Historical travel notice — reviewed 6 November 2026: This post was published on 3 November 2025 to explain that winter clock changes in Lebanon had created a one-hour time difference with Syria. It is kept as a dated record, not as our current travel-planning guide. For the updated explanation and practical Beirut–Damascus pickup advice, please read Lebanon Winter Time: Syria Is One Hour Ahead (October 2026).
What changed in 2025?
Lebanon ended daylight saving time on 26 October 2025, changing its clock from UTC+3 to UTC+2. Syria had already adopted UTC+3 year-round, so during Lebanon’s winter months Damascus was one hour ahead of Beirut. This short article explained that seasonal difference to people crossing between the two countries in late 2025.
Planning a trip now?
Do not use the original 2025 notice as confirmation of your current flight, airport pickup or border-transfer time. Lebanon changes its clocks seasonally, whereas Syria does not, and transport schedules use the local time of the departure point. For the latest seasonal explanation, see our October 2026 time-change article. For entry logistics, see how to enter Syria or contact our team to confirm your specific itinerary.