Syria rolls back new entry restrictions on US, British citizens after Americans report being turned away

Syria has reversed a temporary requirement for American and British citizens to obtain prior approval before entering the country, restoring the earlier entry procedures following controversy over reports that US travellers were being denied entry at border crossings.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Friday, November 13, saying that the requirement for advance clearance had been withdrawn and that entry procedures for citizens of the two countries had returned to their previous arrangements.

Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Mohammad Yaqoub al-Omar told the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency that the prior approval requirement had been introduced as a temporary measure. He did not explain why the restriction had been imposed or why it was withdrawn. Al-Omar added that entry procedures for citizens of other countries remained unchanged.

The reversal came a day after videos circulated on social media showing American travellers claiming they had been refused entry into Syria. The reports raised questions about whether Damascus had introduced fresh restrictions on foreign visitors.

On Thursday, Mazen Alloush, director of international relations and cooperation at Syria's General Authority for Ports and Customs, confirmed that US citizens had recently been added to a list of nationalities requiring advance approval from the Interior Ministry. Alloush said that while visas were issued at border crossings, citizens of certain countries were required to obtain clearance from the relevant authorities before travelling. He clarified that the General Authority for Ports and Customs was responsible for implementing Interior Ministry instructions and did not decide which nationalities were subject to the additional requirement.

Syrian authorities did not disclose how long the restriction had remained in force or explain why British citizens were also included in the reversal.

Before the temporary restriction, US citizens could obtain a visa on arrival at Damascus International Airport or at designated land border crossings. The new requirement for advance approval created uncertainty for American travellers, particularly those who had already planned trips to the country. The US State Department's travel information has said that American citizens can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival for approximately $200 at Damascus airport or land crossings with Jordan and Lebanon. Travellers should nevertheless check the latest entry requirements before departure.