FAQ's

Passport: Your primary ID, must be valid (6 months beyond your trip).

International Driving licences not compulsory

Visa: which will be have through our office

Health Docs: Vaccination certificates or health forms

Medication: Carry doctor’s notes for any prescriptions. explaining the condition, dosage, and that they are for personal use (especially controlled substances).

and copies of essential documents

In 2026, the “Visa on Arrival” system has expanded, but it is not a “walk-in” process for everyone. If you are entering by land from Beirut or Amman, most nationalities receive their visa at the border, but only after we have secured your Security Clearance (electronic approval) 1-3 weeks in advance. If you are flying into Damascus or Aleppo, this paper is mandatory to board your flight. Fees have changed: as of late 2025, all land entries now require a cash fee in USD (approx. $75 for EU, $150 for UK, and $200 for US citizens). At Syria Caravans, we manage the entire government liaison, so when you reach the “Jdeidet Yabous” border, your name is already in the system.

In Syria, the visa is just the final stamp; the “Security Clearance” is the true gatekeeper. Unlike 2024, our 2026 system is fully digitized. We submit your passport scan to the Ministry of Interior 7-21 days prior. You don’t “apply” at an embassy; you wait for our PDF approval.

This is the most critical logistical point: Syria maintains a strict policy regarding Israel. If your passport contains an Israeli stamp, or even “neighboring” evidence (such as a Jordanian or Egyptian exit stamp from a land border with Israel – the King Hussein Bridge in Jordan or the Taba border in Egypt), you will be denied entry and potentially detained. Furthermore, your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining. If you have dual nationality, please consult us; for example, Syrian-Americans or Syrian-Europeans are often required to enter on their Syrian documents regardless of their second passport. At Syria Caravans, we pre-audit every page of your passport to ensure your entry is guaranteed.

We understand that most Western governments still list Syria as “Do Not Travel.” As professional operators, we view these as “macro” warnings that don’t always reflect the “micro” reality of the stabilized Green Zones like Old Damascus, the Christian Quarters, or the recently reopened Aleppo souks. These advisories primarily mean your embassy cannot provide services here. We mitigate this by providing 24/7 localized security monitoring and staying strictly within regions where the new 2026 administration has restored full civil order and tourism infrastructure.

There are no longer any mandatory COVID-19 requirements, but we strongly advise being up-to-date on Hepatitis A and Typhoid due to the ongoing rehabilitation of water systems in rural areas. Regarding medications, the Syrian pharmaceutical industry is recovering, but many specific Western brands are still unavailable due to trade hurdles. You must bring a full supply of your prescription meds in their original bottles with a printed doctor’s note. We also suggest a “traveler’s kit” including high-quality antibiotics and rehydration salts, as the local cuisine is delicious but can be rich for a first-time visitor.

Syria has tightened controls on “dual-use” medications. In 2026, even common strong painkillers or psychotropic meds can be flagged. You must carry a notarized translation of your prescription. We advise our guests to declare these at the “Red Channel” upon arrival to avoid being accused of smuggling—a nuance most websites ignore.

Strictly no. While Syria’s water infrastructure is being rehabilitated, the tap water is not suitable for international travelers and can lead to “Damascus Belly.” You should use bottled water even for brushing your teeth. Syria Caravans provides bottled water in our vehicles. When ordering tea or coffee in local cafes, it is safe as the water has been boiled. However, always request your juice or soft drinks without ice, as ice cubes are often made from unfiltered tap water.

Syrian street food is world-class, but follows the “Peel it, Cook it, or Forget it” rule. In 2026, we encourage trying the famous “Shawarma” and “Falafel,” but only from stalls with a high turnover of local customers. Avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruits in small street stalls. Instead, indulge in the street juices—pomegranate and orange—which are squeezed fresh in front of you. Pro Tip: Always eat with your right hand; in Syrian culture, the left hand is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene and is considered impolite at the dinner table.

While your tour with Syria Caravans covers the “big” costs, your daily out-of-pocket spending for 2026 should be between $50 and $90 USD. This is a “comfortable” budget: a high-end dinner at a converted palace in the Old City costs about $25, while a coffee and a famous “Bakdash” ice cream are under $5. Syria is currently one of the most affordable luxury destinations in the Mediterranean if you know where to spend.

On January 1, 2026, Syria introduced the “New Syrian Pound” (SYP), which removed two zeros (1 New Pound = 100 Old Pounds). This has made transactions much simpler, but you must be careful: for the first few months of 2026, both “Old” and “New” notes are in circulation. Most importantly, Syria is a cash-only economy. International ATMs and credit cards do not work here. You must bring all your funds in crisp, unmarked US Dollars (post-2006 “blue” bills) or Euros. We will assist you with exchanging at the border or official exchange offices to ensure you get the fair market rate.

On Jan 1, 2026, we dropped two zeros. You will see “New Pounds” and “Old Pounds” side-by-side. The secret? Always pay in New Pounds but keep your US Dollars for big transactions. Only exchange $100 at a time at official “Commercial Bank” booths to avoid carrying huge stacks of paper that are now being phased out.

Transparency is our policy. The primary “hidden” costs are the Departure Tax (approx. $10 at land borders) and cultural tipping (baksheesh). In Syria, tipping isn’t just a bonus; it’s a vital social lubricant. You should expect to tip your driver, site guards who open “secret” sections of ruins, and hotel staff. We recommend setting aside a small envelope with $50 in small bills for these gestures over the course of a week. Additionally, always check if your hotel bill includes the 10% “Tourism Tax.”

In 2026, Syria offers what we call “The Heritage Premium.” While a trip to Jordan or Egypt may be easier to book, Syria offers a depth of history (without the overwhelming crowds) that is unparalleled. You are paying for exclusivity. In Palmyra or Bosra, you will often find yourself the only visitor in a world-class Roman theatre. The value isn’t just in the price of the lamb kebab; it’s in the raw, authentic access to history that has been “locked away” for a decade.

Most of our guests fly into Beirut (BEY) or Damascus (DAM). For Beirut arrivals, we provide a private “cross-border” transfer service. This is not a simple taxi; our drivers are vetted and have “expeditor” status at the Masnaa border to help you. If you fly into Damascus, our representative meets you inside the terminal before immigration to ensure your security clearance is processed fast. We never recommend “freelance” taxis for border crossings due to the complex paperwork involved in 2026.

Connectivity is significantly better in 2026 than in years past. We recommend a local SIM card from Syriatel or MTN, which we can help you buy for about $30-40. This gives you 4G/5G data in all major cities. While “Free Wi-Fi” is standard in boutique hotels, the national grid still faces occasional “load-shedding” (planned outages), so a local data plan is your only guarantee of being able to use maps or WhatsApp. Note: You will need a VPN to access certain Western sites (like some banking or streaming apps) due to remaining digital sanctions.

The “Old Cities” of Syria are a walker’s paradise. In Damascus, the straight street (Via Recta) and the winding alleys of the Christian and Jewish quarters have a perfect 100/100 walking score—you cannot see them by car. However, Syria is not “ADA accessible”; the cobblestones are 2,000 years old and very uneven. For the modern parts of the city or moving between Homs and Aleppo, you will rely on our vehicles. Expect to walk 8–10km a day—comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes are more important than fashionable ones!

The final program includes a complete names of the hotels, rooms type and bed types. please check the draft copy before you book.

Most of the time the issue is released when cancellation appears for different reasons. Read carefully the cancellation policy then when you have the final decision make your booking.

This is a vital point for 2026. Because we must pay for your Security Clearance and “block” rooms in boutique hotels that only have 10–15 rooms total, our policies are stricter than a Marriott. Generally, we offer a full refund up to 45 days before arrival. Within 30 days, we charge a 25% fee to cover the government processing costs we’ve already paid.

Beyond standard fire safety, in Syria, “Safety” means Utility Independence. Our selected hotels in 2026 are equipped with high-end silent generators and private water filtration systems. This ensures that even if the city grid has an issue, your room remains cool, your shower is hot, and your Wi-Fi is active. Furthermore, we only use hotels with a 24/7 “Mudir” (manager) on-site who acts as a concierge and local protector for our guests.

Yes, many “Digital Nomads” are visiting Syria in 2026. Average hotel speeds are 15–20 Mbps download. This is fine for Zoom calls and uploading photos, but not for heavy 4K video editing. If your work is mission-critical, we suggest working from the many “Work-Cafes” in the Abu Rummaneh district of Damascus, which have the most stable fiber-optic lines in the country.

Syria is a “High-Context” culture. Hospitality is a matter of national pride. If someone offers you tea, it is polite to accept at least one cup. In terms of dress, Syria is secular but modest. Women don’t need headscarves in public, but “modest-conservative” (covering shoulders and knees) is the gold standard for respect.

Syria is more liberal than you think, but “Respectful Coverage” is the 2026 trend. Women don’t need veils, but “Athleisure” or tight gym wear in the Old City is considered disrespectful. Think “Linen Chic”—breathable, modest, and elegant.

Positive experience can be built through understanding and respecting local customs and the Cultural Etiquette

We Advise travelers to:

Dress modestly and conservatively.

For women, loose-fitting clothes that cover the shoulders, arms, and legs. A headscarf is not required everywhere but is essential for visiting mosques and some other religious sites.

For men, long pants are generally recommended, especially when visiting religious or official places.

Greetings and Social Interactions:

Physical contact between unrelated men and women is rare and should be avoided unless initiated by the other person. A warm smile and a slight nod are always appropriate.

Emphasizing the importance of respect for elders and the centrality of family in Syrian society.

Photography:

Warning: it is strictly forbidden to photograph military or government buildings, checkpoints, or military personnel. This is a serious offense.

You will likely be invited for “Ahweh” (coffee) by shopkeepers. This is usually a genuine gesture of welcome. It is polite to accept and sit for a few minutes. If you are invited to a home, always remove your shoes at the door. If offered food, it is considered impolite to refuse entirely; even if you are full, take a small symbolic portion. Syrians express love through food, and your appetite is the best compliment you can give!

In the “New Syria” of 2026, there is a massive push for English education. You will find that most young people in Damascus and Aleppo speak excellent English and are eager to practice with you. However, in the souks and rural villages (like Maaloula), you will need your Syria Caravans guide. We provide bilingual guides who don’t just “translate,” but “interpret” the culture.

Do not underestimate the Syrian climate! Spring (late March to May) is the “Sweet Spot”—the desert is green, and the temperature is a perfect 22°C. Summer (July–August) is “Dry Heat”—it can hit 42°C in Palmyra. Winter (December–February) is surprisingly cold; you will need a heavy wool coat for the damp, chilly nights in Damascus.

In 2026, Ramadan will fall around February/March. During this time, the “vibe” changes—the days are quiet, but the nights are electric with “Iftar” celebrations. Traveling during Nowruz (Kurdish New Year in March) or the Damascus International Fair (September) offers incredible cultural immersion, but hotels book up months in advance. We recommend checking the lunar calendar with us before you book, as some sites may have limited hours during religious holidays.

Damascus Nightlife usually involves visiting a traditional café (Qahwet al-Nawfara) or a lively restaurant/bar in the Old City, featuring local music, argileh (shisha), and a social atmosphere. Aleppo Cuisine is famous for kebabs, kibbeh, meze, and sweet pastries (halawiyat). Non-alcoholic drinks (fresh juices, soft drinks) in different restaurants but found in other restaurants pls ask your guide for suitable places. Vegetarian options are common and easily arranged, as Syrian cuisine features many pulse and vegetable-based meze (e.g., hummus, muttabal, tabouleh, muhammara).

Alcohol is legal and widely available in “Green Zones,” especially in the boutique bars of Old Damascus and Aleppo. Note: In 2026, Syrian Customs maintained a strict ban on bringing alcohol in or out of the country. Any personal bottles found in your luggage at the border will be confiscated. Enjoy the local Arak or Afamia beer while you are here, but respect the border regulations.

Alcohol is legal, but drinking it “pure” is a tourist mistake. Arak is served 1/3 spirit to 2/3 water with ice. And remember the 2026 rule: Never pour Arak into a glass that still has water in it; always add the water to the Arak. It’s the ultimate sign you aren’t a “clueless” tourist.

Tipping is the heartbeat of Syrian service. For daily interactions, carry a “tipping pouch” with small New Syrian Pound notes.

Restaurants (Food): 10% of the total bill.

Bars/Nightlife (Alcohol): 15% of the total bill.

Small Services: It is customary to give a small tip to the person watching your shoes at the mosque or the site guard who opens a locked gate for you.

Your Team: For your Syria Caravans guide and driver, we suggest a daily tip of $10–$15 per person, usually presented in an envelope at the end of the trip as a final gesture of “Shukran.”

Travel insurance isn’t compulsory, but it’s mandatory and strongly recommended for medical, cancellation, or lost item coverage. Syria Caravans include insurance for all tourists through Arope Syria insurance company (Arope Syria COVID 19 gold product).