Syria has ended a temporary rule that required Americans to get advance approval before entering the country. Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Yaqoub al-Omar said Friday, Nov. 13, that the government restored the previous entry procedures for U.S. and British citizens. The U.S. State Department continues to advise Americans against traveling to Syria for any reason.
Al-Omar gave the update in a statement to Syria’s state news agency. The extra clearance was a temporary Interior Ministry requirement. Al-Omar said the change applies to Americans and Britons. Entry rules for people traveling on other passports follow the existing procedures.
What the change means for U.S. passport holders
Visa rules still apply. The State Department says Syrian authorities may issue tourist visas to Americans arriving at Damascus International Airport or at land crossings from Lebanon or Jordan. It says people seeking other types of visas must apply before arrival at a Syrian diplomatic mission in their country of residence. The department’s country page has the current U.S. guidance on entry, visas and dual citizenship.
The Syrian announcement describes the national rule. It gives no timetable for individual airlines or border posts to reflect the change in their procedures.
The U.S. travel warning stays in place
The State Department keeps Syria at Level 4, its highest travel advisory, citing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking and armed conflict. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in 2012, and the U.S. government says it cannot provide routine or emergency consular services inside Syria. The Czech Embassy in Damascus serves as the U.S. protecting power and handles a limited set of emergency services for Americans already in the country.
