Safer than it has been in over a decade, though not without caveats. The major cities of Damascus and Aleppo are operating with an active restaurant, café and cultural scene, and tour groups have been visiting without serious incident for several years.
Do I need a visa for Syria?
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Damascus International Airport and at land border crossings from Lebanon and Jordan.
Costs vary significantly by nationality (ranging from free for some countries to approximately $200 for others) and are paid in US Dollars cash at the border. Israeli passport holders cannot enter Syria, and any evidence of travel to Israel in your passport will result in refusal of entry under any circumstances.
What is the best time to visit Syria?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the most comfortable months, with mild temperatures well suited to long days at archaeological sites. Syrian summers in the desert interior, particularly around Palmyra, are very hot. Winters in Damascus and Aleppo are mild but occasionally rainy.
There is no particularly bad time of year, though the heat of July and August should be factored into itineraries that include desert sites.
How do I get to Syria?
Direct flights to Damascus International Airport resumed from 2025, with Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Jazeera Airways and Syrian Air among those operating routes.
The most common gateway for overland travel is Beirut. The drive from Beirut to Damascus takes three to five hours, including the border crossing and is the smoothest land option for most nationalities. Entry from Jordan via the Nasib-Jaber crossing is also possible. The Turkish land border is currently closed to foreign nationals.
What currency do I use in Syria?
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP), which has recovered dramatically from its wartime lows and currently sits at approximately 110 SYP per US Dollar.
This is a remarkable turnaround from the crisis-era rate of 14,000 SYP per USD. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and tourist settings throughout the country. Card payments are not reliably available and cash is essential. The Central Bank has announced new currency denominations for 2026. Carry clean, undamaged banknotes; marked or torn notes may be refused.
What is the situation at Syria's heritage sites?
Significant but uneven. The old cities of Damascus and Aleppo are largely intact and fully accessible. Krak des Chevaliers is in excellent condition. Palmyra is accessible but substantially damaged: the temple of Bel, the arch and other key structures suffered deliberate demolition by ISIS between 2015 and 2017, and full restoration will take years. Bosra, in the south, contains one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in existence and is intact. UNESCO and international heritage bodies are active across multiple Syrian sites.
Are there restrictions I should know about regarding dress or behaviour?
Yes. Syria is predominantly Muslim with a significant Christian population. General conservative dress is expected in public settings throughout, although it depends a lot on where you are.
Women should cover their shoulders and knees in all public areas and carry a loose headscarf for use in mosques and religious sites. For more Christian areas and bigger cities, it is much less strict. Men should wear long trousers.
Alcohol is available in Syria, notably in the Christian quarters of Damascus and Aleppo and some restaurants, but public consumption is not appropriate and current policy on bringing alcohol across borders has been tightening. Check the latest advice before travelling with any alcohol. Photography of military personnel, government buildings and certain sensitive sites is prohibited.