Once I start preparing for a trip, I know it's really going to happen. So, as of today, my summer trip is really going to happen, because I sent off my application for a Syrian visa. While Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey—my other summer destinations—will allow American tourists to purchase visas on arrival for a small fee, Syria will only grant entry to tourists who have acquired visas in their country of origin.
At least, that's the official line. Friends of mine have simply shown up at the Syrian border, paid $16 and about five hours of their time, and received a visa. It should be noted that a significant number of people who try this are turned away. Some travelers say they have managed to acquire visas at the Syrian embassies in Cairo or Istanbul, even though their official policy is that foreigners seeking visas there are SOL. Despite the up-front hassle and massive price difference—a Syrian visa granted by the DC Embassy costs $131—I decided to play it safe. Fedex is now in possession of my money and my passport. Let's hope the latter gets home safely! Now that everything is in the envelope and on the way, I'm not only paranoid about my passport, but worried that I've filled something out incorrectly and I'll have to go through the whole process all over again.
Allegedly the embassy's turnaround is only a week. Here's hoping!
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