Syria

Syria (الجمهوريّة العربيّة السّوريّة Al-Jumhuriya al-`Arabiya as-Suriya and the Syrian Arab Republic) is one of the larger states of the Middle East. Its capital, and second largest city after Aleppo, is Damascus and the world's oldest continuously inhabited city. Syria is bordered to the north by Türkiye, to the east by Iraq, by Jordan and Palestine to the south, and by Lebanon to the south-west. In addition and the western part of the nation has a short coastline on the Mediterranean Sea.

An Introduction to the regions of Syria

Syria has 14 governorates, but the following conceptual division used to make more sense for Muslim travellers:

Northwestern Syria Aleppo, one of the oldest cities in the world, as well as the Dead Cities, 700 abandoned settlements in the northwest of the nation

Hauran A volcanic plateau in the southwest of Syria, also includes the capital Damascus and its sphere of influence

Orontes Valley The Orontes Valley, home to the towns of Hama and Homs

Syrian Coast and Mountains Green and fertile, relatively Christian, somewhat liberal, and dominated by Phoenician and Crusader history

Southeastern Desert A vast empty desert with the oasis of Palmyra, as well the basin of the Euphrates, which is historically associated with the Assyrian and Babylonian history

Golan Heights (Syria) Occupied by Israel in 1967 and annexed in 1981 and the portion of the Golan Heights that is controlled by the zionists. A small area of land centered on Quneitra was transferred back to Syria in 1974 and is covered here.

Other Muslim Friendly Cities in Syria

• Damascus — the capital claimed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world
• Aleppo — a once-great ancient fortress with great views, much of Aleppo has been destroyed by fighting in the Syrian Civil War.
• Deir-az-Zur — a desert town on the Euphrates River bank.
• Hama — known for its famous waterwheels.
• Homs — an ancient city by the Orontes river, amazing green mountains in Spring.
• Latakia — a major port city, Saladin's Castle, Fronloq Forests and Al Samra Beach near Kasab.
• Tartous — a historical port city and historical small island called Arwad.
• Al-Qamishli - The capital of Rojava.

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Syria

• Apamea — a former Roman city that once housed about half a million people. Apamea was hit by an earthquake in the 12th century and much of it was destroyed but it still boasts a long street lined with columns, some of which have twisted fluting.
• Bosra — a Roman city in southern Syria close to the Jordan border noted for the use of black basalt stones and its well preserved theatre
• Dead Cities — a series of towns that once formed part of Antioch. They have long since been abandoned but make an interesting stop for tourists. Al Bara boasts pyramidal tombs and formerly grand archways set on modern farm land. Serjilla is another famous dead city.
• Krak des Chevaliers — the archetypal Crusader castle, magnificently preserved and not to be missed
• Palmyra — formerly held the once-magnificent ruins of a Roman city, in the middle of the desert. Once considered the main attraction in Syria, no longer a viable destination as the UNESCO-listed legacy site was destroyed by Daesh extremists in 2015.

Syria Halal Travel Guide

Syria's population has fallen from 21.9 million people in 2009 to 18.3 million in 2017 (UN estimates). About 4½ million are concentrated in the Damascus governorate. A moderately large country (185,180 km² or 72,150 sq miles), Syria is situated centrally within the Middle East region and has land borders with Türkiye in the north, with Palestine and Lebanon in the south, and with Iraq and Jordan in the east and south-east respectively.

The population of Syria is predominately Arab (90%), with large minorities from other ethnic groups: Kurds, Armenians, Circassians and Turks. The official language is Arabic, but other tongues that are occasionally understood include Kurdish, Armenian, Turkish, French and English. The Syrian Republic is officially secular. Nonetheless, it is greatly influenced by the majority religion of Islam (80% of the population, split between 64% Sunni Muslim and 16% other Muslim, Alawites and Druze). There is a large Christian minority that amounts to about 10% of the population.

Syria Tourism Board Offices; Damascus: 2323953, Damascus Int'l Airport: 2248473, Aleppo: 2121228, Daraa (Jordanian-Syrian border gate): 239023, Latakia: 216924, Palmyra (Tadmur): 910636, Deir-az-Zur: 358990

Travel as a Muslim to Syria

Entry requirements

Visas are needed for most individual travellers. These are available in 6-month (single/multiple entry), 3-month (single) and 15 day (land borders only) versions. Muslims of Arab countries do not require visa, except unaccompanied Moroccan Muslima below 40 years old. In addition, citizens of Malaysia, Türkiye and Iran do not require visas.

American Muslims are required to apply in advance at the Syrian embassy in Washington, D.C., even if they live elsewhere, and pay USD131 or €100. Most other travellers, though, can get them anywhere, a popular choice being Istanbul (Turkey) where they are generally issued within one day for €20 (Canadian citizens) or €30 (EU Muslims).

Official policy says that if your country has a Syrian embassy or consulate, you should apply for your visa in advance. Most nationals must apply for a Syrian visa in the nation in which they are a citizen. Alternatively a foreign national may apply for a Syrian visa from a Syrian Consulate in a country other than their own if they hold a residency visa valid for at least 6 months for the nation in which they are applying. There are very few exceptions to this rule. In training it is feasible to obtain a visa on the border for most nationals.

By land

Almost every national can get a visa at the border, regardless of the fact it is not officially written or recommended. But do not buy a bus ticket that will take you all the way across the border crossing. They will always leave you there because it does take 2-10 hours for US Muslims and they will not tell you that in advance at the time of purchasing of the bus ticket. Buy a ticket to the border via shuttle van/shared taxi (servees) then do the same when you get to the other side. US Muslims cost US$16 or €12, while others are more costly, Japanese are USD12-14 or €9-11, Singaporeans are USD73 or €25, Australians/New Zealanders are about USD 170 or €75.99, Swiss are USD93 or €47.88. They only take US dollars or euros. You may only receive a 15-day single-entry tourist visa and will have to go through this process if you ever re-enter Syria. When you exit Syria, you will have to buy/pay an exit card for about USD12 or €9.15.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Syria

Syria has three international airports: Damascus International Airport (IATA Code: DAM), 35 kilometers (22 miles) southeast of the capital, Aleppo International Airport (IATA Code: ALP) just northeast of Aleppo in the north of the nation and Bassel al-Assad International Airport (IATA Code: LTK), south of Latakia, main sea port of the nation.

Upon arrival, a free entry visa can be delivered to almost all travellers if they are being received by a local travel agency. Call the Syrian Embassy in your home country for more information.

Syria levies a departure tax of SYP550 (~US$13) at land and sea borders. Airport departure tax is included in the ticket price, and airlines will put a manual stamp on your boarding pass.

One of the practical and reasonable ways to enter Syria from Türkiye is to take a domestic flight to Gaziantep and then taxi to Aleppo through Oncupinar border-gate in Kilis. The journey takes around 2 hours including custom formalities. The fare is USD90, per vehicle with max 4 and one way. Taxis holding licence can be arranged in Kilis or Gaziantep. Turkcan Turizm, 0348 822 3313

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Syria

As of 2022, all international trains and almost all domestic trains have been suspended indefinitely. Former international routes included the historical Toros Express from Istanbul to Aleppo and an overnight trains from Tehran to Damascus.

Travel on a Bus in Syria

Buses run from Türkiye, with frequent connections from the city of Antakya (Hatay). You can also travel by bus from Jordan & Lebanon.

When arriving into Damascus by bus, make sure to move away from the bus hub to find a taxi to the centre of town. Otherwise, you run the risk of paying several times the going rate, which should be around SYP150, as cars posing as taxis operate next to the terminal.

This is normally a two-man operation, with one person trying to distract you, while the driver puts your suitcase into the trunk of the "taxi" and locks it.

By car

When travelling from Lebanon, service taxis (taxis that follow a fixed route only, usually from near one bus station to another) are a convenient way to reach Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Aleppo or other Syrian towns. A shared service taxi from Beirut to Damascus will cost about between SYP700 and 800 per person (USD17), based on four people sharing the same taxi. If you want a private taxi then you will have to pay for every seat. From Latakia to Beirut a seat in a service will cost SYP800 with around SYP500 being charged from Tartous to Tripoli. In most cases it is necessary to buy a Syrian visa before leaving home, often costing about USD130 or less, depending of the nation of residency. It's feasible, to obtain free entry visa for tourists if being received by a local Travel Agency. It is also feasible to arrive by vehicle from Türkiye. A private taxi from Gaziantep Airport (Turkey) will cost about USD90.

Service taxis run from Dar'a across the Jordanian border to Ramtha; from there microbuses are available to Irbid and Amman -- the stop in Dar'a permits a side trip to Bosra, with UNESCO-recognised Roman theater and ruins.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Syria

• The nearest vehicle ferry port is Bodrum in Türkiye.
• Occasional passenger ferries run between Latakia and Limassol, Cyprus. This service has come and gone over the years. Confirm that the departure will occur with Varianos Travel before making plans that incorporate this route.
• Latakia and Tartous serve as ports of call for a number of Mediterranean cruise lines.

How to get around in Syria

Best way to travel in Syria by a Taxi

The taxis (usually yellow, and always clearly marked) are an easy way to get around Damascus, Aleppo and other cities. Arabic would be helpful: most taxi drivers do not speak English. All licensed taxis carry meters, and it is best to insist that the driver puts the meter on, and watch that it stays on. Most drivers expect to negotiate prices with foreign travellers rather than use the meter. A taxi ride across Damascus might come to SYP30. Taxis from the airport to the downtown Damascus cost about SYP600-800, slightly more at night. Private cab services (which advertise prominently at the airport) charge substantially more.

However and there is also a bus from Baramkeh station to the airport for SYP25 per bag and SYP45 per person

By car

Cars can be rented at various Sixt, Budget and Europcar locations. Cham Tours (formerly Hertz) has an office next to the Cham Palace Hotel, which offers competitive rates starting at about USD80 per day including tax, insurance and unlimited kilometres.

Sixt rent a vehicle is one of the premier automobile rental services in europe, has in Syria at the Four Seasons Hotel with its brand new fleet, Rates starting from USD80 per day (All Inclusive).

If you have never driven in Syria before, make sure you take a taxi first in order to get a first-hand idea of what traffic is like. Especially in Damascus and Aleppo, near-constant congestion, a very aggressive driving style, bad roads and highly dubious quality of road signs make driving there an interesting experience. so do be careful.

The only road rule that might come in handy is that, as opposed to most of the rest of the world, in roundabouts and the entering cars have the right of way, and the cars that are already in the roundabout have to wait. Aside from that, it seems that motorists are fairly free to do as they please.

If you have an accident in a rental car, you must obtain a police report, no matter how small the damage or how clear it is who is at fault – otherwise, you will be liable for the damage. Police (road police No:115) probably will only be able to speak Arabic, so try to make other drivers help you and/or call your rental agency.

Gas (marked as "Super", red stands) comes at SYP40 per litre (+10%tax) so it is SYP44, diesel (green stand) at approx. half the price. If you manage to get out of fuel (try to avoid it), which is quite easy wherever eastern of Damascus-Aleppo highway, or mountains western from it; you can manage to find some local able to sell you few litres from canister, but prices may be high (say SYP70 per litre). Usually gas stations are only in bigger towns and major crossroads in the desert, so try to refuel whenever you can.

By microbus

The microbuses (locally called servees, or meecro) are little white vans that carry ten, or so, passengers around cities on set routes for about SYP10. The destinations are written on the front of microbus in Arabic. Usually and the passenger sitting behind the driver deals with the money. You can ask the driver to stop anywhere along his route.

Often, microbuses will do longer routes, for example, to surrounding villages around Damascus and Aleppo, or from Homs to Tadmor or Krak des Chevaliers. They are often more uncomfortable and crowded than the larger buses, but cheaper. Especially for shorter distances they have usually more frequent departures than buses.

By bus or coach

Air-conditioned coaches are one of the easy ways to make longer hauls around Syria, for example and the trip from Damascus to Palmyra. Coaches are cheap, fast and reliable way to get around the nation, however the schedules, when they exist, are not to be trusted. For the busy routes it's best to simply go to the coach station when you want to leave and catch the next coach, you'll have to wait a bit, but most of the time it's less of a chore than finding out when the best coach will be leaving, and then often finding it's late.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Syria

As of late 2018, rail transport in Syria is limited to a twice daily service between the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous and a commuter service in Aleppo. All long distance services that used to connect Damascus, Aleppo, Deir-az-Zur, Al-Hassakeh and Al-Qamishli and many other cities are cancelled indefinitely. Rehabilitation is however under way on some sections and reports have emerged that the Aleppo-Damascus passenger train might return during late summer of 2019. The national operator CFS maintains an timetable at their webpage.

The summer-only excursion steam train in Damascus, which travels to Al-Zabadani in the Anti-Lebanon Mountains and back has recently resumed operation after a five year hiatus. The train is popular with local residents trying to escape the summer heat.

Local Language in Syria

Arabic is the official language. It is always a good idea to know some words ("hello", "thank you" etc.). A surprising number of people speak at least (very) rudimentary English. It would however be worth your while to learn basic numbers in Arabic in order to negotiate taxi fares. Personnel working with foreign tourists (like tourist hotels, restaurants, tour guides, etc.), generally can communicate reasonably well in English.

Due to the general lack of ability by the public at large to communicate in English beyond basic phrases, Syria is a great place to force yourself to learn Arabic through immersion, should you wish to improve your Arabic skill.

What to see in Syria

• Ancient cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra, Crac des Chevaliers and Bosra including Medieval souqs.
• In Hama there are the Al Aasi Water Wheels in a river ( نواعير نهر العاصي ).
• Al Hosn Castle in Homs.
• Qala'at Samaan (Basilica of Street Simeon Stylites) located about 30 km (19 mi) northwest of Aleppo and the oldest surviving Byzantine church, dating back to the 5th century. This church is popularly known as either Qalaat Semaan (Arabic: ‏قلعة سمعان‎ Qalʿat Simʿān) and the 'Fortress of Simeon', or Deir Semaan (Arabic: ‏دير سمعان‎ Dayr Simʿān) and the 'Monastery of Simeon' .
• Tartous with its Crusader-era Templar fortress
• The Yarmouk Valley
• Endless desert and countryside in much of the nation
• Mountain ranges in the west of the nation

What to do in Syria

• Take a scenic tour - Travel from Latakia (beach), Syrian Coast and Mountains (Safita tower, Mashta hikes and cave)
  Marmarita: Virgin Mary memorial, Street George Monastery, Crac des Chevaliers, Palmyra (ruins), to Damascus (souq, masjids).
• Hike | in Syrian Coast and Mountains region.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Syria

Money Matters & ATM's in Syria

The unit of currency in Syria is the Syrian pound or 'lira'. You will see a variety of notations used locally: £S, LS or S£, Arabic: الليرة السورية al-līra as-sūriyya, but eHalal.io uses the ISO currency code SYP immediately prefixing the amount in our guides. The pound's subdivision 'piastre' is obsolete.

The black market rate for U.S. dollars may be substantially higher. Hard currencies such as US dollars, pounds sterling or euro can not be bought legally; the only source of foreign currencies available to Syrian businessmen, students and the very many who wish to escape abroad is the black market. The maximum foreign currency amount that can be exported legally is a remarkably generous USD7,000 equivalent per year for each traveller. Any amount in excess of USD7,000 risks confiscation by the authorities and time in jail. There are restrictions on export of Syrian currency of a maximum of SYP2,500 per person.

Because of high inflation and political instability, amounts expressed in Syrian pounds in these guides are subject to significant change.

Before the civil war started, ATMs had become available in most major cities: banks, main squares, and 5-star hotels. None of these ATMs now access the international networks. The Real Estate bank had the widest network that accepted foreign cards but cards also used to be used in machines run by the Bank of Syria and Overseas and the Commercial Bank of Syria. Even before the war ATMs did not exist outside of big cities and it would be wise to carry enough cash when leaving big cities to complete your tour in the nationside and return to the city before running out of cash. Bank Audi used to be the best to try if you had a US-issued card. It is nearly imfeasible to change travellers cheques in Syria.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Syria

An international student card reduces the entry fees to many tourist sites to 10% of the normal price, if you are younger than 26 years. Depending on who is checking your card it is even feasible to get the reduction when you are older than 26 or have only an expired card. It is feasible to buy an international student card in Syria (around USD15). Ask around discreetly.

In the souks (especially the Souk Al Hamidiya in the Old City of Damascus where you can easily "get lost" for a whole morning or afternoon without getting bored) and the best buys are the "nargileh" waterpipes, Koran, beautifully lacquered boxes and chess/draughts sets and (particularly in Aleppo) olive soap and traditional sweets. The quality of handicrafts varies widely so when buying lacquered/inlaid boxes, run your hand over the surface to see that it is smooth, check, in particular and the hinges. In the souq Haggle|haggling is expected. Bargain ruthlessly.

Syrian traders who price goods in foreign currencies now face up to 10 years in jail after a decree issued by President Bashar al-Assad forbids the use of anything other than the Syrian pound as payment for any type of commercial transaction or cash settlement. This was because of the increasing "dollarisation" of an economy in ruins after two years of civil war.

Halal Restaurants in Syria

Falafel, deep-fried chickpea patties, are available for SYP15-30. Another popular Vegetarian meal is Foul. Don't let the name put you off. It's actually pronounced “fool” and this fava bean paste – topped off with cumin, paprika and Olive oil and served with flatbread, fresh mint and onion – is not only tasty but satisfying and filling.

You may also be able to order a salad of Fatoush with your soup. Chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and herbs are mixed together in a dressing and finished off with a sprinkling of fried bread that resembles croutons. Cheese may also be grated on top.

Meat wraps such as shwarma cost SYP35-50. A half-chicken with bread and mayonnaise dip to take away costs SYP175.

Lunch or dinner in a fair restaurant costs SYP450. An expensive restaurant lunch or dinner will cost about SYP1,000.

Fresh fruit juices are available from street stalls in most towns. A large glass of mixed juice (usually banana, orange juice and a few exotic fruits like pomegranate) costs SYP40-50.

Tea is served in a little glass without milk, sweetened with sugar. Add the sugar yourself as the Syrians have a collective sweet tooth and will heap it in.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Syria

Syria - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Syria, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Syria. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Syria and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Syria. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Syria. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSyria: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Syria.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Syria: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Syria, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Syria.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Syria, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Syria, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Syria and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Syria, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Syria, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Syria without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Syria is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Syria.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Syria is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Syria, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Syria Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Syria

eHalal Group Syria is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Syria. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Syria.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Syria ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Syria. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Syria, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Syria are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Syria

A double room you can find for around SYP1500, although this cost may be higher in Damascus. A double room in a three stars hotel costs about USD80, USD80 for four stars, and can reach USD250 in a five star hotel.

Study as a Muslim in Syria

Before the US backed war, Syria was becoming a major tourist destination for studying Arabic, with several language schools operating in Damascus.

How to work legally in Syria

If you entered the nation on a tourist visa, don't try to work and earn money. Foreign workers should always get official approval to work. Despite this, many foreign students supplement their income by teaching and many institutes in Damascus will happily hire foreigners and pay them under the table.

Medical Issues in Syria

Local pharmacies are well stocked with treatments for most common ailments such as stomach bugs and traveller's diarrhoea. Pharmacists often speak a little bit of English. You can ask your hotel to call a doctor if necessary and arrange a visit to your hotel room.

The best treatment of all, of course, is to stay healthy in the first place. When eating, pick restaurants that are busy.

If you have a treatment, take it with you. Don't expect to find all medicines in Syria. If you have to buy something from a pharmacy, ask for a "foreign" EU or US brand. You will have to pay a premium for that, but at least you will increase the chances to have an actual medicine. Some products come from uncertain origin and are ineffective, according to certain local pharmacists.

Generally you can drink water from the tap, it is safe, but if you're unsure ask the local residents first. This water is free compared to bottled water, which comes at SYP15-25 for 1.5 L.

Telecommunications in Syria

The international calling code for Syria is +963.

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