Travellers do visit Syria, but security conditions vary by area and can change quickly. No tour operator can guarantee safety. We assess the planned route, local conditions and access before and during each trip, and may adjust or cancel visits when necessary. Read your government’s current travel advice before deciding to travel. The UK FCDO currently advises against all travel to Syria, which can affect insurance and consular support. Contact us to discuss your dates and route.

Avoid active conflict areas, military installations, unauthorised border areas and places closed by the authorities. Unexploded ordnance remains a risk: do not enter abandoned buildings or leave established routes to explore ruins or countryside on your own. A place appearing in a tour description does not guarantee access on your travel dates.

Requirements depend on your nationality, entry arrangements and intended destinations. Do not assume that permission to enter gives unrestricted access throughout the country. A local guide can help with route planning, checkpoints, language and cultural context. We will explain the arrangements for your booking before you travel.

Yes, you can enquire about a private trip or join a scheduled group tour on your own. We will explain room options and any single supplement before you book. Women do not generally need to wear a headscarf in everyday settings, although religious sites may require one. A female guide can be requested, subject to availability.

Spring and autumn are often comfortable for walking tours and archaeological sites. Summer can be very hot inland, especially around Palmyra and exposed ruins. Winter offers a different atmosphere in the cities, but Damascus and inland areas can be cold, with rain and occasional snow at higher elevations. Choose dates around both your route and the experiences you want. For monthly temperatures, seasonal advice and live city forecasts, visit our Weather in Syria guide.

Expect regional differences: the coast is more humid, inland cities have greater day-to-night temperature changes, and mountain areas are cooler. Bring layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a reusable bag for daily essentials. In winter, bring a warm coat and rain protection. Check the forecast for each overnight stop shortly before departure. For monthly temperatures, seasonal advice and live city forecasts, visit our Weather in Syria guide.

About a week can cover several of the main highlights at a steady pace; 10 to 13 days allows more time for the coast, smaller towns and local experiences. A short Damascus stay is also possible. Tell us whether you prefer history, photography, food, religious heritage or everyday life, and we will suggest a realistic itinerary. Our Syria Travel Guide offers more practical advice as you plan.

Most foreign visitors need a visa, but exemptions and approval requirements depend on nationality, passport type and entry route. Send us your nationality, travel dates and intended arrival and departure points before booking flights. Dual nationals and travellers with unusual travel documents should tell us at the start. See our Syria visa guide for background; we confirm the requirements for your individual trip.

Advance approval may be needed, and airlines can require supporting documents before boarding. Tell us your airline, departure airport and any connections well in advance. Do not rely on another traveller’s boarding experience, even if they hold the same passport. Wait for confirmation of your own requirements and choose flexible or refundable tickets while approval is pending.

Visa on arrival is available for eligible travellers using certain land routes, but it is not a blanket exemption from approval requirements. Nationality, passport details and the crossing you use can affect the process. We check the arrangements for guests travelling with us before confirming their transfer. You must also meet Lebanon’s or Jordan’s own entry and transit requirements, including any return journey.

For guests booking a complete package with accommodation, transport and a guide, we explain the documents required and arrange the relevant approval process where applicable. We do not provide a standalone visa or security-clearance service. Our assistance does not guarantee approval, airline boarding or entry; the authorities and airline make those decisions.

There is no single processing time for every passport. Some applications take around a week, while cases requiring additional checks can take several weeks or longer. Contact us as early as possible, ideally at least six weeks before travel if your case may need extra clearance. We will give you the current estimate for your application; estimates are not guaranteed deadlines.

The fee depends on your nationality, visa category and number of entries. Visa assistance and the government visa fee are separate: assistance may be included in your package, while the visa fee is normally paid separately unless your quotation says otherwise. Ask us to confirm the amount and payment requirements for your route before departure. Our visa fee guide provides background, but fees should be reconfirmed for your travel dates.

Bring the original passport used for your booking and approval, any required approval document, your itinerary and accommodation details, and the confirmed visa fee in cash. Keep offline copies of your documents and our contact details. Check passport validity and blank-page requirements with us and your airline, including those of any transit country.

Yes. Israeli citizenship and passport evidence of travel to Israel can affect eligibility or lead to refusal. Certain land-border stamps from neighbouring countries may also raise questions. Tell us about relevant citizenships and stamps before booking so we can check your case. Do not assume a visa approval overrides entry restrictions.

Do not choose a transit visa solely because your trip is shorter than 15 days. Eligibility, permitted stay and entry and exit conditions depend on the visa issued and your route. Send us your complete itinerary so we can check the appropriate category. The conditions on your issued visa and the authorities’ instructions take precedence.

Expect immigration formalities and entry and exit records at Syrian borders and airports. We cannot promise entry without a stamp. If a stamp could affect later travel, check the entry rules of your next destination before booking.

A private tour is arranged around your dates, interests and preferred pace. A group tour has published departure dates and an itinerary shared with other travellers. Compare the specific tour page or quotation for the price, accommodation, meals, transfers and group size.

Your tour page and written quotation are the reference for inclusions. Packages can include accommodation, a guide, transport, entrance fees, meals, transfers and visa assistance, but these are not identical across all tours. Check separately for flights, government visa fees, dinners, tips, insurance and single supplements. Ask us if any item is unclear before confirming.

Send us your preferred dates or tour, nationality, number of travellers, room preference and arrival and departure points through our contact page or WhatsApp. We will confirm availability, explain the entry process and send the booking steps and payment terms. A conversation or quotation alone does not confirm a reservation.

We confirm all payment arrangements in writing before you book. Our standard deposit is 30% when an advance deposit is requested and a verified payment method is available; some confirmed tours currently do not require advance payment. Cash on arrival may be arranged. Online card payment is not guaranteed. If a deposit is collected, the published cancellation timetable applies, including the 48-hour free-cancellation window when the tour starts at least 30 days later. Read the full payment and cancellation policy and follow only payment instructions confirmed directly by Syrian Guides.

Single rooms can be requested, subject to availability and a supplement. On some group departures we may be able to arrange a room share, but a suitable roommate is not guaranteed. Tell us your preference before booking, and we will confirm the options and any extra cost in writing.

We choose accommodation for location, comfort and character, according to the package booked. Examples include Via Recta or Beit Al-Mamluka in Old Damascus, Riga Palace in Aleppo and Villa Rosa in the Al-Mishtaya area, or suitable alternatives. A named hotel is only confirmed when included in your final arrangements. See our accommodation guide for an introduction.

We select hotels with practical comfort in mind, but services and backup arrangements differ by property. Tell us if reliable electricity, heating, air conditioning, step-free access or internet is essential for you so we can check the specific hotel. Infrastructure interruptions can still occur, and Wi-Fi should not be treated as a guaranteed connection for work.

Hotel policies and documentation requirements can differ, particularly where one or both guests are Syrian nationals. Tell us your situation before booking so we can check with the property. Do not assume that every hotel accepts the same arrangements; some may request a civil marriage certificate.

We can discuss a private itinerary with shorter walks, more breaks and suitable transport, but many old-city lanes, castles and archaeological sites have stairs, cobbles or uneven ground. Step-free access and accessible bathrooms are limited. Tell us about mobility needs, walking limits and any wheelchair dimensions before booking so we can assess each stop honestly.

Tell us your preferred language and any guide preference when enquiring. We will check availability rather than assume it is guaranteed. You can meet our guides on the team page. For specialist interests such as religious heritage, architecture or photography, describe what you would like to focus on.

The best route depends on your nationality, current flights and entry requirements. Guests may consider flights to Damascus or Aleppo, or a land transfer via Lebanon or Jordan when the relevant crossing is operating and they are eligible to use it. Send us your proposed route before purchasing tickets so we can check how it fits your tour.

Check current availability directly with airlines for Damascus and Aleppo on your exact dates. Routes, schedules and airport operations can change, so an old airline list is not a reliable booking guide. Confirm baggage rules, transit requirements and the documents needed to board. Keep enough flexibility for disruption and check our travel news for relevant updates.

Yes, transfers can be arranged as part of your trip. Tell us your pickup location, arrival details, luggage and onward plans. Check whether the transfer is included in your particular package. Border queues and road conditions vary, so journey times are estimates; allow a generous buffer before an international flight.

Transport depends on the itinerary and number of travellers, from a private car to a minibus or larger coach. Your quotation will explain the arrangements. Tell us in advance about bulky luggage, mobility equipment or child-seat requirements so we can check suitability.

Buses serve a number of intercity routes, while taxis are useful for local journeys. Routes, timetables, booking methods and fares should be checked locally. Public transport does not necessarily reach remote monuments or fit a sightseeing schedule. For taxis, agree on the fare or confirm the pricing method before setting off.

Some journeys involve checkpoints, and delays can vary. Carry your passport and any required travel documents, follow your guide’s instructions and do not photograph checkpoints or security personnel. Travel days can be longer than map estimates suggest, so we plan breaks and may adjust the order of visits.

Syria currently uses UTC+3 throughout the year. Lebanon can be one hour behind in winter, so always confirm whether a cross-border pickup is quoted in Beirut time or Damascus time. Use the time written in your transfer confirmation.

The local currency is the Syrian pound (SYP), also called the lira. Bring enough cash for your confirmed payments and personal spending, plus a reserve for delays. Clean, undamaged US dollar notes are useful for the payments we confirm in USD; torn or marked notes may be refused. Keep smaller denominations available.

Do not rely on foreign credit or debit cards or ATM withdrawals to fund your visit. Electronic payments and access to foreign accounts remain limited, and acceptance can vary. Arrange enough cash before arrival and check any restrictions with your bank. The existence of an ATM does not mean your foreign card will work.

Rates change, so we do not publish a fixed exchange rate here. Check the current rate when you exchange and use an authorised exchange office or bank. Ask about fees, count the cash and keep your receipt. Your guide can help you understand denominations and everyday prices.

This depends on the meals and entrances included in your package and your plans for shopping, drinks and tips. Ask us for a current daily budget based on your itinerary. Keep your visa fee, any outstanding tour balance and an emergency reserve separate from your everyday spending money.

Tips are appreciated for good service but remain a personal choice. You may wish to tip your guide, driver, restaurant staff or hotel porters. Check whether a service charge is already on the bill and whether any tips are included in your package. We can suggest practical amounts for your trip without treating them as compulsory.

Ask us about the current options for your arrival point and phone. Bring an unlocked handset and your passport if registering a local SIM. Check that any international eSIM explicitly includes Syria, its local network and the service you need; regional coverage does not automatically include the country.

Connection quality varies between hotels, cities and rural areas, and interruptions are possible. Download maps, tickets, insurance documents and important contacts before travelling. If you need to work online, tell us before booking so we can check the intended hotel rather than promise a particular speed.

Syria generally uses 220–240 V electricity and two-round-pin sockets, commonly types C and F. Bring a suitable adapter and check that your devices accept the voltage. A charged power bank is useful during long travel days or electricity interruptions; follow your airline’s battery rules.

Arrange insurance that explicitly covers Syria, your itinerary and travel against any applicable government advice. Ask the insurer to confirm medical treatment, evacuation, repatriation and exclusions in writing. Travel insurance is included in our group tour packages as stated on the individual tour page; private-tour cover must be confirmed in your quotation. Our insurance page describes the Traveler Gold plan from Syrian Kuwaiti Insurance Company. Check the certificate, age eligibility, deductibles, claim procedures and exclusions, including those for pre-existing conditions, war and terrorism. Do not assume included cover meets every personal need.

Consult a qualified travel-health professional before departure for recommendations based on your route, medical history and activities. Check routine vaccinations and any entry-related requirements for your journey. Bring sufficient prescribed medication in original packaging, with a prescription or doctor’s letter where appropriate, and check restrictions for controlled medicines. See TravelHealthPro’s Syria advice for a starting point.

Seek urgent medical assistance and alert your guide or hotel immediately so they can help with local services and directions. Keep your insurer’s emergency number, policy details and our trip contact available offline. Medical facilities and evacuation options may be limited, particularly outside major cities; discuss any significant health needs with us before booking.

Use sealed bottled water or appropriately treated water for drinking. Check that bottle seals are intact, and avoid ice if you do not know the water source. Choose freshly cooked food and wash or peel fruit. Tell your guide promptly if you become unwell.

Comfortable, modest clothing is a practical choice: cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites or conservative neighbourhoods. Bring walking shoes and layers suited to the season. Women do not generally need a headscarf for everyday sightseeing, but should carry one for mosques and any site that requires it.

Follow the rules at each site. Mosques generally require visitors to remove shoes and wear clothing covering arms and legs; women may need to cover their hair. Some sites lend robes, but do not rely on this everywhere. Churches and monasteries also expect respectful dress and behaviour. Ask before taking photographs during worship.

Ask before photographing people, respect private spaces and religious practices, and keep public displays of affection discreet. Let your guide explain local etiquette when visiting homes or workshops. During Ramadan, be considerate of people who are fasting and check which restaurants are serving during the day.

Photography at many visitor sites is possible, subject to local rules and any camera fees. Ask permission before photographing people, workshops or private homes. Do not photograph military facilities, checkpoints or security personnel. Tell us about professional equipment, commercial filming or journalism before booking so the appropriate permissions can be checked. Do not assume drones can be imported or flown without authorisation.

Smoking and shisha are common in some cafés and restaurants, so smoke-free seating is not always easy to find. Tell us if you need a non-smoking room or dining space, and we will check availability. Ask before smoking around other guests and follow each venue’s rules.

Availability varies by area, venue and current licensing arrangements. Ask locally rather than assume every restaurant or hotel serves alcohol, and be discreet around religious sites and conservative neighbourhoods. Check current customs rules for your exact entry and exit route before packing bottles; local availability does not establish a right to carry alcohol across a border.

Popular itinerary highlights include Old Damascus, Aleppo’s old city and souqs, Krak des Chevaliers, Hama, Maaloula, Palmyra and Bosra. Longer trips may include the coast, Ugarit, Arwad Island or smaller historic towns. Access depends on current conditions, permissions and opening arrangements. Browse our private itineraries for route ideas, or explore our Discover Syria collection for more destination guides.

Syria has six listed properties: the Ancient Cities of Damascus, Aleppo and Bosra; the Site of Palmyra; Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din; and the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria. A UNESCO listing does not mean all areas are open to visitors. Read our heritage guide or consult UNESCO’s list.

Depending on access and your route, visits may include the Umayyad Mosque and Ananias Church in Damascus, churches and monasteries in Maaloula and Sednaya, Mar Musa Monastery and important mosques in other cities. Tell us if you are planning a pilgrimage or want time for worship. Services, dress rules and visitor hours can affect the schedule.

Yes, we can discuss coastal towns, the countryside around the Valley of Christians, scenic villages and suitable short walks as part of a private itinerary. The season, access and your fitness affect what is practical. Do not explore remote countryside, damaged areas or unmarked paths without local guidance.

Combine monuments with time in neighbourhoods, markets, cafés and artisan workshops. Syria’s heritage includes ancient kingdoms and Roman, Byzantine, Islamic and Ottoman periods, while its living culture is just as rewarding. Tell us whether you prefer archaeology, architecture, religious history or conversations about daily life so we can shape the visits.

Try dishes such as fatteh, hummus, muhammara, kibbeh, stuffed vine leaves, grilled kebabs and shawarma. Aleppo is particularly known for its rich food traditions. For sweets, look for baklava, maamoul, knafeh and halawet el jibn. Read our Syrian food guide and ask your guide for good local stops along your route.

There are plenty of plant-based dishes, including hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, salads and some stuffed vegetables. Recipes vary: rice, sauces and vegetable dishes may contain meat stock, butter, yoghurt or nuts. Tell us about dietary needs and allergies before booking. We can help explain them, but cannot guarantee allergen-free kitchens or prevent all cross-contact.

Tea, Arabic coffee, maté, tamarind juice and jallab are part of Syria’s varied drinks culture. Availability changes by region and season. Ask about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions, and choose drinks prepared with safe water. Our Syrian drinks guide introduces more options.

Look for Damascene mosaic, brocade, Ajami wood decoration, copperwork, glass, textiles and Aleppo soap. Damascus’s souqs and Aleppo’s markets are good starting points, and workshop visits can be arranged when artisans are available. Read about Damascus mosaic and Ajami craftsmanship. Buy modern crafts from reputable sellers and check customs rules before purchasing blades or other restricted items.

Do not buy or remove archaeological objects, fragments from historic sites or items whose legal origin and export status are unclear. An item being offered for sale does not establish that it can legally be exported. Choose contemporary handicrafts and keep receipts for your purchases.

Ramadan, Eid, Christmas, Easter and local celebrations can bring special experiences as well as closures or changed hours. Islamic holiday dates depend on the lunar calendar, and Christian Easter dates can differ between churches. Maaloula’s Cross Feast and Marmarita’s summer celebrations are among the events travellers ask about. Check our events page and confirm the programme before building a trip around a festival.

Depending on the city and current opening arrangements, evenings may include cafés, restaurants, music or a walk through lively old-city streets. Nightlife and alcohol availability vary, and a nightclub-style evening is not something to assume in every destination. Ask your guide what is appropriate and operating locally.

Agriculture, food production, textiles, manufacturing, trade and services are part of the economy, alongside long-standing craft traditions. Travellers can encounter these through food markets, soap-making, textile shops and artisan workshops. Visits to working businesses depend on the owner’s permission and are best arranged in advance.

Check your tour’s inclusions: entrance fees may be included in a package but excluded from a short walk or day tour. Prices, visitor categories, camera fees, weekly closing days and last-entry times differ by site. Religious services, holidays, restoration and seasonal hours can affect visits. We check the planned stops and adjust the itinerary when necessary.