Syria
United States
United States visa for Syrian citizens
Entry requirement
Syrian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
- Where to apply
- 2 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at sy.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Syria
All missions of the United States in Syria
The United States has 2 missions in Syria, with its embassy in Damascus.
US visas issued to citizens of Syria
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 4,415 | 3,178 |
| Student (F, M) | 250 | 160 |
| Exchange (J) | 188 | 126 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 148 | 91 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 9 | 9 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 124 | 150 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 347 | 267 |
| Total | 5,481 | 3,981 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 45.8% | 50.7% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 3,981 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Syria, the 114th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 80%, fiancé(e) visas 7% and student visas 4%. That is 27% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (5,481).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Syria received 697, 64% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 50.7% for citizens of Syria in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 45.8%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Syria anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Syria.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Syria
United StatesSyria e-Visa Syria visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from Syria to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Syrian citizens can stay in the United States
How long Syrian citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Syrian citizens apply
In Syria, applications go to the US embassy in Damascus, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Syrian citizens
Canada, Mexico and Cuba require Syrian citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Syria
US citizens need an e-Visa for Syria, applied for online before travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do Syrian citizens need a visa for the United States?
Syrian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Where is the US embassy in Syria?
The US embassy in Syria is in Damascus.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Syria?
US citizens need an e-Visa for Syria, applied for online before travel.
Can Syrian citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Syrian citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.