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Updated November 2025
Your trip
The best time to travel to Syria is in the spring (March to May) and in the autumn (September to November). During this time, the average temperature is between 15 and 25 degrees. The summer months (June to August) can get quite hot, especially inland where the temperatures can go up to 40 degrees. In the winter months (December to February) the weather gets very cold.
Everyone must take out travel and health insurance before leaving for Syria. Whether Syria is covered by your policy differs per insurance policy. In some cases this will not be a problem. At CultureRoad we recommend: IATI Travel Insurance, a reliable company that has different insurance options that fits your personal needs. Book now to get a 5% discount!
The visa application for Syria changes regularly. At the moment, most nationalities can get a visa upon arrival via land borders and via the Damascus International Airport. The cost for the visa on arrival depends on your nationality, ranging from 0-350 USD. Read more information here.
Evidence of travel to Israel, such as stamps, will lead to revoked entry into Syria regardless of nationality.
Syria uses the time zone UCT +3.
Lebanon and Syria have a high inflation rate. ATMs give a very bad rate in Lebanon and in Syria they don’t work. Make sure to bring enough cash (Euros or USD) for the duration of your trip. We suggest a budget of around $75 per day. It’s best to exchange money with your guide, who knows where to find reputable exchange offices with favourable rates. The local currency in Syria is the Syrian Pound, also known as Lira. For the latest exchange rates, visit www.xchange.com. Please note that local costs are subject to change due to active developments on the ground.
Average prices for daily expenses:
Meals: $5-$15
Bottled water: $1
Beer: $2
Coffee or tea: $1
Tipping local guides and drivers is always encouraged. Local wages are very modest, so a small contribution from you will often make a big difference to our local partners and their families. We recommend setting aside €5 to €10 per day for tips, but the amount you tip is, of course, ultimately your decision.
We are always available to advise you when booking a flight. However, most customers prefer to book the flight themselves. Often this is cheaper in terms of price and you can pick your own preferences.
Practical information
In Syria, the electricity supply is 220 Volt / 50 Hz. Type C is the most common plug socket, the same as European plugs. It is a good idea to bring a plug adapter, particularly if you are bringing non-European plugs. Power outages are common, so be sure to charge your devices whenever electricity is available at your hotel, and consider bringing a power bank.
Internet is available at most accommodations, though the connection may be slow and unreliable. Mobile coverage is generally good throughout Syria. If you need a sim card we can assist you with it. Please let us know in advance and we will take care of it.
Local culture
Syria is a predominantly Islamic country where Islam is widely practised. In general, Syria is not a conservative country – however, certain regions and districts are more conservative than others. Be mindful of this and show respect for the local customs as you travel through Syria. Some neighbourhoods in Syria are home to Christians and other religious groups. In these areas, you’ll often find that more restaurants and establishments serve alcohol. Alcohol is also commonly available in larger hotels.
Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
– Avoid drinking alcohol in public.
– Always take off your shoes when entering a mosque or house.
– Never show the sole of your shoe while you’re sitting down.
– Do not pass in front of someone who is praying.
– Limit public displays of affection
– Wear modest clothes.
After years of war, normalcy is slowly returning to Syria, and most areas are once again accessible to travellers. It’s important to understand that the impact of the war varies across regions. In some cases, fighting was concentrated in specific neighbourhoods or areas. For example, Damascus has suffered minimal war damage, while parts of Aleppo have been completely destroyed. Our goal is to provide everyone with an unforgettable tour, but the local guide will always have the final say on any changes to the itinerary.
The areas we visit in Syria are those where we feel confident about bringing travellers. If the situation in any location changes, we will adjust our plans immediately. For this reason, we ask our travellers to remain flexible throughout the trip, as ensuring everyone’s safety is our top priority.
Some of the safety measures to follow on our tours:
– We do not share details of the itinerary or hotel names with anyone. While such questions may be asked simply out of curiosity, we refrain from disclosing this information as a precaution.
– On days with long journeys, we ensure a timely start to avoid being stranded after dark in case of a car breakdown.
– We recommend avoiding wearing expensive jewellery or watches—please leave them at home.
– Always pay attention to and follow the guidance of your local guide. With extensive experience in Syria, they can sense when something is not right. They notice far more than we do, so it’s essential to listen to them at all times.
– We recommend everyone register with their local embassy. In case of any issues during the trip, it will be much easier to get assistance through the embassy on site.
Generally, you can take photos freely. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
– Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person.
– Don’t take random photos of women.
– Do not take pictures of military, military installations, police officers and government buildings.
Syrian cuisine is one of the most acclaimed in the Middle East. Dishes are small but shared in large groups. Famous dishes from Syria include shawarma, falafel, baba ganoush, humus, muhammara and fatteh, to name just a few. While the exact origin of a lot of levantine food is contested, the Syrian variant is often known as one of the tastiest. Meat eaten includes sheep, lamb, beef and chicken. Having said that, Syria is also a perfect destination for vegetarians, with a large variety of tasty vegetable dishes, often served with rice or bread. Tap water is not safe to drink due to inadequate filtration for bacteria. Alcohol is available throughout the country.
Syria is a predominantly Islamic country. We therefore recommend dressing modestly – wearing long pants or a long skirt with a t-shirt. It is not mandatory for women to wear a headscarf, except at religious sites and places of worship. You will be able to do laundry in most hotels in the big cities. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes which you can walk in all day, and slippers for indoor spaces.
Syria is a developing country with a very turbulent recent history. Healthcare is very limited. The local hygiene standard naturally differs from that of the Western World. Make sure you have enough hand sanitiser, sunscreen and insect repellent with you.
We always recommend staying informed about the latest health risks in the region you plan to visit. For the most up-to-date information about your destination, check with your government.