How to travel to Syria in 2022: Need to know – Against the Compass

Do you need to journey to Syria with Towards the Compass?
Be a part of one our upcoming group EXPEDITION:
November thirteenth to twentieth
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Syria had been in my plans for a really very long time and, lastly, they began to make it simpler for vacationers. Effectively, not that straightforward, however positively simpler.

Since 2018, I’ve visited Syria 3 instances, visiting locations like Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Krak de Chevaliers, Hama, Busra and Palmyra.

Syria is fairly epic.

On the one hand, I received to go to historic, marvelous websites that have been an actual blessing to my eyes.

And, alternatively, it was a really enriching expertise as effectively, since I met a great deal of Syrians who instructed me their aspect of the story, plus I used to be in a position to witness one of many worst humanitarian crises within the twenty first century, visiting hair-raising locations that require a number of chilly blood, should you don’t need to breakdown into tears, making you empathize with the various lovely Syrians.

Lengthy Stay Syria.

This information accommodates every part it’s good to know for touring to Syria, together with loads of suggestions relating to visas, security, transportation and far, far more!

COVID-19 Journey restrictions for Syria

Syria is absolutely open for journey now, and few restrictions apply.

Vaccinated vacationers can simply current their vaccination certificates upon arriving and exiting Syria.

Non-vaccinated vacationers, nevertheless, should maintain a unfavourable PCR check, each for coming into and leaving the nation, which you are able to do at one of many Governmental clinics for $110.

Journey Insurance coverage for Syria with COVID-19 protection

IATI Insurance gives full COVID-19 protection and has tons of plans at very aggressive costs.

And never solely this, nevertheless it’s one of many few insurance coverage suppliers that offers protection for touring to Syria.

Furthermore, readers of Towards the Compass can get an unique 5% low cost

How to join a tour in Syria

Sadly, unbiased journey in Syria is virtually unimaginable these days, so the best – and solely – method to journey to Syria is thru reserving a tour with a sound operator. Extra on that within the visa section of this publish.

How one can be part of a bunch tour for Syria

Towards the Compass has a number of scheduled group expeditions in 2022:

• September 1st – eighth. SOLD OUT
• September thirtieth – October seventh – SOLD OUT
• November thirteenth to twentieth. APPLY NOW

Our 8-day expeditions solely price 1590€, and embrace: Beirut switch, lodging (5-star in Damascus), a call for participation (wanted for visa), personal transportation & driver, breakfast & lunch, Palmyra allow, native information + assistant, tour chief, entrance charges.

We go to locations like: Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra, Homs, Hama, Krak de Chevaliers, Al Mishtaya and Bosra; and all of them begin in Beirut.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EXPEDITIONS

How one can be part of a person tour or a smaller group for Syria

Do you want to be part of a small group, however you’ll be able to’t journey on any of the above dates?

No drawback, simply shoot me an electronic mail (joan@againstthecompass.com) indicating:

• How many individuals you might be
• What number of days do you need to spend in Syria
• Which dates

And we are going to attempt to discover different journey companions you might journey with. In any other case, know that we are able to additionally set up personal, tailor-made journeys.

Why must you go to Syria now?

Do you need to journey to Syria with Towards the Compass?
Be a part of one our upcoming group EXPEDITION:
November thirteenth to twentieth
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It is a excellent query, one I’ve been requested lots just lately.

The reality is that causes range.

Initially, within the final couple of years, I’ve been touring all across the Middle East, so visiting Syria, one of the vital fascinating international locations within the area, had been on my journey plans for a really very long time.

One other much more necessary purpose is that Syria is a good nation, house to one of many oldest civilizations ever, so visiting Syria from a tourism perspective is a must-do.

Nonetheless, most individuals asking that query are likely to refer extra to the moral side of touring to Syria, as it is a conflict zone from the place many individuals have been compelled to flee so as to save their lives.

Effectively, I need you to know that I absolutely perceive why somebody wouldn’t need to go to a post-war zone as a result of, reality be instructed, destroyed buildings and distress are usually not nice issues to see.

However, the very first thing it’s good to know is that I journey to study and turn into wiser and, sure, I’m excited by visiting a post-war zone, as a result of that is dwelling historical past and I wished to see it with my very own eyes, and never by means of a biased newspaper.

I additionally assume that touring to Syria with the only goal of empathizing with the locals is an efficient factor and, so long as you might be completely respectful in regards to the disaster, there’s nothing unsuitable with it.

However in the long run, we should always ask Syrians what they give it some thought and I can guarantee you that, since Syria was once a serious touristic vacation spot, as we speak Syrians are very comfortable to see that vacationers are coming again as a result of it is a actual signal of restoration.

For extra info, learn the Responsible Tourism part of this text.

Examine my experience in Aleppo

Advisable books for touring to Syria

Syria journey information by Bradt

There are not any up to date guidebooks of Syria, however Bradt Guides has the one unique journey information to Syria, up to date as of 2010.

Nonetheless, it’s a good supply and a pleasant introduction to the nation

CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE PRICES ON AMAZON

The Rise of the Islamic State by Patrick Cockburn

A must-read e book. Written by one of many world’s high specialists on the Center Jap battle. On this e book, Cockburn provides a really complete rationalization of the origin of DAESH, with many references to Syria.

A really helpful e book to know the complexity and origin of the battle.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON

How one can get a vacationer visa for Syria

Keep in mind to get journey insurance coverage for Syria
IATI Insurance is without doubt one of the only a few that covers journey in Syria + COVID-19
5% discount if purchasing via this link

Final up to date info 2022

Getting a Syrian visa these days is fairly easy however that’s one thing you’ll be able to’t do alone as a result of the Ministry of Tourism dictates that every one vacationers who need to get a Syrian vacationer visa should e book a tour with an operator.

For that, Towards the Compass is a licensed and legitimate tour operator that may aid you acquire a visa for Syria.

Be a part of certainly one of our teams, and you’ll mechanically get your visa for touring to Syria.

We’ve a number of scheduled teams till the top of this yr.

• September 1st – eighth. SOLD OUT
• September thirtieth – October seventh – SOLD OUT
• November thirteenth to twentieth. APPLY NOW

Or 8-day Syria journeys solely price 1590€, and embrace:
Beirut switch, lodging (5-star in Damascus), a call for participation (wanted for visa), personal transportation & driver, breakfast & lunch, Palmyra allow, native information + assistant, tour chief, entrance charges.

How one can get a Syrian visa immediately from a tour operator

The very first thing you should know is that journey businesses is not going to challenge a vacationer visa for Syria however a safety clearance (a background verify), which it’s good to present on the customs. Take into account it as a Letter of Invitation.

That is what the safety clearance appears to be like like. Often, it contains a number of random folks:

Along with your safety clearance in hand, it is possible for you to to buy a Syrian vacationer visa on the border.

The issue, nevertheless, is that these days, journey businesses are usually not allowed to challenge a safety clearance until you e book a tour with them.

Do you need to journey to Syria with Towards the Compass?
Be a part of one our upcoming group EXPEDITION:
November thirteenth to twentieth
FIND OUT MORE

How a lot does the safety clearance price?

It’s all the time included within the complete tour bundle, so it actually is dependent upon what tour you e book.

How lengthy does it take to get the safety clearance?

2-3 weeks max.

How lengthy is it legitimate for?

The safety clearance has a 90-day validity, ranging from the day you obtained it.

How a lot does the vacationer visa for Syria price?

Observe that costs are likely to fluctuate primarily based on the trade fee however, as a median:

• EU Passport holders: 72USD
• Australia and New Zealand: 130USD
• United Kingdom: 140USD
• USA: 140USD
• Canada: 90USD

Attempt to deliver the precise quantity for the visa. In any other case, they offers you your change in Syrian Kilos, utilizing the official financial institution fee.

Additionally, you will need to pay an exit charge of two,000SYP.

Can Individuals get a visa for Syria?

No, sadly, it’s not doable for US passport holders to journey to Syria.

Which Tour Operator I like to recommend for touring to Syria?

I like to recommend Towards the Compass, which solely works with the perfect and most educated native guides.

As talked about, now we have a number of group journeys a yr and by the best way, we additionally set up personal tailor-made journeys (from 2-day journeys to Damascus to multi-day journeys throughout Syria).

Be taught extra: Syria EXPEDITIONS Against the Compass 2022

Journey Insurance coverage for Syria

Like in Iran, due to all of the sanctions, most journey insurance coverage corporations don’t cowl for journey in Syria.

The one which does, nevertheless, is IATI Insurance.

• They’ve a great deal of completely different plans for all sorts of vacationers: from households to backpackers
• Full COVID-19 protection
• Covers senior residents too
• Readers of this weblog can get an unique 5% low cost.

How one can get to Syria

How one can journey to Syria by land

1 – How one can journey from Beirut (Lebanon) to Damascus

Touring to Damascus from Beirut is the best method to journey to Syria.

Beirut is barely 115km from Damascus and the journey takes 2 to 4 hours, together with the customs course of.

In case you e book a Syria tour with Towards the Compass, we are going to deal with your switch from and to Beirut, no drawback.

Within the unlikely case you have been touring to Syria independently, know that there isn’t any bus service however locals journey in shared taxis.

They go away from Charles Hélou bus station, which is in a really central location, in Gemmazyeh.

Shared taxis from Beirut to Damascus run all day lengthy and I went there at 3pm and waited for not more than 15 or 20 minutes.

The price per individual is 20USD (18 if it’s a 7-seat automotive).

In case you go by your self, you’ll pay 100USD.

Beirut to Damascus border crossing: Very easy.

On the Lebanese aspect, they barely verify your passport and, on the Syrian aspect, they take round 20 minutes, so long as there are not any folks, after all.

First, they verify your safety clearance, then you definately buy your visa on the financial institution counter and provides your receipt to the immigration officer.

You solely get a stamp, not a visa sticker.

After getting your Syrian visa and resuming your journey, you’ll undergo a number of checkpoints, however you shouldn’t expertise any drawback.

2 – How one can journey from Tripoli to Tartus

You can even journey to Syria from the border north of Tripoli. Shared taxis to Tartus price 18,000LBP (12USD) they usually go away till 8pm from this station: 34.436691, 35.837163. It’s only a 65km journey, so it must be pretty fast.

3 – How one can journey from Amman (Jordan) to Syria

The border is lastly open however the journey from Amman is longer (200km).

If you wish to enter Syria from Amman, we are able to additionally organize a decide up, no drawback!

4 – How one can journey from Turkey to Syria

Right now, that border will not be doable to cross legally.

How one can journey to Syria by air

You can even fly in however the issue is that the worldwide airport in Damascus doesn’t have many connections, so going from Beirut will all the time be simpler.

In any case, take a look at Cham Wings Airlines and Syrian Air.

They’ve occasional flights from Dubai, Sharjah and Doha.

Is it protected to journey to Syria?

Is Syria safe?

Together with the visa, security is the opposite massive query mark for anybody touring to Syria.

Look, the conflict is virtually over in West Syria (town of Idlib is the final precise conflict zone) and cities like Aleppo and Damascus are completely protected.

You see kids roaming round and every part appears simply fantastic now.

Furthermore, the Outdated Metropolis of Damascus is filled with army checkpoints the place they verify your bag and have a look at anybody who appears suspicious, so there’s a excessive stage of safety and nothing has occurred for a very long time now.

Truly, I used to be in Damascus for Christmas and, for the primary time because the starting of the conflict, the streets of the Outdated Metropolis of Damascus (and Aleppo as effectively) have been full of Christmas lights and celebration.

The ambiance was filled with pleasure, happiness and each Muslims and Christians have been celebrating such an occasion with very massive enthusiasm (there’s a large Christian neighborhood in Damascus).

This could solely imply that even the Syrians themselves consider town is protected.

Lengthy story brief: I personally assume that Syria is protected to go to however it is going to depend upon the place you go.

For a greater understanding, learn my evaluation: Is Syria safe to visit?

Which elements of  Syria are protected to journey?

Learn my 100% safe travel itinerary for Syria.

Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Latakia, Tartus, Krak De Chevaliers, and in addition Palmyra.

For Palmyra, nevertheless, you continue to want a particular allow, which I can get for you as effectively.

The folks – The Syrians

Language spoken in Syria

Levantine Arabic is the official language.

It is best to know that many English-speaking folks left the nation however you’ll all the time discover somebody who does. In any case, attempt to study some Arabic earlier than touring to Syria.

Faith in Syria

Round 65% of the inhabitants are Sunni Muslims however, like in Lebanon, in Syria, there are a lot of completely different religions, together with a big Christian inhabitants. Bashar Al-Assad is Alawite, a Shia department.

How do Syrians really feel about tourism?

In response to the UN, round 500,000 Syrians have been killed, practically 5,000,000 escaped from the nation and several other extra million who’re nonetheless within the nation want humanitarian help.

We’re speaking right here about one of many worst humanitarian crises within the twenty first century.

Like I stated initially, many individuals are skeptical about touring to Syria, claiming or considering that it might be disrespectful to all of the folks which were affected someway.

Effectively, what I feel is that, earlier than making any judgment, we should always ask the precise Syrians dwelling in Syria what do they give it some thought.

When visiting Syria, I’ve by no means talked to a single Syrian who was not comfortable at seeing a overseas vacationer.

Those who spoke English approached me, asking a number of questions and exhibiting their gratitude for visiting their nation.

They don’t hesitate to speak to you in regards to the disaster, the issues that it has brought on, and many others.

Whats up, how are you?

Effectively, alive, thank God! – A random Syrian instructed me

Nonetheless, I assumed that wandering round Damascus as a vacationer could be like being a star. I imply, folks have been extraordinarily good and type nevertheless it was not like while you travel in Pakistan, for instance, the place all people stops you on the street to speak to you.

The principle purpose was that most individuals thought I used to be a journalist and the second was that Syrians have all the time had nice worldwide publicity, so seeing foreigners is one thing they’re truly used to, with the one distinction they haven’t seen many since 2010.

Lengthy story brief: Syrians are comfortable to see vacationers.

Transportation: the way to journey round Syria

Observe: This information refers to 2018 when touring in Syria independently was allowed.

You may journey round Syria by native buses and shared taxis.

I took the bus from Damascus to Aleppo, which takes greater than 7 hours.

The reason being that the part of the street from Homs to Aleppo will not be completely Authorities-controlled, so after Homs, they flip proper and make an enormous detour to get to Aleppo.

Replace 2022: Right now, the direct street from Damascus to Aleppo that goes by means of Idlib is lastly beneath the management of the Authorities.

There’s not a lot to say right here, aside from the roads of Syria are filled with army checkpoints, which is what you might count on.

Your driver will preserve your passport and he’ll deal with every part for you, so don’t fear about that.

I additionally took the bus from Homs to Damascus and it was a really comparable story.

From Aleppo to Homs I took an area shared taxi.

Significantly, buses run usually, easily and with none drawback

In Damascus, that is the primary bus station to go to Homs and Aleppo: 33.532449, 36.31875.

The station at Aleppo is kind of removed from town middle however you will notice loads of taxis simply outdoors.

As per security, the reality is that many individuals have been being overprotective with me, all the time taking care that I used to be feeling protected and cozy, so you shouldn’t fear about that. Most individuals taking the bus to Aleppo are from the military by the best way.

What it’s good to learn about cash earlier than touring to Syria

Keep in mind to get journey insurance coverage for Syria
IATI Insurance is without doubt one of the only a few that covers journey in Syria + COVID-19
5% discount if purchasing via this link

In Syria, they use the Syrian Pound (SYP), a foreign money that has been fluctuating like loopy for the previous 10 years.

Earlier than the disaster, $1 equaled 50SYP.

In 2018, throughout my first go to, $1 equaled 490SYP.

Right now, $1 is round 2,500SYP and what’s even worse is that within the black market, you’ll be able to trade it for as much as 3,800SYP.

As a consequence, Syria is affected by huge inflation and the issue is that the majority salaries haven’t elevated accordingly.

Exchanging cash in Syria

You may trade each Euros (€) and USD ($) however USD may be exchanged at a greater fee. In case you deliver 100 USD notes, take into account that they solely settle for the brand new ones with the blue line.

You probably have Syrian Kilos left while you go away, you’ll be able to trade them to Lebanese Kilos or USD in most trade workplaces in Beirut, on the official financial institution fee, which implies that it received’t be so good.

ATMs and bank cards in Syria

Due to the overseas sanctions, in Syria, you’ll be able to neither pay by bank card nor utilizing ATMs. It’s essential to deliver all of your cash in money.

Replace 2022: Because of the present monetary disaster, the identical rule applies to Lebanon. If you’re touring to Syria from Lebanon, you should deliver sufficient money for visiting each international locations.

How a lot does it price to journey to Syria?

These are the costs of the most common issues:

• Lunch in an area restaurant: 10,000 to twenty,000SYP
• Meals in a pleasant restaurant with wine: 50,000 to 80,000SYP
• Breakfast (like hummus or ful): 3,000SYP
• Nationwide Museum: 2,500SYP
• Aleppo Citadel: 2,500YSP
• Bus from Damascus to Aleppo: 10,000 to 13,000SYP
• Price range Resort in Damascus: $25 to $35 for a non-public room
• Mid-range lodge in Damascus: $40 to $80 for a non-public room
• Taxis inside cities: 5,000 to 10,000SYP
• Native shared taxi Aleppo to Homs: 15,000 to twenty,000SYP

Accountable tourism and ethics

Syria is a post-war zone, the place hundreds of thousands of individuals have misplaced their homes and kinfolk, so please, be a delicate vacationer.

Don’t say conflict however disaster or scenario as a substitute

You will notice that many Syrians themselves don’t actually use the phrase conflict however they like to say different much less harsh phrases.

Don’t take selfies with broken buildings

Significantly, this is without doubt one of the most disrespectful issues you could possibly ever do and you’ll truly be an asshole should you did it.

Empathize with the locals

If you find yourself in an space filled with destroyed buildings be well mannered to the folks, say howdy, shake fingers and simply be good with them.

Collaborate with the native financial system

In Homs and Aleppo, you might be prone to see small companies open amongst all of the ruins. Do purchase issues from them.

In Homs, I noticed one small bakery store within the virtually destroyed souk; I couldn’t resist shopping for one kilo of sweets there, which I gave to a younger boy that was in search of one thing among the many trash.

Are the Syrian cities actually destroyed?

This appears to deliver a number of confusion, so let me clarify it to you:

Damascus

Solely the outskirts of Damascus are destroyed, as there was a bloody battle there. That space is off-limits to vacationers.

The Outdated Metropolis and the brand new a part of city stay intact.

Aleppo

A share of the Outdated Metropolis is destroyed, in addition to some areas from outdoors town.

Most of Aleppo isn’t broken however some crucial websites from the Outdated Metropolis, just like the Nice Mosque, are gone.

These days, nevertheless, town is being rebuilt and individuals are slowly coming again.

Homs

One of the crucial affected cities by the conflict.

Roughly 40% of town is destroyed and that features its bazaar, one of many liveliest and most necessary souqs in all the Middle East.

Palmyra

The Temple of Bell was destroyed by ISIS however Palmyra is an enormous archaeological website and lots of of its wonders can nonetheless be seen.

Taking images while you journey in Syria

You may take images of every part aside from one factor: army stuff.

Sure, it is vitally apparent however the issue is that there’s army stuff in all places, particularly in Damascus.

In Damascus, it occurred just a few instances that I took an image of some cool constructing or no matter, from comparatively far-off, and didn’t understand there was a checkpoint proper subsequent to it.

In fact, the troopers approached me however, after shortly checking my passport and my digicam, very kindly, let me proceed.

In Damascus Outdated Metropolis, there are checkpoints in all places, so listen earlier than taking any images.

Don’t get off the overwhelmed observe in Syria, not but

Significantly, don’t.

Don’t do it as a result of you’re going to break it for everyone.

Syria simply began opening to tourism, so persist with the primary touristic areas.

I’m telling you this as a result of there was a German man who went to the outskirts of Damascus to take images of some destroyed buildings and he was put in jail for every week. That was again in 2018, when unbiased journey in Syria was allowed.

Since then, reserving a tour is required so as to get a visa for Syria so, even should you wished to get off the overwhelmed observe, you wouldn’t be capable of.

Lodging: the place to remain in Syria

Keep in mind to get journey insurance coverage for Syria
IATI Insurance is without doubt one of the only a few that covers journey in Syria + COVID-19
5% discount if purchasing via this link

Because the disaster, the Authorities of Syria has launched a twin pricing coverage in all accommodations, wherein foreigners pay greater than the locals.

This has elevated the charges considerably however you’ll be able to nonetheless discover many inexpensive choices.

The place to remain in Damascus

Price range – Inexperienced Resort – Single rooms price 15USD and double 30USD. It was very clear, there was a heater, good Wi-Fi and the man from the reception spoke English. It was right here, simply outdoors of the Outdated Metropolis: 33.510168. 36.298925.

Inexpensive Boutique Resort – Beit al Mamlouka – A small lodge on the coronary heart of the outdated metropolis.

Prime choice – Beit al Wali – Top-of-the-line accommodations within the metropolis.

Luxurious – Four Seasons – Loopy costly, however the perfect lodge in Syria. Observe that it’s not managed by 4 Seasons anymore, regardless that they saved their identify.

The place to remain in Aleppo

Mid-range – Aleppo Palace – Good, inexpensive choice in Aleppo, with nice views of the brand new a part of city. It’s situated proper subsequent to the I Love Aleppo signal.

In Aleppo, you can even discover a Sheraton.

The place to remain in Homs

New Basman Hotel – One of many few choices in Homs is that this lodge that provides fundamental however snug rooms.

The place to remain in Al Mishtaya

Al Mishtaya is a Christian village close to Krak de Chevaliers and the place the place we keep after I deliver teams into Syria.

They’ve a fairly good brand-new lodge named Vila Rosa Hotel.

The place to remain in Palmyra and Busra

Right now, you’ll be able to’t keep in any of them as a result of there are not any accommodations.

The meals and alcohol in Syria

In the previous few years, I haven’t traveled to many international locations which might be well-known for his or her meals, however Syria positively is.

Being an olive-oil-rich Mediterranean nation, the components used of their delicacies are contemporary and much like those we utilized in Spain, Italy, France, and Greece.

The meals is definitely just about the identical as in Lebanon, with their very own regional variations, after all.

From the basic hummus to kibbeh (native steak tartar), different types of grilled meat or a typical dish of Aleppo consisting of meatballs in cherry sauce, the meals in Syria is so diverse. 

For me, nevertheless, breakfast is the perfect half, as they all the time serve completely different variations of hummus and ful deep in tremendous tasty olive oil and greens.

As per the alcohol, you need to know that Syria has a big Christian inhabitants, so alcohol is well accessible, particularly within the Christian district of the Outdated Metropolis of Damascus, the place there’s a avenue full of bars and lots of liquor outlets.

You may truly purchase a $1 beer and drink it on the street!

Web and cellular

Do you utilize a VPN while you journey?
Do not forget that, in one of these international locations, some web sites could be blocked and your on-line exercise could be monitored by the Authorities. Due to this fact, so as to navigate safely, you need to use a VPN.
Learn: How to find (and why use) the best VPN for traveling

Wi-Fi – Web works effectively throughout the nation. The accommodations I stayed at had a great connection and you can even join in most comparatively good cafés and eating places.

Cellular – I purchased Syriatel and, for 7,000SYP, they gave me 2GB and a few calls however, after all, costs might change. They solely requested for my passport. I like to recommend you go to the official retailer. There’s one subsequent to Merjeh Sq., proper right here: 33.513185, 36.29777.