Syria

Capital: Damascus (DAM)
Dialing Code: + 963
Time Zone: UTC/GMT +2 hours
Daylight Savings Time: Last Friday of Mar - last Friday of October: UTC/GMT +3 hours
Language: Arabic. French, English and Kurdish are widely spoken
Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP)

Travel Tips

Travellers with Israeli or Palestinian stamps in their passports will not be granted entry into Syria
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated
As this is a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative: men should wear long pants, and women should keep their arms and legs covered
Respect to religious customs should be shown during the month of Ramadan. Smoking is prohibited during daylight hours during Ramadan
Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans

Last updated 10 September 2026

Foreign Representation in South Africa

963 Francis Baard Street, Arcadia, 0083
Telephone: (012) 342-4701
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 15:00
E-mail: syriaemb@telkomsa.net

Public Holidays

Jan: 1
Mar: 18, 20 - 21
Apr: 5, 12, 17
May: 1, 27
Jun: 17
Aug: 26
Dec: 8, 25

Visa Requirements

2 Application forms filled out completely and accurately.
2 passport size photographs (colour / white background)
Proof of hotel accommodation
Original valid passport (min.validity of 6 months, with at least one blank page)
Recent HIV test results compulsory from a laboratory
Airticket reservation (Ticket to be paid for AFTER visa has been approved)

Note: Credit cards are accepted only at some shops and hotels. Travellers cheques cannot be cashed

Payment for the visa should be made only after you have confirmed with the Embassy that your visa has been approved

For other passport holders, please contact the Consular section directly for visa fees

Visa Processing Time

6 - 8 weeks (depending on authorization from Syria)

Visa Cost

Single entry: USD50.00
Confirm exchange rate with the Embassy at time of payment once visa has been approved (for the ZAR amount)

Visa Forms

Health / Vaccinations

South African Representative Abroad

7 Jadet Kouraish, Al-Ghazaoui Street, West Mezzeh, Damascus
Tel: + 9 63 11 6135 1520
E-mail: consular.damascus@dirco.gov.za