In order to receive more international tourists, the Syrian government has launched the electronic visa, which will make the visa application process easier.
According to SANA, the Official Syrian news agency, electronic visas are available as of May 1 and foreigners now are not required to go to a Syrian embassy or consulate abroad to obtain such a visa, VisaGuide.World reports.
The Ministry of Tourism, in coordination with the Ministry of Communications and Technology – the Syrian Telecommunications Company, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, is pleased to inform fellow Syrian citizens, Arab citizens, and foreigners of the launch of the e-Visa service, as of May 1, 2024.
Syrian E-Visa Initiative to Have Economic & Political Impact, Analyst Points Out
While the initiative is perceived as positive, some believe that it might benefit only certain categories and not the nation as a whole.
According to Firas Shaabo, an economic analyst in Syria, the launch of electronic visas will impact the country economically, strengthening its treasury by generating more revenues in tourism – a sector that is heavily dominated by Bashar al-Assad supporters who have hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities.
Shabbo pointed out that another impact that e-visa initiatives can have is political, sending the message that Syria’s tourism economic and social life is back to its natural state, aiming to encourage tourism activity despite there being an obvious lack of infrastructure.
The same points out that the announcement is ‘just media talk’ since the service is still not available for applying and that the country is not capable of handling processing visas electronically.
Syria’s Effort to Earn Foreign Currency Evident in Latest Tourism Fees
In 2023, the Syrian Ministry of Finance imposed a new fee, which obligated foreign vehicles entering the country to pay a $100 fee for a temporary visit, valid for a period of two weeks. Jordanian and Lebanese vehicle plates are excluded from the requirement. The amount is double the price ($200) for vehicles that have been in the country for up to four months.
Currently, $1 is equivalent to SYP 13,001.9, meaning that the Syrian currency is one of the weakest in the world. Based on the United Nations Operational Rates of Exchange, the Syrian Pound is the eighth weakest currency in the world compared to the US dollar.
By improving its reputation, Syria aims to gain more tourists and generate more revenues, as tourism in the country has been declining, especially since 2011, when the war began.