Muscat – The transitional Syrian government has announced an increase in visa fee for several nationalities, with Omani visitors now required to pay US$150 for a multiple-entry visa.

Earlier, all GCC nationals were exempt from visa requirements.

The visa fee levied now ranges from US$40 to US$350, depending on nationality and type of entry.

A document issued by the Syrian Ministry of Interior last week outlined the revised entry fee, specifying conditions and amount for different nationalities.

According to the official document, citizens of Oman, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey will now pay US$150 for a multiple-entry visa valid for three months. UAE citizens will have to pay US$250, while those from Bahrain will be charged US$125.

Citizens of Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia and Mauritania are exempt from visa requirements and can stay in Syria for up to six months.

The decision marks a notable shift in Syria’s visa policy, which comes amid broader efforts by the new authorities to regulate entry into the country following the political transition.