Notes:

- There are two types of Arabic, the first is called classical or formal, and is used in all official documents, school and university text books, news broadcasts, and most newspapers and magazines. It adheres to very strict grammatical, spelling and pronunciation rules, and is therefore understood by any Arab speaker even though it is never used in everyday conversation. The second type of Arabic is known as common, or local. It’s akin to slang, and is used primarily for conversation. This type of Arabic varies widely from country to country, and region to region. It has almost no rules whatsoever, and much of it’s vocabulary contains non Arabic words. Consequently, this type of Arabic is heavily accented, and will usually not be understood by other Arab speakers from outside the region. The type of common Arabic spoken in Syria and the surrounding countries is known as Levantine Arabic.

- “el” or “al” in Arabic, are the equivalent of “the” in English, ie: definite article.

- an ‘ apostrophe, is used to denote a glottal stop.

- There are quite a lot of Latin words used in common Syrian Arabic, a legacy of the French mandate.

- The following words and phrases are in common Levantine Arabic, and will be understood throughout the Levantine region.

Airports, Borders, Customs:

Gamarek,  Gimrok - customs

Hidood - border

Hajez - checkpoint

Basbor - passport

Visa - visa

Ta’sheera - entry, exit stamp

Rosoom - fees

Souk el Hurra - duty free

Mamnoo’ - banned, no entry

Bawabeh - gate

Dokhool - entry

Khorooj - exit

Greeting:

Al Salamu Aleykom - translates to peace be upon you. used to greet and sometimes also to say goodbye. This is the formal type of greeting.

Wa Alaykom el Salam - translates to : and peace upon you too. used to reply to the greeting/farewell above.

Ma al Salamah: translates to - peace be with you. used to say farewell.

Marhaba: translates to hello. Informal greeting, used with friends and close associates.

Shopping, Bartering:

Andak - Do you have

Kam, Be Kam - How much is it.

Kteer - its too much

Gheir lon- different color

Qmasheh, Qmash - Fabric, fabrics

Sigadeh - carpet, rug

Sigadeh Ajameyeh - persian rug

Kindra, Kanader - shoe, shoes

Amis - shirt

bantalon - trousers

Slib - underpants

Jrab - socks

Shahata - slippers

Klasheh - sandals

Mayo- swimwear

Manshafeh - towel

zeit - sunblock

Nadarat - eye glasses

Nadarat shamseya - sun glasses

Situational, Assistance, Places:

Shokran - thank you

Afwan - when used to reply to the above, it means you’re welcome. when used on its own, it can mean sorry or excuse me.

Min Fadlak, Lao Samahet - please

Bidee - i want

Taxi - Taxi

Ila el - to the

Wakef Andak - stop here

Wein el, Ayna el - where is the

Mathaf - museum

Bolice, Shirta - police

Makhfar Shirta, bolice - police station

Hotel - hotel

Matar - airport

Mahtat Bas, Bolman - bus, coach station

Mahatat Qitar - train station

Toilet, Hammam - toilet, bathroom, washroom

Mashfa, Mostashfa - hospital

Safara - embassy

Mat’am - restaurant

Souk - shops

Mak’ha - cafe

Mak’ha Internet - internet cafe

Talephone - telephone

Food, drink:

Akel - food

Khobez - bread

Somen - Buns

Maiye (pronounced “my”) - water

Kazooz, kola - soft drink

Fawakeh - Fruit

Beera - beer

Nbeet - wine

- The best time to visit Syria is spring or autumn, as the temperature is in the mild mid 20s. Winter is too cold and Summer is probably too hot for all but the most hardy traveler, add to that frequent electricity and water shortages during the hot summer months.

Is it safe to travel to Syria? Is there terrorism? What about violence and crime?

- Unfortunately, this question is asked quite a lot, and it’s quite understandable given the biased and negative way Syria is portrayed in most western media. Whether by design or ignorance, this negative image is as far from reality as you can get. Anyone who has visited Syria can attest to the fact that Syria has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Robbery is a rarity, muggings are unheard of, and violent crime in general is very rare. In fact, the reality is that there has NEVER been a terrorist attack against tourists in Syria. No tourist has ever been kidnapped or killed, EVER. People can, and do, walk around at 3 am without fear. In all likelihood, Syria is probably a lot safer than where you live.

Is the food safe to eat? Is the tap water safe to drink?

- Generally speaking, if you’re on a short trip, try to avoid eating out and stick to canned food as much as possible. The only exception is if you’re invited to somebody’s house, the food then is safe as long as you don’t over eat, Syrian food is notoriously heavy on the digestion.
If your trip is more than a couple of days, canned food may not be an appealing option, in which case stick to eating at the best restaurants you can find. Those can usually be found at high end neighborhoods in big cities, or at 4-5 star hotels. As a general rule of thumb, if the place doesn’t look appealing then don’t eat there, and remember never ever buy any food or drink off a cart or a street vendor, no matter how appealing or exotic it looks.
As for tap water, yes it’s safe to drink, but I would recommend sticking to bottled water which is readily available and cheap. If you’re not used to Syrian tap water it might give you a stomach upset.
Ignore this advise at your own risk, at best you’ll get the runs, and at worse food poisoning or even hepatitis, oh and you’ll also ruin your whole trip.

What’s the dress code? What is considered acceptable attire? Are shorts acceptable?

- Depends on where you are in Syria. In more liberal cities, or those that are used to a large number of tourists, (Damascus, Aleppo, Lattakia, Tartus) you can pretty much wear what you want, including shorts and tank tops, but generally speaking, tourists are afforded a higher degree of acceptance when it comes to clothing. Obviously, when entering places of worship, you have to be modestly dressed, that would mean long trousers and avoiding tank tops or anything see through. Women may also be required to cover their hair at some mosques.
It might also be a good idea to avoid wearing shorts if you are entering a government building as you maybe turned away. Swimwear and bikinis are to be worn only in hotel swimming pools or beach resorts (not public beaches).

Is there a shortage of water or electricity or other essential items?

- There is no shortage of basic items, necessities or essentials. Super markets are abundant, and you can usually find whatever you want there.
During the hot summer months, the electricity maybe cut for a couple of hours a day, and the water supply will only be on at certain hours. However, this is dependent on which part of Syria you’re in, and in any case most hotels have backup generators and extra water tanks.

Is there readily available internet access? What about mobile phones and long distance calls?

- Internet access is readily available in most parts of Syria via prepaid internet cards, or at hotels and internet cafes. Long distance phone calls can be made from most hotels, as well as any branch of the post office. You can obtain a Syria prepaid mobile phone sim for around 60 U.S $, which allows you to make international calls too.

What’s the transportation like? Are there taxis or buses? Can I rent a car?

- Transportation isn’t an issue in Syria, you can get to wherever you want pretty easily and cheaply. Inside cities, there is an abundance of taxis which will take you just about anywhere (including other cities). There is no need to haggle as taxis are required to have their fare meter running, but just in case you get into a taxi which doesn’t, inter city fares range between 25 to 100 lira ( 0.5 to 2 U.S $). If however you wish to take a taxi to another city, or a destination outside town, then you’ll need to haggle. This shouldn’t be your first option though, as buses are plentiful and travel to all destinations in Syria for a fee of around 200 lira ( 4 U.S $).
You can rent a car at the airport or at high end hotels, but I would strongly advise against it. Driving in Syria is very difficult and sometimes chaotic, and most of the road signs are in Arabic only.

What currency should I bring with me? Can I use my Visa or MasterCard? are there ATMs?

- You should bring U.S dollars with you, and convert them to Syrian pounds in smallish sums as the need arises. One U.S dollar is around 46 Syrian Lira. Click here for updated exchange rates.

usually Foreign tourists are required to pay certain fees in U.S dollars (eg: at borders, airports, museums, entry fees to historic sites) and most hotels will require you to pay in U.S dollars too. For most day to day expenses and shopping however, you need to use Syrian Lira. Some shops and businesses might refuse to accept foreign currency outright, or may accept it at an unfavorable exchange rate and may not return your change!
High end shops, hotels and restaurants will accept Visa and MasterCard, but the majority do not, so it’s cash only for the most part. ATMs are available in all major cities, but you need to check with your bank first to see whether you will be able to make withdrawals.

Is accommodation hard to find? Is it expensive?

- Hotels are quite numerous in major cities, and you probably won’t have much trouble booking a room, but sometimes during high season rooms can become scarce so it’s better to book in advance.
Click here for a list of hotels in Syria.
4 and 5 star hotels are very expensive, and I believe they would be outside most people’s budgets unless you’re traveling in a tour group and getting discount rates. On the other end of the scale, 2 or 1 star hotels are really cheap ( around 15 U.S $ a night or less) but they leave much to be desired in terms of service and hygiene. Your best bet would be to try to book at a 3 star hotel, as they usually offer a good balance between reasonable prices and decent quality.

- Is it acceptable to drink alcohol? What about drug use?

- Drug use is strictly prohibited in Syria, and carries very stiff penalties for usage or possession, and no distinction is made between “hard” or “soft” drugs”. If you’re carrying pot, weed, hash or marijuana for medical use or otherwise, do not attempt to enter Syria.
Drinking Alcohol in public is unacceptable (and sometimes illegal) except in tourist resorts like Lattakia. In all other cities, you may drink alcohol at the resturants or bars that serve it, as well as in private in your hotel room. You may bring alcohol with you to Syria, but maybe required to pay duty tax.

Damascus:

4 and 5 star hotels:

Four Seasons - Shukri Al Quatli St.  +963 11 3391000

Le Meridien - Shukri Al Quatli St.  +963 11 3738730/2452200/2229200

Cham Palace - Maysaloon St.   +963 11 2232300/320

Ebla Cham Palace - Airport road  + 963 11 2241900/45

Semiramis Hotel - rue victoria   +963 11 2233555

Fardoss Tower - Fardoss St.   +963 11 2322100/1

Sheraton Hotel - Omayyad square  +963 11 373430/2229300

Carlton Hotel - Mezza 17 April St.   +963 11 2122000

Omayad Hotel - Barazil St.  +963 11 2217700/2235500

Queen Center Rotana - city mall   +963 11 6664003

Royal Suites Hotel - Al Thawra St. +963 11 2322220

Plaza Hotel - Yosef azma St.  +963 11 2219226/221

Bloudan Al kabeer - Bloudan  +963 11 7161551/7127551

2 and 3 star hotels:

Venezia Hotel - Bahsa St.    +963 11 2316631

Al Amer Hotel - Baramkeh +963 112116600

Alaa Towers - Al Bahsah   +963 11 2311221/231

Orient palace - Hejaz sq.  +963 11 2211510

Al Dar Resturant & Hotel - Al Bahsa  +963 11 2318921

Al Tal Hotel - Al Marjeh Sq.  +963 11 2315582

Al Boustan - Victoria St.  +963 11 2224792/222

AL Daar - Bahsa St.  +963 11 2311350

AL Iwan - Bahsa St.  +963 11 2321476

AL Kairawan - Bahsa St. +963 11 2313334/35/

AL Nakhil - Bahsa St.  +963 11 2316452/231

Samir Hotel - Al Marjeh  +963 11 2219502

Samirkand - Al Marjeh  +963 11 2210956/221

Soria AL Kabeir - Sengekdar   +963 11 245889

AL Salaam - Al Marjeh +963 11 2225996/222

AL Tal - Al Marjeh  +963 11 2315582/83

Assia -  Bahsa St.  +963 11 2314100/01

Batra - Bahsa St.  +963 11 2315914/15

Cattan Hotel - Victoria St.  +963 11 2215785

Kalda - Bahsa St.  +963 11 2314800

Kertaja Hotel - Al Furat St.  +963 11 2220045

Kinda - Bahsa St.  +963 11 2318127/231

Omar Khayam Hotel - Al Shohada Sq. +963 11 2312666

Aleppo:

4 and 5 star hotels:

Sheraton Hotel - bab el Faraj   +963 21 2121111

Shahba Cham Palace - Chahba Cham Street    +963 21 2661600/227

Mirage palace - bab jenen   +963 21 2288555

Pullman Al Shahba - AlSHahba    +963 21 2667200/266

Riga Palace - bostan kil ab +963 21 9294/2112646

Beit Wakil - Al Jidaydeh    +963 21 2217169/224

Dar Zamria - Al jidaydeh   +963 21 3636100/363

Ramsis Hotel - Bostan kel Ab  + 963 21 2111102

Baron Hotel - baron St.  +963 21 2110880/1

2 and 3 star hotels:

Al Siyahi - Al jabri Sq. +963 21 2251602

Mandaloun - Al Telal  +963 21 2283008

Planet Hotel - Al Azzizeyeh +963 21 4658934

Kelekia - Nayal St. +963 21 2216992

New Omayad - baron St. +963 21 2211410

Biet Salahie - citadel rd. +963 21 3312222

1 star hotels:

Al Sufara - baron St. +963 21 2123395

Afamia - baron St. +963 21 2217078

Al Faisal - bostan kil ab +963 21 2217768

Al Fayha - bostan kil ab +963 21 2210386

AL Horriyeh Al Kabeer - bostan kil ab +963 21 2215884

Al Ittihad Al Arabi - bostan kel ab +963 21 2212040

Al Jalla - bostan kel ab +963 21 2215035

Abi Al Fida - bostan kil ab +963 21 2211725

Al Abassieh - bostan kil ab +963 21 2238276

Al Alam el Arabi - bostan kil ab +963 21 2211721

Al Amal - bostan kil ab +963 21 2268280

Al Omara el kabeer - bostan kil ab +963 21 2213498

Al Arabi el Kabeer - bostan kil ab +963 21 2211375

Al Jama Al Arabiye - bostan kil ab +963 21 2220993

Al jandool - bostan kil ab +963 21 2217729

Al Jawaher - bostan kil ab +963 21 2239554

Al Khayam - bostan kil ab +963 21 2210982

Al Kindi - bostan kil ab +963 21 2227345

Al Safir - bostan kil ab +963 21 2212907

Al Madeneh - bostan kil ab +963 21 2210990

Al najem el Akhdar -bostan kel ab +963 21 2239157

Al qasr - bostan kel ab +963 21 2239365

Al Rabie - bostan kil ab +963 21 2223602

Al radwan - bostan kil ab +963 21 2238120

Al Raghdan - bostan kil ab +963 21 2210057

Al Siyaha - bostan kil ab +963 21 2216583

Al Umamwi Al Kabeer - bostan kil ab +963 21 2222369

Al Yarmouk - bostan kil ab +963 21 2217510

Al Zahraa - bostan kil ab +963 21 2220184

Semiramis - bostan kil ab         +963 21 2219990

Samir -bostan kil ab         +963 21 2238540

Somar - bostan kil ab          +963 212113198

Souria Wa Libnan - bostan kil ab        +963 21 221 37 02

Shtora - bostan kil ab      +963 21 2220691

Al Sahel - bostan kil ab +963 21 2238597

Al Salam - bostan kil ab +963 21 2217075

Al Shark - bostan kil ab +963 21 223 91 22

Al Shark el Awsat - bostan kil ab +963 21 221 16 30

Asia hotel - bostan kil ab     +963 21 2215214

Barada - bostan kil ab    +963 21 2220244

Bashar - bostan kil ab +963 21 3631424

Bor Said - bostan kil ab +963 21 2217586

Souria Hotel - bostan kil ab        +963 21 2219760

Tarek Bin Ziad - bostan kil ab      +963 21 2218446

Venecia - bostan kil ab +963 21 2239909

Wadi Al Nil - boastan kil ab  +963 21 2211624

Maysaloun - bostan kil ab +963 21 2216485

Halab Hotel - bostan kil ab +963 21 2214657

Ishbilia - bostan kil ab +963 21 2221830

Al Boustan - bab el faraj +963 21 2217104/2111976

Al Komeh - bab el faraj +963 21 2230840

Al kawakeb - bab el faraj +963 21 2226721

Qanat Sweis - bab el faraj +963 21 2217564

Qasr Al Andalus - bab el faraj +963 21 2239382

Qasr Al Hamra - bab el faraj +963 21 2226934

Qasr al Zafaran - bab el faraj +963 21 2211620

Al Rawdah - bab el faraj +963 21 2233896

Dimask - bab el faraj +963 21 2210786

Farouk - bab el faraj  +963 21 2238715

Granada - bab el faraj  +963 21 2114459

Ghassan - bab el faraj +963 21 2210882

Hanadi - bab jenen +963 21 2238113

Joul Jammal - bab jenen +963 21 2238382

Kawkab Al Salam - bab jenen +963 21 2239403

Arz libnan - bab jenen +963 21 2238859

Lattakia:

4 and 5 star hotels:

Cote D’Azur - Al shatea al azrak +963 41 428700

Le Meridien - meridien St. +963 41 428736

Riviera Hotel - Beirut St. +963 41 211806

Al Qasr - Al Cornish +963 41 217777

2 and 3 star hotels:

AL Nakabat Al Mihania - AL cornish +963 41 461140/ 461

Al Samman Hotel - Al Maghreb el Arabi St. +963 41 214847

Al Benda - takreek Al Kasr +963 41 428949/428

Al Dowali - Martakla Av. +963 41 477630

Al Kaisar - 8 march St. +963 41 475453

Al Nawras Hotel - basel el Assasd Stadium +963 41 239128

Al Nour Hotel - 14 ramadan St. +963 41 423980

AL Riyad Hotel - Al Shohada St. +963 41 239778/238

Al Roken Al Rossi - Al jamhoria St. +963 41 412222

Aphamya - Shtea al azrak St. +963 41 220330/225

Haroun Hotel - AL Jamhoria St. +963 41 212104/427

Omar khayam Hotel - +963 41 228219

Al jandoul - Al Cornish +963 41 477680/1

Al Sofara Hotel - Al Cornish +963 41 477725

Al Zahran - +963 41 425128

Wadi Al Kindeel +963 41 778400/777100

Zenobia hotel - Al Zeraa project - +963 41 425703

If you do not see your country’s embassy here, please contact your foreign ministry for information. Please note: add the following prefix to all phone numbers: 0096311

Afghanistan Embassy       - mazzah      6112910     6133595
Algeria Embassy            3331446 - 3334548
Argentina Embassy      - Roudah     3334168 - 3334167     411058
Armenia Embassy       - Malki      3711757 - 3732992      3711757
Austia Embassy             6116730 - 6116838     6116734
Austiran Embassy             6114616
Australia Embassy             6132424 - 6132323
Bahrain Embassy             6132314 - 6132317
Belgium Embassy             3338098 - 3332821      3330426
Brazil Embassy             3337770 - 3335770
British Embassy 3391513 - 3391541
Bulgaria Embassy             3318445 - 3318205
Canadian Embassy - mazzah      6116692 - 6116851     6114000
Cheque Embassy             3330935 - 3331383
Chile Embassy             3338443
Chinese Embassy - Malki      3339594 - 3327968     3338067
Cuba Embassy             3339624 - 3337213
Czech Embassy 3331383 - 3339395
Cyprus Embassy             6130812 - 6130813
Denmark Embassy      - Abu Roumaneh      3332853 - 3331008      333 7928
Delegation of the European Commission             3327640 - 3320683
Eritrean Embassy           6112357
Egypt Embassy             3332932 - 3330756
Finland Embassy            3338670 - 3338809      3734740
France Embassy       - aljesr alabiad     3327993 - 3327992     3338632
German Embassy             3323801 - 3323800     3323812
Greece Embassy      - mazzah      6113035 - 6115009      6114920
Hungary Embassy      - mazzah     6110787 - 6117966      6117917
India Embassy             3719581 - 3718203
Indonesia Embassy             3331238 - 3331233
Italy Embassy      - Malki      3332521 - 3332621      332 0325
Irish Consulate              3342144
Japan Embassy             3338273 - 3332553
Jordan Embassy             3339313 - 3334642
Korea Embassy             4417614
Kuwait Embassy             3714760 - 3721973
Libya Embassy             3333914 - 3339747
Malaysia Embassy 612 2811/2812/2813
Maltese Consulate        3733601
Mauritania Embassy             3339317
Morocco Embassy             6620839 - 6110451
Netherlands Embassy             3337661 - 3336871      3339369
Norway Embassy       - Malki      3322072 - 3310733     3337114
Oman Embassy       - mazzah      6622194 - 6110408     6110994
Pakistan Embassy             6132694 - 6132695
Philippine Consulate       3335844
Poland Embassy             3332269 - 3333010
Qatar Embassy             3336717 - 3327451
Romania Embassy             3327571 - 3327570
Russia Embassy             4423156 - 4423155
Saudi Arabia Embassy             3334780 - 2124619
Slovakia Embassy            6132114 - 6132115
Somalia Embassy            3335534 - 3339844
Spain Embassy              6132903 - 6132900      6132941
Sudan Embassy            6622630 - 6622631      332 7749
Sweden Embassy             3327262 - 3327265
Switzerland Embassy             6111972 - 6111973
Tunisia Embassy            6132700 - 6132702
Turkish Embassy             3331411 - 3331370
Turkish Embassy/ Commercial Counsellor’s Office             3333142
Ukrainian Embassy 6113016
United Arab Emirates             3327560 - 3330308
United State of America Embassy - Abu Roumaneh 3330788 - 3332315 3319678
Vatican Embassy            3332446 - 3332601
Venezuela Embassy            3336863 - 3335356
Yemen Embassy            6133891 - 6133890
Yugoslavia Embassy     3333069 - 3336222

Europe:

Belgium - Bussels      F.D. Rooseveltlaan 3     6480135 - 6471909
Bulgaria - Sofia     Gveorguiew Str.     449580 - 441488
Cyprus - Nicosia     1 Androcleous Str.     473680 - 74481
Czech Republic - Prague     Pod Kastany 125     327289 - 326231
France - Paris     Rue Vaneau 20     45502490 - 45518235
Germany - Bonn     Andreas Hermes Str. 5     8199220 - 8190228
Greece - Athens DIAMANDIDOU 61,P.Psychico 154 52,  6722324 - 6715713 - 6825577
Hungary - Budapest     Hurangvirag Utca 3     176329 - 176186
Italy - Rome     Piazza Are Coeli 1     6797792 - 6797793
Poland - Warsaw     Narbutta 19A     484809 - 489179
Romania - Bucharest     Ana Ipatescu 50     503190 - 502629
Russia - Moscow     Mansour Viski Str. 4     2031528 - 2031521
Spain - Madrid     Plaza Platerias Martinez 1     2394619 - 4201602
Switzerland - Geneva     Lausanne Str. 77     326626 - 326522
Turkey - Ankara     Cevdet Sokak 7     1409658 - 1409657
UK - London 8 Belgrave Sq.     2452948 - 2456070
Yugoslavia - Belgrade     Mlade Bosne 31     430619 - 449985

North & South America:

USA - Washington 2215 Wyoming Avenue     2326313 - 2326314
Argentina - Buenos Aires     Avda Callao 956-1023     8144117 - 422113
Brazil - Brasilia     Sen Avenida Nacoes L.1     2260970 - 2441916
Chile - Santiago     Carmencita No 111     2327472 - 2327471
Cuba - Havana     5ta Avenida No 7402e     225266 - 225634

Canada:

Ottawa 151 Slater Street Suite 1000          (613) 569-5556
Toronto      7370  Bramalea Road, Suite 14          (905) 564-0955
Montreal - Quebec       307 Barton Avenue          (514) 345-0160

Asia:

China - Peking      Dong Sijie 6      5321372 - 5323943
India - New Delhi     Vasant Marc 288     670233 - 676304
Indonesia - Jakarta     Karang Asem 1 No. 8     5201641 - 5204117
Japan - Tokyo     Akasaka Minato Ku 107     3568978
Korea - Pyong Yang     Moun Sou Dong
Pakistan - Islamabad     30 Hill Road     821077 - 821303

Africa:

South Africa - Pretoria    123424701
Cameroon - Conakry      Rue Cameroune      46132 - 461370
Nigeria - Lagos     25 Kofo Abayomi     615680 - 618963
Senegal - Dakar     Rue 1 X BD     246277 - 251755
Tanzania - Dar El Salam     Aly Khan Road 276     27568 - 20568

Middle East and North Africa:

Algeria - Algiers      Kadoush Str.      782067 - 782068
Egypt - Cairo     Sabri Str.     717020 - 718320
Jordan  - Amman      Afghani Str.     641944 - 641935
Kuwait - Kuwait     Damascus Str.     531166 - 531164
Libya - Tripoli      Rida Str.     31783 - 37955
Mauritania - Nwak Shot     Ghandi Str.     54500 - 54527
Morocco - Rabat     Zair Str.     57521 - 57522
Oman - Muscat     Inshirah Str.     617904 - 607858
Qatar - Doha     Al Sad Str.     21873 - 21323
Saudi Arabia - Riyadh     Aroubeh Str.     4633198 - 4633013
Somalia - Mogadishu     Afjawi Str.     80231
Sudan - Khartoum     Imtidad Jadeed Str. No. 3     44663 - 44664
Tunisia - Tunis     Hay Al Manar     535392 - 235484
UAE - Abu Dhabi     Airport Str.     446744 - 448768
UAE - Dubai (Consulate)     Al Sadik Str.     661213 - 663354
Yemen - Sanaa     Jeddah Str.     247750 - 247752

Australia:

Australia - Canberra 41 Culgoa Circuit, O’Malley, Act 2606   (61) 2 6218 5200

Usually you’ll be required to fill out a visa application form in order for your visa to be processed.  Depending on your country of residence, this maybe an online form which you can print then fill out and mail, or you maybe required to visit the Syrian embassy in person and fill out the form and submit it there, along with any other required paperwork.

Visa application is generally a straightforward and easy affair, and it’s highly unlikely that anyone will get turned down for a tourist visa.

An important note: Make sure that you do not have an Israeli visa on your passport prior to applying for a Syrian one, or you maybe turned down. Also make sure that you do not have an Israeli visa or an Israeli customs stamp on your passport before visiting Syria, or you maybe denied entrance into the country, even if you do have a valid Syrian visa.

* Note: Sometimes visas are issued at the Syrian border, this is true for certain nationalities and for short stays. Contact the Syrian Embassy in your country to find out if you are eligible.

The following is an official visa fact sheet issued by the Syrian ministry of tourism:

Entry Visas and Customs Facilities

Entry visas

First : General Instructions For The Tourists Coming To Syria:

Arab and foreign arrivals to Syria should have the following:
1- A Passport valid for a period not less than one month after the elapse of the period of the entry visa, provided that the passport is issued by a state recognized by Syria, does not carry an Israeli visa, and the name of the passport owner is not listed among those forbidden from entering Syria.
2- An entry visa or transit visa issued by the Syrian embassy or consulate in the original country of the tourist or his place of residence. Entry or transit visas are granted by Emigration And Passport Department at the border, for the subjects of foreign countries which have no diplomatic representation in Syria, and for the foreigners living permanently in Syria provided they show their residency cards.
3- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Syrian diplomatic missions issue the following entry visas : the diplomatic, the private, the complimentary and service visas.
4- entry visa: two kinds

- six months from the date of its issue: valid for one or many entries. Exceptionally, visas can be granted for one year

- entry visa valid for three months, serves for one entry.
5- transit visa: two kinds

- three months valid for one or many entries

- three months valid for one entries

6- could include: wife of the visitor and his underage children, provided that their names and ages are registered in the related boxes.
7- The visitor who wants to stay in the Syrian Arab Republic for over a fifteen days period from the date of his entry, should report to the Emigration And Passport Department, or its branches in the governorates to apply for a permission of residency.
8- Permission of residency is spontaneously granted for the Arabs and foreigners born in Syria, and wives of Syrian nationals.
9- In case of missing or damaging the residency card, the owner of the card should report to the Emigration And Passport Department in Damascus or any of its branches in the governorates, within three days from the date of missing or damaging the card in order to obtain a new one.
10- A residency permission is not considered a work permit. He, who wishes to work in Syria, should get a work permit from the Ministry of Labour & Social Welfare
11- Any Arab or foreigner over fifteen years old, registered in the residency card of one of his parents, should get a new separate residency card similar to that of his parents in order to cover the remaining period of residency and to pay the required fees regardless of whether he bears a passport or not.
12- Arabs and foreigners who have special or ordinary residencies have no right to leave Syria for a period over six months.
13- Arabs and foreigners who have temporary residencies and an exit and return visa, have no right to stay outside Syria for more than three months. Lebanese citizens should report to the nearest police station within six days from their entry into Syria in order to obtain an I.D. card to facilitate their stay and movement in Syria.

Second : Facilities And Exemptions Offered To Incoming Tourists:

1- Arab nationals are allowed to enter Syria and transit through it exempted from entry or transit visas, provided that they are properly registered in the arrival and departure records . Their passports , travel documents, or entry cards (of the Lebanese nationals allowed to enter by their IDs, or civil record extracts ) are properly sealed upon entry and departure.
2- Entry visas are granted gratis for tourist foreigners of non registered nationalities who are coming for tourism whether singly or in groups, against letters issued and sealed by tourist offices and companies in their countries and personal passports, on the condition that they enter and depart on the responsibility of properly licensed tourist offices in Syria.
3- Citizens of all Arab states, Gulf Emirates and Sultanates, are exempted from entry and transit visas, residence permits and exit visas.
4- The following categories of visitors are exempted from duties:
- Foreign and Arab students officially registered in one of the recognized universities.
- Clergymen.
- Arab and foreign advisors and contractors.
- Journalists and correspondents of news agencies.
- Non diplomat workers in the Arab and foreign political and consular organizations.
- Parents, children, wife, brothers, sisters, governesses and servants of the member of diplomatic or consular mission accredited in the country.
- Palestinian refugees and their underage children.
- Foreigners and Arabs whom the director of Emigration and Passports Department exempt them for special considerations: courtesy, or because they are unable to pay.
5- Arab Syrian expatriates bearing foreign passports are exempted from obtaining entry visas or residency permits. Those of them who are not registered in the civil records should report to register in the Civil Register Secretariat. If they stay more than three months from the date of their entry , and if they want to depart using their foreign passports, they should obtain exit visas. Those of them under the age of military service should obtain the approval of the Conscription Department. They are allowed to enter using their foreign passports even if these passports are not sealed by the Syrian Arab missions abroad.

Third: Customs Facilities:

1-The foreigner is allowed to bring with him gifts, personal effects, and the private articles necessary for personal use, duty free.
2- Car owners permanently residing abroad, and coming to Syria to stay for a short time, are allowed to bring in their own, or rented cars which are properly registered in the country of expatriation in conformity with a legal authorization allowing the use and driving cars outside the country of registration according to the following customs duties:
> Duties of (US $ 40 or equivalent) levied on cars in accordance with a temporary entry card for a period of 15 days and (US $ 30 or equivalent) in return for the obligatory insurance of the car to be paid to the Syrian Insurance Company.
> Duties of (S.L 5035 or equivalent of other foreign currencies) levied against the book granted to cars registered in the Arab countries, plus (US $ 30 or equivalent) in return for the obligatory insurance to be paid to the Syrian Insurance Company.
>The wife or adult member of the family is allowed to bring a car or to drive it in Syria provided they meet the residency conditions outside the country.

Fourth : Health Regulations:

1- Travelers coming from places infected by yellow fever should, introduce a vaccination certificate against this fever.
2- Those wishing to stay in Syria for a period exceeding one year, have to submit an AIDS free certificate.
3- The tourist who brings pets, has to submit their health certificates written in English and authenticated in his country. As for cats and dogs, a certificate of vaccination against rabi should be presented.

Settling, Agriculture and the Beginning of civilization 9000BC:
This is where civilization began. The development of agriculture in Syria meant settled communities. Tribes and peoples began to prefer agriculture to hunting and with the appearance of bronze and copper tools, agriculture developed quickly. Along with the development in agriculture came a development in trade, as urbanized communities began to engage in various economic activities.

Ebla, Mari and the Bronze Age:
3000 - 2000BC:
The Great Kingdoms of Ebla and Mari belong to this era. These kingdoms are the sites of where the invention of writing began. Found in both are tablets of Cuneiform writing (wedge shaped syllables), the royal archives have been a source of controversy due to its links with the Old Testament Ebla, as for Mari 17000 tablets were found. These kingdoms lasted about 1000 years due to their cultural development, their rising trade with both Mesopotamia (the land between the Euphrates and the Tigris) and the Mediterranean, and due to the irrigation of the Euphrates. Both of these kingdoms were taken over by the Akkadians from Mesopotamia and then by the Amorites at the end of this period. The Akkadians were the source of Semitic language that became the basis for the Phoenician, Aramaic, Hebrew and Arabic languages.

2000 - 1600BC:
had taken over The recovery of trade in this area took a while. Yamkhad the Amorite kingdom in AleppoEbla… and trade began to gradually flourish. However Hammurabi ruler of Babylon, destroyed Mari.

1600 - 1200BC:
The Hittites from Anatolia and the Egyptians fought heavily for this land… but gradually the Hittites took over more and more of Syria, as Egypt was distracted due to religious havoc at home. This period also saw the rise of Ugarit where the first Alphabet was established and then taken over to ancient Greece by the Mycenaeans. This is also about the time when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and settled in Palestine.

The Hittites and the Arameans 1200 - 539BC:
A lot happened in this period… the most important was that of the Sea Peoples, a barbaric people who came from several lands around the Aegean Sea. They took over from the Hittites and Ugarit. At Ugarit, a message being sent before their arrival was found in the ruins. At the same time the Phoenicians were getting stronger and were establishing colonies around the Mediterranean. Later on the Arameans began to move across Syria to the North… their language was spoken by Jesus nearly 1000 years later, and is now still spoken in the village of Maaloula.

In about 800 BC the Assyrian Empire rose to power and for nearly 2 centuries they administered Syria and Lebanon. In 612 BC it fell to Babylonia land of the famous hanging gardens, at its capital Nineveh.

The Persians 539 - 333BC:
In this period Persia conquered Babylonia and took over the Middle East. Their colonies and provinces were well defended, governed and administered, and were all linked through an efficient network of roads. Persia fell at the end of this period to the Greeks.

Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Empire 333 - 64BC:
The defeat of Darius by the great leader Alexander of Macedonia was the beginning of Western rule over Syria. The Hellenistic Empire combined both Western and Eastern cultures but with a predominantly Greek system and outlook. After Alexander’s death, Greater Syria was divided into two empires one under Ptolemy, the other under Seleucus. Contemporary Syria was under the Seleucids. The Seleucids built Apamea as their Military base using Latakia as their main port. They also built the fortress of Doura Europos. All these cities were built under Greek architectural design and planning. At the end of this period came the Arab Nabateans from the south taking over Damascus and Bosra, while the Romans came from the north.

The Romans and Zenobia 64BC to 395AD:
flourished under the leadership of Queen Zenobia. She conquered most of Egypt and Asia Minor but was defeated by the Romans in 272AD. Through out this time Christianity was spreading aggressively through the Empire. In 324AD Constantine the Great took over from Diocletian, and named Constantinople (Istanbul) as his capital. Under Constantine, a converted Christian, Although the south was kept under Nabatean control, most of Syria was brought under control by the Romans and their leader Pompey. Under Rome, Syria’s cultivation and civilization greatly developed and with the well organized new road network; trade was able to prosper greatly. It was around this time that the great empire of PalmyraChristianity began to flourish under imperial patronage…and the Emperor Theodosius I named Christianity the official language of the Roman Empire. This change of religion and the moving of the Roman capital from Rome to Constantinople were the beginning of a new empire…

The Byzantine Empire 395-632AD:
The Byzantine Empire, a mixture of Greek culture and Christianity began with the death of Theodosius, when Rome was divided between East and West. There are many ruins and dead cities in the North of Syria that reflect the strength and architectural genius of these Romans. Among the greatest is the Basilica of St Simeon the Stylite who stood atop a pillar to pray for 38 years. The Basilica was built around this pillar and it was a regular place for pilgrims. Justinian was by far the greatest of the Roman empires during this period, he won back a lot of the lost land of the former Roman empire and it was he who held off the Sassanians (from Persia) at Resafa and Halabiye. However in 632 the new Islamic faith fighters took over Syria from the Emperor Heraclius.

Islam:
The Rashedeen Caliphate 632-661AD:
After the death of the prophet Muhammad, the Arab fighters began to spread Islam through battles and faith preaching. Under the Caliph Omar Bin Al Khattab, Syria was taken over form the Byzantines, in 636 the Muslims fought against the Byzantines in the battle of Yarmuk (on the river Yarmuk).

The Umayyad Period 661 - 750AD:
Muawiya former governor of Syria, fought with the Caliph Ali Bin Abi Talib along the Euphrates, and in 661 when Caliph Ali was assassinated he took over and made Damascus capital of the Umayyad territory. Damascus became the capital of a land extending from Spain in Andalusia to the Indus River in India. The Umayyads showed tolerance of the Christian faith and were very encouraging of education and the sciences. In 750AD Damascus was taken over by Abu Al Abbas who founded the Abbasid Dynasty in Baghdad.

Syria under the Abbasids 750 - 1199AD:
Syria, was neglected greatly under the Abbasid Dynasty, this is reflected by the lack of Abbasid architecture in Syria, which is only evident in Raqqa. After the reign of Harun Al Rashid, the Fatimids in 978AD took over the South and Damascus, while Aleppo was ruled by the Hamdanids in the 10th and 11th Centuries. The Fatimids under the leadership of Caliph Hakim began to demolish churches in the Holy Land. This coupled with the appeal for help by the Byzantines against the Seljuks prompted the next phase of Syria… the Crusades.

The Crusaders and the Ayyubids 1098 - 1250:
Arriving to Syria in 1098, under Raymond de Saint Gilles, Count of Toulouse, they took the route via the Orontes Valley (upper) then through Hama and Sheizar to the site that is now Krak Des Chevaliers. In December 1098 they massacred the Male population of Maarat Al Numan. When Edessa, a Latin enclave, fell to Zengi (a Muslim leader)… a second crusade arrived from France and Germany. However they were unable to recapture Edessa and they couldn’t capture Damascus either. This dampened European enthusiasm. Saladin, was very influential in the defeat of the Crusaders. He managed to recapture Jerusalem, Acre, Sidon, and Beirut all in 1187. He also had many battles against the leader of the third crusade, Richard the Lionheart.

The Mamelukes 1250 - 1516:
This period was not very positive for the Syria and the Syrians. Eight years after the Burgi Mamelukes took power (from their capital in Cairo), saw the attack of the Mongols who destroyed everything in their way. Under Baybars the Mameluke commander, the Mongols were defeated and the Krak, Safita, and Latakia were all taken back from the Crusaders (1271 - 1289). In 1291 Tartous was taken back by his successor Sultan Khalil. 1302, when the Crusade garrison in Arwad was taken back, saw the end of the Crusader venture in the Middle East. A second group of Mamelukes, the Burgis, took power in 1382. It took decades of rivalries between them and their predecessors the Bahris before they took power. This undermined their defense and in 1400 Damascus was hit by its biggest attacker yet, Tamerlane. He destroyed most of Syria and with the rerouting of European trade around Africa, Syria’s trade dropped.

The Ottoman Empire 1516-1918:
In 1516 Sultan Selim I, who defeated the Mamelukes in North Aleppo, conquered Syria. He later went on to claim himself as the Caliph. It was under his successor Suleyman the magnificent, that the Tekkiye Mosque complex was built in Damascus. The Ottomans built many Khans in the souks of both Aleppo and Damascus. Damascus, which was the last stop for pilgrims bound towards Mecca, had many great Khans and souks built for this cause. Aleppo’s great Khans on the other hand were built for the European Merchants after trade was opened up to Europe. Aleppo once again became the leading city of the Middle East for East-West trade. Under Ibrahim Pasha, the Son of Muhammad Ali, Damascus became the centralized government of Syria. Ibrahim Pasha captured Damascus in 1832 and founded schools, reorganized the judicial system, reformed the taxation policies and encouraged education. He also put the Christians and Jews on equal footing with the Muslims. During the First World War the Ottomans massacred between 1 and 2 Million Armenians, some in the Turkish run Belsen in Deir Ezzor. T.E. Lawrence and the Arabs, who revolted against the Turks, arrived to Damascus led by the forces of Emir Feisal, son of Hussein, the Sherif of Mecca in 1918.

Syria under the French Mandate:
In 1918 a parliamentary government was established in Damascus and in 1920 the Emir Feisal, was declared King of Syria. Syria at this point of time was geographically defined by the natural boundaries, beginning at the Taurus mountains in Turkey to Sinai in the South. The Arabs thought Syria would be a self-governing country, or so it was explained by the British. The secret Sykes-Picot agreement however would put a stop to this. This agreement which was set up in 1916 was put into action after the San Remo meeting. Syria was divided into 4 parts, and shared by Britain and France. Current day Syria and Lebanon went to the French, while Palestine and Jordan would go to the British. King Feisal was made King of Iraq.

Syria was then divided by the French into the separate provinces or states of Aleppo, Damascus, Latakia, and the Hauran. Aleppo was later brought into the state of Syria whose capital was Damascus. In 1925, the Druze population in the Hauran revolted and moved towards the capital, which prompted the heavy bombardment of Damascus by the French. In 1939 the state of Iskanderoun was given to the Turks in order to keep them neutral during the second world war. In 1942 Hauran and Latakia were incorporated into the Syrian state. In 1945 Syria gained independence and in 1946 the last of the French were seen.

Recent history:
With most of the Arab states gaining their independence around this time, Arab unity was revived. Syria entered several agreements, namely forming with Egypt in 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. In 1962 however it dissolved and in 1963 the Syrian Baath Party took control.

map of Syria

Location: Syria is located on the Mediterranean sea, between Iraq, Israel and Turkey

Time Zone: GMT+3

Languages: official and major spoken language is Arabic. Kurdish, Armenian, Turkish and Circassian are also spoken by their respective ethnic minorities.  Assyrian and Aramaic (the language of Jesus) is also spoken in some villages like Malula.

Religion: The majority, around 74% are Sunni Muslim. A further 16% is Muslim of differing sects (Alawi, Druze, Shia). Christians of various orders make up around 10%, with Greek Orthodox being the largest denomination. Other Christian churches include Armenian Catholic, Armenian Orthodox (Gregorian), Syrian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Maronite Christian, Baptist, Mennonite, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Nestorian (Chaldean). Other religions include Ismailis and Yazidis.

Ethnicity: The majority of the population, around 90% is ethnic Arab. Kurds and Armenians make up a sizable majority of the remainder. Other groups include Turkmen, Circassians and Assyrians.

Currency: The currency unit in Syria is called the Syrian Lira, or sometimes Syrian Pound. One U.S dollar is equivalent to around 46 Syrian Lira. Click here for an updated exchange rate.

Population: 19,750,000

Electricity: 2 pin, 220 v

Average Temperatures (degrees celsius):

winter between 0 and 15, summer mid 30’s to low 40’s. In Spring and autumn the temperature is a mild 25, so that’s the best time for a visit.

Major Cities: Damascus (capital), Aleppo, Lattakia (main port), Tartus, Homs, Hama, Idleb, As-Suwayda, Daraa, Quneitra, Deir ez-Zor, Al-Hasakah, Ar-Raqqah

Historical Places: way too many to list here. In fact, Syria is home to no less than 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Click here for a list of the most important places of interest in Syria

Government and Politics: Syria is a republic, with a parliamentary system and an elected president. The current president is DR. Bashar al-Assad, who was elected in 2000.

The country is divided into 14 administrative Governorates (the equivalent of states or counties), called in Arabic muhafazat (singular: muhafazah). The Governorates are divided into sixty districts, or manatiq (singular: mintaqah), which are further divided into subdistricts, or nawahi (singular: nahia). The nawahi contain villages, which are the smallest administrative units. These Governorates are administered by a Governer (muhafez) who is appointed by the ministry of the interior and approved by the cabinet, he in turn appoints officials to administer districts and subdistricts. The Governor is responsible for running all aspects and affairs of his governate, and is assisted by a provincial council of elected and appointed members.