In a move that stirred public debate, Syrian authorities have imposed new visa fees on Libyan citizens, setting the charge at $75. Meanwhile, Libya’s Government of National Unity has issued a decision to exempt Syrian nationals residing in Libya from all residency-related fees and penalties until December 31, 2025.
Syria’s Visa Classifications
The Syrian decision, issued in February 2025, introduced a tiered visa fee system for Arab countries, with charges ranging from $40 to $250. Libyans were placed in the $75 category, while the highest fee—$250—was applied to citizens of Iraq and the UAE. Tunisia was notably absent from the list, and citizens of Lebanon, Jordan, and Mauritania were fully exempt.
Syrian authorities explained that the fees reflect a new policy of categorizing countries based on nationality and bilateral relations. The visa is payable at entry points, airports, and border crossings, in U.S. dollars or its equivalent.
Libya’s Exemption for Syrians
In contrast, Libya’s recent decision grants Syrian residents full exemption from residency fees and accumulated penalties, which in some cases reach 500 Libyan dinars per month of delay.
The move responds to the legal and living challenges faced by Syrians in Libya, especially due to delays in renewing residency and the absence of full consular representation.
The exemption followed a visit by a Syrian Foreign Ministry delegation to Tripoli, during which both sides agreed to regularize the legal status of Syrians, offer passport renewal and travel document services, and prepare for the reopening of the Syrian embassy in Tripoli and a consulate in Benghazi.
Official Reactions
Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Libya’s decision, describing it as a reflection of the deep historical ties between the two peoples and a humanitarian gesture to improve conditions for the Syrian community in Libya.
In a related development, Egyptian authorities announced in June that Syrians residing in Egypt and wishing to return home would be exempt from residency renewal fines for three months.
Legal Disparities
The contrasting decisions by Syria and Libya have prompted questions among activists about the principle of reciprocity, especially given the clear differences in how each country treats the other’s citizens.
