Traveling to Syria has become more accessible in 2025, and here’s everything you need to know before planning your trip:
Arriving in Syria
By Air:
Qatar Airways now offers direct flights to Damascus International Airport three times a week on Monday, Friday, and Saturday:
- Flight QR410: Departs Doha at 8:35 AM, arrives in Damascus at 11:30 AM.
- Flight QR411: Departs Damascus at 1:30 PM, lands in Doha at 4:05 PM.
Turkish Airlines
Flights to Damascus resume on Jan. 23, 2025, with direct flights from Istanbul three times a week:
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays
- Departures from Istanbul at 9:00 AM.
- Return flights from Damascus International Airport operate on the same days.
Royal Jordanian Airlines
Flights resume 31 January 2025, after a 13-year suspension.
- Operates 4 times weekly between Amman and Damascus.
- Connects Damascus to 45+ destinations across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and the Gulf.
By Land:
You can enter Syria through Lebanon or Jordan:
- Lebanese Borders: Open 24/7.
- Jordanian Borders: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You’ll need prior approval from Jordan’s Ministry of Interior, which must be collected in person.
Syrian Guides can arrange seamless transfers from Lebanon or Jordan to Syria.
Border Procedures
- Lebanese Side: Your passport will be stamped with an exit stamp.
- Syrian Side: Upon arrival on the Syrian side, our tour guide will meet you and help you with the entry process. You will be given a form to fill out, and they will stamp the form. Keep this form because they will stamp it again on your way out. Instead of stamping your passport, you’ll receive a stamped entry card. No visa fees are required.
Note: Lebanese cars cannot enter Syria. You will change cars at the Lebanese borders. Our other driver will meet you after passport control on the Lebanese side to continue your journey to Damascus.
Practical Tips
- Drones: You can now bring drones into Syria.
- Journalists and Filming: Permission is required for filming certain locations (e.g., prisons, palaces). Contact us for assistance.
- ATMs: Non-operational in Syria. Bring sufficient cash.
- Currency:
- Official rate: 13,000 SYP = 1 USD.
- Black market rate: ~10,000 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.
- 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.
Communication
- SIM Cards: MTN and Syriatel offer affordable plans with 4G service (e.g., 50GB for $10). No phone registration is required. Virtual SIM cards are unavailable.
- Idlib: Syriatel and MTN don’t operate here, but free public Wi-Fi is accessible in certain areas.
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: Rigga Palace, Laurus Hotel.
- Homs: Villa Rosa.
- Latakia: La Mira.
- Tartus: Royal Inn.
Safety and Security
All major cities—Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Latakia, and Tartus—are safe to visit.
- Palmyra: Currently off-limits for safety reasons.
- Checkpoints: Soldiers may check IDs but are respectful and cooperative.
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.
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 do 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. Once in Damascus, they can visit the Ministry of Information to receive the permit by hand. Popular sites such as Saydnaya Prison, security branches, and other government-related landmarks require a permit from the Ministry of Information. The processing time for these permits is typically 3–4 days. Contact us if you need assistance with the application process.
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.