syria and tourism

Syria is one of the richest countries of the world with its diversity of civilizations, archeological sites, as well as its assorted nature from its desert, to its mountains, plains, sea and rivers. This is the land where great civilizational achievements, which were reached throughout the efforts and gained experiences of the human race, first saw the light.

Palmyra was a capital to one of the most important kingdoms of the Levant. The kingdom of Palmyra, currently known as “the bride of the desert”, dates back to the second century B.C. Notable for its marvelous monuments and its expanding streets surrounded by columns, gates, temples and its theatre as well as suburbs, houses and palaces, and its historical castle

بهدف تأمين فرص عمل في المؤسسات والمنشآت السياحية تطلق وزارتا السياحة والشؤون الاجتماعية والعمل بالتعاون  مع الأمانة السورية للتنمية الثلاثاء القادم

وزارة السياحة تؤكد على المقبولين للتعاقد بموجب إعلان المسابقة والاختبار المعلن عنهما لصالح الوزارة  والواردة أسماؤهم في القرارات

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and in cooperation with the General Sports Federation and the Tartous Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Union of Fine Artists in Syria opened on Friday an exhibition of 50 paintings and 25 sculptures of 37 artists 

In order to highlight and promote the city of Qadmous and its tourist, archeological and natural elements, Tartous Tourism Directorate held the cultural week in Qadmous city in cooperation with the city of Qadmous and under the patronage of Tartous Governor

In the framework of encouraging youth initiatives and activating domestic tourism to different governorates, a trip to Wadi Qandil in Lattakia Governorate was organized for three days

The work of the Sand Sculpture Forum will be opened at the marina (Yacht Club) organized by the National Association for Tourism Development in Syria in collaboration with the Lattakia City Council and the Union of Fine Arts in Syria

• Rif Dimashq
• Deir ez-Zor

How to Travel to Syria as a Tourist

Last Updated on Sep 6, 2024

Can you visit Syria as a tourist? Yes, you can! Many people get surprised when they realize that Syria used to be one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East before the war. Tourists were flocking to the country – not surprisingly, as its home to many historic treasures and incredible people.

Syria re-opened for tourists once again a few years ago. The process to get a tourist visa to Syria is similar to what it used to be before and you are still required to have a local guide. However, there are more ways to visit now, as the airport reopened.

Why Visit Syria?

When it comes to traveling to certain places like Yemen or Syria many people ask questions about the ethical aspects of traveling to Syria . These places, not so long ago were war zones and many people have been forced to escape in order to save their lives.

Some people call it “dark tourism” and instantly shame those who travel there. I think that people are so focused on places like Chernobyl, Syria, or Yemen as they happened recently, they quickly forget that technically speaking visiting the Colosseum in Rome would be a prime example of dark tourism… especially considering the fact that everyone acts like a goof there and takes cutesy photos. Just saying.

Syria is a place full of history. When you travel there respectfully, you can learn a lot about the recent crisis and the history before and after it. You won’t learn that from the news.

Considering the fact that Syria used to be a prime tourist destination, many people were forced out of their jobs because of the lack of tourists. Many Syrians are simply trying to live their lives.

My own guide was a multi-lingual educated man with years of experience in tourism. Nowadays, being a guide is a side job, because there are not many visitors so he drives a school bus. Syrians are very happy to see that tourists are coming back.

Is Syria safe now?

The capital city, Damascus is very safe as any other city in the Middle East. Damascus is a very vibrant city that didn’t get affected by the war like Aleppo or Homs. But the economy isn’t obviously good, so frequent power cuts are a problem in the winter.

I drove around the country and felt like Tartus was a quiet beach town. Aleppo was safe but you had to take precautions just in case. I haven’t spent the night in Homs, just visited during the day so I cannot speak for that. I stayed in Hama and it was completely safe. I was told, “there was no fighting there, so not an issue”.

For safety in Palmyra read the section “Visiting Palmyra”.

The fighting is practically done and people want to live their lives. You’ll see children playing football, people selling souvenirs and returning to markets while rebuilding everything, and adults enjoying themselves at cafes and restaurants… just like anywhere else in the world.

How to Get a Visa to Syria

In order to visit Syria, you will need to obtain a visa. As you cannot travel completely independently (like you can in Iran ) you will currently need a special security clearance that needs to be organized through a travel agency in Syria.

Note: You could go to Syria with an invitation letter from a local who’s not an official guide but that only applies to Damascus. Traveling anywhere else around the country is basically impossible due to the huge amounts of checkpoints, where you need to show your Ministry of Tourism documentation.

Obtaining a security clearance through your operator takes about 2 weeks, so you must plan in advance. It’s included in your tour cost. With that, you can, or should I say your guide, will obtain a visa for you at the border.

However, now (2024) you can also just get your visa at Syrian embassies and consulates. It takes about 4-6 weeks. It is only a sticker and your guide with a security clearance will welcome you at the border and then you get an actual stamp – it costs 100 EUR for Europeans now.

You cannot just show up without clearance and hope for the best. Even if you somehow got the visa at the border (but you cannot), you wouldn’t be able to drive anywhere without security clearance – you get stopped multiple times every day and your guide needs to show your paperwork.

IMPORTANT (recent changes in 2024): If you have a stamp from Sharm El Sheikh in Egipt you will not enter Syria. Syrian border officials assume you may have entered Israel by being there. Change your passport before you go. Same goes for Aqaba in Jordan naturally.

Money in Syria

When you get your visa at the border ask to exchange money immediately as it’s the easiest place to do so. In Syria, they use the  Syrian Pound (SYP) . Bring € or USD because you obviously cannot pay for anything with a card or withdraw more while in Syria.

How to Get to Syria

Your agency will inform you about possible options to get to Syria, potential border closures, and possible flights. When I was going the only reliable option was driving from Beirut.

The journey from Beirut to Damascus takes about 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic.

Nowadays you can also opt for flying directly to Damascus from Erbil, Moscow, Tehran or Cairo (with Syrian Arab Airlines). As Iraq now issues visas on arrival it’s super easy to do it from there, but most tour operators prefer to bring your from Lebanon either way.

Can You Visit Syria Independently?

Not anymore. Technically you could in the past and I know people who did that by jumping through some hoops. It’s also costly because the security clearance alone was $500+ per person.

You still need a driver to get around and that counts as a tour.

I’ll be real, just because the rules say you need a guide, it doesn’t need to be a loud tour of foreigners if you’re not into it, as it can be isolating from the actual local experience. I get it.

How to Find a Guide or Tour

I traveled to Syria solo. It was just me and my guide/driver and sometimes a few other locals (eg. in Palmyra I had to be escorted by a few soldiers).

It was as authentic as it could have been and I could still wander around Damascus on my own. That way I was able to see parts of Syria that are not possible for independent travelers, like Palmyra.

I highly recommend Golden Target Tours. The contact is Khaldoun +963 944 372700 (WhatsApp) or email address is  [email protected] . Everyone I met at the company is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. My guide was Bilal is you would like to book the same one, but I’m sure any guide from the company will be great.

You pay for your tour in USD cash upon arrival in Damascus, as there are obviously no ATMs or card readers. You must bring extra USD to exchange at the border for your own expenses such as food, drinks, souvenirs and extras.

Internet in Syria

I was surprised that I was able to connect to wifi pretty much at every hotel I stayed. You could also buy a SIM card, but I felt like I had no need for that.

Food in Syria

Syrian food is absolutely delicious. Similar to Lebanese with local twists. Hummus, kibbeh, kabobs, salads, fresh bread – everything was very tasty.

I also got to try Syrian kanafeh when in Hama and lots of svehha in Damascus. The latter is sort of like a Syrian pizza.

Visiting Palmyra

Palmyra, a UNESCO heritage site pictured here used to be one of the most important attractions. Built in 3rd BC, it was incredibly preserved.

Many visitors skip Palmyra as it requires extra driving time, extra permit and naturally cost. Others say “Palmyra has been destroyed”. As you may have heard, sadly, Isis destroyed Palmyra but it doesn’t mean that it’s completely wiped out.

Personally, I still found it incredible so I can only imagine how impressive it was before the destruction.

Is Palmyra safe to visit?

Hotels and restaurants nearby don’t really exist anymore so the closest place to stay is Homs, and you now need to visit it with the military – until they clean up the grounds completely, so it’s not 100% safe but it’s relatively safe.

Are All Cities Destroyed?

Damascus – The city center has been intact, but a small area outside of Damascus is still off-limits.

Aleppo – Lots of people wonder about Aleppo as it was always on the news. Part of the Old Souk is completely destroyed but people are actively rebuilding it. Parts of the old town are gone, but many places are intact.

Homs – The most destroyed city in Syria out of all. Over half of it is completely gone.

Hama – Entirely intact.

Palmyra – Most things are at least damaged and functional buildings are gone, but it’s still impressive to see.

Krak de Chevaliers – Partially damaged, but as the castle is from the XIIth century it’s not fully preserved.

Tartus – Most places are intact, just a small part of town has some damage.

Useful Tips for Visting Syria

1 – my most useful tip is to try going in the summer months..

I visited in March and I surely underestimated how freezing it was. I didn’t think how cold could it be as I’ve been to neighboring Lebanon before. I was freezing the whole trip despite two sweaters and a coat.

I also had to cut my visit to Krak de Chevaliers short, because it was so windy and cold that I could barely hear my guide. The night in Damascus when the electricity and heating went out I was a frozen ice cube, so come prepared.

2 – I suggest you fly to Damascus ( Cham Wings Airlines  and  Syrian Air ) or cross the border between Beirut and Damascus.

I crossed the border above Tripoli on my way to Tartus and it was a bit of a hiccup. The guide had my security clearance, but the staff had no idea how to issue my visa, how much do I pay and I spent a long time walking from one booth to another building to figure it out.

It was extremely windy and cold, so this wasn’t the best experience.

3 – I recommend bringing a friend with you.

I don’t mind traveling entirely solo, but in places like Syria or South Suda n where you spend long hours in the car, it’s nice to have a friend to keep you company. Otherwise, it does feel a bit lonely.

4 – Don’t be disrespectful.

I cannot underline this enough, as I actually saw a blogger going to Syria and acting like he was visiting Disneyland. Don’t be that person who poses in front of the ruins.

5 – Photos are allowed everywhere minus checkpoints.

There are no restrictions on taking photos in Syria. As long as it’s not a checkpoint you can take selfies everywhere (apart from the point. 4, obviously). Locals do that too, especially at the umbrella street in Damascus or at the tomb of Zaynab – the daughter of Fatima, at Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque.

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Anna Karsten is a travel blogger, journalist and psoriasis advocate. She has been traveling the world for the last 15 years - visiting over 100 countries and living on 5 continents. Anna has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily Mail, Forbes and more.

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58 Comments

I have never suppose that current time it is possible traveling to Syria. That is really interesting article.

@Bartosz Siemiątkowski,

Hello I’m Dana a syrian tour operator since 15 years actually in Syria there is thousands of tourists and when you want to visit Im ready for any help Thanks Dana

Hello Dana, I’m a foreigner currently living in Syria but I’m interested to discover your services as i have many friends and family members interested to visit Syria.

Dana, can you please contact me?

@Dana, hello Dana …I am from Sydney australia …and would love to visit …when is the best time to travel to Damascus?

@Jacqueline edwards, Hello Mrs. Jacqueline you are welcome you can visit Damascus all the time but if you want to visit Palmyra-Aleppo-Krak des chevaliers I prefer the spring time For any further information please feel free to contact me on 00963988265319 Regards

@Jacqueline edwards, Hello Mrs. Jacqueline you are welcome you can visit Damascus all the time but if you want to visit Palmyra-Aleppo-Krak des chevaliers I prefer the spring time Regards

Send me some info

Me and my son want to visit palmyra.

@Dana, Hello Ms.Dana ,

Could you kindly help me to visit Syria? and it’s possible to contact you in the number above or may i email you ?

Thank you, Maria

@Dana, Hello, I’m visiting damascus in August. I need a tour

Hello Dana, I want to go to Latakia. I’ve been trying to find a way to go, so this blog is super useful. Now, I’m from Guatemala, and I’d be going from Turkey. What is the best way to go and find out about the visa? Do I need a guide or can just someone send me an invitation letter? Thank you in advance.

Hi This is Samer, Syrian tourist guide Since 1998, ability to drive beside guiding no more than two travellers. Glade to help , Please don’t be hesitate to contact me for any question on any steps. Now the American nationality is able to visit Syria Welcome in Syria

@Dana, Dear

wondeinrg if is November good time to visit Syria? do you have any tour?

@Samer, what is your contact number and email?

@Mari Chris, when would you like to travel and what’s your nationality

@Dana, Hi Dana. Can a Singaporean visit Syria and what ate the border crossing requirements?

Hello, I’m a dual citizen of Iran and USA. and live in USA. I would like to visit Damascus.

Which country’s passport is best to apply for visa with? And what’s the cost and document requirement?

Thanks, Alex

My What’s App number: +1 205 492 4182

@Samer, Hi,

I’m Thata, and I wanted to inquire about the possibility of visiting Syria. My daughter and I, both Filipino nationals, are planning to travel to Syria with my Syrian husband. We have our marriage contract stamped by the Syrian embassy, and the same goes for our daughter. Are there any additional requirements or steps we need to take for our travel?

I’m intending to travel to Syria via Lebanon at the end of next month. My concern is that I’m taking my 3.5 years old daughter along (plus my husband). Does this sound like a doable and safe experience?

While I’m a firm believer in taking my kids everywhere I would NOT take my 3-year-old to Syria. Not because it’s unsafe (obviously, there are risks but it’s fine at the moment), but because unless you’re just planning on going only to Damascus he wouldn’t enjoy it at all. I don’t know what itinerary you set with your travel agent, but distances between cities are long, wait times at the border can vary and he’d be super bored in the car for so long for multiple days, and let’s be real: it’s not a very exciting trip for a toddler. It’s also February… it was so cold when I went in February that I had to cut some experiences short with three sweaters underneath my coat and in Damascus, there was no heating or electricity at night for multiple hours because it’s the standard… I was so frozen I couldn’t sleep (my friend went a year later in March and said the same thing) and I cannot imagine my toddler lasting through it – it would be literally a nightmare of a trip for all of us.

@Anna Karsten, Thank you for the prompt reply. Indeed, the power supply shortage sounds like a real issue during the cold months. We decided to postpone this ”experience”. Hopefully the actual world political situation wouldn’t impact significantly the safety in this part of the Middle East.

I definitely hope so too!

Hello Philippines are allowed now to visit

@Lora, hello, did you get a chance to visit Syria. How was your experience. I am just thinking to travel to Syria and doing research at the moment. 🙂

@Ann, The Philippines citizen need a special approvals take about 3 weeks ,I guarantee you, you will get approved

Is it safe to go to cities in the northwest such as Al-Hasakah, Qamishli, Deir ez-Zur, or Raqqa?

@William Jones, Al Hasakah is in the north east of Syria and even the part of the Syrian regime is not always safe due to daesh (ISIS). Raqqa is under the Kurds and there are still some bombings so now and then. I don’t know if you have been to Syria yet, I’m only seeing this now and aI m passing on what I’ve been told by family of my friends who are living in Raqqa and one used to live in Al Hasakah.

What should women wear in Syria, please. Must we cover hair, shoulders, etc? Thanx.

No need to cover hair, but I’d wear something casual.

Hi! My husband is Syrian now living in the U.K. and we are planning to go to Syria in august to see his family. Him, myself and our daughter who is 18 this year. We are planning to stay in Damascus. How safe would this be for us do you think? We want to fly to Lebanon first then drive on to Syria from there. Would we need a guide as we are a family and planning to stay with family. Thanks!

I’m not sure if there are any special visas for members of the Syrian citizens so you would need to check on that but if it’s a tourist visa you need then you’d need a guide officially. It’s safe to visit, don’t worry about that.

Hey Anna, thank you for the report I’m considering going solo as well what I’m curious about is the price of the guide and maybe of the whole week in there? Thanks!

Pricing keeps changing every year and it depends on whether you want to include Palmyra. The best is to message them for current prices, because with the inflation prices of everything naturally increase.

We are Damascus Gate Tourism Group, we provide packages for Tourism in Syria. The Package includes 7 days and 8 nights all around the Syrian Cities. Kindly note below program:

Day 1: Arrival at Beirut International Airport (Rafik Hariri Airport) From Beirut airport to Damascus by land, arriving at the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing. Old Damascus tour, overnight in Damascus

The second day: Maaloula, Saydnaya, Al-Hosn Castle, Al-Mashtabah. Overnight in the winter.

Third day: Palmyra tour, Homs tour, continue to Hama, overnight in Hama

Fourth day: visit Aleppo Citadel, Aleppo tour, overnight in Aleppo.

Fifth day: Apamea tour and return to Damascus, Damascus tour completed, Damascus overnight.

Sixth day: Bosra tour and back to Damascus, overnight in Damascus

Seventh day: Departure via Jdeidet Yabous border post, and arrive at Beirut Airport for the return.

Please let us know if you’re interested in our program, our service is always the best because we strive to create optimized experience for tourists worldwide. for further information please contact us through WhatsApp on +963 932 215 298 or by email on [email protected] .

Sincerely yours,

I lived and worked in Damascus for 4 years. Know it like my home town..even married a Syrian girl. That was 1996-2000. I used to fly back and forth 4 times a year Up to the Arab spring.. I’m desperate to get back as I loved the place and the people. I have many friends there and family.. I am an Englishman. I’m trying to plan a visit. It doesn’t look easy. Would I need a guide as I have many friends and family members there?

I am Awal Talukder living in Sweden.I would like visit with my friends Damuscu,Homs,Palmyra and Bosrah.Wishing visit Islamic places in Damascu,Homs,Bosrah,and Palmyra etc for 10 days.Pls me me your best suggetion as guide.Ex hos much pay for everything. Best regards Awal

Everything is mentioned in the post 🙂

Hi Anna, First of all that you for your article, it is really helpful !

I would have a question. I’ve read on internet that if you travel to syria it would then be impossible to get a visa to enter the USA, as a tourist at least. Do you know anything about it ? Do you know if having a syrian stamp on your passport could lead to any travel restrictions ? I’ve done some researches but i cannot find clear information anywhere.

Not quite. If you visit Syria, Yemen, Iran and a few other places (forgot which ones), then you’re not eligible for ESTA but all you need to do is to get a visa to the US through US embassy. They’ll just do an interview and you get a multiple entry visa valid for 10 years 🙂

I am syrian and hugely touched by this blog. thank you

I am American who has a close friend from Damascus. I would love to go with him when he visits home. He would be my guide. Will I be fairly safe?

Yes, don’t worry 🙂

Do you Anna, or does anyone have ANY clue when Syria will allow US citizens to travel there again? I really want to visit Damascus…Thank you!

Sadly no. So far nothing has changed 🙁

Hi Anna, I’m from Bangladesh. Recently visited your page. It’s amazing, with lots of usefull info! and inspired me a lot! I dreamt of traveling the world like you but can’t start yet. However, will follow your page regularly.

Hi Anna Is it possible to drive through from Turkey to Syria and Jordan, onwards to Saudi on my own given the current situation? Thanks Hannan

@HM Ali, the Turkish border between Turkey and Syria is closed unfortunately. I was looking to travel from Turkey myself but may go to Iraq or Lebanon first. Good luck with planning your trip.

Hi Anna, seeing your surname I wonder if you’re from the Netherlands. I’m Dutch although I live in Northern Ireland for over 15 years now. Would it be possible to just stay a week in Aleppo and have a Syrian friend join me and the tour guide? He’s living there.

I’m Polish, but I actually used to live in the Netherlands for a few years 🙂 Aleppo no I’m afraid. If your local friend isn’t a guide then you could only use the invitation to go to Damascus and Damascus only.

hola quisiera visitar siria vivo en USA pero voy en un vuelo a turquia pienso pasar un tiempo alla y luego ir en vehiculo a siria por la frontera. sabes si necesito algun permiso para el vehiculo que es placa europea.

No creo que puedes entrar a Siria en tu vehiculo de renta y mas importante sin guia local

Hi, I’m traveling to damascus next month trough beirut, I think I get visa at the border, security clearance is not necessary. Syria need tourists, they give visa at the border

Hi, I will be travelling to Syria soon, and because of my nationality i do not need a visa and i am allowed to travel independently, but do you have any tips on how to find good cheap hotels or hostels around syria ? Since it is difficult to find anything online.

There are no hostels in Syria I’m afraid. You can try couchsurfing.

Thank you for your informative contribution, currently the circumstances are improved, hopefully will be even better during the coming months. I will be glad to accompany tourists around Syria and ensure they have great arrangements for the best experience possible. You can WhatsApp me on 00963932280797 Tarif. Best of luck

Thanks for this article! I am an American spending time in Lebanon and looking to visit Syria with my partner while we are here. I have some family in Syria but the language barrier makes it hard to communicate.

Does anyone know if it is possible to start a tour in Beirut to Damascus/Syria, and then onward to Jordan (Ammann and Petra)? Then we would fly back to Beirut from Jordan.

It’s possible, just contact the guide 🙂

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Everything You Need to know about traveling to Syria | Is Syria Safe Now?

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: November 2, 2019  - Last updated: October 7, 2021

Categories Syria , Asia , Destinations , Middle East

People often have many reservations about traveling to Syria. They wonder: is Syria safe now? It might sound strange to some people, but this Middle-Eastern country is ready to receive foreign tourists once again.

Syria re-opened at the beginning of October 2021 for tourists once again after been closed for 18 months, due to COVID. The process to get a Syrian tourist visa takes around 15 days and you are still required to have a local guide.

A fantastic country with one of the richest histories in the world. I was one of the very first tourists to visit in 2017. Here’s your complete guide to how you can travel to Syria as a tourist.

Syria Tourism 

Syria is one of the most historical destinations in the world and one of the most popular travel destinations in the Middle East, with 8.5 million foreign tourists visiting Syria back in 2010, just one year before the civil war broke out in March 2011. In comparison, 6.6 million tourists visited the Philippines in 2017.

Since late 2018, western tourists can once again cross the border to Syria from Lebanon or Jordan to discover one of the friendliest and most beautiful places in the Middle East.

Yes, I know this is very hard to believe. But you should go and see for yourself.

The Syria tourist visa is now straightforward to obtain, but you are required to have book a tour through an official Syrian Travel Agency, and you are required to have a guide with you all the time.

When I visited Damascus in October 2017 and again got the visa in April 2018. The visa process was a pain. It usually took 10-12 weeks, but a lot of things have changed since then. Since November 2018, most people can get a visa in less than a week and often in less than 72 hours.

And you don’t even need to visit a Syrian Embassy; you just need to send a copy of your passport to a Government Licensed travel Agency, and they will take care of the rest.

The visa process still takes a bit longer for citizens from the USA, Philippines, India, Thailand, Afghanistan, and some African countries.

After a few western tourists didn’t follow the rules over the last few years, so now everyone is required to book a tour to Syria.

Any Syrian tour agency giving a tourist visa without a tour guide now will be closed down.

Every tourist has to get through security clearance to be able to get a tourist visa, which takes 2-5 days.

The easiest way to get a visa is to go to a Travel Agency that is licensed by the local government in Syria to handle and to get your Visa Application Approved.

The Current price charged is $270 – $550 by the travel agency, be aware that you also will have to pay a visa fee at the border and that the visa fee is different from nationality to nationality.

Most Europeans pay $300, the British pay $500, and Americans pay $550.

You can enter Syria at any official border and at Damascus airport when the papers are ready.

Currently, there are only three land borders that are open for foreigners: the border close to Damascus and one close to Krak des Chevaliers with Tripoli in Lebanon.

The land border with Jordan is also open for foreigners.

There are currently NO open borders between Iraq and Syria, and the occupied Kurdish parts are also not accessible for foreigners.

An Israel stamp in your passport or proof of visit to Israel will get you denied entry to Syria. Despite different rumours online on various travel forums and Facebook groups, you are NOT able to buy the visa at the border unless your Security Permission is approved and you are registered in the system of the Immigration Department.

This Is what the local Travel Agency will arrange for you and take care of.

Visa Fee for international tourists at the border to Syria:

• Australians and New Zealand is $130
• European passport holders pay $72
• South American countries $20-$40
• Hong Kong $75
• Thailand $35
• Malaysia Free

The border crossing and immigration are very smooth and easy when your papers are ready, and it takes no longer to cross than other borders in the Middle East. The border is open 24/7.

Depending on the number of people in the queue, but it shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes of processing.

The immigration counter furthest to the right is the one for foreigners.

You will have to pay the visa fee in the window to the backside of the big immigration room.

You also has to pay 2500 Syrian pounds for exit tax you will have to pay when departing Syria.

A person you can contact are: (You don’t need to contact both, it’s two different travel agencies) Tell them Christian from Norway sent you:) 

Ayoub from Marrota Travel; [email protected] +963954840021 WhatsApp.

Sawsan Joumaa +963933753839 WhatsApp.

I do not recommend people to use Basel / The Travel King to arrange their trip to Syria.

There have been many reports of him scamming people.

When your application is approved, will you have three months to enter the country.

The visa is just a small stamp in your passport and is valid for 10/15days.

Just be aware that a Syrian stamp in your passport will make you no eligible for the American Visa waiver program for five years, and you might get questioned in some countries when entering; I’ve personally been questioned by the Immigration in both Dubai and Oman because of the Syrian visa in my passport.

Travel to Syria from Lebanon and Jordan

Depending on your budget, so are the different options available on travel from Syria.

Driving Through Syria From Lebanon

A private taxi from Beirut airport to Damascus costs $100.

A shared taxi from Beirut to Damascus costs $20-$35, be sure to agree on the price before leaving!

There are different shared Taxi Services in Beirut that you can use, VIP Taxi, Allo Taxi (which has an online booking). They offer pick-up service all over Beirut; get your hotel to call them if you are staying in Beirut before going to Syria.

There’s currently NO bus service between the two countries. But for the cheapest shared taxis, head to Charles Helou bus station (It’s the big one under the overpass road in Beirut).

Shared taxis from there to Damascus are cheaper than VIP Taxi and Allo Taxi but not as comfortable as the two.

A local shared taxi costs %20 and leaves Charles Helou bus station whenever it’s full, shouldn’t take more than 30min.

If you want to save money, can you take a local bus from Beirut to Majdal Anjar, the last town before Syria, It should cost you $1-$2. There are also some old Roman Ruins in Majdal Anjar.

A shared taxi from Majdal Anjar to Damascus should cost you less than $10.

The drive from Beirut to Damascus is 116KM/72Miles, and takes 2hour to 4hours, heavily depending on the notorious traffic jams when leaving Beirut.

If going from Tripoli in northern Lebanon to Tartous, will it take you 2-3 hours. $10 for a shared taxi.

The tour company you arrange your tour with can also arrange a private driver to pick you up in Beirut or Tripoli.

Jordan To Syria overland

The Jaber Border Crossing between Jordan and Syria is open from 7 am to 15.00 every day.

And it can get very crowded, especially on Mondays and Sundays.

From Amman, there is a daily bus from Abdali Terminal with Jett Bus to Damascus.

From Amman to the border is only 1hour and 15min. And from the border to Damascus is around 2 hours.

Be aware that your Syrian tour guide will have to pick you up at the Syrian side of the border once you are through immigration and have entered the country and be with you until you leave the country again.

Can You Fly to Syria? Latakia Airport & More

The connection to Damascus International Airport (DAM) is currently not very good from outside the Middle East, but it’s improving.

Just be aware the Israeli Airforce is occasionally bombing Damascus airport; the last time it happened was the 15 September 2018, so the airport sometimes has to shut down for a short time.

Flights to Syria

Currently, these are the flights to Damascus International Airport that are operating:

Cham Wings Airlines flies from Damascus to Amman (Jordan), Sharjah (UEA) , Moscow (Russia), Kuwait, Muscat( Oman ), Erbil (Iraq Kurdistan), Yerevan (Armenia), Beirut (Lebanon), Baghdad , Basra , Najaf (Iraq), Khartoum (Sudan) and Tehran (Iran).

Syrian Air: flies from Damascus too: Dubai (UEA), Kuwait, Doha (Qatar), Cairo, Algiers (Algeria), and more destinations getting added.

UPDATE  December  2020. There are now 3 international airports working in the country

Aleppo international airport reopened 21 December 2020 with weekly flights to Beirut, Ebril, and Cairo.

Latakia International Airport has also reopened with flights to Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Damascus, Dubai–International, Kuwait, Sharjah.

Getting Around Syria

Since you are required to have a local tour guide to travel around the Syrian government-controlled parts of the country.

So are transportation included in the tour package you will have to book before you are allowed to visit.

In some parts of Syria, you will have to get a permit which takes +/- 5 days; Maaloula is one of the places that require a permit.

Same with the Roman ruins at Palmyra and far eastern Syria.

But things change fast in Syria. Places can be open one day, then closed the next day, depending on the security situation. And, of course, are the front line around Idlib off-limit, it’s also there still ongoing cleaning operation from the Syrian Army against ISIS around Swedia and the desert close to Palmyra. There are still a lot of military checkpoints around Syria, so it will take time to travel around.

Money in Syria

There are currently NO ATM/Cash Machines in Syria working with foreign bank cards; this is because of Americans and European sanctions against Syria.

So you will have to bring hard cash with you when you visit Syria. Everything in the country will you have to pay in cash. Euro and USD is the currency to take. I exchanged all my Euro for Syrian Pounds at the hotels I stayed at.

Most ATMs/cash machines in Beirut and Lebanon has a USD withdrawal option.

Just be aware that exchange shops cant exchange back USD / EURO for your Syrian Pounds, So be sure not to exchange too much the days before leaving.

All hotels accept payments in USD/EURO.

The exchange rate changes almost daily, but around 450 Syrian Pounds for $1 And 550 Syrian Pound for Euro was about “normal” when I visited in 2017, now in 2020, the Syrian pound has collapsed, and $1 is around 3400 Syrian Pounds.

Prices have increased quite a lot since my visit to Syria in October 2017 to now in late 2018. The price for most of the hotels has increased by almost 30% in one year.

ETC. The hotel I stayed in 2017 charged $75 a night with breakfast; now it’s $135 for the same.

Getting Online In Syria

Most hotels and higher-end restaurants and coffee shops/bars have free WIFI, while the connection is not super fast, so have the speed and stability increased a lot over the last year.

If you want to buy a local Simcard will you have to visit a proper MTN or Syriatel office (the small shops on almost every corner cannot sell you), ask your hotel where the closest one is located.

Bring your passport.

The price is $8 for a local sim card with 5 GB data of data. All the small local phone shops can recharge.

Where to Stay in Damascus, Syria

Like I mentioned back in my post in 2017, so where most of the hotels were already up and running back then.

Now a year later, even are more hotels are up and running, you will be surprised by how many foreign tourists you will see in Syria and 2020. It’s actually not rare that the most popular hotels get fully booked these days.

The is hotels for every budget in every city.

Damascus:  You want to stay around Bab Toma, the old part of Damascus.

If you are staying in other parts of the town, a taxi will cost you $1-$2 around the city, no meters, agree on the price before going.

Beit Al Wali is the best hotel in the old city of Damascus; It is a beautiful five* hotel in a traditional building in Bab Toma, the old part of Damascus.

I’ve stayed here four times here myself during April – October, the best season for Syria. This is the hotel every foreign that was visiting Syria during the middle of the war was staying in; it was not rare to see famous western journalists here.

The price is $125-145 a night, with a great breakfast buffet. I can not recommend this hotel well enough.

This is one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in anywhere in the world, and I stayed here the first time when the war was less than 3KM away. The staff here is fantastic.

The bar street is less than 5min walk away. You will be surprised that the nightlife in Damascus is as good as anywhere in Europe, and this bar street did never shut down during the war, even when rockets were falling down less than 1km away!

Hotel Al Majed is a cheaper option right outside Bab Toma. A popular budget option. $$33 for a double room.

A bit outdated. But a great choice, there are more hotels on the same street with similar prices.

You can try the spots below in Aleppo .

Park Hotel: located in the middle of the city center on Baghdad Station Street, a bit run down but a good option.

I’ve stayed here in October 2017 and again in late 2018. Around $70 a night,

Other travels are recommending: Riga Hotel for $100 a night.

Junada Hotel, one of the biggest hostels in Syria. I stayed here in October 2017. Private beach, numerous restaurants. $145 a night.

Travelers are reporting that Hotel Cleopatra on Althoura street is an excellent option for $20 a night.

Is Damascus Safe?

One of the most frequently asked questions is “Is Syria safe to visit?”. Many people wonder is it safe to travel to Syria because the war has now been raging for more than nine years.

Most parts of Syria today are completely safe to visit, especially the capital Damascus, and Aleppo is just as safe as big European cities.

Don’t believe me? Go on traveling forums and Facebook groups and read the daily reports from other western travelers visiting Syria these days.

But there are a few things you should absolutely not do while traveling in Syria now. But you should always check the latest travel advice and the current security situation in Syria before you decide to travel.

Do NOT TAKE Photos of any Military bases, checkpoints, Soldiers, etc. this includes Russian, Iranians, and Hezbollah.

While the situation is improving daily, so are soldiers very suspicious of foreign spies even now in 2020.

I know of a few examples of a foreign tourist being stupid and taking photos of checkpoints and army stuff, this resulting in getting all their photos deleted and getting questioned for hours.

Tourists Sites Destroyed Because of Syrian Civil War

With a war that now has lasted more than nine years around the country, is there no surprise that some of the architectural masterpieces that once stood around Syria is destroyed or heavily damaged, but far from everything is destroyed.

And even somethings are completely unharmed, but you do have sited like the Roman ruins of Palmyra that was almost entirely destroyed by ISIS, same is it with Aleppo’s Great Umayyad Mosque , and the historic souq (Reconstructing heavily going on), the dead cities in Idlib are also long gone.

Krak des Chevaliers, one of the most famous castles in the world, got minor damage; reconstruction is going on and should be finished by late 2019.

The Christian temples in Saidnaya were looted and damaged by terrorists, but rebuilding is already completed.

The waterwheels in Hama is also still standing unharmed.

The historical part of Bab Touma. Damascus was hit by rockets and mortars, but every site have been prepared; the National Museum of Syria once again opened for the public again in late October. Bosra Roman Ruins in Southern Syria is entirely unharmed and is now possible to visit.

If you have any questions about visiting this amazing country, feel free to comment, and I will try to answer as well as I can.

Syria’s Economic Collapse in 2020

The Syrian pound has fallen, since the beginning of April 2020, to a level not seen in its history before, so that the Syrian market is affected in one way or another by these consecutive setbacks of its currency, which led to a new rise in prices, and the deterioration of the already tense living situation.

Causes of decline:

The drop in oil prices on the international market, which has negatively affected countries supporting the system due to their heavy dependence on oil trade in their economies.

As a result, Iran’s cash assistance to Syria decreased.

The Syrian Central Bank is free from foreign exchange and gold, as the presence of foreign currency reserves and gold are the main pillars upon which national currencies are based.

The central bank has become empty of foreign exchange reserves due to the stoppage of the revenues of land, sea, and air transit transport and the stopping of the export movement, the largest contributor to foreign currency revenues.

US and European sanctions imposed on key figures over the local government.

• The exchange rate is now 2,700 liras per dollar
• The exchange rate was 1050 liras in March
• The income of the Syrian citizen became $ 20 a month.

Final Thoughts on Tourism in Syria

Hopefully, this post has answered all of your questions on traveling in Syria and gotten rid of some of your reservations about visiting. Now that you know it is safe to travel to Syria, you can have a perfectly pleasant time in the country. Be sure to spend a night at one of the Syrian hotels recommended above. Fly safe and have a great journey.

Wednesday 19th of October 2022

What to do if I want to stay at some friend's home?

Christian L.

Saturday 5th of November 2022

Hello. It depends on your nationality, if you can visit without a guide, then its no problem. If you need a guide then it's not possible unfortunately at least by the law

David Holland

Saturday 29th of January 2022

Amazing, 500K Syrians have died, some becuse of chemical weapons and there are 2 million Syrian refugees sitting outside of Syria and yet people want to spend money there and support the Assad regime. Doesn't matter if it's safe or not. you are supporting evil people.

Not Your Average American

Friday 9th of June 2023

@David Holland, In case you didn't know, it was Assad (with the help of Russia, Hezbollah, and Iran) who liberated the areas held by terrorists...NOT Trump. Look at the map. Are you saying Assad killed half a million people and terrorist groups like ISIS and Al Nusra killed 0? They are called "terrorists" for a reason. Don't give Assad too much credit on the deaths. Look at how many civilians we killed during OUR invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan...or even Vietnam and Laos. As your president would say..."C'mon man!"

Average America

Saturday 8th of April 2023

@David Holland Support for Syria is a kick in the ass to sadist-state Israel. God bless Assad and all of Syria for standing strong against the phoney Khazar feces. Long live Syria!

Margrit Hertenstein

Saturday 12th of June 2021

Hello, I am a german citizen and I'd like to visit Syria in august 21. I will live with some syrian friends and don't need a hotel or a guide. Do I still have to book a guide and does the visa still cost 500 Dollar? Thank you for your answer.

Thursday 29th of July 2021

Hello. The border is still closed for western tourists. Unfortunately, so are you required by law to stay in a hotel and have a guide, even if you have local friends, up tp 2019 we could travel freely, but one Australian tourist screwed up and now everyone require to have a guide with them all the time. The visa is cheaper than 500 usd

Sunday 2nd of May 2021

Hello...Im from cape town south africa...a very beautiful city...but would love to visit syria...our hearts are with all the syrian people to be blessed in stability and prosperity in their lives...we are continuously praying for u all Some day we will visit.. Blessings In Jesus Almightiest Name Love you all to bits n pieces

God Bless n Shalom

Thursday 28th of January 2021

Hello. I came across this blog and I thought it was very interesting bit of information. Thank you. I am American and I saw that the travel ban has been lifted for Syria. I know that Lebanon and Syria have been experiencing a rise in COVID cases but I don't know how restrictive Syria has been in obtaining a travel visa. I'm planning to travel to Lebanon in February. I hope that I can have a chance to experience this beautiful country.

Tuesday 11th of January 2022

@Christian L., Hi, long time no see....well I did not see your email. I did contact an Ayoub from Morrata and he said he would help me get my visa but he said that he also never did one for an American before. -_-hmm.. I also did not travel because of the COVID situation here in the US. Now in 2022, I am hoping that I can travel here, even for a few days.

Friday 30th of July 2021

Did you manage to visit Syria during your visit to this part of the world?

2024 U.S. Election September 23, 2024

Returning your absentee ballot from overseas.

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Travel Advisory July 10, 2024

Syria - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to reflect the risk of wrongful detention

Do not travel to Syria due to the risk of  terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, and armed conflict. Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detention.

Country Summary:  The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in February 2012. Czechia serves as the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria.

Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011. No part of Syria is safe from violence. Hostage taking by armed groups, wrongful detentions, the use of chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardment of civilian centers pose significant risk of death or serious injury. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has also increased hardships inside the country.

The U.S. government strongly warns private U.S. citizens against traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict. The U.S. government does not support this activity. U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including hostage taking by armed groups, wrongful detentions, injury, or death. Our ability to provide consular assistance to individuals who are injured or kidnapped, or to the families of individuals who die in the conflict, is extremely limited.

Protests and demonstrations are quelled by government forces through aggressive tactics and protestors, activists, and political dissenters are routinely detained without access to legal representation or the ability to communicate with friends and family.

Terrorist groups are active in Syria. Parts of Syria have experienced recent increases in incidents of bombings, IEDs, and assassinations. Fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates, can constitute the provision of material support for terrorism or a foreign terrorist organization, which is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines.

There is an ongoing risk of hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals throughout the country. U.S. citizens are also targets of abduction and/or wrongful detention by the Syrian government. Those in detention do not have access to fair judicial process or medical attention. Government detention centers are known to be unsanitary facilities where widespread cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment of detainees has been documented, as well as torture and extrajudicial killings. Minors, persons with physical, sensory, or mental disabilities, and elderly have frequently been victims of unjust detention. The Syrian government has also been implicated in the enforced or involuntary disappearance of more than 100,000 individuals, including medical and humanitarian workers, journalists, human rights activists, political opposition, and additionally those suspected of affiliation with these groups and their family members. Only the Syrian government can issue a valid entry visa to Syria. Failure to obtain a legitimate entry visa directly from the Syrian government could result in detention.

Due to risks of operating civilian aircraft within or in the vicinity of Syria, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Syria.

If you decide to travel to Syria:

• Visit our website on  Travel to High Risk Areas .
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your family, so that if you are taken hostage, your family knows specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive and to rule out a hoax.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with family so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information.
• Enroll your trip in the State Department's  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter/X .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

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Embassies and Consulates

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria depart immediately.  More information can be found in the U.S. Department of State’s Syria Travel Advisory .  The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in February 2012, and therefore cannot provide emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens who choose to travel to or remain in Syria despite the Travel Advisory.

The Government of Czechia, acting through its Embassy in Damascus, serves as Protecting Power for U.S. interests in Syria.  The range of consular services Czechia provides to U.S. citizens is extremely limited.  U.S. citizens in Syria who seek consular services should contact the U.S. Interests Section of the Embassy of Czechia in Damascus at [email protected] .

U.S. citizens in Syria who are in need of emergency assistance but are unable to reach the U.S. Interests Section of the Embassy of Czechia, should contact the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan:

Telephone: 962 (6) 590-6950 Emergencies: 962 (6) 590-6500 E-mail:  [email protected]

U.S. citizens may also call 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S.) or +1 202-501-4444 (from overseas) for assistance.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Syria for information on U.S.-Syria relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Before traveling to Syria, please read the current Travel Advisory .

The Travel Advisory for Syria is Level 4, Do Not Travel.  The Department of State recommends U.S. citizens do not travel to Syria due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, hostage taking, and armed conflict.  Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detention.

A passport and a visa are required to enter Syria.  Visas must be obtained prior to arrival in Syria from a Syrian diplomatic mission located in the traveler’s country of residence.  The Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Washington, D.C. suspended all operations, including consular services, on March 18, 2014, and Syria does not have a protecting power currently providing consular services on its behalf in the United States.

Foreigners who wish to stay 15 days or more in Syria must register with Syrian immigration authorities by the 15th day of their stay.

Syria charges a departure tax at its land and sea borders for all visitors except those on diplomatic passports and children under the age of 11.

Syria usually will not issue visas or residency permits to students wishing to study religion or Arabic in private religious institutions.

Only the Syrian government can issue a valid entry visa to Syria.  Failure to obtain a legitimate entry visa directly from the Syrian government could result in detention. 

Israel Travel:   The Syrian government rigidly enforces restrictions on prior travel to Israel and does not allow persons with passports bearing Israeli visas or entry/exit stamps to enter the country.  Likewise, the absence of entry stamps from a country adjacent to Israel that a traveler is attempting to enter Syria from will cause Syrian immigration officials to refuse admittance.  Overland entry into Syria directly from Israel is not possible.  U.S. citizen travelers suspected of having traveled to Israel have been detained for questioning.

Dual Nationality:  U.S. citizen males over the age of 18 holding dual Syrian citizenship or non-dual U.S. citizen males of Syrian origin, even those born in the United States, may be subject to compulsory military service unless they receive a temporary or permanent exemption from a Syrian diplomatic mission abroad prior to their entry into Syria.  U.S. citizen males in Syria could face detention and compulsory service if they have not yet completed military service or paid exemption fees. 

A child under the age of eighteen whose father is Syrian or is of Syrian descent must have his/her father’s permission to leave Syria, even if the parents are separated or divorced and the mother has been granted full custody by a Syrian court.  On occasion, the families of U.S.-Syrian dual-national women visiting Syria have attempted to prevent them from leaving the country, generally in order to compel the woman to marry.  Although under Syrian law a woman wishing to depart Syria does not need her husband's explicit consent in every instance, a Syrian husband may take legal action to prevent his wife from leaving the country, regardless of her nationality.  Once such legal orders are in place, the woman may not be able to depart Syria.

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors or foreign residents of Syria.  HIV/AIDS tests are mandatory for foreigners from ages 15 to 60 who wish to reside in Syria.  The HIV/AIDS test must be conducted in Syria at a facility approved by the Syrian Ministry of Health.  A residence permit will not be issued until the applicant is determined HIV negative.  Foreigners wishing to marry Syrian nationals in Syria must also be tested for HIV.  Please verify this information with the Syrian government before you travel.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and Customs Information  on our websites.

Safety and Security

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Syria and strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria depart immediately, if they are able to depart safely, per the U.S. Department of State’s Syria Travel Advisory . Over the past twelve years, the Syrian regime has committed and continues to commit a wide range of atrocities, some of which constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Violent conflict between government and anti-government groups continues throughout the country.

Syrian regime military operations have involved the use of ballistic missiles, aerial attacks, heavy artillery, and chemical weapons that have struck civilian populations and infrastructure. Attacks from the regime or other groups could happen with little or no warning. No part of Syria should be considered immune from violence, and the potential risk exists throughout the country for unpredictable and hostile acts, including kidnappings, sniper assaults, terrorist attacks, small arms fire, improvised explosives, artillery shelling, airstrikes, the use of chemical weapons, large and small-scale bombings, as well as, wrongful detention, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and extrajudicial killings.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Syria has been designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism since 1979 and has given support to a variety of terrorist groups, affecting the stability of the region. Some parts of Syria, such as Idlib Province, are controlled by designated terrorist groups and are home to a number of groups hostile to the United States. Terrorists often do not distinguish between U.S. government personnel and private U.S. citizens. Terrorists may target areas frequented by Westerners, such as tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, and other frequently visited areas. U.S. citizens still in Syria are strongly encouraged to depart Syria immediately. U.S. citizens who choose to remain despite this warning should maintain a high level of vigilance and be aware of their surroundings. It is especially important for travelers to be unpredictable in their movements by varying times and routes and maintaining a low profile.

Elements within the regime as well as non-state actor groups maintain anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment, which may intensify following significant events in the region, particularly those related to U.S.-Syria relations, international intervention in the ongoing conflict, Israeli-Palestinian issues, the status of Jerusalem, and clashes in Lebanon. The combination of terrorist organizations, a porous border with Iraq and long-standing border issues with all of its neighbors (Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Türkiye, and Israel) have made Syria a destabilizing factor in the region and a potential target for reprisal.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime:  Since the suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in Damascus in February of 2012, the U.S. government has not been able to provide accurate information about crime involving U.S. citizens visiting or living in Syria. The Department of State strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria depart immediately.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and FBI pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Syria. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers (Cryptocurrency, gift cards/prepaid cards, etc)

Victims of Crime:  If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Czechia, through the U.S. Interests Section of the Czech Embassy in Damascus, currently serves as the Protecting Power for U.S. interests in Syria; however, their ability to provide services is extremely limited.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The U.S. Interests Section, in coordination with nearby U.S. embassies and consulates, may be able to:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Assist you to replace a stolen or lost passport

The local equivalents to the “911” emergency line in Syria is 110 for ambulance, 113 for fire, and 112 for the police. Syrian operators usually do not speak English. Any contact with Syrian security services has the potential to result in wrongful detention or disappearance.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Interests Section of the Czech Embassy in Damascus or U.S. Embassy Amman for assistance.

Tourism:  No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response services and subsequent appropriate medical treatment are largely unavailable in Syria. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.

See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Syrian Conflict:  The Syrian Arab Republic is ruled by an authoritarian regime dominated by the Socialist Ba'ath Party currently engaged in an armed conflict with the armed Syrian opposition.

Sources estimate that the conflict has resulted in over 500,000 deaths with hundreds of thousands more wounded, detained, or forcibly disappeared. The Syrian conflict has resulted in over 5.6 million registered Syrian refugees, and approximately 6.9 million people are displaced inside Syria, while 4.53 million remain in hard-to-reach and besieged areas. The Syrian government and its partners continue to prohibit the free flow of humanitarian aid into besieged areas, resulting in severe food shortages. More than 14 million people in Syria need humanitarian assistance.

Since September 2014, the U.S. government and others in the Defeat-ISIS Coalition have conducted military strikes on Syrian territory.

Entities Operating in Syria:  The Syrian government has regained control over most of the country, but some competing entities maintain greater control and influence in areas of northern Syria. Additionally, areas of southern Syria controlled by the Syrian government are constantly challenged by armed groups. Some armed groups have used car bombs, improvised explosive device/indirect-fire attacks, sniper fire, and carried out kidnappings throughout the country. Foreign combatants – including members of Iranian-aligned militia groups, Hizballah fighters, violent Islamist extremists, ISIS, and al-Qa'ida (AQ) elements – are also participating in hostilities. Additionally, Türkiye has become increasingly involved in military operations throughout northern Syria, seeking to counter the influence of the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK), a designated terrorist organization.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as al-Nusrah Front, an AQ affiliate and designated terrorist organization, has consolidated power in the northwestern province of Idlib. HTS control over Idlib threatens the ability of NGOs and states to deliver humanitarian aid to Syrians living there. Russian and/or Syrian government forces continue to conduct airstrikes in Idlib province. Strikes have resulted in civilian fatalities, including of medical personnel, children, and internally displaced persons and caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure such as medical facilities, schools, markets, and civilian housing.

ISIS no longer controls territory in Syria but continues to operate as an insurgency throughout the country. ISIS continues to pose a significant threat to civilians residing in Syria and has demonstrated the ability to conduct coordinated attacks against armed actors and civilians. Tactics of ISIS, HTS, and other violent extremist groups include the use of suicide bombers, kidnapping, small and heavy arms, improvised explosive devices, and chemical weapons. They have targeted major city centers, road checkpoints, border crossings, government buildings, energy infrastructure, shopping areas, and open spaces in Damascus, Aleppo, Hamah, Dara, Homs, Idlib, Deir Ezzor provinces and parts of northeast Syria. These groups have murdered, kidnapped or taken hostage U.S. citizens, both for ransom and political purposes; in some instances, U.S. citizens have disappeared within Syria. The U.S. government’s ability to help U.S. citizens kidnapped or taken hostage is very limited.

Chemical Weapons:  In the past, the Syrian regime has repeatedly used chemical weapons, including the nerve agent sarin and chlorine gas, against civilians. ISIS has also conducted several sulfur mustard attacks in Syria. Although there has not been a documented chemical weapons attack in Syria since May 2019, the continuing violence, security situation, and ongoing concerns about Syria’s remaining chemical weapons capabilities contributes to a volatile situation.

Kidnapping, Hostage Taking, and Forced Disappearance: There is an ongoing, high risk of kidnapping or hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals throughout the country. U.S. citizens remain a specific target, with several high-profile abductions having occurred since mid-2012.  U.S. citizen victims have had diverse professional backgrounds, including journalism and humanitarian work. U.S. citizens held captive by ISIS have been murdered by the group, which released videos of killings and publicly took responsibility for their deaths. U.S. citizens also have been abducted by other individuals and groups in Syria, and from various locations, including Damascus and Aleppo. Other U.S. citizens have gone missing and are believed to have been kidnapped or taken hostage. Forced disappearance is also used by government security forces on a massive scale to spread fear, stifle dissent, and as punishment.

Detention Issues:  U.S. citizens are also targets of abduction and wrongful detention by the Syrian regime. Family members seeking to obtain information about their missing or detained loved ones themselves face risk of detention, abuse, and exploitation when inquiring directly with the regime. Detainees are often held in detention centers for years under harsh and unsanitary conditions without any information provided to their loved ones on their status. These conditions allow for the quick spread of various illnesses. Pervasive abuse of detainees has been documented in government detention centers, including sexual and gender-based violence as well as other forms of physical violence, and extrajudicial killings. 

Please see our Human Rights Report regarding these conditions.

Borders:  A porous border with Iraq, and long-standing border issues with Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, and Israel, have contributed to a complex security environment in Syria, compounded by a protracted violent conflict and influx of foreign fighters. Since 2012, there have been multiple reports of Syrian shelling of neighboring countries near border areas, most significantly in Lebanon, Türkiye, Israel, and Jordan.

U.S. citizens should increase their vigilance if they travel within Syria to border areas with Iraq or Israel or the Al-Jazira (eastern Syria) region. The Government of Türkiye severely restricts crossings of its border with Syria, limited exclusively to individuals working for organizations engaged in the authorized provision of humanitarian assistance. Individuals seeking emergency medical treatment or safety from immediate danger are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

U.S. citizens have reported facing dangers traveling within the country and when trying to leave Syria via land borders, given the diminished availability of commercial air travel out of Syria. Opposition-held border checkpoints should not be considered safe, as they are targeted by regime attacks and some armed groups have sought funding through kidnappings for ransom. Border areas are frequent targets of shelling and other attacks and are crowded because of internally-displaced persons. Errant attacks will occasionally hit border towns just outside the borders as well.

Engaging in Armed Conflict:  The U.S. government strongly warns U.S. citizens against traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict. U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including kidnapping, injury, or death. The U.S. government does not support this activity, and our ability to provide consular assistance to individuals who are arrested, injured, or kidnapped, or to the families of individuals who die in the conflict, is extremely limited.

Fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of financial and material support to designated terrorist organizations, including ISIS and HTS/al-Nusrah Front, is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines. Individuals who demonstrate an interest in groups opposing ISIS, including on social media, could open themselves to being targeted by ISIS itself, especially if those individuals travel to Syria.

Government Surveillance:  The Syrian government conducts intense physical and electronic surveillance of both Syrian citizens and foreign visitors on a domestic and global scale. Any encounter with a Syrian citizen could be subject to scrutiny by the General Intelligence Directorate (GID) or other security services. Sustained interactions with average Syrians – especially if deemed to be of a political nature – may subject you and/or that Syrian to harassment and/or detention, and other forms of repressive actions by state security elements. Hotel rooms, internet connections, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. The regime has reportedly planted spyware and other malware in Android applications to target human rights activists, opposition members, and journalists. Loitering or taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in questioning, confiscation of the images, or detention by security services. Additionally, U.S. citizens should be aware that conversations on the topics of politics, religion, and other social issues could lead to arrest. It is also illegal in Syria to possess specific-use electronic devices including GPS, short-wave or handheld radio equipment, or similar devices.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Syria imposes more severe penalties for certain crimes than you might face in the United States. For example, Article 39 of Syria’s Narcotics Act imposes the death penalty for drug trafficking or cultivation.

Women who are arrested under suspicion of immoral behavior (e.g., being alone in a room with a man who is not the woman’s husband or being in a residence where drugs or alcohol are being consumed) may be subjected to a virginity test. In addition, the Syrian government monitors the activities of all groups, including religious groups, and discourages proselytizing, which it deems a threat to relations among religious groups.

Certain actions of U.S. citizens overseas are prosecutable as crimes in in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: Immediately request that the U.S. Interests section be notified if you are detained, though Syrian authorities generally do not notify the U.S. Interests Section of the arrest of a U.S. citizen until weeks after the arrest, if at all. In previous cases security officials have not responded to U.S. requests for consular access, especially in cases of persons detained for “security” reasons. See our webpage for further information on consular notification and access.

Military Service: U.S.-Syrian and U.S.-Palestinian men who have never served in the Syrian military and who are planning to visit Syria despite the U.S. Department of State’s Syria Travel Advisory should contact the Syrian government prior to traveling concerning compulsory military service. See the “Dual Nationals” section above.

Special Circumstances: Syria is in the midst of a violent armed conflict. The Department of State strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria despite the U.S. Department of State’s Syria Travel Advisory depart immediately.

The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has increased hardships in Syria. Communications in Syria are difficult as phone and internet connections are unreliable.

Customs Requirements: Syrian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Syria of items such as weapons, narcotics, alcohol, tobacco, cheese, fruit, pharmaceuticals, modems, cosmetics, and some electrical appliances.

Please refer to our Customs Information page for additional information.

Banking and Commerce:  Foreign currencies can be exchanged for Syrian pounds only by licensed money changers, the Commercial Bank of Syria (CBS), the Real Estate Bank, and at private banks, some of which maintain offices inside four- and five-star hotels.

Four and five-star hotels and high-end stores in Syria generally accept credit cards, although most restaurants, stores and shops operate exclusively in cash.

Foreigners visiting Syria are required to pay hotel bills in U.S. dollars, Euros, or other non-Syrian hard currency.

Traveler’s checks are not accepted in Syria and banks will not cash them unless the traveler has an account at the bank in question.

There are no U.S.-based banks operating in Syria.

There are 14 private banks operating in Syria, with branches and ATMs in most major cities. These ATMs usually honor major debit/credit systems.

U.S. banks are restricted by law from transacting business with the largest public bank in Syria, the CBS. Therefore, U.S. banks will not process ATM transactions from CBS branches.

Funds may be transferred into Syria through Western Union.

Wiring of funds through private banks is possible only if the traveler already holds an account with the bank in Syria; transferring funds through CBS or the Real Estate Bank is not possible because of U.S. sanctions. Private citizens seeking to transfer funds outside of Syria or to withdraw U.S. dollars from a bank in Syria should check with the relevant financial institution for the most up-to-date regulations.

Trade and Sanctions: The United States maintains a robust sanctions regime on Syria. The Syrian government is under comprehensive sanctions, including for its atrocities, some of which rise to the level of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Syria sanctions prohibit a wide range of transactions in Syria, including with sanctioned entities, unless authorized by the Department of the Treasury or the Department of Commerce. Please consult the Department of Treasury and Department of Commerce websites for more details.

Requests for specific licenses to authorize transactions that are neither exempt nor covered by a general license may be submitted to the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Terrorism List Government Sanctions Regulations prohibit U.S. persons from receiving unlicensed donations from the Syrian government. You can review the Department of Treasury’s Syria Sanctions page for more information.

Additionally, U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in financial transactions which a U.S. person knows or has reasonable cause to believe pose a risk of furthering terrorist acts in the United States. For additional information about Terrorism List Government Sanctions Regulations, consult the terrorism brochure on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s OFAC home page or via OFAC's info-by-fax service at (202) 622-0077.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country report
• Human Rights Report – see country report
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Syrian law criminalizes consensual same-sex conduct under penal code article 520, which states that each sexual act "against the order of nature" is punishable by as long as three years imprisonment. Rather than prosecute under that law, however, the regime has arrested dozens of LGBTQI+ persons on charges such as abusing social values; selling, buying, or consuming illegal drugs; or organizing and promoting “obscene” parties. Credible NGOs report that the Syrian regime uses detention centers to torture and commit acts of sexual and gender-based violence against suspected members of the LGBTQI+ community. Abuses include rape, forced nudity, and anal or vaginal “examinations.” Individuals perceived as LGBTQI+ report being sexually abused and harassed at checkpoints. Public reports indicate that ISIS and HTS murder individuals perceived to be LGBTQI+, inclusive of those accused of engaging in same-sex sexual conduct.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for additional information.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Syrian law protects persons with disabilities from discrimination in education, access to health, or provision of other state services; however, the government has not enforced these provisions. Sidewalks are generally unevenly paved and often blocked by parked cars. Stairs must be used to access many public buildings, restaurants, cafes, and other tourist spots.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Basic medical care and medicines are available in Damascus and some coastal areas, but not necessarily in other areas. Serious illnesses and emergencies may require evacuation to a neighboring country or Western medical facility. There are shortages of food, water, medicine, and medical supplies throughout Syria.

For emergency services in Syria, dial 110 for ambulance and 113 for fire.

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country, except in the capital and provincial cities.

The Department of State does not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Find out if your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas, though hospitals and doctors abroad may not accept it. Care providers in Syria only accept cash payments up front, and the cost for services can be expensive.

See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. The Department strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. In addition, you may wish to check whether your insurance will cover injuries sustained in a conflict zone.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Syria to ensure that the medication is legal in Syria. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Tuberculosis
• Hepatitis A
• Diarrheal disease

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Exercise caution if driving in Syria because road conditions are hazardous and there are threats generated by the active conflict.

Visitors may encounter hostile activity, harassment, or even abduction at both official and unofficial security checkpoints on roads throughout the country. Although drivers generally follow traffic signs and signals in urban centers, they maneuver aggressively and show little regard for vehicles traveling near them. Lane markings are usually ignored. Unlike in the United States, vehicles within Syrian traffic circles must give way to entering traffic. At night, it is very difficult to see pedestrians, who often walk into traffic with little warning. Outside major cities, it is common to find pedestrians, animals, and vehicles on unlighted roads at night.

Pedestrians should also exercise caution. Parked cars, deteriorating pavement, and guard posts obstruct sidewalks, often forcing pedestrians to walk in the street. Vehicles often do not stop for pedestrians, and regularly run red lights or “jump” the green light well before it changes. Drivers and passengers are subject to demands for money, harassment, and abduction throughout the country. Rule of law, including traffic laws, and law enforcement is absent in many areas of the country.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: Because of the risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Syria, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) that prohibits U.S. and codeshare flights from flying through Syrian airspace and advises caution for flights operating within 200 nautical miles.

For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration's Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Syria, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Syria’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Syria should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings website. Navigational warnings can be found under the “Current Warnings” section for the applicable NAVAREA from within the NGA site.

Port Security: The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Syrian ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Syria. Mariners and passengers on commercial vessels traveling through the ports of Syria should exercise increased caution.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Syria . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Visiting Syria – Useful Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Wandering Beyond

Embarking on a trip to Syria started questions from doubters: ‘Did you travel to the third most dangerous country in the world of Syria through an ongoing conflict? Are you crazy to risk terrorist attacks in the Middle East?’ So many questions, but we still wanted to visit Syria!

Coming from a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, mentioning our journey to a country during war often raises concern.

Unfortunately, the general narrative revolves around conflicts in the Middle East . This missed opportunity arises as our Syrian journey reveals a breathtaking side overshadowed by war complexities. 

Join us as we challenge preconceptions and uncover the hidden beauty of Syria amidst the ongoing conflict.

This blog post will guide you with all you need to know, such as where to go, what to see and more – ensuring you have the most amazing time in this remarkable country.

Our Experience

Our trip to Syria, which made it to one of the national newspapers , was a remarkable experience that we will never forget. Despite warnings from social media and news portals about terrorist attacks and the Syrian conflict, Syria is a destination offering the most authentic experiences for adventurous travellers. 

Whether exploring the city centre or north-east Syria, don’t let fear discourage you—conduct thorough research before your journey.

Thanks to the guidance of our local guides, we not only had the time of our lives but also encountered incredible people and discovered outstanding places.

What about Safety in Syria?

We have a deep love for the Middle East, and the excitement was above and beyond when we decided to travel to the Syrian country. Upon arrival, that special feeling was evident! 

While it’s true that Syria has faced years of conflict with terrorist groups and military action, it’s essential to keep a few key factors in mind. Checking travel advisories before your trip to Syria and sticking to local laws help concerns.

Damascus emerged unscathed by the war, showcasing resilience despite economic challenges. Syrians, like everyone else, aspire to lead everyday lives. Several cities were untouched by conflict, while others, though affected, remained safe with a commitment to established rules.

The scene is vibrant in many parts of Syria—children playing, locals earning a living, bustling markets, and people enjoying time with friends. Syria is a country much like any other worldwide, and there’s no need for fear to go to Syria, as it stands as a safe country.

How to Get to Syria

Our journey to Syria began from Beirut in Lebanon, a roughly 2-hour drive to the Masnaa Lebanon, Syria border crossing.

Besides Lebanon , alternative entry points exist, such as from Jordan, Erbil, Tehran, or Cairo to Damascus International Airport.

We highly recommend the best and easiest travel option from Lebanon. Our tour guide from Golden Team picked us up from Hamra, Lebanon, and made our entrance as smooth as possible.

Discovering Syria Independently: Navigating the Traveller’s Dilemma

To enter Syria is more complicated than it once was. Unlike in the past, you cannot enter on your own. Securing a guide is necessary to facilitate entry and travel within Syria. Additionally, specific areas require a dedicated driver for exploration.

For those considering a visit, understanding the arrival process, obtaining a tourist visa, adapting to local customs, and staying informed about the security situation is essential to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable experience in Syria, starting from the border in Beirut.

Arrival and immigration tips for Syria

We want to help you make the immigration process easier, so here are some useful tips:

Don’t break a sweat over visas! Roll with a tour guide when planning your grand Syrian adventure. 

They’re your golden ticket to hassle-free travel, sorting out that visa business along with your booking. It’s like a two-for-one deal minus the stress.

Stamp of Approval (Not from Israel, Though)

Heads up—keep those passport pages looking fresh. If you’ve got stamps from Israel, prepare for a U-turn! Having the Israeli ink might get you banned from Syria.

This rule isn’t just for our Israeli pals; even travellers with a hint of Israel on their passports are in for a detour.

Cash Rules Everything Around Syria (Money)

Make sure you pack EUR or USD cash. Exchange your money because, in Syria, it’s all about the Syrian pounds.

Your dollars and euros are like VIP passes for a smooth entrance into this fantastic country. Let the adventure begin!

Getting Around Syria – Tour or Local Guide

Before you visit, you must check the latest travel advisories, but don’t overdo it. Since the independent approach to this destination country is restricted, booking with a tour or a guide becomes crucial, particularly for managing visas and accommodations in advance.

With a range of options, including group and private tours, our standout recommendation, based on our wonderful experience, is the outstanding Golden Team Syria .

This team is the real deal—absolute pros who transformed our journey into an unforgettable one. They covered us from crossing the border to the very last minute bound for Beirut. Need conversion to Syrian pounds? No problem. Are you concerned about navigating the local laws of the Syrian government and high-risk areas? They’ve got it all under control. 

The Golden Team ensured our Syrian journey was nothing short of epic, making it the best experience ever. When unravelling the magic of Syria, they’re the people you can trust!

How to Get a Visa

One must get a visa in Syria as you can not travel alone like in Jordan . You must inform your travel agency about arranging your documents and, ideally, combining them into your tour cost, making it hassle-free. 

We recommend sorting out the above at least two to three weeks before your trip. There is no need to browse consular services on the government website when your local guide seamlessly handles everything.

While Damascus allows some independent travel, venturing beyond can be challenging, if not impossible, without a guide. The quantity of checkpoints throughout the country requires constant document verification, including the tourist visa. 

Ensure a smooth journey by letting your guide navigate these frontiers and handle the intricacies of travel in this magnificent country.

Crossing Check Points

When you travel to Syria, you’ll quickly observe the majority of checkpoints as you cross from one place to another. The security situation is well managed, featuring armed groups of border officers tasked with ensuring safety and compliance. 

It’s crucial to be respectful and follow the rules and orders issued by your guide throughout your travels here, navigating the barriers and borders seamlessly.

Currency Exchange

Upon arrival in Damascus, settling your tour cost is a straightforward process—you’ll need to pay in notes, with both USD and Euro accepted. However, it’s advisable to bring extra notes in USD in exchange for the Syrian pound currency at the border to cover additional expenses, such as food. 

While Euro is acceptable for settling your tour bill, bringing USD is preferable. Remember that there are no ATMs or card readers in Syria, stressing the importance of carrying enough money in dollars for your entire trip, including visas and other costs at the border.

Where to Stay?

When we shared our plan to visit Syria, the reactions were overwhelming, with most people expressing massive concern about our accommodations. Many assumed that Syria, still recovering from the impact of conflict, lacked suitable places to stay. 

Contrary to this misconception, our experience was quite the opposite! In Syria, we enjoyed staying in some of the most beautiful hotels, exceeding all expectations in comfort and amenities.

To our delight, the Golden Team had meticulously planned and booked all our accommodations well in advance, ensuring a smooth experience. Each hotel we stayed at not only met but exceeded our needs. Moreover, they all offered delectable Syrian breakfasts, adding a delightful culinary touch to our stay.

Accommodation

For those considering a trip to Syria and opting for a guide instead of a tour, we highly recommend booking the same hotels that made our stay truly special:

• Hotel Talsman
• Dar Al Mamlouka

Al Misthaya

• Villa Rosa Hotel
• Laurus Hotel

Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Must See Places

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries, Syria promises to be an unforgettable destination. Bursting with a wealth of history, culture, and natural marvels, here are some of the must-see places:

Damascus is one of the major cities that fascinates most people and boasts an impressive blend of history and modernity. At its heart lies the iconic Umayyad Mosque, a symbol of Syria’s rich cultural heritage. With its energetic city centre, the ancient city of Damascus invites exploration that promises awe-inspiring experiences.

Bosra is an ancient city in Syria that offers a captivating journey through time. With its rich historical significance, this well-preserved site invites exploration and promises a unique glimpse into the past.

When your travels bring you to Syria, Maaloula is an absolute must-see. Half a day is dedicated to exploring this beautiful destination. During our exploration, we encountered the poignant remains of a hotel, bearing witness to the ravages of war. In Maaloula, a unique experience awaits as you interact with locals who still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Wandering through these ancient sites is truly a fantastic journey back in time.

Krak Des Chevaliers (Al-Husn)

When you find yourself in Syria, prepare to be mesmerised by the sheer magic of Krak Des Chevaliers. This iconic fortress is a must-see and a key highlight in guided tours. Once a stronghold for the Knights Hospitaller, the Krak Des Chevaliers boasts an awe-inspiring medieval architecture that transports you to a bygone era.

Ensure your camera is handy, as you will be able to capture the captivating details and breathtaking views this historical marvel offers. At least we did. The fortress stands as a testament to centuries of history. It is a living storybook ready to be explored, leaving visitors wondering about its grandeur and the tales it holds within its walls.

Al-Mishtaya

Al-Mishtaya, a hidden gem in Syria, invites travellers to discover its unique charm. This picturesque destination fascinates with its serene beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether strolling through its historic streets, savouring local cuisine, or engaging with the welcoming community, Al-Mishtaya promises an authentic and memorable experience off the beaten path in Syria.

Hama, nestled in the heart of Syria with a storied history, extends a warm invitation to visitors, blending ancient allure with a dynamic modern spirit. Renowned for its iconic Norias, or water wheels, lining the Orontes River, this place unfolds an exciting journey through time. Delve into the remnants of its ancient past, from the Roman-era aqueduct to the historic citadel, immersing yourself in the city’s lively atmosphere.

The residents here, accustomed to rarely seeing tourists, expressed genuine excitement upon encountering new faces during our visit. Eager to connect, everyone wanted to capture moments together, and we were overwhelmed by the joy reflected in their happy faces.

Hama effortlessly blends tradition and modernity, creating a captivating stop for those enthusiastic about exploring Syria’s rich cultural fabric. Discover the hidden gems and experience the warm hospitality that makes this location a uniquely distinct and memorable destination

Apamea, another gem in Syria’s historical crown, is near Hama. Strolling through its collonaded streets, one can almost hear the echoes of ancient civilisations that once thrived in this city. The site offers a captivating window into the history and culture of this ancient land.

During our visit to Apamea, we had the privilege of meeting locals engaged in the traditional practice of olive cutting. Children, with bright smiles, were actively participating in this age-old process, transforming olives into medicinal treasures. 

This immersive encounter with the local community added a deep layer to our exploration, providing a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions that endure in such historical marvels.

Exploring this archaeological gem not only unveils the architectural splendours of the past but also connects visitors with the resilient spirit of the present-day community, making Apamea a truly enriching destination to travel for those seeking a profound journey through time.

Aleppo, a city in northern Syria celebrated for its culinary scene, stands resilient despite war’s challenges. Though scarred, the bustling markets testify to the city’s enduring spirit. 

During the day of exploring Aleppo, we found ourselves captivated not only by its diverse and flavorful dishes but also by the unwavering resilience of its residents, offering a narrative of strength. Post-conflict, locals eagerly pursue normality, breathing life back into their city amid the scars of conflict. 

From markets to neighbourhoods, Aleppo experiences a collective effort to rebuild and revive, transforming into a symbol of rebirth. The indomitable spirit of its residents shines, determined to reclaim lives in the face of adversity, each step towards normalcy a testament to Aleppo’s enduring strength.

Visit Homs, Syria, and discover a city steeped in history and cultural richness, where ancient landmarks tell tales of a captivating past.

In Homs, we were welcomed into the home of a Syrian family, which, with open arms and warm hospitality, awaited us. Beyond the delightful lunch, our hearts warmed as we spent precious moments playing with local kids , turning our journey into an extremely heartwarming experience. Check out this video full of love from the kids of Homs.

@norbertbezzina 🇸🇾 These are the kids of Syria, and we are in Homs, and these beautiful kids are amazing, not just the kids; everyone is amazing. When you see these faces, you can’t be any happier ❤️ #maltatravel #maltatiktok #tiktokmalta #fypmalta #maltatiktoker #maltatiktok🇲🇹 #maltatiktok🖤 #maltatok #maltese🇲🇹 #maltesepeople #maltesetiktoker #maltesetiktok #maltesetraveller🇲🇹 #maltesetraveller #maltesetravellers #maltafyp #maltafyp🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers #malta🇲🇹_tiktokers #tiktokersmalta #tiktokermalta #maltafyp2023 #fypmalta2023 #maltesefyp2023 #syria🤍 #syria_love #fypcute #beautifulkids #sobeautiful❤️ @Norbert Bezzina @Norbert Bezzina @Norbert Bezzina ♬ original sound - Norbert Bezzina

@norbertbezzina 🇸🇾 The beautiful kids of Homs, Syria ❤️ We love you 🤍 #maltatravel #maltatiktok #tiktokmalta #fypmalta #maltatiktoker #maltatiktok🇲🇹 #maltatiktok🖤 #maltatok #maltese🇲🇹 #maltesepeople #maltesetiktoker #maltesetiktok #maltesetraveller🇲🇹 #maltesetraveller #maltesetravellers #maltafyp #maltafyp🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers #malta🇲🇹_tiktokers #tiktokersmalta #tiktokermalta #maltafyp2023 #fypmalta2023 #maltesefyp2023 #syria #syria🇸🇾 #fypcute #beautifulkids #sobeautiful❤️ ♬ original sound - Norbert Bezzina

Do Not Miss What We Missed

We highly recommend visiting Palmyra and including it in your journey . Isis destroyed Palmyra, but despite its unfortunate history, exploring this ancient city is worth exploring. There is a significant part of understanding Syria’s rich heritage and the resilience of its historical treasures.

Moses Al-Abyssinian Monastery (Al Nabk)

In Al Nabk, this Monastery beckons with its serene spirituality and architectural elegance and is worth visiting.

Traditional Food

You can only be in Syria by exploring the delightful flavours of traditional Syrian cuisine. Do not miss the below:

• Kibbeh Bil Sanieh
• Samaka Harra

For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Syrian Booza—an ice cream with a unique twist! Make sure to indulge in this treat when in Damascus.

Internet access in Syria is minimal, much like the situation in Beirut. It’s essential to be mindful of the connectivity challenges that may occur when you travel to Syria. 

We experienced this firsthand, disrupting our usual workflow due to the constrained connection. Fortunately, with a flexible content writing schedule, we were less impacted and could work anytime. 

When crossing the border, anticipate a substantial decrease in wifi availability, potentially slowing your ability to stay connected during your travels in Syria. 

Electricity

Electricity availability in Syria can also be unpredictable, with occasional power outages, so be prepared for potential disruptions.

Recommendations for Visiting Syria

Planning to enter syria make it easier with these helpful tips:.

• Consider Golden Team as your tour guide for the best experience.
• Get a Visa to ensure hassle-free entry taken care of by the agency.
• Bring currencies like USD or EUR to exchange for the Syrian pound.
• Travel insurance is extremely limited to Syria; however, TrueTraveller is available.
• Consider exploring other countries, like we did with Lebanon , to take advantage of Syria’s central location.
• Stay updated on travel advisories during your days in Syria.

What to Wear when You Travel to Syria

Clothes advice.

• Men: Normal clothes are suitable, but avoid sleeveless shirts in mosques.
• Women: Dress freely, but carry trousers and a scarf. Avoid shorts or short skirts in Hama and Aleppo, especially in mosques.

Taking Photos and Videos

During your trip to Syria, you can capture photos and videos anywhere except at the borders. Exercise caution in high-risk areas, especially checkpoints, where little or no warning may be given. 

People of Syria

Syrians are undoubtedly some of the most warm-hearted and kind individuals we’ve ever encountered. Despite living in challenging circumstances and often facing poverty, their generosity knows no bounds. 

Whether offering food or heartfelt gifts, they naturally desire to share what they have with visitors.

This genuine kindness touched our hearts deeply, and we are incredibly grateful, mainly as we were with Golden Team Syria, which provided us with unique insights into Syrian life from the locals’ perspective.

Best Time to Visit Syria

The optimal times to visit Syria are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is cool and pleasant.

In June, the heat is intense, as experienced with Norbert suffering heatstroke during our visit. Take precautions if planning this beautiful country during hotter months.

Have You Got any Questions or Concerns? We can Help You!

Please get in touch with us if you’re interested in planning your Syrian adventure or have any questions about travelling to this unique destination. We’ll gladly provide insights, information, and assistance to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience in Syria.

Drop your questions below, and let the journey begin!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. If you book your accommodation or buy anything through our links, we earn a small commission at NO extra cost to you. We only recommend links to services we truly trust. Thank you for your support!

Wandering Beyond

We're Norbert and Steff, a couple from the tiny island of Malta. Our love story began in 2012, and our shared aspiration has always been to embark on adventures and uncover new horizons. With a passion for backpacking and a desire to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, we continue to create unforgettable experiences. Our dream has reached a new level today since we are full-time digital nomads living our dream, travelling the world one country at a time.

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Syria Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Factsheet

Discover the total economic contribution that the Travel & Tourism sector brings to Syria and the world in this data-rich, two-page factsheet.

Discover the total economic contribution that the Travel & Tourism sector brings to the Syria’s economies and to the world in this data-rich, two-page factsheet.

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Over the next few weeks we will be releasing the newest Economic Impact Research factsheets for a wide range of economies and regions. If the factsheet you're interested in is not yet available,  sign up to be notified via the form on this page .

Factsheet details

This factsheet highlights the importance of Travel & Tourism to Syria across many metrics, and features details such as:

• Contribution of the sector to overall GDP and employment
• Comparisons between 2019 and 2023
• Forecasts for 2024 and 2034
• International and domestic visitor spending
• Proportion of leisure vs business spending
• Top 5 inbound and outbound markets

This factsheet highlights the importance of Travel & Tourism to the Syria across many metrics, and features details such as:

• Contribution of the sector to overall GDP and employment in the group and globally
• Contribution of the sector to overall GDP and employment in the region and globally

This factsheet highlights the importance of T&T to this city across many metrics, and features details such as:

• Contribution of the sector to overall GDP and employment in the city
• Comparisons between 2019, 2020 and 2021, plus 2022 forecast
• Proportion of the T&T at city level towards overall T&T contribution at a country level
• Top 5 inbound source markets

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Travel to Syria: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting as a Tourist

• 16th July 2022
• 10 minute read

This will be, without a doubt, one of the most difficult destination blogs to compose. On the other hand, I personally feel a duty to share the notion of travel being possible in Syria – even amidst the internal and external battles that the country still currently faces today. Depending on your travel experience, it’s common to realise that the reality of most countries can be very different to the perception that mainstream media outlets try to convey… This applies to (many areas of) Syria too.

Table of Contents

Why should you travel to syria, travelling to syria as a female, what is it like travelling syria, in my experience…, how much spending money will you need, should you tip in syria, accommodation in syria, food in syria, internet in syria, weather in syria, what to wear in syria.

Don’t have time to read this now?  Pin this blog for later .

Syria could be one of the most emotionally difficult destinations you can visit today. It is clear to see that most of the landscapes, towns and characters have been shaped by the most recent war. Personal stories will continue to break your heart on a day-to-day basis. And as a consequence, military checkpoints patrol most corners of the road network and most of what remains to be visited by tourists.

Still and all, contrary to what much of the mainstream media would have us believe, Syria has many other stories to tell, especially to those who are courageous enough to visit.

Before 2011, popular hotel rooms and tour operators would be fully booked. Tourists from all around the world would flock in numbers to explore the incredible ancient structures, such as Palmyra and Krak des Chevaliers. So, whether you believe it or not, Syria once had a booming tourism industry. This is understandable because Syria has some of the richest histories and ancient sites in the world!

This personal insight is not a suggestion that Syria is ready for mass tourism yet. After all, for any open-hearted individual who is willing to cross the Syrian border and especially for the vast population of Syria, I can only have hope and faith that they will be able to host larger numbers again someday soon. Inshallah!

Is It Safe to Travel to Syria?

During the time this blog was written (July 2022) , it would be against foreign advice to travel to Syria. It’s also near impossible to find travel insurance that will cover your visit, due to the economic sanctions that multiple nations have placed on the country.

The intention of this blog is not to inform travellers that visiting Syria is completely safe –  it’s not. In fact, there are many areas of the country that are still active conflict zones and undisputed territories. Nevertheless, the complete war zone that mainstream media outlets portray the entire country to be in, is simply misleading.

In fact, most curious locals generally point out their own personal concerns about how their country is perceived by other nations through the mainstream media. Therefore, I personally feel a duty to share their strong message of humankind, that the overwhelming majority of Syrians are not dangerous and are instead, very peaceful and loving people. By spending time with these local people from various areas of Syria, I was one thousand per cent assured by their heartwarming smiles that would grant peace to anyone with compassion that was blessed to be around them.

Of course, like in many other countries, things can change quickly. Therefore, I would urge everyone to do research and their own risk assessment before travelling. There are plenty of governments advising against travel to Syria, but similarly, a great amount of positive trip reports from western travellers on Facebook groups, forums and YouTube vlogs. All in all, it’s important that you travel to Syria with a trustworthy local contact in case the situation on the ground changes in an instant. If you are planning to travel with a reputable tour company, then keep in contact with their employees. They will be able to better advise you on the current security situation.

In all honesty, my experience in Syria as a female foreigner (with a local guide) felt very safe. From the countless welcoming encounters at the military checkpoints to the interactions with boys, guys and other women on the streets, I personally had zero threatening experiences.

Talking about what still stands in Syria today is almost unavoidable without also mentioning what has been lost, destroyed or taken over the years. It’s heartbreaking to hear and painful to see the devastation in any guide’s face whilst they tell the stories of destruction in what once stood before them. This is massively overwhelming to make sense of as a visitor.

How to Get a Tourist Visa to Enter Syria

It’s important to note that foreigners cannot explore Syria 100% independently. Visitors need to obtain a visa with security clearance beforehand. This can be organised through a travel agency within the country. Once you arrive, the travel agency will provide you with a local guide that should accompany you over the entirety of your stay.

Gaining your security clearance through a local tour company is straightforward; the process will usually take less than 2 weeks, or in my case, 10 days. Normally, all that should be required is an image of your passport, employment status and occupation. This paperwork is important as it will be shown multiple times a day as you pass the many roadside checkpoints.

At the time of writing this (July 2022) , visas are not permitted for those with an Israeli stamp on their current passport.

I, and two other Brits, were driven across the border between Lebanon and Syria by an employee of the tour company we were in contact with beforehand. Overall, the border crossing was surprisingly smooth. We did not encounter any issues and were pleasantly startled by the extremely warm welcome and plentiful smiles from both the immigration officers and military staff on guard. In addition to our payment to the tour agency for a visa, we also paid $140 at a border office to enter the country. Our driver was very organised as he ushered us around the necessary desks on foot. There were some for our passports, a check of vaccine certificates, visas and what seemed to be another for his vehicle. Before we drove away, some uniformed officers briefly, but respectfully, checked the contents of our luggage too.

Exchanging Money in Syria

The currency in Syria is the Syrian Pound (SYP). You should bring either Euros or US Dollars to exchange in the country because, due to European and American economic sanctions against Syria, you will not be able to use any card to withdraw or spend money.

It is unlikely that you will be able to exchange Syrian Pounds back to US Dollars or Euros. Therefore, you should be sure not to exchange too much during your stay.

As a point of reference, I exchanged 100 USD to spend across seven full days in Syria. This is doable if you just need to pay for dinner, and you are not including alcohol or souvenirs. However, I’d recommend exchanging about 120-150 USD to be more comfortable. The exchange rate was approximately 3400 SYP to the dollar, but this figure is extremely volatile.

Small tips are welcome in Syria, but they are by no means mandatory. If you appreciate the time any local has spent with you at sites, telling you stories or taking your photograph, then I would suggest leaving a tip or small donation to contribute towards any restoration, rebuilding or loss of income.

Places to Visit When You Travel to Syria

Syria isn’t too geographically widespread. This means that you will not have to travel far to pack plenty into your itinerary. The typical Syrian road trip route is from the south (Damascus) to the north (Aleppo) with a day trip slightly to the east (Palmyra). If you would like to deviate from this common route, then you should arrange this with your tour operator beforehand. Once you arrive, the security clearance for each location cannot be changed.

If you have any doubt about your travels to Syria, the Old City of Damascus will immediately reassure you that your venture will be worth any initial anxieties. This will likely be your first destination, and I personally, have no doubt that you will be greeted with ear-to-ear smiles and warm hospitality.

Thankfully, much of the Old City of Damascus still remains today. So as you arrive, you’ll quite naturally be eager to explore the lively and narrow cobblestoned streets that lead towards the hustle and bustle. I wouldn’t blame you! The journey is inviting, exciting and very tasty!

Krak des Chevaliers is one of the most famous castles in the world! It’s reasonably easy to visit considering the site is a 45-minute drive from the city of Homs. In English, ‘Krak des Chevaliers’ translates to ‘Castle of the Knights’ which is incredibly fitting considering that this is one of the greatest fortresses built by European crusaders. In addition, it’s almost certainly one of the better preserved too. Without the distractions of information boards, unsightly barriers, excessive lights and shuffling crowds, it’s so much easier to try visualising what life could have been like in the confines of these walls.

The population of Aleppo are bound to sing to you!… If not directly, then you’ll hear the melodic local songs as you explore the citadel and souks. They’re beautiful!

Aleppo’s Old City is one of the oldest in the world. This faced a severe amount of destruction during the conflict. For instance, the Great Mosque was completely destroyed. But fortunately, there are visible signs of the most restoration you are likely to witness in Syria. Nevertheless, a day of exploration in Aleppo can be very emotional as it will take years for the city to return to a similar condition it once was.

This historical site was once among Syria’s top attractions. Now, a visit to Palmyra comes with great sadness as considerable damage was inflicted by ISIS in 2016. The destruction is vast, though there are signs of reorganisation and restoration.

Maaloula is an ancient Christain town, hidden in the mountains of Syria. It’s one of the few places remaining in the world where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, has survived as a spoken dialect. The entire language is being kept alive by the parents of Maaloula who continue to use the language around their children every day.

Hama is a popular place to stretch off the car journey between Damascus and Aleppo. Plus, the numerous waterwheels in Hama are famous in Syria. Fortunately, they have managed to remain intact.

Bosra is approximately a 2-hour drive from Damascus. The area is an anomaly to the other cities as there aren’t constant photographs of the president scattered around the streets. Instead, you’ll find green Syrian flags draped across the ruins or painted on walls. Needless to say, there is still no visible animosity from either side in the area, and tourists are able to visit with the appropriate paperwork.

Bosra was once a major stopover along the ancient caravan route to Mecca. Now, it’s a major archaeological site that includes monuments, churches, mosques and a magnificent Roman theatre. Fortunately, the theatre escaped too much damage from the recent conflicts. In fact, just before the war, events were still being held inside.

There are many amazing hotels in Syria; some that could even tell a thousand stories! It is likely that you’ll begin your Syrian adventure at the Beit Al Wali Hotel in Damascus. Three traditional 18th-century houses were renovated and combined to create a grand space with a warm atmosphere for visitors to relax after exploring the nearby chaos of Damascus’ Old City.

The Laures Hotel is another example of accommodation in Syria.

You may want to consider visiting Syria for the food alone! Syrian cuisine is fresh, healthy and extremely tasty. You aren’t going to want to skip any meal here, no matter where you are in the country.

Syria is also an easy destination for vegetarians or vegans as there are always plenty of salads, bread, falafel and hummus. Popular dishes include tabouleh, fatoush, shwarma and baklava.

Syrians typically eat a variety of foods for breakfast. This was clear to see during the very colourful spreads we would be presented with every morning. Platters normally include pitas, a variety of cheeses, eggs, olives, hummus, vegetables and labneh. The food would come accompanied by either coffee or tea (and even a shisha – if you’d prefer) .

Most hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and bars in Syria have free wifi. The connection may not be the fastest, but it’s certainly enough to check your socials and emails or to message home.

If you require a constant connection, ask your tour operator for a local SIM card. They tend to have a reasonably reliable connection and signal strength.

The most ideal time to visit Syria would be between March and May when the temperature is around 20°C. Similarly, but without as many blossoming flowers, between September and October is also a reasonable period to visit Syria.

Summer temperatures can reach 45°C whilst winter can be wet, cold and with the possibility of snowfall. Yes, snow!.. It might be hard to imagine, with Syria being in the Middle East, but snow can cause the road between Beirut and Damascus to be closed from time to time.

It is recommended that women dress modestly in Syria. Loose-fitting clothes would ideally cover your shoulders and knees. However, it is also likely that you’ll notice local Syrians not following this custom, especially in Damascus.

You could also take a scarf to cover your hair or body parts in any mosque, but alternatives are often provided upon entering. Hence the cloak that can be pictured below…

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Hello, i want to go to Syria which company you chose? I am in a tight budget. Please tell me, i go in January!!

Really interesting post, would you recommend the tour agency you went with? If so would you be able to share their name please?

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clock This article was published more than  2 years ago

Amid criticism, Western tourists returning to a battered Syria

BEIRUT — Standing high on the castle-like walls of Aleppo’s historic citadel, Nick White was shocked by the destruction to the city. The 63-year-old British tourist could see how large parts had been flattened by Syria’s terrible civil war.

The ancient Citadel of Aleppo has never been breached, his guide said, pointing to the thin slits and other openings along the walls where 800 years ago defenders shot arrows and poured boiling oil down on Crusader invaders. In 2013, those openings became sniper positions.

The medieval fortification is surrounded by a deep moat and steep walls, with the sole entrance through a stone bridge resting atop high columns. The protection the citadel offered centuries ago was revived in 2013, when government forces holed up there for three years, fending off rebels in the city below, fueled by the belief that he who controls the citadel controls the front lines.

After years of conflict, tourists are returning to a changed Syria. This summer, locals and tour operators are reporting an uptick in visitors from Western countries. Authorities restarted issuing visas in October to let curious foreigners see for themselves the country whose conflict once dominated television screens and flooded Europe with refugees.

Syrians fleeing desperation at home flock to the United Arab Emirates

Now, as the echoes of war die down in Syria — despite several still-active front lines — and travelers are returning, detractors demand that visitors consider how their trips support a government known for its oppressiveness and brutality .

Criticism of such trips has mounted abroad, particularly in 2019 following a brief revival of Western tourism and the ensuing flood of videos and blogs by travel influencers. Anger flared among Syrians residing abroad, many of whom had been displaced by the war and cannot return home themselves.

Syria had resumed granting tourist visas in 2018 in hopes of pulling in some much needed revenue, before the pandemic put an end to that.

The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre, a Washington-based nonprofit, said last summer that while tourism can help locals in Syria, “mass promotion without nuance or understanding is irresponsible at best and potentially fatal” for those still living under “a government involved in systemic human rights abuses.”

White, like many of his fellow travelers, knows the criticism that tours such as his face, and everyone in his group wondered if this is “effectively supporting the Assad regime.”

“But no, we were supporting the Syrian economy,” he said. “We’re supporting the people on the street, trying to bring some money into the economy.”

The tours typically cost about $1,700 per person for a week-long trip that includes stops in Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra (with its unparalleled Roman-era ruins) and the Crusader fort of Krak des Chevaliers — considered one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in the region.

Where they don’t go is to the northwest, where former al-Qaeda affiliates, Turkish-backed rebels, Syrian soldiers and Russian mercenaries nervously eye one another amid talk of a new Turkish invasion. Out of sight are also the areas to the east where Iranian militants roam and U.S.-backed Kurdish forces are still hunting the remnants of the Islamic State.

ISIS leader dead after U.S. raid in Syria, Biden says

All outside tourism agencies are required to work with local companies registered with Syria’s Tourism Ministry, which are responsible for handling visa applications and coordinating security clearances, accommodation and transportation.

While U.S. passport holders are almost always rejected, those from Europe are increasingly allowed in, and residents in Damascus and other cities report seeing much larger numbers of tourists distinct from the usual Iranian pilgrims, Russian mercenaries and Chinese visitors.

Tour leaders interviewed for this article all said they are not accompanied by government minders, who are typically assigned to supervise and restrict the movement of foreign visitors.

There is one exception: An unarmed member of the Syrian army escorts every group through Palmyra, desert city of the fabled Queen Zenobia , who took on the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. The man is typically a lieutenant who was directly involved in the battles to liberate the city from the Islamic State, which conquered the area twice, in 2015 and 2017, and destroyed some of the historic ruins.

“Really hearing the modern history,” White said, “with ISIS and the things that they got up to, seeing the ruins in Palmyra that they had blown up and knocked down, and hearing that they executed people on the stage, in the auditorium we were sitting in, it was really,” he paused, “poignant.”

The officer describes the battles, points to the damage, answers questions. “But then he gives a little bit of an ideological speech,” said one tour leader, painting “the Syrian army as national heroes.”

To give as balanced a view as possible, this particular tour leader makes sure his trips include another stop, where the travelers meet a member of the Free Syrian Army, a loose band of factions and fighters created in the wake of the revolts that spread throughout the country in 2011.

Made up at first largely of defected soldiers and officers, it fought government troops across the country, labeling areas “liberated Syria,” before collapsing from infighting and other factors, amid the rise of radical Islamist groups.

The tour leader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for security reasons because he still works in Syria, makes sure his groups hear a different version of history here, where the Syrian army “started slaughtering and burning down houses, along with Hezbollah.”

Lebanese spy chief says U.S. wants his help freeing Americans in Syria

James Willcox, founder of the Britain-based travel agency Untamed Borders, said tourists resuming their visits to the country give Syrians a sense that some things, at least, are slowly returning to normal. “After a decade of conflict, normalization is good,” he said in a phone interview. “It’s a really positive sign; it’s one of those symbols of better times ahead.”

The resumption of Western tourism in Syria does present a lifeline for hotels, restaurants and small-business owners, especially those in and around old cities in Damascus and Aleppo, who for generations have been catering to adventurous foreigners.

But they are not the only ones to gain financially: Individuals and groups close to the government naturally stand to benefit as well. According to local reports, the Katerji Group, under U.S. sanction and run by two brothers who accrued their wealth on the back of the war, has plans underway to turn Aleppo’s old military hospital into a five-star hotel complex — profiting from one of the most vicious sieges of the war, which saw whole neighborhoods leveled by Russian-backed artillery.

Attempts to clear the rubble and rebuild in the city are underway, but a war-torn economy, sanctions and the steep depreciation of the Syrian pound have sunk the country into a financial crisis that will prolong any reconstruction.

White said he visited Syria in April with the Spanish-based agency Against the Compass “because it is just a place that not a lot of people have been to, and I just wanted to see for myself.”

Visible from the citadel, whose walls were partly collapsed by a bomb in 2015, are Aleppo’s famous covered markets, once a must-see on the tourist trail but now destroyed by fighting between the rebels and the government in 2012. “Heart-wrenching,” White said.

‘Syria: Always Beautiful’ – can tourism be a force for peace?

Professor of Sustainable Tourism and Director, Griffith Institute for Tourism, Griffith University

Professor, Griffith Business School, Griffith University

Disclosure statement

Fabrizio Carmignani receives funding from the Australian Research Council for a grant on the estimation of the piecewise linear continuous model and its applications in macroeconomics.

Susanne Becken does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Griffith University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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Earlier this month the Syrian government released a new tourism advertisement to promote its beaches and landscape.

Under the banner “Syria – Always Beautiful”, the video did not mention that the same beach, in the seaside town of Tartus, had recently been the target of a suicide bombing. Nor did it refer to any of the other cruelties that are a daily reality of the civil war in Syria.

It might seem inappropriate to promote tourism in the middle of an unfolding tragedy. Or, at best, it might be called premature. But in our new paper in Annals of Tourism Research we show tourism can be an effective way to generate peace.

Tourism in Syria

Tourism was one of Syria’s economic pillars before the war broke out. At its peak in 2010 more than 8.5 million tourists visited the country . By way of comparison 7.4 million international tourists visited Australia in 2015.

The World Travel and Tourism Council reports that the direct contribution of visitor spending on travel and tourism to Syria’s GDP in 2014 had decreased to SYP194 billion (4.6% of GDP, or close to A$1.2 billion) from a high of more than SYP600 billion in 2010 (more than 8% of GDP, or just over A$3.6 billion).

Before the war, Syria attracted large numbers of Western cultural visitors. It was also increasingly popular with luxury visitors from Saudi Arabia and pilgrims from Iran. Only a small amount of religious tourism remains.

Some estimates put the death toll from the war at 400,000. It has led to a major refugee crisis , and the national economy has been greatly diminished.

The destruction of the country’s cultural and historic treasures is another disaster that will have long-term consequences. All of the six UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites are damaged or ruined . The destruction of the archaeological site of Palmyra in 2015 particularly shocked experts.

A vehicle for peace

Peace is generally seen as a precondition for the development of the tourism industry. Yet the possible reverse effect from tourism to peace has also been hypothesised .

For instance, visiting different cultures can be a mind-broadening exercise, which has the potential to enhance intercultural understanding and add positively to peace through a two-track diplomacy.

Our study directly focused on tourism’s effect on “civil” war – that is, the armed conflict between two sides, one of which is the government. Civil war is the most frequent type of war today and one of the main obstacles to development in many parts of the world.

Tourism can help reduce the risk and incidence of civil war in several ways.

First, by creating a more open society and favouring cultural mixing, tourism can contribute to the national reconciliation process.

Second, by fostering economic activity, it provides valuable opportunities for the population to earn an income. This reduces their incentive to engage in violent conflict.

Finally, tourism can act as a catalyst for co-operation and partnerships between a range of (sometimes previously opposed) groups and stakeholders.

To prove our argument, we used a dataset covering more than 120 countries over 18 years to estimate empirically the effect that tourism arrivals in a country have on the probability of that country being at civil war in any given year.

Our model, which accounts for a variety of other economic and political drivers of conflict, predicts that the average risk of war (that is, the probability of a country being at civil war in any given year) is 4.1%. When tourism arrivals increase by 20%, this risk of war reduces to 3.6%. The risk of war further reduces to 3.1% when arrivals increase by 50%.

In Sri Lanka, for example, we estimated that 20% more arrivals lowered the risk of conflict from 15% to 13% – while 50% more arrivals brought the probability of conflict down to 11%.

So, while tourism does not in itself eliminate the risk of conflict in countries that are more vulnerable to violence, it does help achieve a sizeable reduction in risk. As a result, tourism is not only important as an economic development tool, but may play a thus far underestimated role in peacekeeping.

What for the future?

Talking about tourism in Syria’s case might be premature today. However, tourism will have to be a key element in future peace-building and peace-keeping strategies.

Following this, planned collaboration between international organisations, the public and private sectors and the global tourism industry will assist in catalysing and growing tourism.

The reconstruction of World Heritage sites will have to be a priority to reignite Syria’s tourism industry. This is an investment by the global community that is worthwhile beyond these sites’ cultural significance.

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Assad Pasha Caravanserai: A Beautiful Mix of Black and White Architecture

Ever wondered what secrets lie within the Assad Pasha Caravanserai in Damascus? Explore its stunning architecture and rich history—plan your visit today!

9 Reasons To Visit Syria: A Journey Worth Every Penny

Wondering why you should visit Syria? Explore 9 compelling reasons, from rich history to breathtaking landscapes. Start planning your adventure now!

Airlines Suspend Flights to Beirut Amid Escalation

Travelers are advised to avoid flights to Beirut amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Explore safer routes to Syria through Jordan instead.

The Art of Damascus Mosaic: A Timeless Tradition

Discover the timeless art of Damascus mosaic on our tours. Visit a mosaic workshop and Jerji Bitar’s historic home, to see mosaics aged over 100 years.

WHY VISIT SYRIA WITH SYRIAN GUIDES

Unique places, authentic accommodations, guaranteed departure, based in syria.

As a licensed company based locally, we offer exclusive advantages. Direct bookings eliminate intermediary commissions, ensuring better prices and access to superior services. Choose us for an unparalleled experience.

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WHAT TRAVELLERS SAY ABOUT US

Is it safe to travel to Syria?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Syria, particularly to cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and other principal sights. These areas are considered safe and are popular among tourists. To ensure your safety, our private guide in Syria will accompany you throughout your journey. You can enjoy our  Syria tours  knowing that your well-being is our top priority. For more information, read our  Safety and Security in Syria  page.

How can I obtain a visa for Syria?

All nationalities, except Lebanese, Jordanian, Malaysian, Iranian, North Korean and Mauritanian, require a visa to enter Syria. Tourists can obtain a Syria visa upon arrival, but initial visa approval is necessary before traveling. Our  Syria travel guide  can help you with this visa process and  Syria visa requirements .

How long does it take to get a visa to Syria?

The visa processing time for Syria typically ranges from 2 to 7 days for most of nationalities. However, for American and Thai citizens, it may take up to 45 days. For more about visa, visit our  Syria Visa Requirements  page.

What is the currency exchange rate in Syria?

Currency exchange rates in Syria can fluctuate. It is recommended to check current rates online before your trip. Our  Money in Syria  page can also provide up-to-date information during your Syria city tours.

Any dress code for women in mosques and churches?

In Syria, mosques and churches often provide special attire for visitors, particularly women, to ensure respect for local customs. During our  Syria cultural tours , we will guide you on the appropriate dress code to follow.

What are the best places to buy souvenirs in Syria?

Souvenirs can be found in local markets and bazaars such as Souq Al-Hamidiyah in Damascus and Souq Al-Madina in Aleppo. For a more curated shopping experience, consider a  Syria private tour  or a  Syria city tour  that includes visits to these markets.

What vaccinations do I need to travel to Syria?

No specific vaccinations are required to travel to Syria. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a travel clinic for the latest health recommendations. For a safe travel experience,  Syria tour packages  often include travel insurance.

Can I use credit cards in Syria?

Credit cards are not functional in Syria due to US sanctions. It is best to carry cash in the local currency. For information on managing payments, read our  Syria travel guide  or  Money in Syria  page.

Any vegetarian or vegan options available in Syrian restaurants?

Although Syrian cuisine often includes meat and dairy, there are plenty of  vegetarian and vegan options . Dishes such as falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves (Warak Enab) are popular choices that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets.

In which cases can’t I visit Syria?

You cannot visit Syria if you have visited Israel or have stamps from Sharm El-Sheikh or Aqaba in your passport. Our  Syria travel guide  can offer more detailed information.

GET IN TOUCH!

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15 Best Things To Do In Syria in 2024

When I decided to travel to Syria the first thing everyone said was of course: ‘are you crazy!?’. An understandable reaction but it didn’t change my mind. I realized that for me it was safe to visit Syria and their outstanding tourist attractions were on my bucketlist for a very long time.

For many years this country was topping the bucketlist of many travelers and no wonder because there are so many amazing things to do and places to visit in Syria. But when the Syrian war in 2011 started, everything changed...

First I will list the best things to do in Syria before I tell you more about my trip, about the safety issues traveling to Syria in 2024 and also give you some more Syria travel tips and an ultimate Syria itinerary to start planning your own trip to Syria.

Apart from Palmyra and Latakia, all the Syria attractions and tourist destinations listed below I was able to visit myself on a 1-week Syria itinerary. At the end of this blog I will also show you my Syria itinerary and tell you more how I traveled around and got passed all the checkpoints.

For many years this was the most iconic Syria tourist attraction, but unfortunately it suffered heavily during the Syrian War and a lot of this historical site got destroyed. This archeological site and the most popular tourist attraction in Syria was built in 200 AD by the Romans. The ruins of this city are so iconic that I remember them from one of the first travel books I once got when I was a kid. Palmyra was one of the reasons I badly wanted to visit Syria.

In 2024 you are able to visit Palmyra again, but unfortunately I did not get a permit to travel to Palmyra in 2019. Yes, you needed a special permit, which can be arranged by the travel agency. This has nothing to do with your visa, this permit has to be personally approved by the high officials in the military.

Recently several tourists have been lucky enough to get a permit to visit Palmyra (at no extra costs, just safety measures). For me it is another reason to travel to Syria again in the future.

2. Krak des Chevaliers

One of the most preserved medieval castles in the world can be found in Syria on a hill not too far from the city of Homs. It was built in the 11th century and its size is truly impressive. It endured the Syrian war pretty damn well, but looking at its majestic size I am pretty sure it will still be there another thousand years from now. Krak des Chevalier was one of my Syria highlights.

When I caught the first glimpse of Krak de Chevalier I was in awe and after taking many photos from outside we toured for almost 2 hours inside the castle. Our guide was telling one interesting story after the other.

There are many hidden rooms and the view from the top is amazing. Read more about it in my Krak des Chevalier blog .

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When we sat down for a tea after visiting Bosra we heard that we were the first European tourists in 9 years! I couldn’t believe my eyes, because when you travel to Syria make sure to include this in your itinerary if possible! The Bosra amphitheater and the ruins of the old city are one of the best things to do in Syria in 2024 for sure.

Sorry Italians, but the massive amphitheater in Bosra is much more impressive than the Colosseum in Rome. This place blew my mind and writing about this place to visit in Syria makes me smile again. On the other hand it also makes me a little sad knowing that this unique tourist attraction has been unable to visit for so many years. Bosra is located in the south of Syria on the Jordan border, about 1,5 hours drive from Damascus.

Behind the Amphitheater you will find the ruins of the old city of Bosra dating back to 200 AD. Incredible to walk through as well and even our guide had not been in 9 years time. He was just as much a tourists as me. According to his words most of this Syria attraction has endured the war pretty well.

For videos about visiting Bora click here to see my Instagram stories .

4. Damascus

Now that I first told you my 3 favorite things to do in Syria I can start with the capital. Being one of the oldest capitals in the world, Damascus obviously is a meltpot of cultures and a piece of ancient history can be found on every street corner. Small doors opening to amazing courtyards, hidden underground churches, the big Damascus souk and of course the the most impressive Umayyad Mosque, one of the best things to do in Damascus. Also don’t forget to get lost in the narrow streets in the Christian quarter and for a good rooftop restaurant with views over the city go to Naranj.

One of my best Damascus travel tips is to go on a guided city tour and I can recommend you the following guide: Ghassan +963 933 334 416. This amazingly friendly and patient guide was a legend, so kind and calm. He is a Christian living in Damascus all his life, who can tell you the hidden corners in the Christian quarter as well as in the Muslim areas.

On top of that one of my Syria travel tips is to go out at night! Yes go party in the Christian Quarter in Damascus, there are many bars and even some rooftops. It is totally safe in Damascus to walk around on your own at night. At least that was my experience!

See here the videos on my Instagram story about Damascus here including the party, sleeping in a mosque, the churches and getting lost in the narrow streets.

The second biggest city and a major Syria tourist attraction before the war. Not that long ago it reopened its doors to international tourists and when you are visiting Syria try to add this to your Syria itinerary. Unfortunately two of the best things to do in Aleppo got completely destroyed during the war: the Aleppo Great Mosque and the Aleppo Souk. The mosque is closed for visitors as it is one big construction site, but the souk is open, although only reconstructed for about 10% at the moment.

So why bother going you might ask yourself when it is almost completely destroyed in the Syrian War? Right now the Aleppo great Mosque is under construction and they are rebuilding it from the ground. The Aleppo souk was in total 12 kilometers long and is a living history. Here I met several people, sat down and had tea with them while listening to their stories about the past, the war and the future. Strolling through the remains of the Aleppo souk was one of my Syria highlights, an emotional experience.

Aside from the destruction there is the Aleppo citadel, a castle on top of a hill. The Aleppo castle is survived the war and is an amazing place to visit in Aleppo. You can climb all the way to the top of one of the watch towers which will give you a 360 view over this massive city.

At night the area around the citadel is extremely lively and the walk around the castle walls is like a boulevard with tea houses and restaurants dotted along the way. We went out partying, see my Instagram stories . Visiting Aleppo on you trip to Syria will be totally worth it and don’t forget to eat traditional Aleppo Kebab.

6. Beehive Houses at Al Jaboul Lake

Because of the ongoing war in the Northwest of Syria the highway between Hama and Aleppo is closed. To visit Aleppo you have to make a detour through the desert, but that will bring you to the  remains of the famous Beehive Villages. These mud houses were designed for life in the desert but deserted already for a long time. These deserted villages now became one of the Syria tourist attractions. You can find them around the Al Jaboul Lake.

7. Salt Lake (Al Jaboul Lake)

Syria has its own salt lake worth adding to your list of things to do in Syria. It is located just an hour Southeast of Aleppo and perfect to add to your itinerary together with the Beehive villages. The highway towards Aleppo follows along the Salt Lake for a bit and you can’t miss it. The friendly workers will surely invite you for a tea when you stop here.

Personally I was not a really big fan of Hama. Not saying it is not worth visiting, but it is not topping my list of best things to do in Syria. Hama is famous for its impressive waterwheels and historical irrigation system. The wooden water wheels can reach lengths up to 30 meters in diagonal. The city is dotted with a lot of them.

The narrow streets in the old city are also worth strolling through and there you will find a restaurant hidden in an amazing courtyard. It reminded me a bit about my trip to Iran where I found loads of these kind of places. The name of the restaurant is Aspasia. When visiting Hama definitely go here for dinner or lunch, see the videos on my Instagram Stories 2.

At night the streets of Hama were like one big night market, almost like Thailand style. It also was the most conservative place I have ever been after Iran.

Unfortunately Homs is one fo the places that suffered a lot in the Syrian War and many Syria tourist attractions got destroyed. I definitely don’t encourage you to visit remains of a war zone, but what I saw in Homs was unreal. Strolling through the endless destruction in Homs, made me rethink about a lot of things in life. The sad reality of what people do to each other…

In the middle of the destruction in Homs there is a beautiful restored mosque. It was one of the most impressive things to do in Syria. While sitting inside a beautiful restored mosque in the heart of the most worst destructive area in Syria I simply lost it. Visiting Homs will be emotional, though worth it on your trip to Syria!

10. Sednaya

Visiting Sednaya was put on my Syria itinerary instead of going to Palmyra. Looking back Sednaya was a great place to visit in Syria. This mountain village located 1,500 meter above sea level is most famous for its Greek Orthodox Monastary on top of a hill. According to the legends of the Christians AND the Muslims Holy Virgin Mary appeared here at the Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery. Climb up to the top of the monastery for amazing views over this mountain village.

Sednaya is located only 30 kilometers north of Damascus and easy to visit on a day trip from Damascus.

11. Maaloula

According to many Syria travel guides similar to Sednaya, but to me visiting Maaloula was even more interesting. To me visiting Maaloula felt like a fresh wind. Most places to visit in Syria are Muslim orientated, but Maaloula is more about the history of Jesus Christ. Maaloula is one of the only 3 remaining villages where they still speak the Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ.

There are several things to do in Maaloula, like visiting the Saint Sarkis Monastery, the Saint Thecla Monastery, the statue of Virgin Maria, a walk through a narrow canyon and the taking in the view over this beautiful mountain village from one of the viewpoints.

All these amazing places to visit in Maaloula made it one of the best things to do in Syria for me! It is about 30 minutes north of Sednaya, fairly close to Damascus as well.

The religious music that was coming from the speaker of the Saint Sarkis Monastery on top of the hill and blasting over this mountain village literally gave me goosebumps. You should see my Instagram Story about Maaloula . Another amazing moment was a lady that came came to pray in Aramaic inside the church. So many magical moments, I really loved visiting Maaloula!

12. Latakia

Because of the way our Syria itinerary was created we had to skip Latakia and I got a lot of ‘shit’ for it from Syrians. Just for fun of course, but according to many of my followers this is one of the best places to visit in Syria. Fancy some days at the Mediterranean Sea then visit Latakia. The 4th biggest city in the country houses several historical buildings in the city center, but is more famous for its beautiful bays, beaches and delicious seafood.

The city of Tartus was my first stop in Syria, regarded the safest city during the Syrian War. This Mediterranean coastal city is your base for visiting Amrit, the best preserved temple in the world of the Phoenacians dating back more than 4,000 years ago. Our guide himself did not visit this famous archeological site in more than 9 years. You can also find several tombs here in the countryside close to Tartus. Read more about visiting this Syria tourist attraction in my Tartus travel blog .

Unfortunately some amazing things to do in Syria are not safe to go at the time of writing this article.

14. Qalaat Al Madiq

In Qalaat Al Madiq you would be able to find amazing Roman ruins of an old city that has a similar feel to Palmyra. There is also a castle on top of a hill worth visiting. Only in May 2019 the Syrian Armed Forces retook this town from the rebels. Tourists have been back visiting Qalaat Al Madiq. It is one my list of places to visit in Syria when I return.

Unfortunately due to time restrictions I had no time to visit Daraa on my trip to Syria. But if you after all the dusty desert towns also want a slice of green nature then make your way South to Daraa. Here you will find canyons, green hills, waterfalls and more spectacular nature just 10 kilometer from the Jordan border.

Just like Busra it has not been visited by foreign tourists for many years. Im not saying it is safe to visit at the moment, I would leave that up to your Syria travel agency to decide. Daraa is where the Syrian conflict got sparked with the arrest of 15 youngsters when they painted anti-government slogans on buildings.

In case you get a chance and you feel it is safe to visit I would add this highlight to your Syria itinerary.

Is it safe to travel to Syria?

Of course that is the first question I would like to discuss. Obviously I didn’t wanna risk my life to see all the Syria attractions so I did a little research. Mainstream media are not the places to do your research. When you are ready to travel to Syria in 2024, Im pretty sure you are aware of that already.

I reached out to people that lately took a trip to Syria. How? Social media, blogs, etc. These are the people that can really tell you if it is safe to travel to Syria. Instagram is a good source, but you have already found my Syria travel blog and I can tell you I did NOT feel uncomfortable or whatsoever on my week long trip to Syria.

Syria travel advice

Yes there is a negative travel advice for Syria and that is because officially there is still a war ongoing. Well, let me tell you that is not where you want to go and you won’t even be able to of course. All the things to do in Syria that I am showing you are safe to visit. My advice is to go travel to Syria with a reputable local travel company.

The company I used to travel to Syria with Golden Target Tours. The company is run for more than 30 years by a Syrian man called Khaldoun Alamy . If you contact him tell him you are referred by Traveltomtom and he will have a nice offer for you!

My trip to Syria

This Syria travel blog is written based on MY OWN experiences on my trip to Syria at the end of 2019. It was MY OWN idea to travel to Syria, no one has forced me to go, nor did anyone force me to write travel blogs about Syria.

To date it is the most expensive trip I have ever done in 7 years around the world as a full time traveler. My tour was arranged with an independent Syria travel agency running Syria tours for more than 30 years.

All my videos about my trip to Syria can be found in my Instagram Stories highlights , I recommend you to have a look to see the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling to Syria in 2019. There are 3 different stories on my Instagram @traveltomtom : Syria 1, Syria 2 and Syria 3.

The reason I wanted to visit Syria was not only to see all the fabulous places to see in Syria, but also to get in touch with the amazingly friendly Syrian people and show the world that NOT everything about Syria is negative!

Yes I feel deeply saddened for those Syrians that had to run for their lives and are not able to go back to their homeland. But let me assure you that I travel to learn, to become a better person from all that I experience on the road. The only people I wanted to support with my trip to Syria are those Syrians I met on the street, the locals.

Best itinerary for Syria in 2024

To tick off all the above mentioned safe things to do in Syria I recommend you travel to Syria for at least 1 week. At the moment almost all trips to Syria start from Beirut, Lebanon.

Day 1: Beirut to Tartus/Latakia - (A,B)

Day 2: krak des chevalier - homs - salt lake (c,d,e), day 3: aleppo (f), day 4: hama - palmyra (g,h), day 5: sednaya - maaloula (i,j), day 6: damascus (l), day 7: busra - daara (k), syria travel blogs.

I hope all my Syria travel tips, places to visit and things to do were helpful for your upcoming trip to Syria. I also wrote a couple more personal Syria travel blogs about my first days. In my blog about Tartous you can read about my first impressions of Syria and the border crossing from Lebanon to Syria. In my Krak des Chevalier blog you can read all about my visit to one of my favorite things to do in Syria.

Curious with which Syria travel agency I arranged my trip or any other questions about my trip to Syria then please send me a message on my Instagram @traveltomtom and I am happy to help you out sending you my contact and help in any way I can planning your trip to Syria.

My Instagram is also where you can find more about my journey to visit every country in the world . As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries!

Enjoy your trip to Syria!

Syria’s Tourism Industry Shows Signs of Life — But the Comeback Is Controversial

Rosie Spinks, Skift

November 27th, 2019 at 2:00 AM EST

Is visiting a country an implicit endorsement of its leadership? Or can intrepid travelers frame it simply as a gesture of connection with its people? The situation in Syria raises these questions and more.

Rosie Spinks

Tourism often has an undertone of politics, and nowhere is that more pronounced than in an active war zone.

Syria — which has been at war for close to a decade — had a thriving tourism industry before the Arab Spring in 2011 served as the catalyst for years of conflict and horror. Since then, more than half a million people have died or are missing, roughly half the country’s population of 22 million have been displaced internally or become refugees abroad, and major cities and entire regions are decimated. President Bashar al-Assad has been called a war criminal , and northern Syria a tinderbox — thanks in part to President Trump’s withdrawal of troops from that region in October.

It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that most countries in the world advise their citizens not to travel to Syria for reasons of safety. However, people are starting to do just that. From organized tour groups to online travel influencers, these trips trend to be framed as for the intrepid and adventurous traveler. As one Western blogger and trip organizer put it : “rough around the edges” but “the adventure of a lifetime.”

The comeback, apparently welcomed by the government , is raising questions about whether tourism in a place like Syria is ethical, even if the major cities are inching back towards stability. Put another way: Is visiting a country at war an implicit endorsement of its leadership? Or can travelers rightly justify it as a way to connect with and support people who have been through the worst humanity has to offer?

Soft Power Gains

As recently reported in the British press , several Russian travel companies are now offering tours to the country, as is a Chinese company called Young Pioneer Tours. The Times of London noted that for the Russian tours, tourists meet in “neighbouring Lebanon before being taken over the border. Security is provided by Syrian businesses linked to the state security services.” Visas and permits are needed, and according to one source, likely to be approved directly by higher ups in the government.

Whether or not one finds visiting Syria unpalatable will largely depend on how they view the role that tourism plays in legitimizing regimes and helping improve a country’s global image. Governments have long used tourism as a form of soft power and a way to cash in on the reputation-shifting views that delighted tourists spread when they go home. Recent examples include Russia opening up its once-restrictive visa schemes and, of course, Saudi Arabia’s major push to become a global tourist destination — the latter complete with government-sponsored influencer tours before its e-visa launch.

This subtly political nature of tourism means it’s quite hard to visit a country like Syria — where citizens are still dying at the hands of government-backed forces in the civil war — and not   in some way have that trip be politicized. A good example of how this can happen, even with what are perhaps pure intentions, comes from the travel blogger Drew Binsky , who has 1.15 million subscribers on YouTube and recently posted a series of videos (eight at press time) from his trip.

While several of his videos focus on the kind of lifestyle and leisure content you might expect from a travel vlogger — the sweets of Syria , for example — a few examined the war and its effects on the Syrian people. In a video entitled “SYRIA IS MOVING ON… (Bright Future Ahead)” Binsky explained that he reached out to a French charity SOS Chrétiens d’Orient to help with his effort to interview Syrian people and do some volunteering. (Though this relationship was not disclosed in his prior videos from Syria, the same individuals from the charity appeared also appeared in at least one of those.)

This is significant because the Christian charity, which says it focuses its work on providing emergency aid throughout the Middle East, has been covered by French journalists for its affinity for and links to the Assad regime. Binsky did not respond to requests for comment from Skift about the nature of his relationship with the charity, but numerous posts on SOS Chrétiens d’Orient’s social media profiles, as well as their own YouTube video , feature Binsky himself.

Another Western blogger who has recently gone to Syria and posted inspirational content about it is Johnny Ward. Through his blog and company One Step 4Ward, he has led two trips to the country this year, posting about it on his Instagram and Facebook . On his website, he frames traveling to Syria as an adventurous choice, titling a post about the trip “Come to Syria (& Lebanon) with me in November (100% serious!).”

Ward told Skift that plenty of places people travel to have troubling political realities, and he hopes trips like these help Syrians at the grassroots level.

“The last thing I want to do is offend people who have been through awful hardship. Tourism, though, organized directly through grassroots operators in the country at hand — the money goes directly to them,” Ward wrote in an email. “…[S]hall we veto the U.S. for their foreign policy, China trips to the Great Wall? How about a visit to the Kremlin after the Crimea issue?”

Ward said while permits and visas were organized in advance and local guides were used for his trips, he did not have a government minder or affiliation with any group. He hopes to return with another group of travelers next year.

Concerns of Whitewashing

Noor Nahas is an open source researcher based in Canada who has worked on information-gathering about the Syrian war for the likes of Bellingcat , an open-source investigative journalism outlet. He has been vocal about “the growing trend of travel vloggers going to Syria” on his Twitter account, including criticizing Binsky . He also geo-located the trip of one vlogger named Eva Zu Beck , sussing out her itinerary using open source techniques.

In August @ruslantrad shared the video of travel blogger @evabiankaz 's trip to #Damascus in 2019. Eva isn't the first to go and is part of a growing trend of travel vloggers going to Syria. https://t.co/Z41WJpnUzU — Noor Nahas (@NoorNahas1) September 20, 2019

He told Skift that he believes the main issue is not the idea of tourists going to Syria in and of itself, but rather the “promotional type of content that these vloggers are pushing,” knowingly or not.

“The main issue is that they’re visiting a country that’s currently actively involved in conflict in killing its people,” Nahas said. He added that he believes the people who are involved in organizing or facilitating these trips in Syria may be “using those bloggers and tourism as marketing and whitewashing for the regime.”

The Guardian quoted a Syrian tourism company owner who echoed Nahas’ concerns about these trips legitimizing the Assad’s regime to a global audience. However, it’s also fair to assume there are Syrians who, while horrified by the conflict, are pleased to see content like Ward and Binsky’s portray their country in an alternative light. Dina — who preferred not to use her last name — is a Syrian national who now resides in the UK and does work with refugees. She told Skift that while Binsky’s work had some factual inaccuracies and was “not the full story,” the content did not bother her.

“The news usually focused on the policies regarding Syria, war news, crimes and forget about people living there and how they lived,” she wrote in a direct message. “For someone who hasn’t been in Syria for long time, these videos has brought a joy to my heart, to remind me in part in my country that hasn’t been in the news, something warmer and deeper … people there need tourists to start getting some income back. I don’t see why everything has to be linked to the regime.”

No one can deny that resuscitating Syria’s once-thriving tourism economy would provide an economic boost to the country — one that probably would be welcome to many on the ground. But whether that revival is worth overlooking the current political reality and daily life for many Syrians is much harder to answer.

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Tags: middle east , politics , syria

Photo credit: A Syrian souk at dusk. Marc Veraart / Flickr

Syria Tours

Join one of our tours in syria.

After nearly a decade of unfortunate conflict, some areas of Syria are finally gaining certain safety and stability, allowing intrepid adventurers to discover its many Christian monasteries, bustling souks, and ancient Roman ruins.

From Palmyra to Bosra, Krak de Chevaliers, Aleppo, and more, our tours focus on Syria’s highlights but what makes us truly unique is that we put a lot of attention to the human side of Syria. This means that we will interact and get to know kind-hearted Syrians, while witnessing their struggle and desire to return to normality.

We already have a large experience in running tours in Syria and we only work with the best local team, the reason why this is our top-selling destination.

We have many, many scheduled group expeditions for Syria all year long, plus we can also organize any sort of private, tailored adventure.

why join a Syria tour with Against the Compass

Here’s what makes our expeditions to Syria are so unique.

what travelers say about us

Need to know for your Syria travel tour

How to get a visa.

In order to join a tour in Syria, you must first obtain a security clearance (Letter of Invitation). We will take care of that, so you don’t need to visit the embassy.

Is it safe?

As of today, the areas which are controlled by the Government (the ones we visit) are relatively safe. However, you need to be aware of all the risks involved by reading the travel advice from your Government, something like the FCDO advice. 

Which nationalities can join our Syria tours?

We can apply for pretty much any nationality worldwide, including US citizens (2024).

Our scheduled group tours for Syria

We have two types of scheduled Syria tour packages:

On the one hand, we have our classic 8-day trips , typically composed of 12 people, always led by a tour leader, either myself (Joan Torres) or someone from my team, besides a Syrian tour guide.

On the other hand, we also schedule shorter, budget versions of 5 days . The main difference versus the 8-day expeditions is that they are obviously cheaper, and the Western tour leader will not attend.

Upcoming Syria Tours

These are all our upcoming tours in Syria

Syria in October

Our classic 8-day itinerary during the best month of the year

Syria Classic Itinerary for Christmas

Our classic itinerary during Christmas time!

Syria during Ramadan

Our classic itinerary during the holiest month of the year in Syria

Syria for Easter (in Spanish)

Our classic itinerary during the magic of Easter

Syria in May

Let's take advantage of the pleasant Mediterranean weather and come to Syria before the beginning of summer.

Full Syria in 12 days

From Latakia to Arwad, Palmyra and Aleppo, this is the most complete itinerary for Syria.

Syria Classic Itinerary

Syria for christmas 2025, all our syria group tours include.

Transfer to and from Beirut

Accommodation

Security clearance (needed for the visa)

Private transportation and driver around Syria

Breakfast and lunch (in 8-day expeditions, otherwise, just breakfast)

Special permit for Palmyra & Bosra

English-speaking Syria tour guide

Western Tour leader (in 8-day expeditions)

Entrance fees to the places listed in the itinerary

Private, tailored trips for Syria

Do you want to travel solo, or with a group of friends?

From 1-day trips to Damascus (from Beirut or Amman) to compelling multi-day itineraries, we are able to design any sort of adventure based on your needs, 365 days a year.

If you can’t afford a private, solo trip, we can also help you find other partners to travel with.

Tell us your dates

When do you want to travel to Syria

Which places do you want to visit

We will design the perfect itinerary based on your needs

Where do you want to start from

Beirut, Amman or Damascus?

Sample itinerary for our Syria vacations tours

Here’s the standard 8-day tour we offer on most of our expeditions.

Day 1 – Beirut and Damascus

• Starting in Beirut at 8am, from where we will drive towards the Syrian border and Damascus.
• Check-in at the hotel in Damascus, followed by a traditional welcoming lunch
• Strolling around the old city, beginning to assimilate that we are truly in Syria
• Night out. The Christian district is particularly vibrant, filled with bars and restaurants.

Day 2 – Full day in Damascus

• With more than 5000 years of history, Damascus might easily be the oldest capital in the world, a city absolutely packed with historical sites, as well as lively souks and bazaars.
• We will visit all highlights, including Umayyad Mosque (where Yahya is buried, John the Baptist for Christians), Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque, the bazaars and more.

Day 3 – Maaloula, Mar Musa, and Aleppo

• Drive towards Aleppo, stopping in Maaloula, one of the most important Christian towns in the Middle East, and one of the very few places in the world where people still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus.
• Maaloula was occupied by Al-Nusra, and it was largely destroyed due to the recent war, but its most important churches and monasteries have been rebuilt
• Visiting two of its most important churches, where we will get the chance to meet nuns who were kidnapped and held as hostages for three months.
• Then, visit to Mar Musa, a mind-blowing, skyscraper-shaped, 6th-century monastery raised in the middle of rocky mountains.
• Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 4 – Aleppo

• Once the most populated city in Syria, Aleppo was one of the most affected cities by the Syrian war.
• Life, however, is coming back to Aleppo, visible in the ongoing reconstruction and all the people who are slowly returning to their beautiful home city.
• Among other things, we will visit the Citadel of Aleppo – the last Syrian Army stronghold – as well as the historical souk and vibrant Christian district, which remained pretty untouched from the war, and is today filled with absolutely delicious restaurants serving Lebanese wine.

Day 5 – Hama, Krak de Chevalier, Al Mishtaya

• On the way to Krak, stop in Hama, a pretty photogenic town, famous for its water wheels, all over the city.
• Then, we will head for Krak des Chevaliers, once described by Lawrence of Arabia as the most wholly admirable castle in the world , absolutely gorgeous and surrounded by lush green hills.
• Lunch in a restaurant with stunning castle views
• Evening and overnight in Al Mishtaya, a lovely Christian town with a pretty nice evening atmosphere.

Day 6 – Palmyra and Homs

• Palmyra is rich in both ancient and contemporary history, since the archaeological site was taken by ISIS on two separate occasions during the war.
• ISIS blew up the most important temple, but the site is huge and most of its structures are still standing.
• We will visit the ancient place escorted by a member from the Syrian Army
• After a picnic lunch inside the ruins, we will head back to Damascus and, on the way, we will stop in Homs.
• Overnight in Damascus

Day 7 – Bosra

• Day trip to Bosra, an ancient city home to one of the most admirable Roman amphitheaters in the whole world, as well as other important monuments.
• In Bosra, the local Syrians are culturally different, similar to Bedouins.
• We will have lunch in a traditional Bedouin tent, with locals from Bosra.
• Overnight in Damascus.
• Day 8 – New Damascus and goodbye
• Visiting the new part of Damascus, including the National Museum and the handicraft market
• Strolling around the souks, for shopping, buying souvenirs, etc.
• After lunch, back to Beirut, around 8pm.

Join a tour in Syria: FAQ

What makes against the compass different from other companies.

Show, not tell. You can check our latest documentary below.

In order to come to Syria , you must first obtain a security clearance (Letter of Invitation). We will take care of that, so you don’t need to visit the embassy.

How much does the visa cost?

These are the latest visa fees updated in 2024.

Price varies depending on nationality:

• European passport holders: 75 USD
• Canadian passports: 100 USD
• British, Australian, and Argentinian passports: 150 USD
• US passport holders: 200 USD

The visa fee is paid at the border, to the respective authorities.

Which nationalities can join this tour?

All nationalities, and that includes US passport holders. 

Syria started issuing visas for Americans in March 2023, so US citizens are welcome to join too. 

Are there ATMs in Syria?

Your credit card can’t be used in Syria. You must bring all your money in cash.

Which currencies do they accept?

Mostly US dollars ($) but € can be exchanged too.

If I want to join a Syria tour, where does it usually start?

Our scheduled group tours into Syria generally start in Beirut. It’s just easier, since flights into Damascus get canceled often and Amman is further.

However, for a private Syria tour, you can start from anywhere you like, including Beirut, Amman, and Damascus International Airport.

Do you recommend a specific travel insurance?

Either you are joining one of our trips, or you are traveling by yourself, you might want to look for proper travel insurance. Against the Compass has been a partner with IATI for several years already, recommending it to all readers, as well as covering all Joan Torres’ personal trips.

We like it because It covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel, it offers budget plans and covers all sorts of adventure activities.

Against the Compass readers can benefit from a 5% discount .

Get a quote here to claim your discount

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