Asia · Western Asia

Syria

Syrian Arab Republic

Flag of Syria
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+02:00
🏛️ Capital
Damascus
👥 Population
25,620,000
📐 Area
185,180 km²
💱 Currency
Syrian pound (£)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic
📞 Calling Code
+963
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+02:00
🌐 Region
Asia / Western Asia

About Syria

Syria stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited lands on Earth, a cradle of civilization where the roots of human history run extraordinarily deep. From the ancient streets of Damascus — widely regarded as the world's oldest capital — to the towering ruins of Palmyra rising from the Syrian Desert, this is a destination that speaks directly to the soul of every history lover and curious traveler. You will find yourself walking through layers of time, where Phoenician merchants once traded, where Roman legions once marched, and where Islamic scholars once lit the intellectual torches that brightened medieval Europe.

Before the conflicts of the 21st century, Syria was celebrated across the Arab world as a jewel of culture, cuisine, and warmth. The Syrian people are legendary for their hospitality — a cup of sweet tea offered to a stranger is not a gesture but a way of life. Cities like Aleppo and Homs carry a vibrant sense of community, and even amid recent hardships, the spirit of rebuilding and resilience shines through in markets, cafes, and neighborhood gatherings.

Visiting Syria today requires careful planning, awareness, and respect for the ongoing recovery the country undertakes. However, for those who do make the journey through official channels, Syria rewards you with an intimacy of experience that few destinations can match. The souks of Damascus, the Byzantine ruins of Bosra, and the breath-taking Krak des Chevaliers fortress offer glimpses into a civilization that shaped the entire Mediterranean world. Syria is not simply a destination — it is a profound encounter with humanity's shared story.

History & Background

Syria's history reaches back to approximately 10,000 BC, when some of the world's earliest agricultural communities took root in its fertile plains. The city of Ebla, flourishing around 3000 BC, was already a sophisticated urban center with extensive trade networks and a written archive of clay tablets that astonished modern archaeologists. In the second millennium BC, Syria became a corridor for great empires — Egyptian, Hittite, and Assyrian powers all contested control of this strategic crossroads between Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Under Alexander the Great and later the Seleucid and Roman empires, Syrian cities such as Antioch and Palmyra became legendary centers of commerce and culture. The Islamic conquests of the 7th century AD ushered in a golden era, with Damascus serving as capital of the Umayyad Caliphate — then the largest empire on Earth — from 661 to 750 AD. The Crusades, the Mongol invasions, and ultimately four centuries of Ottoman rule each left their marks. The 20th century brought French mandate rule, independence in 1946, and decades of political turbulence that culminated in a devastating civil conflict beginning in 2011, reshaping the nation profoundly.

Culture & People

Syrian culture is a rich tapestry woven from Arab, Kurdish, Armenian, Assyrian, and Circassian threads, creating one of the most diverse and layered societies in the Middle East. Islam is the dominant faith, practiced in a generally moderate and tolerant form across most of the country, while ancient Christian communities in cities like Maaloula and Tartus trace their traditions back nearly two millennia. Family remains the cornerstone of Syrian social life, with multi-generational households common and community bonds deeply cherished.

Music, poetry, and visual arts hold an honored place in Syrian identity. Classical Arabic maqam music drifts through Damascus coffeehouses, while traditional dabke folk dances enliven weddings and celebrations. Syrian artisans are justly famous for their fine brocaded silk, hand-blown glass, and intricately inlaid wood furniture — crafts that have been refined over centuries in the workshops of the Old City bazaars. Warm greetings, communal meals, and the sharing of stories define everyday interaction, making visitors feel welcomed into a culture that prizes human connection above all else.

Food & Cuisine

Syrian cuisine is considered among the finest in the entire Arab world, drawing on a pantry of spices, fresh herbs, and locally grown vegetables that has evolved over thousands of years. A typical Syrian meal begins with a generous spread of mezze — small shared dishes including creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, tabbouleh bright with fresh parsley and lemon, and fattoush salad topped with crisped bread. Kibbeh, a masterwork of minced lamb and bulgur wheat shaped into shells and stuffed with pine nuts and spices, is a national treasure found in countless regional variations.

Street food culture in Damascus and Aleppo is vibrant and deeply satisfying. Shawarma wraps, falafel sandwiches, and manakish flatbreads topped with za'atar and olive oil fuel locals from morning until late at night. Aleppo has its own distinct culinary identity, prized for its use of Aleppo pepper — a mildly fruity, oil-cured chili that adds warmth without excessive heat to dishes. Sweet shops overflow with baklava, ma'amoul date cookies, and the iconic Syrian ice cream made with mastic and sahlab, which has a uniquely chewy, elastic texture that delights first-time tasters.

Top Attractions

  • Old City of Damascus — A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient walled city holds the spectacular Umayyad Mosque, the lively Souq al-Hamidiyya, and the legendary Street Called Straight mentioned in the Bible.
  • Krak des Chevaliers — One of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the world, this dramatic hilltop fortress offers sweeping views over the Homs Gap and a vivid lesson in medieval military architecture.
  • Palmyra (Tadmur) — The hauntingly beautiful ruins of this desert oasis city, once ruled by Queen Zenobia, include a grand colonnaded boulevard, a Roman amphitheatre, and the Temple of Bel.
  • Aleppo Old City — Another UNESCO site centered on the magnificent Aleppo Citadel, the city's ancient covered souks, and a skyline of minarets that represents centuries of Islamic and Byzantine heritage.
  • Bosra — Home to a remarkably intact Roman theatre — one of the finest in the entire world — encased within a medieval Arab fortress and surrounded by basalt ruins of extraordinary quality.
  • Maaloula — A mountain village where Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ, is still used in daily life, with cave churches and convents carved into sheer rock faces.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Check your government's current travel advisory for Syria before planning any trip, as conditions can change rapidly in different regions.
  • Register with your country's embassy in Damascus if you do travel, and keep contact details readily accessible at all times.
  • Carry sufficient Syrian pounds in cash, as international cards and ATM access are extremely limited throughout the country.
  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques, churches, and conservative neighborhoods — women should carry a headscarf for religious sites.
  • Learn a few words of Arabic; even simple greetings like "marhaba" (hello) and "shukran" (thank you) will open doors and warm hearts immediately.
  • Obtain all required visas and permissions well in advance through the Syrian embassy in your home country or an authorized travel operator.
  • Respect photography restrictions around military installations, checkpoints, and government buildings — always ask permission before photographing people.

Visa Overview

Obtaining a visa to enter Syria requires applying in advance through a Syrian embassy or consulate in your home country, as visas on arrival are not generally available to most nationalities. The application process typically involves submitting a passport, photographs, and a completed application form, along with documentation outlining the purpose of your visit. Citizens of certain countries face additional restrictions or outright bans on entry. It is strongly recommended to consult both the Syrian embassy and your own government's foreign affairs department for the most current requirements before making any travel arrangements.

Getting Around

Within Syria, shared minibuses (microbuses) and private taxis are the primary modes of intercity transport, connecting Damascus with Aleppo, Homs, Hama, and the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus. Roads in many areas have suffered war damage, and travel times can be unpredictable. Always negotiate taxi fares before boarding or insist on using the meter in Damascus. Domestic flights linking Damascus International Airport to other cities operate on a limited schedule. Renting a car with a local driver-guide is often the safest and most efficient option for travelers wishing to visit sites spread across multiple regions.

Safety Notes

Syria remains a high-risk destination due to the ongoing effects of civil conflict, active military presence in various regions, and the unpredictable security environment. Travelers should monitor official government advisories closely, avoid all non-essential travel to conflict-affected areas, and maintain constant contact with their embassy. Carry emergency contact numbers at all times, keep travel plans flexible, and only use licensed and reputable local guides and operators familiar with current ground conditions.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Syria.

Syrian pound (SYP) £
Updated: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.000889
AAVE 0.000001
ADA 0.000413
AED 0.000282
AFN 0.005035
AGIX 0.001352
AKT 0.000150
ALGO 0.000934
ALL 0.006103
AMD 0.027923
AMP 0.200522
ANG 0.000138
AOA 0.070645
APE 0.000598
APT 0.000138
AR 0.000041
ARB 0.000879
ARS 0.115159
ATOM 0.000052
ATS 0.000906
AUD 0.000108
AVAX 0.000011
AWG 0.000138
AXS 0.000085
AZM 0.653827
AZN 0.000131
BAKE 0.110584
BAM 0.000129
BAT 0.001230
BBD 0.000154
BCH 0.000000
BDT 0.009360
BEF 0.002656
BGN 0.000129
BHD 0.000029
BIF 0.228793
BMD 0.000077
BNB 0.000000
BND 0.000098
BOB 0.000884
BRL 0.000398
BSD 0.000077
BSV 0.000005
BSW 0.212254
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.001300
BTG 0.000175
BTN 0.007355
BTT 282.738475
BUSD 0.000077
BWP 0.001035
BYN 0.000233
BYR 1.507460
BZD 0.000155
CAD 0.000106
CAKE 0.000048
CDF 0.176338
CELO 0.001229
CFX 0.001756
CHF 0.000061
CHZ 0.006017
CLP 0.070890
CNH 0.000517
CNY 0.000517
COMP 0.000004
COP 0.234828
CRC 0.034631
CRO 0.001544
CRV 0.000295
CSPR 0.028801
CUC 0.000077
CUP 0.002038
CVE 0.007261
CVX 0.000048
CYP 0.000039
CZK 0.001592
DAI 0.000077
DASH 0.000002
DCR 0.000007
DEM 0.000129
DFI 0.077305
DJF 0.013662
DKK 0.000492
DOGE 0.001025
DOP 0.004492
DOT 0.000097
DYDX 0.000699
DZD 0.010209
EEK 0.001030
EGLD 0.000027
EGP 0.003896
ENJ 0.003040
EOS 0.001166
ERN 0.001154
ESP 0.010957
ETB 0.012501
ETC 0.000012
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000066
EURC 0.000066
FEI 0.000077
FIL 0.000114
FIM 0.000392
FJD 0.000169
FKP 0.000057
FLOW 0.002660
FLR 0.011964
FRAX 0.000078
FRF 0.000432
FTT 0.000371
GALA 0.053384
GBP 0.000057
GEL 0.000200
GGP 0.000057
GHC 8.511725
GHS 0.000851
GIP 0.000057
GMD 0.005700
GMX 0.000011
GNF 0.675049
GNO 0.000001
GRD 0.022439
GRT 0.005498
GT 0.000011
GTQ 0.000585
GUSD 0.000077
GYD 0.016000
HBAR 0.001085
HKD 0.000603
HNL 0.002056
HNT 0.000444
HOT 0.227786
HRK 0.000496
HT 0.000677
HTG 0.010005
HUF 0.023964
ICP 0.000033
IDR 1.369372
IEP 0.000052
ILS 0.000229
IMP 0.000057
IMX 0.000735
INJ 0.000017
INR 0.007355
IQD 0.100187
IRR 105.722197
ISK 0.009365
ITL 0.127505
JEP 0.000057
JMD 0.012084
JOD 0.000055
JPY 0.012181
KAS 0.002885
KAVA 0.001869
KCS 0.000011
KDA 0.016382
KES 0.009957
KGS 0.006734
KHR 0.309797
KLAY 0.003129
KMF 0.032396
KNC 0.000727
KPW 0.069220
KRW 0.107200
KSM 0.000025
KWD 0.000024
KYD 0.000064
KZT 0.035482
LAK 1.724544
LBP 6.875609
LDO 0.000227
LEO 0.000008
LINK 0.000007
LKR 0.025311
LRC 0.009669
LRD 0.013928
LSL 0.001239
LTC 0.000002
LTL 0.000227
LUF 0.002656
LUNA 0.001740
LUNC 1.522564
LVL 0.000046
LYD 0.000487
MAD 0.000712
MANA 0.001147
MBX 0.003720
MDL 0.001319
MGA 0.329473
MGF 1.647366
MINA 0.001800
MKD 0.004061
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.161496
MNT 0.276723
MOP 0.000621
MRO 0.030637
MRU 0.003064
MTL 0.000028
MUR 0.003613
MVR 0.001189
MWK 0.132773
MXN 0.001304
MXV 0.000149
MYR 0.000311
MZM 4.908767
MZN 0.004909
NAD 0.001239
NEAR 0.000044
NEO 0.000042
NEXO 0.000103
NFT 273.129252
NGN 0.103592
NIO 0.002822
NLG 0.000145
NOK 0.000718
NPR 0.011774
NZD 0.000129
OKB 0.000001
OMR 0.000030
ONE 0.106619
OP 0.000866
ORDI 0.000021
PAB 0.000077
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.000258
PEPE 26.554506
PGK 0.000345
PHP 0.004740
PI 0.000856
PKR 0.021265
PLN 0.000284
POL 0.000942
PTE 0.013202
PYG 0.460275
QAR 0.000280
QNT 0.000001
QTUM 0.000107
ROL 3.454775
RON 0.000345
RPL 0.000049
RSD 0.007727
RUB 0.006461
RUNE 0.000180
RVN 0.029508
RWF 0.112797
SAND 0.001862
SAR 0.000288
SBD 0.000615
SCR 0.001116
SDD 4.616609
SDG 0.046166
SEK 0.000726
SGD 0.000098
SHIB 16.234569
SHP 0.000057
SIT 0.015780
SKK 0.001984
SLE 0.001762
SLL 1.762485
SNX 0.000375
SOL 0.000001
SOS 0.043625
SPL 0.000013
SRD 0.002908
SRG 2.908099
SSP 0.436072
STD 1.623865
STN 0.001624
STX 0.000590
SUI 0.000109
SVC 0.000673
SZL 0.001239
THB 0.002526
THETA 0.000512
TJS 0.000706
TMM 1.345865
TMT 0.000269
TND 0.000223
TOP 0.000183
TRL 3,688.787894
TRX 0.000230
TRY 0.003689
TTD 0.000520
TUSD 0.000077
TVD 0.000108
TWD 0.002449
TWT 0.000192
TZS 0.203595
UAH 0.003436
UGX 0.285808
UNI 0.000021
USD 0.000077
USDC 0.000077
USDD 0.000077
USDP 0.000077
USDT 0.000077
UYU 0.003078
UZS 0.903482
VAL 0.127505
VEB 5,971,272.910673
VED 0.059579
VEF 5,957.898728
VES 0.059579
VET 0.015848
VND 2.009415
VUV 0.009098
WAVES 0.000390
WEMIX 0.000397
WOO 0.006974
WST 0.000207
XAF 0.043195
XAG 0.000001
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.000208
XCG 0.000138
XCH 0.000054
XDC 0.002765
XDR 0.000056
XEC 10.970712
XEM 0.164299
XLM 0.000448
XMR 0.000000
XOF 0.043195
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.007858
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000069
XTZ 0.000353
YER 0.018236
ZAR 0.001239
ZEC 0.000000
ZIL 0.031645
ZMK 1.440988
ZMW 0.001441
ZWD 0.027838
ZWG 0.002052
ZWL 5.126260

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Cities in Syria 497
Browse all cities and towns
'Afrin 'Ayn-al-'Arab A'zaz Abu Kamal al-Bab al-Hasakah al-Ladhiqiyah al-Malikiyah al-Mayadin al-Qamishli al-Qunaytirah al-Qusayr al-Qutayfah Aleppo an-Nabk ar-Raqqah ar-Rastan Ariha as-Safirah as-Suwayda at-Tall ath-Thawrah az-Zabadani Baniyas Damascus Dar'a Darayya Dayr az-Zawr Duma Hajar Aswad Halab Hamah Harasta al-Bas Hims Homs Idlib Jablah Jaramanah Jisr-ash-Shughur Kabir-as-Sit Kesweh Lattakia Ma'arrat-an-Nu'man Manbij Masyaf Muhradah Nawa Qatana Ra's-al-'Ayn Safita Salamiyah Tartus Tudmur Yabrud آفس أبو الظهور أبو جرين أبو حردوب أبو حمام أبو خشب أخترين أرمناز أريحا أشرفية أصيلة أعزاز أم ولد أنخل أورم الكبرى إبطع إبّين إحتيملات إحسم إدلب ازرع الأتارب الباب البارة الباغوز فوقاني البحدلية البصيرة البوكمال البويضة البيضة التبني التح التل التمانعة التوينة الجاجية الجانودية الجرذى الشرقي الجلاء الجوادية الجيزة الحارة الحاضر الحجر الأسود الحراك الحريجية الحسكة الحصن الحمدانية الحميدية الخريطة الخفسة الخميسية الدار الكبيرة الدانا الدرباسية الدوير الديماس الربيعة الرحى الرستن الرقة الرميلان الزبارى الزبداني الزعفرانية الزهراء السبخة السبعة وأربعين السبينة السحل السخنة السفيرة السقيلبية السلمية السوسة السويداء السويدة السويعية السيال السيدة زينب الشجرة الشحيل الشدادي الشعفة الشميطية الشيخ بدر الشيخ مسكين الصبورة الصفصافة الصنمين الصور الضمير الطبقة الطيانة الطيبة الطيبة العبادة العتيبة العشارة الغارية الغريبة الغبرة الغزلانية الغنطو الفدغمي الفرقلس الفوعة القابون القامشلي القحطانية القدموس القرداحة القريا القريتين القصير القطعة القطيفة القطيلبية القنية القنيطرة القورية الكرامة الكرامة الكرك الكسرة الكسوة الكشكية الكفر اللاذقية اللطامنة المالكية المخرم الفوقاني المدينة العمالية بعدرا المريعية المزة المسطومة المسلمية المسيفرة المشرفة المعبدة المليحة المليحة الغربية المناجير المنصورة الميادين الميدان الناصرة الناصرية فوقاني النبك النشابية النعيمة الهامة الهبيط الهري الهيجانة الوضيحي اليادودة اليرموك اليعربية بانياس ببيلا بدا برج إسلام برزة بزاعة بسيسين بصر الحرير بصرى بطيحة الوافدين بعرين بقرص تحتاني بقرص فوقاني بلدية الشاغور بلدية الصالحية بلدية القدم بلدية القنوات بلدية المزة بلدية المهاجرين بلدية الميدان بلدية برزة بلدية جوبر بلدية دمر بلدية دمشق القديمة بلدية ركن الدين بلدية ساروجة بلدية كفر سوسة بليون بنش بيت سحم بيت سوا بيت ياشوط تادف تدمر ترمانين تريمسة تسيل تشرين تفتناز تل أبيض تل تمر تل حاصل تل حميس تل ذهب تل رفعت تل سلحب تل شغيب تل شهاب تل صفوك تل عرن تلبيسة تلدرة تلدو تلعادة تلكلخ تلمنس تير معلة تيزين جاسم جبا جباب جبلة جديدة الخاص جديدة الوادي جديدة عرطوز جرابلس جرجناز جرمانا جروان جزرة البوحميد جزرة ميلاج جسر الشغور جسرين جعيدين جماسة عديات جنديرس جيرود حارم حاس حاوي حران العواميد حرستا حريتان حزة حسرات حسياء حلب حلبون حلفايا حماة حمص حمورة حوش صهيا حيان حيش خان أرنبة خان السبل خان الشيح خان دنون خان شيخون خربة الورد خربة غزالة خشام خطاب دارة عزة داريا داعل دبلان درعا دركوش درنج دروشة دريكيش دمر دمشق دوما دويلعة دير البخت دير الزور دير العصافير دير الفرديس دير حافر دير سلمان دير عطية ذيبان رأس الخشوفة رأس العين رأس المعرة ربلة رحية الصغيرة رسم الحرمل الإمام ركن الدين رنكوس رويشد زاكية زبدين زردنا زملكا زيدل ساروجا سحم الجولان سراقب سرغايا سرمدا سرمين سريحين سعسع سفيرة فوقاني سقبا سقوبين سلقين سلوك سويدان جزيرة سويدية كبيرة شبعا شطحة التحتا شقا شمرة شهبا شيخ الحديد شيزر شين شيوخ فوقاني صافيتا صبورة صبيخان صحنايا صرين صفصافية صلخد صوران صوران صيدا صيدنايا ضاحية حرستا ضاحية قدسيا السكنية الجديدة طرطوس طفس طيبة الإمام عامودا عتمان عدرا عربين عرطوز عرمان عرى عسال الورد عشارنة عفرين عقرب عقربا علما عندان عياش عين العرب - كوباني عين ترما عين عيسى غباغب غرانيج غرناطة غريبة فاحل فيروزة قارّة قباسين قبتان الجبل قدسيا قرمص قسطون قطعة البوليل قطنا قطينة قلعة المضيق‎ قمحانة قناية قنوات كرسانا كرناز كسب كفر بطنا كفر بهم كفر تخاريم كفر حمرة كفر زيتا كفر شمس كفر عايا كفر عويد كفر لاها كفر نبودة كفرسجنة كفرنايا كفرنبل كفرومة كللي كناكر كنصفرة كورين كوم غرز مارع مبروكة مجمّع حطّين محجة محردة محروسة محكان مدينة تادف مراط مزرعة بيت جن مزيريب مسرابا مسكنة مشرفة فليطة مصياف مضايا معارة الأرتيق معارة النعسان معدان معر شحور معربا معربة معرة الأتارب معرة مصرين معرتحرمة معردبسة معردس معرشورين معصران معضمية الشام معضّمية القلمون مقيليبة منبج منين مهين موحسن مورك ناحتة نبع الصخر نبل نصيب نمر نوى هجين يبرود يلدا

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Syria needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Syria?
The capital of Syria is Damascus.
What currency does Syria use?
Syria uses the Syrian pound (£) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Syria?
The official language(s) of Syria include Arabic.
What is the population of Syria?
Syria has a population of approximately 25,620,000 people.
What region is Syria in?
Syria is located in Asia, specifically in the Western Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Syria?
The international dialing code for Syria is +963.
What time zones does Syria observe?
Syria observes the following time zone(s): UTC+02:00.
What is the current time in Syria?
The local time in Syria is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Syria?
Syria covers a total area of 185,180 km².
How many states or provinces does Syria have?
Syria is divided into 25 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Syria in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Syria in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Syria?
Visa requirements for citizens of Syria vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.