Syria denies rumours of imposing a "sponsor" on Maghreb citizens
The director of the Immigration and Passports Department confirmed that the news circulated on some pages and websites on social media platforms about the imposition of new measures that require the presence of a "sponsor" for arrivals from Maghreb countries to Syria is not true, according to the state-run SANA news agency.
The director of the department, Brigadier General Othman Hilal, said that these news are "completely untrue and just misleading rumors", noting that decisions related to entry and residency policies "are issued exclusively by the authorized official authorities, and through the fundamental legal channels".
The Director of the Immigration and Passports Department called on citizens and social media users to be accurate and cautious in transmitting information and adopting the official media sources of the Ministry of Interior.
Mechanisms and How Arabs Entered Syria
According to the updates in force until April 2026 on the mechanism and conditions of entry of Arab citizens to Syria, some Arab nationalities are still exempt from visas and fees, while other nationalities are imposed on arrival for a fee set in US dollars, while certain categories require prior security approvals before entering Syrian territory.
The Syrian authorities allow Lebanese citizens to enter for up to 6 months without a fee, and citizens of Jordan and Mauritania are allowed to enter without a prior visa, while the rest of the Arab nationalities are granted a direct entry visa at land and air border crossings, for a fee of about $110 for a single entry valid for three months, and $150 for a six-month multiple-entry visa.
Groups that require prior security approval are highlighted, most notably Palestinians and holders of Jordanian Temporary (T) passports, with the exception of those who prove their residence abroad and hold a return ticket and a sufficient amount of money, and Iraqis residing inside Iraq may need special approvals, while those residing outside Iraq are exempt from some restrictions.
Launch of the e-Visa Platform
In the context of technical facilities, the Syrian government launched on May 1, 2024, the evisa.sy e-Visa platform in cooperation between the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs and Tourism, with the aim of enabling travelers to apply remotely, especially in countries where there are no Syrian embassies.
The Syrian authorities require that the passport be valid for at least 6 months and be free of any Israeli stamps or visas, as they prohibit the entry of any traveler carrying such stamps in accordance with the "Boycott of Israel Law" No. 286 of 1956 and strictly adheres to the Immigration and Passports Department.
The Syrian authorities collect visa fees in cash and US dollars only, as credit cards are not accepted at most ports, and travelers are required to provide a clear residential address within Syria, whether it is a hotel or a private address, when filling out the entry form.