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SyriaTravel guide

Explore Syria visa rulesCommon scams in Syria

Syria is a Middle Eastern country with ancient cities, castles, markets and mountain scenery. Many governments advise against all travel because the situation remains unstable, with terrorist attacks and kidnappings. Some consulates have not reopened, and travel information may be out of date.

Why go

  1. Explore the historic cities of Damascus and Aleppo and their traditional markets.

  2. See the ruins of Palmyra and the Roman theatre at Bosra.

  3. Visit Krak des Chevaliers and the Crusader-era fortress in Tartous.

  4. Discover the water wheels in Hama and the mountains along the Syrian coast.

Getting there

By air

  • As of August 2026, functioning international airports were Damascus, Aleppo and Deir ez-Zor. Damascus airport is 35 km southeast of the capital.
  • The source reports daily flights between Damascus and Istanbul, with several flights each week from Amman and Doha.
  • Some visitors fly to Beirut in Lebanon and continue overland to Damascus. This journey takes a few hours.

By land

  • Buses connect Syria with Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon. Services include Beirut to Damascus and connections from Antakya in Turkey.
  • For border journeys, the source recommends taking a minibus or shared taxi to the crossing, then arranging transport on the other side. Through-buses may leave passengers behind during lengthy border processing.
  • Fixed-route shared taxis from Lebanon serve Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Aleppo and other towns. A private taxi requires paying for every seat.

By sea

  • Passenger ferries sometimes run between Latakia and Limassol in Cyprus. Confirm the sailing with Varianos Travel before making plans.
  • Latakia and Tartus are ports of call for several Mediterranean cruise lines.

Customs

  • The source reports entry restrictions linked to Israeli citizenship, evidence of visiting Israel, connections to Israel, and products made in Israel or labelled in Hebrew.
  • Bring cash for land crossings. Most crossings have no credit or debit card facilities, and traveller's cheques are not accepted.
  • The source states a foreign currency export limit of US$3,000 or its equivalent per traveller per year. Taking more risks confiscation and imprisonment.

Getting around

  • Coach

    Air-conditioned coaches are described as a cheap, fast and reliable way to travel longer distances where services operate. Timetables may be unreliable. On busy routes, the source suggests going to the station and catching the next coach. When arriving at the Damascus bus terminal, move away from the terminal before finding a taxi to the centre.

  • Taxi and shared taxi

    Service taxis are shared taxis that follow fixed routes, usually between bus stations. Learning basic Arabic numbers can help you negotiate taxi fares. Take a taxi before deciding whether to drive yourself, especially in Damascus or Aleppo.

  • Rental car

    Rental companies mentioned include Sixt, Budget, Europcar and Cham Tours. Driving is on the right. Damascus and Aleppo have heavy traffic, aggressive driving, poor roads and unreliable signs. The source says vehicles entering roundabouts have priority over vehicles already on them. Get a police report after any rental-car accident, however small the damage, or you may have to pay for it. Contact your rental company. Refuel whenever possible, especially in desert areas. Fuel stations are mainly in larger towns and at major crossroads.

  • Train

    Most domestic train services were suspended indefinitely as of 2026. A test run between Aleppo and Hama took place in August 2025. As of March 2026, there were no reports of passenger services opening.

What to see and do

  • Damascus

    The capital is described as the world's oldest continuously inhabited city. Its old city has traditional markets and mosques.

  • Aleppo

    An ancient city known for its historic markets, olive soap and traditional sweets.

  • Palmyra

    Visit the ruins of an ancient city.

  • Bosra

    See Roman ruins and a Roman theatre recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

  • Krak des Chevaliers

    A historic castle also named Crac des Chevaliers in the source.

  • Hama water wheels

    See the Al Aasi water wheels standing in the river.

Food and drink

  • Falafel

    Deep-fried chickpea patties.

  • Foul

    Pronounced “fool”, this fava bean paste comes with cumin, paprika and olive oil. It is served with flatbread, fresh mint and onion.

  • Fatoush

    A salad of tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and herbs with dressing and fried bread. It may also have grated cheese.

  • Syrian ice cream

    Syria is known for its local ice cream. Bakdash in Damascus has been in business for more than a century.

  • Baklava

    A sweet pastry made with thin filo dough, nuts and syrup.

  • Knafeh

    A dessert made with shredded kataifi pastry and cheese.

Money

Syrian pound or lira (SYP)

  • Cash remains the most reliable way to pay. Bring enough for the whole trip because cash machines in Damascus and Aleppo are unreliable.
  • US dollars are preferred, and euros can also be exchanged. The source reports that Visa and Mastercard payments were restarting as of August 2026.
  • On January 1, 2026, one new Syrian pound replaced 100 old pounds. Both versions remain in circulation, so check which version a price refers to.
  • Local currency labels include LS, SP, £S, S£ and ل.س.

Typical costs

  • A shared taxi from Beirut to Damascus is listed at about US$17 per person when four people share.
  • A private taxi from Gaziantep Airport in Turkey is listed at about US$60.
  • Rental cars are listed from about US$40 per day at Sixt and US$50 per day at Cham Tours, including the stated charges.
  • A double room is listed at about US$50 in a three-star hotel, US$80 in a four-star hotel and up to US$250 in a five-star hotel.
  • These are approximate figures from the source. Travel information may be out of date.

Language

  • Arabic is the official language.
  • Many people speak only basic English, though staff working with foreign tourists generally speak it reasonably well.
  • Educated older people may speak French.
  • Kurdish, Armenian and Aramaic are also spoken in some areas.

Staying safe

  • Many governments advise against all travel to Syria. Terrorist attacks and kidnappings still occur, and some consulates have not reopened.
  • The source advises avoiding majority-Kurdish areas in northern Syria, especially Kobane, also called Ayn al-Arab, and the Hasakah-Qamishli area.
  • Avoid Suwayda Governorate entirely. The source reports regular clashes between local militias and government forces.
  • Avoid large gatherings because they may turn violent.
3 common scams in Syria, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Learn a few Arabic words, such as greetings and thanks.
  • Dress in appropriate local clothing.
  • Remember that Syria has a Muslim majority and long-established Christian, Jewish and Yazidi minorities.

Don't

  • Avoid political discussions or public comments about political decisions.
  • Avoid asking people about their religion unless you know them well; the source describes this as traditionally inappropriate.

Staying healthy

  • Healthcare is described as well below Western standards. Essential medicines are not always available, so bring your usual treatment.
  • Some medicines sold locally have uncertain origins and may be ineffective. If you need to buy medicine, the source recommends asking for a European Union or US brand, which costs more.
  • Pharmacists often speak a little English.
  • Your hotel may be able to call a doctor to visit your room.

Where to stay

  • The source lists a double room in a three-star hotel at about US$50.
  • A double room in a four-star hotel is listed at about US$80.
  • A double room in a five-star hotel can reach US$250.

Outdoor adventures in Syria

Syria has sandy beaches around Latakia and mountain areas for hiking and camping in the west. Mashta also has a cave mentioned on a scenic touring route. Many governments advise against all travel to Syria: the situation remains volatile, with terrorist attacks and kidnappings still occurring.

  • Latakia beaches

    BeacheSyrian Coast and Mountainsnear Latakia

    Visit the beaches from Latakia. A scenic tour can combine the coast with the mountains.

    • Many governments advise against all travel to Syria.

  • Mashta el Helou mountain hikes

    HikeSyrian Coast and Mountainsnear Homs

    Head to the mountain area from Homs. Mashta hikes are also included in a scenic touring route from Latakia. Bring a tent if you plan to camp.

    • Permit: Camping may need a permit, meaning official permission.
    • The security situation in Syria remains volatile.

  • Mashta cave visit

    CaveSyrian Coast and Mountains

    Include the cave on the scenic touring route from Latakia through the Syrian Coast and Mountains.

  • Marmarita mountain camping

    More to doSyrian Coast and Mountainsnear Homs

    Travel from Homs to the mountain area around Marmarita. Bring your own tent to camp.

    • Permit: A camping permit may be needed. This means official permission to camp.
    • The security situation in Syria remains volatile.

  • Jwykhat mountain camping

    More to donear Homs

    Head from Homs to the mountains around Jwykhat. Bring a tent if you want to camp.

    • Permit: A camping permit may be needed. This means official permission to camp.
    • The security situation in Syria remains volatile.

  • Mountain camping around Krak des Chevaliers

    More to donear Homs

    Travel from Homs to the mountain area around Krak des Chevaliers. Bring your own tent.

    • Permit: A camping permit may be needed. This means official permission to camp.
    • The security situation in Syria remains volatile.

Airports, metros and trains in Syria

Airports with scheduled flights

  • ALPAleppo International AirportAleppoMain international airport
  • DAMDamascus International AirportDamascusMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
2,750 km

People and safety in Syria

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.

  • Muslim93%
  • Christian10%
  • No religion2%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows up to 3 years in prison.
  • Legal gender change is not recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #178 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

17% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 34 of 198 countries can visit Syria easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required9
  • Visa on arrival25
  • eVisa149
  • Visa required13
  • Admission refused2

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Asia15 of 49 countries
  • Europe14 of 46 countries
  • Africa4 of 54 countries
  • Americas1 of 35 countries
  • Oceania0 of 14 countries

Questions

Is Syria safe for a first visit?

Many governments advise against all travel. The source reports terrorist attacks, kidnappings and unstable security conditions.

Can I rely on bank cards and cash machines?

Cash is the most reliable option. The source advises bringing enough for the whole trip because cash machines are unreliable and card payments were only restarting.

Will I manage with English?

People working with foreign tourists generally speak reasonable English, but many others know only basic phrases. Learning some Arabic words and numbers will help.

What is the easiest way to travel between cities?

The source describes air-conditioned coaches as a cheap and straightforward option where services operate. Timetables may be unreliable.

Can I drink tap water?

The source says it is generally drinkable, but you should ask local people first.

Should I bring my own medicine?

Yes. Essential medicines may be unavailable, and some locally sold products have uncertain origins or may not work.

What vegetarian food can I try?

Falafel is made from chickpeas. Foul is a filling fava bean paste served with flatbread, herbs and onion.

Is bargaining normal in markets?

Yes, bargaining is expected in traditional markets. Check the quality of handicrafts before buying.

How much does a hotel room cost?

The source lists double rooms at about US$50 for three stars, US$80 for four stars and up to US$250 for five stars. These figures may be out of date.

What electricity supply and plugs does Syria use?

The electricity supply is 220 volts at 50 hertz. The source lists Europlug, Type E and Type L plugs.

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