Syria travel guide

Getting there

Damascus International Airport is the main gateway, with limited regional flights. Land borders with Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq exist but openings change often.

Best time to visit: Mar–May and Sep–Nov – mild weather for sightseeing.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly to Damascus, with live one-way and return fares from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: July-August for extreme heat inland, and December-February for cold, wet weather.

Weather by month in Damascus

• 13°J●●
• 15°F●●
• 19°M●
• 24°A●
• 29°M
• 33°J
• 36°J
• 36°A
• 33°S
• 27°O
• 20°N●
• 14°D●●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Damascus. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 25 of 198 other passports can enter Syria without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 171 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 2 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Syria (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 4: Do Not Travel (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-10-23). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to Syria are based around Damascus, Aleppo or Palmyra. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$25–40 for a backpacker and US$70–120 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: C, E, L. Voltage: 220 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +963.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• Damascus (Southwest · capital): One of the oldest cities in the world with a UNESCO-listed old town.
• Aleppo (North · historic city): A city famed for its citadel, souks and long history.
• Palmyra (Desert · ancient city): A UNESCO-listed caravan city in the Syrian desert.
• Krak des Chevaliers (West · Crusader castle): A huge Crusader fortress overlooking the Homs Gap.
• Bosra (South · Roman city): A basalt city with a remarkable Roman theatre.
• Hama (Centre · water wheels): Known for its historic norias on the Orontes River.
• Maaloula (Qalamoun Mountains · village): A historic Christian village carved into cliffs.
• Latakia (Coast · Mediterranean): A coastal city near the ancient site of Ugarit.

Things to do

• Visit the Umayyad Mosque. Stand in the vast courtyard of one of the oldest and grandest mosques in the world.
• Wander Damascus' souks. Browse spices, sweets and textiles in the covered Souq al-Hamidiyya.
• Explore Krak des Chevaliers. Climb the walls of one of the best-preserved Crusader castles anywhere.
• See Palmyra's ruins. Learn about the great colonnades and temples of the ancient caravan city.
• Visit Bosra's Roman theatre. Admire one of the best-preserved Roman theatres, built of black basalt.
• Explore Aleppo's citadel. Discover the massive medieval fortress rising above the old city.
• Walk among the Dead Cities. Wander abandoned Byzantine villages in the northern hills.
• See the norias of Hama. Watch giant wooden water wheels on the Orontes River.

Eat and drink

• Kibbeh – fried bulgur shells stuffed with spiced meat
• Shawarma – grilled chicken wrapped in thin bread
• Fattoush – crunchy salad with toasted bread and sumac
• Muhammara – red pepper and walnut dip

Money and safety

Currency: Syrian pound (SYP). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: About 10% in restaurants is common; small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated..

Emergency numbers: 112 police · 110 ambulance · 113 fire.

• The currency is the Syrian pound.
• International cards and ATMs generally don't work; bring cash in US dollars or euros.
• Most governments advise against all travel to Syria – check your government's latest travel advice before considering a visit.
• Consular assistance may be very limited or unavailable.