Damascus Travel Forum

Canadian traveler wants to enter Syria from Turkey, but where to get visa?

I am interested in a 3 month Turkey, Syria, Lebanon trip starting in October in Istanbul, crossing the border to Syria, and finally Lebanon, before flying out of Beirut in mid-January.

My question about Syria is visa-related. Lebanon is visa-free for Canadians, but Syria requires a pre-arranged visa, which means a Syrian embassy, which means getting a visa at the Syrian embassy in Istanbul, but is that possible? Some countries insist Canadians obtain tourist visas back in Canada, and not in a neighbouring country, obviously that's not an option. I would really like to visit Syria, after Turkey by bus, or train.

Thanks

The border varies with Turkey ,Lebanon and Jordan but it`s highly unlikely that you will be able to obtain an entry visa at the border or from the Syrian Mission in another country you are visiting (be it foreign or another Arab country )especially if a Syrian Diplomatic Mission or a Representative for it is present in your country as well as how tense is the political climate (in general and at the time )between your country and Syria and whether Syrian nationals are being denied visas to your particular country.Check with the Syrian Airlines in Istanbul (regarding both your passports )before you head to the border and be denied an entry visa
Syrian Arab Airlines
Istanbul Sheraton Hotel
Taksim, Istanbul
Tel: (212) 246 17 81
Fax: (212) 231 21 80

Syrian visa issues often come up on this forum . I’d like to shed some more light on this important matter.
Although the official line is to apply for a visa at the Syrian embassy in your country many visitors to Syria obtain a visa on arrival at airport and land borders.
This official line will not change for a good reason. You may be advised by Syrian officials (in your country) to travel to Syria and told that you can get a visa on arrival. This is correct. BUT if you arrive and your passport is found to have an Israeli stamp then you will not be happy to be denied visa and the implications involved that you have to be put on the next plane and sent back to where you came from. You will be angry and outraged at the officials at the very least.
If your passport does not have an Israeli stamp and you are not on the list of undesirable persons to enter Syria then you don’t have to worry about getting a visa as a genuine tourist at an airport or land border.
Enjoy Syria fromdamascushostel

Yes, I am hearing conflicting information, the Syrian embassy in Ottawa, Canada says you must apply for a visa in Canada, or at least at a Syrian mission, which is expensive, and inconvienient. Others says obtaining a visa on arrival at the land border with Turkey is possible, which is preferable. I also have an Iranian passport with me, in case Canadians pay more to enter Syria, I will use my Iranian passport to enter Syria (from Turkey)

Dear friend

i hope you are doing well

I read your request & in brief i recommend to enter Syria with your Iranian Passport as the political relations with Iran in its high

any other information, we are here to help

Aiham Safieh

Ok but is Visa at the border OK for an Iranian entering (from Turkey)?