What It’s Like to Travel to Syria in 2025

Travel to Syria in 2025: Updated Guide

After the liberation and the fall of the Assad regime, Syria has become a more accessible and welcoming destination for travelers. To help you plan your visit, here’s everything you need to know about arriving, exploring, and experiencing Syria in 2025.

Arriving in Syria

By Air

If you are flying directly to Damascus or Aleppo airports, airline companies may request a visa document before departure. If you are joining one of our private or group tours, we can assist in issuing this document for you.

As of July 2025, the following airlines operate direct scheduled flights to Damascus International Airport (and some to Aleppo):

• Turkish Airlines – Resumed Damascus flights in January 2025.
• AnadoluJet – Launched direct Istanbul-Damascus flights on July 2, 2025.
• Syrian Air (Syrianair) – Restarted direct services to Istanbul on June 10, 2025, after a 14-year suspension.
• Jazeera Airways (Kuwait) – Resumed daily flights after 13 years; plans to double frequency before summer’s end.
• Dan Air (Romania) – Launched Bucharest-Damascus direct flights in June 2025 after a 14-year hiatus.
• Flydubai – Commenced Damascus operations in early June 2025.
• Royal Jordanian – Resuming Amman-Damascus flights after a long suspension.
• Air Mediterranean (Greece) – Reactivated routes to Damascus, connecting Syria with Europe.
• Cham Wings Airlines – Continues to expand regional and domestic routes from Syria.
• Fly Baghdad Airlines – Operates flights between Baghdad and Damascus.
• Qatar Airways – Resumed flights to Damascus on January 7, 2025.

Schedules, frequencies, and routes are subject to change. Always confirm with your airline before booking.

By Land:

You can enter Syria through Lebanon or Jordan:

• Lebanese Borders: Open daily via the Masnaa–Jdeideh and Arida crossings, the only operational border between Lebanon and Syria at the moment. The borders are open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM. All other border crossings remain closed.
• Jordanian Borders: Now open 24 hours a day. The Naseeb–Jaber border crossing remains the only official and operational land border between Syria and Jordan.

⚠️ Important Update (May 2025):
Lebanon has introduced a mandatory entry fee of 1,000,000 LBP (~$11 USD) for all non-Lebanese travelers entering Lebanon via land borders. The fee must be paid in cash at the border and is collected as a stamp affixed to your passport.

Passport Stamping:

Entering from Damascus Airport, Aleppo Airport, Jordanian borders or Lebanese borders, your passport will be stamped.

Visa Fees (Effective July 6, 2025)

⚠️ Important: A new visa fee structure now applies to all travelers entering Syria, whether by air or by land. The previous exemption for land travelers has ended: visa fees are now mandatory at all Syrian borders and airports.

Visa fees for European and English-speaking travelers are as follows:

• United Kingdom: $200 (single entry, 1 month), $300 (double entry, 3 months), $400 (multiple entry, 6 months), $100 (transit, 15 days)
• United States: $200 (single), $300 (double), $400 (multiple), $100 (transit)
• Canada: $100 (single), $150 (double), $200 (multiple), $50 (transit)
• Australia & New Zealand: $150 (single), $225 (double), $300 (multiple), $75 (transit)
• Most EU/Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Portugal, Ireland, etc.): $75 (single), $110 (double), $150 (multiple), $40 (transit)
• South Africa: $75 (single), $110 (double), $150 (multiple), $40 (transit)

For the full list of nationalities and fees, see our Syria Visa Fees 2025 page.

Visa fees must be paid in US dollars at the border or airport upon entry.
Tourists joining our guided tours will continue to receive assistance throughout the process.

Visa Processing Time for Select Nationalities

For most travelers, visa approvals are processed quickly through our team. However, for certain nationalities, longer processing times may apply due to additional clearance procedures.

If you hold a passport from the United States of America, Philippines, India, Nigeria, or Indonesia, please allow up to 15 working days for your visa approval. We recommend contacting us at least one month before your intended travel date to avoid delays and ensure smooth entry.

This requirement applies regardless of whether you’re arriving by land or air. Feel free to reach out for guidance—we’ll be happy to assist.

Border Procedures

• Lebanese Side: Your passport will be stamped with an entry when you enter and exit stamp upon departure.
• Syrian Side: Upon arrival on the Syrian side, you will be given a form to fill out, and they will stamp the form and your passport. Visa fees are now required at all borders and airports. If you are joining one of our tours, our tour guide will meet you and help you with the entry process.

Practical Tips

• Drones: Only permitted for journalists and require prior permission.
• Filming: Certain locations, such as prisons and palaces, also require permits. Contact us for assistance with applications.
• ATMs: Non-operational in Syria. Bring sufficient cash.
• Currency:
  • Official rate: 11,000 SYP = 1 USD.
  • Black market rate: ~9,000 SYP = 1 USD.
  • Payments can now be made in USD or SYP. Euros are accepted at some hotels and stores.

Transportation

• Fuel: Available in all gas stations, priced at $1.16 per liter.
• Public Buses: Regular routes connect Damascus to Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Tartus, and Latakia.
• Private Transfers: Syrian Guides offers comfortable cars with skilled drivers—contact us for details.
• Taxis: You can use YallaGo application to book a taxi. You can download the app from here.

Alcohol Regulations

You are allowed to bring 1 bottle of alcohol when entering or leaving Syria. Just keep this in mind when preparing your travel plans.

Communication

• SIM Cards: Getting a SIM card in Syria is easy and affordable. All you need is your passport, and you can choose from a range of packages.
• Regular SIM or eSIM:
  • Price: 120,000 SYP (around 12 USD)
  • Important Note: A data or call package activation is mandatory — no SIM without a bundle! 📢
  • Activation code: *7777# or visit the nearest authorized dealer
• Here are the available options and their approximate prices:
  • 10GB – 13 USD
  • 20GB – 15 USD
  • 30GB – 20 USD
  • 40GB – 25 USD
  • 50GB – 30 USD
• E-SIMs is available in Syria starting from May 19.
• Idlib: Syriatel and MTN operate here, and free public Wi-Fi is accessible in certain areas.

For a full guide about internet in Syria, visit here.

Accommodation

Hotels provide 24/7 electricity, hot water, and internet. Prices range from $40–$150, depending on location and quality.

Recommended Hotels:

• Damascus: Via Recta Hotel, Beit Al Mamluka, Beit Al Wali.
• Aleppo: Quattro Hotel, Rigga Palace, Laurus Hotel.
• Homs: Villa Rosa.
• Latakia: La Mira.
• Tartus: Royal Inn.

Prices of Main Things in Syria (2025 Update)

If you’re planning your trip to Syria, it’s super helpful to know how much the basics will cost. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, buying souvenirs, or using transport, Syria is very affordable by international standards. Here’s a breakdown of average prices for everyday expenses in 2025:

Food & Drink

• Local Meal (Casual Restaurant): $3–$6
• Mid-range Meal for Two (3 courses): $15–$25
• Street Food (Shawarma, Falafel): $1–$2
• Coffee (Espresso or Arabic): $0.50–$1
• Bottle of Water (1.5L): $0.30
• Local Beer (in store): $1.50–$2.50
• Glass of Wine (in a restaurant): $3–$5

Accommodation

• Budget Hotel/Guesthouse: $40–$60 per night
• Mid-range Hotel: $75–$100 per night
• Boutique or Heritage Stay: $100–$250 per night

Transportation

• Taxi Ride within City: $1–$3
• Intercity Bus Ticket (Damascus to Aleppo): ~$4–$6
• Fuel (per liter): $1.16
• SIM Card + 20GB Data: $15

Attractions & Extras

• Entrance Fee (Historic Sites): Around $3
• Visa (for most nationalities): $40–$300 depending on your passport
• Souvenirs (Handicrafts, soaps, etc.): $3–$20 depending on item
• Wine Tasting Experience: $10 per person
• Day Tour with Guide: ~$80–$120 depending on group size and route

Currency Tips

• USD and SYP are both widely accepted; Euros in some areas.
• Credit cards aren’t functional—bring cash.
• The black market and official rates are roughly the same in 2025: 9,000 SYP = $1 USD.

Safety and Security

All major cities—Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Palmyra, and Bosra—are safe to visit.

Roads: While most roads are in good condition, some, such as the M4 highway, are damaged due to the war. Avoid driving at night due to poor lighting and infrastructure.

Coastal Region: The coastal region is off-limits for the time being due to recent events. We are monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.

Travel to Idlib

Idlib and its surrounding areas, including the UNESCO-listed Ancient Villages of Northern Syria, are now accessible. Be aware:

• Currency: USD, Turkish Lira, and SYP are accepted.
• Connectivity: Syriatel and MTN may not work here; you may need alternative SIM cards.
• Safety: The region is secure, with no recent airstrikes.

For Journalists

Journalists can apply for permission directly through this link. When applying, you should wait until you receive an email granting permission to enter the country. Bear in mind that without this permission, you cannot enter the country as a journalist. This process may take up to 10 days, sometimes longer. Once you receive this permission, you can enter the country. After entering, you will need to visit the Ministry of Tourism to obtain permission to conduct your journalistic activities in the country.

Once in Damascus, journalists can also visit the Ministry of Information to receive additional permits by hand. Popular sites such as Saydnaya Prison, security branches, and other government-related landmarks require a permit from the Ministry of Information. Contact us if you need assistance with the application process.

Explore Syria Through Youtubers’ Eyes

To get a glimpse of Syria’s transformation, you can watch videos from Youtubers who have recently visited Syria with Syrian Guides:

1. By Mike Dodge from Daily Drop: What It’s Like to Travel to Syria in 2025?
2. Bald and Bankrupt: Undercover Inside Syria’s Billion Dollar Narco Empire
3. Carrie Patsalis: Entering New Syria For The First Time, Was This A Good Idea?
4. Doug Barnard: Inside Syria After the Fall of Assad

These videos showcase how Syria looks and feels in 2025, giving you a real sense of what to expect.

Final Notes

This article is regularly updated as conditions in Syria evolve. Feel free to contact us with any questions or for the latest information.