BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello,

Does anyone know what the current status is for Americans trying to get a Syrian visa outside their home country?

I have heard of a few possibilites. One couple seems to have been able to get their visa a the border with Lebanon. Another somehow extended their tourist visa in Cairo and was able to use that to gain temporary residence status in Egypt which they used to apply for the Syrian visa in Cairo. Is there any other way for Americans currently traveling abroad to get a visa for Syria, especially a multiple entry visa? Thanks

If you're not really a resident of another country, it's all going to come down to luck, particularly how good of a mood the Syrian representative you talk to is in.

By the rules, you must get your visa in your country of residency. Of course, this being the middle east, rules are frequently bent or broken, but there's no sure-fire way to do it.

If I were you, I'd go to the nearest Syrian embassy and at least ask, the worst they can do is turn you down.

And your sources are right - the Americans I've heard of getting their visas at the border all entered through Lebanon.

Istanbul is the best place if you aren't in your home country. Also Athens apparently gives the visa out. It's 120 USD I believe in Instanbul and it's basically the only country you're guaranteed to get it from.