Getting a tourist visa for Syria in 2026 requires a specific process that usually begins with booking a tour through an authorized Syrian travel agency. Because the Syrian government requires a "security clearance" for almost all Western and international visitors, you cannot simply apply at an embassy in isolation. You must submit a scan of your passport to your chosen tour operator, who then applies for the clearance on your behalf through the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Interior. This process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once the security clearance is approved, you will receive a code or document that allows you to collect and pay for your visa either at a Syrian embassy in your home country or directly at the land border (usually coming from Beirut, Lebanon). Note that in 2026, travelers with any evidence of a visit to Israel (stamps or even stickers on the back of the passport) will be strictly denied entry to Syria.