Syria

The Land of History
and Hospitality

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Syria, a country in the Middle East, is renowned for its rich historical heritage, diverse landscapes, and complex geopolitical situation. Home to iconic landmarks like the ancient city of Damascus, the ruins of Palmyra, and the Krak des Chevaliers fortress, Syria offers a unique blend of historical wonders and natural beauty. The country's geography ranges from the Mediterranean coast to the Euphrates River valley, with landscapes including fertile plains, mountains, and deserts.

Syrian culture is a vibrant mix of Arab, Kurdish, and other influences, reflected in its art, music, and cuisine featuring dishes like kibbeh and shawarma. Known for its ancient civilizations, including the Ebla and Ugarit, and as a cradle of Christianity and Islam, Syria presents a captivating destination steeped in history and cultural significance, despite ongoing political challenges

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Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Syria.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay in Syria (6 months recommended due to inconsistent enforcement).

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, and Malaysia can enter Syria with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, per recent transitional government updates.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from all other nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to entering Syria, typically through a Syrian diplomatic mission or approved tour operator due to limited embassy services.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a Syrian visa or ETA is still required.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless from visa-exempt countries; however, they may enter with a pre-arranged visa for up to 90 days within 180 days.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry unless from visa-exempt countries; a visa or ETA is required.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter Syria using only a national ID card; a passport is mandatory for all travelers due to strict border controls.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 5 years (e.g., for Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia with a $150 fee for multiple-entry).
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days (e.g., work, study). Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit with approval from Syrian immigration authorities.

Important Links

  • Official Syrian e-Visa application portal: [Not fully operational as of March 2025; check with Syrian authorities or tour operators]
  • Visa regime information: https://mofa.gov.sy/ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, transitional government site under development)
  • Immigration services: [Limited online presence; contact nearest Syrian embassy or consulate]

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays for exempt countries are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period; others require pre-approval with variable stays (e.g., 15 days for some nationalities with a $50 fee).
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; special permissions are needed for journalism or humanitarian work due to security concerns. Travel to conflict zones (e.g., Idlib) may require additional clearance.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Syria may reintroduce measures like mandatory health declarations or vaccination proof amid infrastructure recovery.
Driving Menu

Driving in Syria

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Syria has no operational toll roads due to ongoing reconstruction efforts post-conflict. Major routes like the M5 Highway (Damascus to Aleppo) and M1 Highway (Damascus to Jordan border) are in use but not tolled, though checkpoints may impose informal fees.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Not applicable; no formal toll roads exist yet. Checkpoints may demand cash payments (Syrian Pounds, SYP) varying unpredictably by location and authority. For updates, visit the Ministry of Transport website when operational: http://mot.gov.sy/ (under development).

Driving in Syria

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, though enforcement is inconsistent.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 110 km/h (e.g., M5 Highway, where passable)
  • Road conditions vary; major highways like M5 are being repaired but remain hazardous due to war damage, potholes, and checkpoints. Rural roads (e.g., near Homs or Deir ez-Zor) are often unpaved or obstructed by debris.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, though acceptance depends on local authorities; a temporary Syrian permit may be required from the Ministry of Interior.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Syria is not considering a vignette system; road use is currently free but monitored by security forces. Check http://mot.gov.sy/ for future updates.
  • Road Safety: Driving is challenging due to damaged infrastructure, aggressive drivers, and risks from unexploded ordnance or banditry, especially at night or in rural areas.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable due to conflict-related disruptions; keep an updated physical map as a backup, especially outside Damascus or Aleppo.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (effectiveness varies by region).

Useful Links

  • Ministry of Transport: http://mot.gov.sy/ (limited functionality as of 2025)
  • Ministry of Interior: https://moi.gov.sy/ (under reconstruction)
  • Syria Tourism (transitional): [Limited official site; check travel advisories]
Currency Menu

Syria Currency

The official currency of Syria is the Syrian Pound (SYP).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 SYP
  • Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 SYP
  • Symbol: £S or ل.س (often written as SYP)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports (e.g., Damascus International Airport), and informal money changers in major cities like Damascus and Aleppo; official rates are controlled, but black-market rates are common.
  • ATMs are limited and unreliable in urban areas due to sanctions and infrastructure damage; cash (USD or EUR) is recommended.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas and markets (e.g., Souq al-Hamidiyya in Damascus).
  • Credit/debit cards are rarely accepted due to international sanctions; usable only in select hotels or businesses in Damascus.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use is minimal.
  • Carry ample cash (USD/EUR) for all transactions, as rural areas lack banking services; exchange cautiously due to fluctuating rates.
  • Check for currency conversion fees if cards are accepted; the SYP is volatile (e.g., 1 USD ≈ 13,000 SYP on the black market as of early 2025).
  • For current exchange rates, visit informal sources or local news, as the Central Bank of Syria site http://www.cbssyria.sy/ is limited.
Laws Menu

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Syria

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Syria, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences or execution in extreme cases; even small quantities can lead to severe charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol is restricted in public; consumption is tolerated in private or licensed venues in Damascus but frowned upon elsewhere.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces; enforcement varies by region.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing political issues (e.g., the civil war, Assad regime, or sectarian divides) due to heightened tensions. Respect Islamic customs, especially in conservative areas.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties including imprisonment; public displays of affection may attract severe consequences or social backlash.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, checkpoints, and critical infrastructure (e.g., dams, airports); always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially in sensitive areas.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits (subject to strict scrutiny at entry).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, Israeli goods or stamps, and materials deemed anti-Syrian or religiously offensive.
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Damascus International Airport), though processing is slow.

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to local authorities or transitional tourism offices (formal structure pending).

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., Latakia coast) must allow free access within 2.5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated but rarely implemented due to war damage.

Key Resources

  • Transitional Tourism Office: [Limited official presence; check travel advisories]
Safety Menu

Syria Travel Safety

Syria’s safety profile remains volatile despite stabilization efforts, with risks from conflict remnants and infrastructure challenges. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Syria.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets (e.g., Aleppo’s souqs) or transport hubs. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon but heightened in unstable regions (e.g., Idlib).
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Syria is cautiously reopening, with hospitality common in controlled areas like Damascus. Female travelers should dress conservatively and avoid isolated areas at night due to potential harassment or security risks.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving is challenging due to damaged roads, aggressive drivers, and frequent checkpoints demanding bribes or detaining travelers.
    • Avoid night driving in mountainous or rural areas (e.g., near Hama) due to poor visibility and conflict remnants.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory but rarely enforced outside cities.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled water (ensure seals are intact).
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; street food (e.g., shawarma) is risky without hygiene assurance.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against leishmaniasis and rare malaria cases in rural areas (e.g., Euphrates Valley).
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Mount Hermon at 2,814m). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated if hiking.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like Al-Shami Hospital in Damascus offer basic care; rural areas (e.g., Raqqa) lack advanced facilities, often requiring evacuation to Lebanon or Jordan.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities but stock shortages are common; carry essential medications.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation due to limited rural care and conflict risks.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works sporadically for police, ambulance, fire).
  • Ambulance: 110 | Fire: 113 | Police: 112 (response varies by region).
  • Tourist Police (Damascus): Limited; contact local authorities or embassies.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 with a local driver for rural/mountainous areas (e.g., Qalamoun); check insurance coverage and security updates.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for trails (e.g., near Palmyra, if safe); avoid due to unexploded ordnance risks unless cleared.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid political discussions; respect religious customs (e.g., modest dress near mosques).
  • Air Quality: Pollution can be high in Damascus due to reconstruction; monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

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Flying to Syria