision by the US government.

On November 12, Syria Scope Travel welcomed two tourists from Brazil who successfully obtained their visas on arrival in Syria.

Nationalities Not Eligible for a Syria Visa on Arrival

Afghanistan – Bangladesh – Belarus – China – Hong Kong – ​India – Indonesia – Iran – Iraq – Lebanon – Pakistan – Philippines – Sri Lanka – Thailand – Taiwan – USA – Yemen – Russia – Serbia – Slovenia – All African Countries

The Two Best Ways to Get Your Syria Visa

First, and easiest: book your trip with a licensed travel agency like ours. We handle the pre-approval process for you, from the paperwork to the confirmation, so you do not face the system alone. This is the option most American visitors choose, because it also covers your guide, transport, and itinerary.

Second, you can apply through the Syrian Embassy in the United States, which reopened in Washington in April 2026. The embassy processes visa applications directly, so this route works well if you prefer to arrange things yourself. However, you will still need a local partner like Syria Scope Travel on the ground for guidance, which is required for foreign visitors.

A Short History of the Syria Visa for Americans

Under the Assad regime, the rules for Americans were strict. There was no visa on arrival at all. Every US traveler needed a pre-approval visa, arranged in advance through a licensed tour operator or the Syrian mission. The process was slow, and waiting times could reach a full month before approval arrived, and the reason was tit for tat.

After the fall of the regime in December 2024, everything opened up. Syria introduced visa on arrival for many nationalities, and Americans were among the travelers who benefited. For almost two years, US citizens could enter Syria with much less paperwork, and the country welcomed its first American visitors in years.

Plan Your Trip with Syria Scope Travel

The new rule does not mean Americans cannot visit Syria. It means you need one extra step and one month of patience. Syria remains open, welcoming, and ready for American travelers, from the souqs of Damascus to the ruins of Palmyra. Start your visa process today, and let us handle the rest.
Contact us to book your Syria tour, and we will arrange your approval, your guide, and every detail of your trip.

For more information about Syria, please get in touch with us today! Alternatively, check out our extensive range of group Syria tours.

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Post Author

Ayoub Al Smadi

Ayoub boasts over Seven years of tour guiding and tour operator expertise. he has a master’s degree in planning and managing sustainable tourism development, and his cheerful, vibrant personality makes every moment with him fly by unnoticed.