The new Syrian administration has significantly increased visa fees for Iraqi visitors, raising the cost from $50 to $250 for a single-entry visa, according to a document obtained by Shia Waves Agency.
The new visa allows a three-month stay but permits only one entry. In contrast, Omani and Egyptian citizens will pay $150 for a single-entry, three-month visa, while Kuwaiti, Qatari, Saudi, and Turkish citizens will also pay $150, but with multiple entries allowed over three months.
This sharp fee increase for Iraqis, higher than for any other nationality, raises concerns about its impact on visitor numbers. Since the fall of the Syrian regime on December 8 2024, Iraqi visitor numbers have plummeted, leaving hotels in Sayyidah Zainab area empty even during peak pilgrimage seasons.
The fee hike follows a 2024 policy that reduced visa fees from $80 to $50 to attract more visitors. However, the current increase, combined with Syria’s security situation, is expected to further reduce Iraqi tourism to the country.
