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: 2026-10-05
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.000738
AAVE 0.000000
ADA 0.000289
AED 0.000283
AFN 0.004967
AKT 0.000097
ALGO 0.000588
ALL 0.006297
AMD 0.027901
AMP 0.121731
ANG 0.000139
AOA 0.070673
APE 0.000459
APT 0.000097
AR 0.000017
ARB 0.000383
ARS 0.118013
ATOM 0.000044
ATS 0.000948
AUD 0.000111
AVAX 0.000007
AWG 0.000138
AXS 0.000059
AZM 0.654689
AZN 0.000131
BAKE 0.320729
BAM 0.000135
BAT 0.000750
BBD 0.000154
BCH 0.000000
BDT 0.009471
BEF 0.002778
BGN 0.000135
BHD 0.000029
BIF 0.232133
BMD 0.000077
BNB 0.000000
BND 0.000099
BOB 0.000922
BRL 0.000402
BSD 0.000077
BSV 0.000004
BSW 0.185412
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.001087
BTG 0.000116
BTN 0.007428
BTT 205.676405
BUSD 0.000077
BWP 0.001064
BYN 0.000231
BYR 1.507460
BZD 0.000155
CAD 0.000110
CAKE 0.000031
CDF 0.178034
CELO 0.000732
CFX 0.001428
CHF 0.000064
CHZ 0.004608
CLP 0.075468
CNH 0.000517
CNY 0.000516
COMP 0.000003
COP 0.252659
CRC 0.035283
CRO 0.001128
CRV 0.000201
CSPR 0.029878
CUC 0.000077
CUP 0.001844
CVE 0.007594
CVX 0.000033
CYP 0.000040
CZK 0.001682
DAI 0.000077
DASH 0.000001
DCR 0.000004
DEM 0.000135
DFI 0.116421
DJF 0.013735
DKK 0.000515
DOGE 0.000808
DOP 0.004610
DOT 0.000063
DYDX 0.000532
DZD 0.010297
EEK 0.001078
EGLD 0.000017
EGP 0.004055
ENJ 0.002304
EOS 0.000799
ERN 0.001155
ESP 0.011459
ETB 0.012575
ETC 0.000009
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000069
EURC 0.000069
FEI 0.000077
FIL 0.000073
FIM 0.000409
FJD 0.000174
FKP 0.000058
FLOW 0.002436
FLR 0.010662
FRAX 0.000078
FRF 0.000452
FTT 0.000301
GALA 0.031058
GBP 0.000058
GEL 0.000200
GGP 0.000058
GHC 9.030135
GHS 0.000903
GIP 0.000058
GMD 0.005705
GMX 0.000009
GNF 0.677902
GNO 0.000001
GRD 0.023467
GRT 0.002573
GT 0.000007
GTQ 0.000589
GUSD 0.000077
GYD 0.016100
HBAR 0.000747
HKD 0.000604
HNL 0.002073
HNT 0.000134
HOT 0.172022
HRK 0.000519
HT 0.002133
HTG 0.010079
HUF 0.025394
ICP 0.000024
IDR 1.381865
IEP 0.000054
ILS 0.000235
IMP 0.000058
IMX 0.000424
INJ 0.000010
INR 0.007428
IQD 0.100839
IRR 134.328524
ISK 0.009448
ITL 0.133351
JEP 0.000058
JMD 0.012183
JOD 0.000055
JPY 0.012175
KAS 0.001804
KAVA 0.001118
KCS 0.000010
KDA 0.008289
KES 0.009920
KGS 0.006736
KHR 0.312268
KLAY 0.002042
KMF 0.033882
KNC 0.000547
KPW 0.069220
KRW 0.103715
KSM 0.000015
KWD 0.000024
KYD 0.000064
KZT 0.034544
LAK 1.735954
LBP 6.904643
LDO 0.000165
LEO 0.000009
LINK 0.000005
LKR 0.025454
LRC 0.007320
LRD 0.013226
LSL 0.001289
LTC 0.000001
LTL 0.000238
LUF 0.002778
LUNA 0.001518
LUNC 1.464436
LVL 0.000048
LYD 0.000493
MAD 0.000759
MANA 0.000758
MBX 0.002588
MDL 0.001375
MGA 0.343230
MGF 1.716151
MINA 0.000481
MKD 0.004218
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.161685
MNT 0.277214
MOP 0.000622
MRO 0.030932
MRU 0.003093
MTL 0.000030
MUR 0.003731
MVR 0.001191
MWK 0.133458
MXN 0.001404
MXV 0.000159
MYR 0.000315
MZM 4.916452
MZN 0.004916
NAD 0.001289
NEAR 0.000016
NEO 0.000030
NEXO 0.000090
NFT 320.430758
NGN 0.102216
NIO 0.002830
NLG 0.000152
NOK 0.000744
NPR 0.011891
NZD 0.000138
OKB 0.000001
OMR 0.000030
ONE 0.000527
OP 0.000588
ORDI 0.000017
PAB 0.000077
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.000267
PEPE 17.540623
PGK 0.000346
PHP 0.004832
PI 0.000887
PKR 0.021327
PLN 0.000302
POL 0.000709
PTE 0.013807
PYG 0.449688
QAR 0.000280
QNT 0.000000
QTUM 0.000078
ROL 3.680581
RON 0.000368
RPL 0.000040
RSD 0.008047
RUB 0.006459
RUNE 0.000099
RVN 0.032295
RWF 0.113772
SAND 0.001055
SAR 0.000289
SBD 0.000621
SCR 0.001098
SDD 4.623182
SDG 0.046232
SEK 0.000777
SGD 0.000099
SHIB 13.049771
SHP 0.000058
SIT 0.016504
SKK 0.002075
SLE 0.001775
SLL 1.774956
SNX 0.000306
SOL 0.000001
SOS 0.043893
SPL 0.000013
SRD 0.002913
SRG 2.912616
SSP 0.439989
STD 1.701787
STN 0.001702
STX 0.000195
SUI 0.000063
SVC 0.000674
SZL 0.001289
THB 0.002595
THETA 0.000340
TJS 0.000709
TMM 1.347862
TMT 0.000270
TND 0.000230
TOP 0.000185
TRL 3,786.321062
TRX 0.000230
TRY 0.003786
TTD 0.000522
TUSD 0.000077
TVD 0.000111
TWD 0.002450
TWT 0.000136
TZS 0.202708
UAH 0.003464
UGX 0.307199
UNI 0.000009
USD 0.000077
USDC 0.000077
USDD 0.000077
USDP 0.000077
USDT 0.000077
UYU 0.003102
UZS 0.907082
VAL 0.133351
VEB 6,678,474.907466
VED 0.066785
VEF 6,678.474907
VES 0.066785
VET 0.008861
VND 2.003617
VUV 0.009276
WAVES 0.000256
WEMIX 0.000394
WOO 0.005711
WST 0.000214
XAF 0.045176
XAG 0.000001
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.000208
XCG 0.000139
XCH 0.000049
XDC 0.002341
XDR 0.000057
XEC 9.480802
XEM 0.134709
XLM 0.000346
XMR 0.000000
XOF 0.045176
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.008218
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000051
XTZ 0.000234
YER 0.018207
ZAR 0.001289
ZEC 0.000000
ZIL 0.021493
ZMK 1.512640
ZMW 0.001513
ZWD 0.027874
ZWG 0.002062
ZWL 5.151299

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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.