Before traveling to Syria, you need to apply for a tourist visa. To do this, the following documents are provided to the Syrian Embassy:
– a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of the planned entry into Syria
– a copy of the first page of the passport with personal data
– a copy of the civil passport (pages with personal data and registration)
– 2 photographs 3×4 cm in size (color or black and white)
– 2 questionnaires filled out in English
– an invitation from the host party or confirmation of hotel reservation
The term for issuing a visa can be up to 7 working days. Difficulties in obtaining a visa may arise for women under the age of 35 traveling unaccompanied by a man. A visa is not issued to people whose passport contains an Israeli visa, even refusals of an Israeli visa, as well as stamps on crossing the Israeli-Jordanian border. The validity of the visa is 3 months. A visa is issued for 15 days, but in the country it can be extended up to 3 months.
The import of foreign currency is not limited, the export is limited by the amount imported into the country of currency. The export of local currency is prohibited.
You can import duty-free to Syria up to 200 cigarettes, or 25 cigars, or 50 cigarillos, or 250 gr. tobacco, up to 0.57 liters of alcoholic beverages, perfumes for personal use – up to 30 g, up to 0.5 liters of lotion and 0.5 liters of cologne, personal items, as well as gifts in the amount of up to 250 Syrian pounds. The import of weapons, ammunition, drugs, video and printed materials that are contrary to the norms of Islam and threaten public order is prohibited. It is not recommended to import into the country things that directly or indirectly indicate a visit to Israel. Audio, video, television and electronic devices (1 item of each type) must be included in the customs declaration. The norm of import and export of gold is 500 grams, while when exporting gold from the country, you must present receipts of purchase. To avoid paying additional tax.
Embassy in Syria
Syria, embassy in Moscow
Metro station “Park Kultury” or “Kropotkinskaya”. Mansurovsky per., 4.
Tel.: 203-15-21, 8-499-766-95-28
Fax: 956-31-91
Syria, Russian Embassy in the country:
Embassy:
Damascus, Adauwi district, st. Omar Ben Al Khattab str., POBox 3153
Tel: (963-11) 442-31-55, 442-31-56
Fax: (963-11) 442-31-82
Consulate General:
Aleppo, El Mouhafazat, POBox 1050
Tel.: (963-21) 223-24-01
Fax: (963-21 222-08-56
Contact in Syria
Payphones are everywhere on the streets of Syrian cities. They work with both cards and coins. Calls to another country can be made from public telephones, telephone booths, or from hotels, but international calls in hotels are more expensive.
In order to call from Syria to Russia, you need to dial 00 – 7 – area code – subscriber number.
In order to call from Russia to Syria, you need to dial 8 – 10 – 963 (Syria code) – area code – subscriber number. The Damascus code is 11.
Emergency Phones in Syria
Ambulance – 110
Police – 112
Fire Service – 113
HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS
January 1 – New Year
March 8 – Revolution Day
March 21 – Mother’s Day
April 17 – Independence Day
May 1 – Labor Day
May 6 – Martyrs’ Day
October 6 – anniversary of the October War of 1973
December 25 – Christmas
Muslim holidays are celebrated on the lunar calendar, that is, their dates change from year to year. In January-February, Eid al-Adha (Day of Sacrifice) is celebrated, in April – Ras al-Sana (Muslim New Year), in June – Mawlid (Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad), and in November-December – Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan).
Of the festivals, the May International Flower Show, the September International Fair and the Silk Road Festival, the November Film and Theater Festival held in Damascus are very colorful. Also in May, the Palmyra Festival is held, where you can get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the country; in July, the Cotton Festival in Aleppo and the Vine Festival in Sweida; in August – the Festival of Friendship in Latakia, and in October – the Festival of Folklore and Music in Bosra.
USEFUL THINGS
Tourists should avoid demonstrations and protests of local residents. In addition, in the presence of the Syrians, it is not recommended to start talking about Eastern politics. When traveling, it is advisable to have photocopies of all documents with you. Photographing objects of national importance, palaces, the interior of mosques, as well as local women is not allowed. Appearance in public places in sports or beachwear is not welcome. Topless sunbathing is not accepted on the beaches. When entering mosques and houses, it is customary to take off your shoes.
It is worth noting that during Ramadan, which falls in the autumn months, the sale of alcohol is limited, and many cafes and restaurants are closed.
Traveling in the southwestern part of Syria, where the border with Israel passes, is possible only with a special permit. If suddenly you are planning to continue your journey in Israel, then in no case should you talk about it in Syria. The border with Israel is closed, you can get there through Jordan.
SHOPS
According to thembaprograms, shops are open from Saturday to Thursday from 09:30 to 21:00 with a lunch break from 14:00 to 16:30. Large supermarkets are open until 22:00.
In major cities in Syria, there are duty-free shops where you can pay in foreign currency. The goods you bought will be delivered to the airport for the departure of the flight. However, the most popular places for shopping among tourists are the numerous markets of large cities.
Tipping It
is customary to give tips only in large hotels and restaurants. They are approximately 5-10% of the amount indicated in the invoice.
NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Syrians are a very friendly people. Most of the country’s population is Muslim, they strictly observe the laws of the Koran, and they also demand respect for their faith from tourists.
ELECTRICITY
220V, 50Hz;
HEALTH CARE
It is highly recommended to take out international health insurance before the trip. In large cities and resort centers in Syria, the water is suitable for drinking, but in the provinces, only bottled or boiled water should be consumed. The country is at risk of contracting diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus, and in rare cases, rabies and typhoid. Between May and October, there is a small risk of malaria in the northeastern part of the country.
