A small souvenir, an old banknote or an object that appears historic may seem harmless. At a Syrian border crossing, however, it could lead to a lengthy inspection and prevent a traveller from continuing their journey.
The General Authority for Ports and Customs has advised all passengers travelling through Syria’s land borders, airports and seaports to avoid carrying:
- Old banknotes or outdated currency.
- Antiques and old collectibles.
- Any object that could be suspected of having archaeological value.
The warning was issued to help travellers avoid delays and possible legal or customs procedures.
What happens when an object raises suspicion?
Customs officers do not make the final decision about whether an object is genuinely archaeological.
When an item raises suspicion, customs officials must prepare an official report and refer it to Syria’s Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums. Specialists then examine the object to determine its nature, age and possible value.
The traveller may not be allowed to complete the journey until customs receives an official response from the antiquities authority. According to the announcement, this process may take around ten days or longer, depending on the circumstances of the case.
This means that even when an object eventually proves to be an ordinary souvenir, the passenger could still miss a flight or remain unable to cross the border while waiting for the inspection to be completed.
What should tourists be careful with?
The customs announcement does not provide a complete list of prohibited objects. The concern is not limited to confirmed antiquities; it also includes possessions that simply appear old enough to require examination.
As a practical precaution, visitors should be careful with items such as:
- Old or withdrawn Syrian banknotes kept as souvenirs.
- Antique-looking coins or metal objects.
- Pieces of pottery, stone or mosaic.
- Old manuscripts, documents or books.
- Archaeological-looking reproductions that are not clearly marked as modern.
- Objects purchased from antique shops or informal sellers.
- Stones or fragments collected near archaeological sites.
This is not an official list from the customs authority. These are examples of objects that could reasonably attract attention because their age or origin may not be immediately clear.
Visitors should never remove stones, pottery fragments or other materials from archaeological sites, even when they appear abandoned or insignificant.
Can tourists still buy souvenirs?
The warning does not mean that travellers should stop buying ordinary Syrian handicrafts.
Modern products such as damask textiles, soap, woodwork, jewellery, ceramics and decorative items are not the main subject of the announcement. Nevertheless, it is sensible to buy from established shops and keep the receipt until leaving Syria.
When purchasing something that deliberately looks antique, ask the seller to confirm that it is a modern reproduction. A written receipt describing the item may be helpful, although it cannot guarantee that customs will not inspect it.
Avoid buying anything that a seller describes as ancient, archaeological, recently discovered or originating from a historical site.
What about old Syrian banknotes?
There is an important distinction between using old currency inside Syria and carrying it through a border.
The Central Bank of Syria has confirmed that the old Syrian currency remains valid for ordinary payments until the end of 30 July 2026. After that date, the old notes will lose their legal-tender status, although holders will retain the right to exchange them through the Central Bank during a five-year withdrawal period under procedures to be announced.
However, the customs authority has separately advised travellers not to carry old currency through Syrian border points.
Tourists should therefore use or exchange their remaining old banknotes before departure rather than keeping them as souvenirs in their wallet or luggage.
Before leaving Syria
We recommend checking wallets, bags, coat pockets and travel documents before heading to the airport or border.
Make sure that you are not carrying:
- Old Syrian notes that you no longer need.
- Coins or objects purchased as antiques.
- Unidentified stones, fragments or pottery.
- Gifts whose age or origin you do not know.
- Items that someone else has asked you to transport.
When uncertain about an object, show it to your guide before departure. It is much easier to leave a questionable item behind than to resolve the issue after reaching customs.
A simple precaution that could prevent a major delay
The announcement should not cause unnecessary concern. Most visitors carrying normal personal belongings and modern souvenirs are unlikely to face a problem.
The important point is to avoid anything that could reasonably be mistaken for old currency, an antiquity or an archaeological object. A few minutes spent checking luggage before departure could prevent a delay lasting several days.
Syrian Guides will inform its travellers about this instruction before airport and border transfers and can help review any unusual souvenirs when necessary.