Hi,
I have the IAMI trip booked for this August, but am currently travelling in Africa already and will not be returning home before I am to arrive for this trip. The problem I currently have is around the Syrian visa. As a Canadian citizen, do I need one before I arrive at the airport in Damascus (as I will be flying in) or can I get one on arrival? If I need one in advance, where can I get one? Or can you aid me in the visa process so I can apply for one and get it stamped in to my passport on arrival?
Please let me know.
Syrian Visa - how and where to get for Canadian traveller already in Africa
Syrian visa for Canadian traveller
Hello rgosling,
Many thanks for posting on the forums. I confirm that as a Canadian passport holder you will need to get a Syrian visa before you arrive in the country. Here is some text from the Canadian Foreign Affairs official website:
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=283000#...
"The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Syrian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic and its consulates for up-to-date information.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Syria. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Canadians who are not Arab nationals must obtain a visa from the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic or one of its consulates prior to departure. Visas cannot be issued at border points for these travellers.
Canadians citizens who are also Arab nationals are advised to contact the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic to verify if they require a visa, as regulations are subject to change.
Canadians have been denied entry into Syria because their passports bore: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel)."
They also provide a link for locating embassies in Canada, at this website:
http://w01.international.gc.ca/Protocol-Protocole/Missions.aspx?lang=eng
The contact details for the Syrian embassy in Canada are as follows:
151 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5H3, Canada Telephone (613) 569-5556 Fax (613) 569-3800 Internet www.syrianembassy.ca - syrianembassy@on.aibn.com
I would recommend contacting them to check how to obtain your Syrian visa whilst travelling; it may be that you can get it at another embassy en route.
Unfortunately Imaginative Traveller aren't able to get any kind of pre-approval or visas on arrival, however I hope the information above is of use and will help you.
Best wishes for your extended trip!
Regards
Kelly