Canada Visa RequirementsFor Syria passport holders
A Canadian Temporary Resident Visa is required for Syrian passport holders. Approval rates are low and the process involves security screening that can take many months.
Syria passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Submit online at ircc.canada.ca and enroll biometrics at the nearest Visa Application Centre, such as those in Amman, Beirut, Istanbul, or Abu Dhabi. Biometric enrollment must occur within 30 days of receiving the biometric instruction letter.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Biometrics
Required at first application
Current Travel Situation
Syria to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada requires Syrian nationals to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travel. There is no Canadian Embassy in Syria, and applications must be submitted online through the IRCC portal or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in a third country. Canada has received a large number of Syrian refugees since 2015 under government-assisted and privately sponsored programs, but this is separate from the standard tourist or visit visa process.
Syrian TRV applications are subject to extensive security screening, which can extend processing times to 6 months or longer. The IRCC encourages complete, honest applications with all supporting documents. Biometric enrollment is mandatory for Syrian applicants at designated VAC locations.
The Syrian political transition since December 2024 has not materially changed Canadian visa policy for Syrian passport holders. Syrians residing in third countries apply through the VAC serving their place of residence.
Practical Tips
Include a detailed travel history, proof of ties to your current country of residence, financial statements, and a letter of purpose. If visiting family in Canada, a strong invitation letter with proof of the host's status in Canada helps. Prior visa refusals should be disclosed honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Syrian passport holders need a visa for Canada?
Yes, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is required for Syrian nationals traveling to Canada for tourism, business, or family visits. There is no visa on arrival option.
How long does a Canadian visa take to process for Syrian applicants?
Processing can take 6 months or more for Syrian passport holders due to thorough security screening by IRCC. Check current processing times on the IRCC website before applying.
Where can Syrian nationals enroll biometrics for a Canadian visa?
Biometric enrollment is mandatory and must be completed at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Available locations for Syrian applicants include Amman, Beirut, Istanbul, Ankara, and Abu Dhabi. Enrollment must occur within 30 days of receiving the biometric instruction letter.
What is the Canadian TRV fee for Syrian passport holders?
The Canadian Temporary Resident Visa fee is CAD 100 (approximately USD 75). Biometric fees are CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 for a family. Total out-of-pocket costs including VAC service fees are typically USD 120 to USD 160.