Syria operates five international airports, though operational status varies. Damascus International Airport, located 25 kilometers southeast of the capital, reopened to limited commercial traffic in 2022 after years of restricted operations. Aleppo International Airport began receiving select international flights in 2023. Latakia and Qamishli airports handle domestic and limited regional routes. Land borders with Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey exist, but crossing availability changes frequently based on diplomatic and security conditions. The Jdeidet Yabous crossing with Lebanon and the Nasib crossing with Jordan reopened intermittently after 2018. Travelers must verify current border status through official channels immediately before travel.
Syrian visa requirements depend on nationality and entry point. Most nationalities require visas obtained in advance through Syrian embassies or consulates. The United States, United Kingdom, and several European nations maintain no diplomatic representation in Syria, making visa acquisition complex or impossible for their citizens. Some Arab League nationals can obtain visas on arrival at Damascus airport. The standard tourist visa costs approximately 50 USD equivalent when available. Processing times range from one week to several months. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates website provides official requirements, though the information is not consistently updated. Holders of Israeli stamps or visas in their passports are denied entry.
The Syrian pound (SYP), also called the lira, is the official currency. Exchange rates fluctuate dramatically. In early 2023, the official rate stood near 2,500 SYP per USD, while parallel market rates exceeded 7,000 SYP per USD. By late 2023, parallel rates reached 15,000 SYP per USD in some transactions. The Central Bank of Syria sets official rates, but most commerce operates on informal exchange rates. Syria faces U.S. sanctions under the Caesar Act, implemented in 2020, which restrict banking transactions. International credit cards do not function. Western Union and MoneyGram do not operate. ATMs exist in major cities but dispense limited amounts and often face cash shortages.
Cash in U.S. dollars or euros is essential. Crisp, undamaged bills are strongly preferred, as many money changers reject torn or heavily used notes. Exchange occurs through licensed money changers, hotels, or informal dealers. Rates vary significantly between Damascus, Aleppo, and smaller cities. Travelers should calculate daily cash needs carefully, as replenishing funds is difficult. Carrying multiple denominations helps with smaller purchases, as change can be scarce. Some higher-end hotels in Damascus accept payment in foreign currency directly.
Syria's telecommunications infrastructure suffered extensive damage during the conflict that began in 2011. The state-owned Syrian Telecommunications Establishment controls landline service. Mobile networks operate under two providers: Syriatel and MTN Syria. Coverage is strongest in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Latakia, and Tartus. Rural areas and conflict-affected regions have limited or no service. Prepaid SIM cards require passport registration at official stores. A SIM card costs approximately 1,000 SYP plus credit, though prices fluctuate. Credit is sold in denominations from 500 to 5,000 SYP at shops throughout cities.
Internet access is heavily restricted and monitored. The Syrian Telecommunications Establishment controls the primary gateway. Connection speeds are slow by international standards, typically under 5 Mbps in Damascus. Hotels catering to international visitors offer WiFi, though reliability varies. VPN services are officially blocked, though some function intermittently. Social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are accessible but monitored. Messaging applications like WhatsApp and Telegram work inconsistently. Power outages affect connectivity, with many areas experiencing scheduled blackouts lasting several hours daily.
Syria operates on 220V, 50Hz electricity with European-style two-pin plugs. Adapters are necessary for equipment from North America, the UK, and other regions using different standards. Pharmacies in Damascus and Aleppo stock basic medications, but supplies of specialized drugs are unreliable. Travelers requiring specific medications should bring sufficient quantities for their entire stay plus reserves. Original packaging and prescriptions help at customs. Medical facilities in major cities provide basic services, but advanced care is limited. Damascus Hospital and Al-Mouwasat University Hospital in Damascus are the primary options.
Bottled water is essential. Tap water in Syrian cities comes from municipal systems, but treatment reliability varies. International brands and local bottled water are sold in shops throughout Damascus and Aleppo, typically costing 100-300 SYP per liter. Power supplies at hotels and residences are augmented by private generators during scheduled blackouts, which occur daily in most areas. Blackout schedules vary by neighborhood and city, lasting from two to twelve hours. Fuel shortages affect transportation. Petrol stations often have long queues, and rationing occurs periodically. Diesel shortages impact heating in winter months, particularly affecting areas outside Damascus.