Planning a trip to Syria: what to know.

Visas and entry

Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Damascus International Airport or at the land crossings from Lebanon and Jordan. There is currently no working official e-visa, so be careful with websites that offer one.

• A standard tourist visa is usually single-entry and valid for about 15 days. It can be extended in Damascus.
• The fee is paid in cash, usually in US dollars, and depends on your nationality.
• Some nationalities need pre-approval before travelling, which can take several weeks.
• Travellers with an Israeli visa or entry stamp in their passport are refused entry.
• We recommend a passport valid for at least six months.
• Tell us your nationality when you send a request and we will check the current rules for you.

Safety on our journeys

Safety is the first thing we plan around. Our local team knows the places we travel to and follows conditions on the ground every day. Before you travel, we recommend checking your own government’s travel advice and making sure your travel insurance covers Syria.

• Routes are planned around current conditions and adjusted whenever needed.
• We only use areas, roads, and trails we know well, and our guides keep groups on known paths.
• Each journey has a named leader you can reach at any time during the trip.

Money

Syria is still mostly a cash economy. International cards are not yet widely accepted, so bring enough US dollars in cash for your trip, in clean, recent notes. Change money at licensed exchange offices, and ask us for current rates before you travel.

Getting there

You can fly directly into Damascus with regional connections, or fly to Beirut or Amman and continue overland. Ask us about airport and border transfers when you plan your trip.

Best time to go

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons, with mild days and green or golden landscapes. Summer is hot inland, while the coast and mountains stay pleasant. Winter brings cold nights, rain, and snow at altitude.

Phone and internet

Local SIM cards are available with your passport. Mobile data works in cities and along main roads, but GPS can be unreliable, so download offline maps before you go.

Respect and photography

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered. Always ask before photographing people, and do not photograph military sites or checkpoints. Your guide will help you read each place.

If anything here has changed, let us know.