Syria does not allow entry with an ID card only. All travelers are required to present a valid passport upon arrival. Exceptions may apply for Syrian citizens and residents under special circumstances.
All travelers must present a valid passport to enter Syria. Below is a guide to entry requirements:
Very few travelers can enter Syria without a visa. Citizens of countries with specific agreements may have visa exemptions, but most travelers will need a visa.
For most nationalities, a visa is required prior to entry. You must apply for a visa at a Syrian embassy or consulate in advance. Due to ongoing conflict, many countries have limited or restricted diplomatic relations with Syria, making visa applications challenging for some nationalities.
Note: Always check the latest entry requirements and travel advisories from your country's foreign office before planning your trip to Syria, as conditions and regulations are subject to change.
Syria does not have a widespread toll road system. However, tolls may be charged on certain highways, particularly those connecting major cities.
Syria has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with significant variation depending on the region.
Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F), especially in inland regions like Damascus.
Winters are mild and wet in coastal areas, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Inland regions experience colder temperatures, sometimes dropping below freezing, especially in mountainous areas.
The official currency of Syria is the Syrian Pound (SYP), also known as the lira, abbreviated as SYP and symbolized as £S or ل.س.
Syrian Pound banknotes are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 SYP. Coins are rarely used due to inflation.
Currency exchange services are limited, and the official exchange rate may differ from black-market rates. ATMs are available in major cities, but cash is the preferred method of payment.
Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, especially due to international sanctions. Travelers should carry enough cash in SYP or US dollars, which can sometimes be exchanged informally.