United States Visa RequirementsFor Syria passport holders
Syrian citizens require a US non-immigrant visa (typically B-1/B-2) to visit the United States. The process involves an in-person interview at a US Embassy in a third country, as the US Embassy in Damascus has been closed since 2012. Processing can take months and requires strong documentation of ties to home country.
Syria passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply at the nearest accessible US Embassy or Consulate , Amman is a common choice for Syrians. Steps: 1) Complete Form DS-160 online at ceac.state.gov, 2) Pay the $185 non-immigrant visa application fee (MRV fee) at an authorized payment location, 3) Schedule an interview at the US Embassy where you have legal presence, 4) Attend the interview with DS-160, passport, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents: bank statements, employment letters, property documents, family ties showing intent to return to Syria (or your current country of residence), and any family/sponsorship in the US. Administrative processing (additional security checks) is common for Syrian applicants and can add 2–6+ months to processing time.
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
Current Travel Situation
Syria to United States: What You Need to Know
The US Embassy in Damascus has been suspended since 2012. Syrian citizens must apply for a US visa at an American embassy or consulate in a third country where they have legal residency or presence , most commonly Amman (Jordan), Istanbul (Turkey), Cairo (Egypt), or Beirut (Lebanon, though this embassy has limited operations). Syrian passports face heightened scrutiny due to security considerations, and processing often involves administrative processing (AP) which can take several months.
How to Get There
If approved, flights from Amman, Istanbul, Cairo, or Beirut to US cities are available via multiple carriers. Syrian Airways does not serve North American routes. From Amman (AMM), Royal Jordanian flies direct to New York, Chicago, and Detroit. From Istanbul, Turkish Airlines serves over 20 US cities. Middle Eastern hubs (Dubai, Doha) offer connections on Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Money & Banking
The United States uses the US Dollar (USD). ATMs and credit cards are universally available. Currency exchange is available everywhere. The US is generally expensive — budget $100–200+/day for mid-range travel in major cities. Budget options exist through hostels, discount airlines, and self-catering.
Practical Tips
Syrian Americans are one of the older Arab-American communities in the US, with large populations in New Jersey, Dearborn (Michigan), and other cities. Visit family, explore US cities, national parks (Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone), or business destinations. The US is vast , plan your itinerary carefully as distances between major sights can be enormous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Syrians apply for a US visa since the Damascus Embassy is closed?
At US Embassies in third countries where you have legal status , most commonly Amman (Jordan), Istanbul (Turkey), or Cairo (Egypt). You need an appointment and may need to demonstrate legal presence in the country where you apply.
How long does the US visa process take for Syrian citizens?
After the interview, most Syrian applicants face administrative processing (additional security clearance). This can take 2–6+ months. Apply as early as possible , a year or more in advance for time-sensitive travel.
What documents do Syrians need for a US visa interview?
Core documents: valid Syrian passport (or travel document), DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, photo, bank statements, employment/income proof, property ownership, and evidence of strong ties to your country of residence showing you intend to return.
Is administrative processing (AP) common for Syrian US visa applicants?
Yes. Administrative processing , additional security checks , is very common for Syrian passport holders. It is not a denial but adds significant time. Stay patient and do not make non-refundable travel bookings until the visa is approved.
Can Syrian refugees or asylum seekers in other countries apply for a US visa?
Syrian refugees with refugee status or legal residency in Jordan, Turkey, or other countries can apply at US Embassies in those countries. The process is the same , the key requirement is legal presence in the country where you apply.