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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.126201
AAVE 0.000102
ADA 0.048191
AED 0.033222
AFN 0.575152
AGIX 0.115949
AKT 0.014423
ALGO 0.101056
ALL 0.741537
AMD 3.328759
AMP 20.281256
ANG 0.016314
AOA 8.308044
APE 0.064532
APT 0.014465
AR 0.004532
ARB 0.113100
ARS 13.502141
ATOM 0.005721
ATS 0.108881
AUD 0.013059
AVAX 0.001310
AWG 0.016193
AXS 0.008959
AZM 76.893300
AZN 0.015379
BAKE 12.039282
BAM 0.015476
BAT 0.102717
BBD 0.018093
BCH 0.000037
BDT 1.115166
BEF 0.319196
BGN 0.015476
BHD 0.003401
BIF 26.930813
BMD 0.009046
BNB 0.000015
BND 0.011692
BOB 0.062665
BRL 0.046752
BSD 0.009046
BSV 0.000613
BSW 27.028418
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.170704
BTG 0.031350
BTN 0.861882
BTT 34,109.710896
BUSD 0.009039
BWP 0.122095
BYN 0.026270
BYR 177.324057
BZD 0.018220
CAD 0.012855
CAKE 0.006247
CDF 20.871947
CELO 0.134649
CFX 0.202200
CHF 0.007277
CHZ 0.501085
CLP 8.333423
CNH 0.061437
CNY 0.061412
COMP 0.000540
COP 30.237439
CRC 4.122266
CRO 0.151346
CRV 0.042316
CSPR 4.657929
CUC 0.009047
CUP 0.239749
CVE 0.872529
CVX 0.007522
CYP 0.004631
CZK 0.191377
DAI 0.009051
DASH 0.000257
DCR 0.000815
DEM 0.015476
DFI 10.888472
DJF 1.611077
DKK 0.059146
DOGE 0.117061
DOP 0.536139
DOT 0.010370
DYDX 0.068499
DZD 1.203100
EEK 0.123807
EGLD 0.003273
EGP 0.444371
ENJ 0.312581
EOS 0.124893
ERN 0.135694
ESP 1.316555
ETB 1.447001
ETC 0.001274
ETH 0.000005
EUR 0.007913
EURC 0.007918
FEI 0.009049
FIL 0.011457
FIM 0.047047
FJD 0.020313
FKP 0.006780
FLOW 0.322801
FLR 1.301450
FRAX 0.009145
FRF 0.051904
FTT 0.037978
GALA 3.948758
GBP 0.006780
GEL 0.023760
GGP 0.006780
GHC 1,027.744889
GHS 0.102774
GIP 0.006780
GMD 0.667111
GMX 0.001527
GNF 79.313538
GNO 0.000086
GRD 2.696238
GRT 0.476809
GT 0.001334
GTQ 0.069051
GUSD 0.009058
GYD 1.893523
HBAR 0.119803
HKD 0.070950
HNL 0.242189
HNT 0.037750
HOT 25.068515
HRK 0.059618
HT 0.252486
HTG 1.184109
HUF 2.797940
ICP 0.004104
IDR 162.765019
IEP 0.006232
ILS 0.027172
IMP 0.006780
IMX 0.065475
INJ 0.001852
INR 0.861882
IQD 11.861416
IRR 12,448.420204
ISK 1.139435
ITL 15.321041
JEP 0.006780
JMD 1.433134
JOD 0.006414
JPY 1.464137
KAS 0.294904
KAVA 0.200499
KCS 0.001253
KDA 1.552090
KES 1.169600
KGS 0.791225
KHR 36.274025
KMF 3.892772
KNC 0.081155
KPW 8.142434
KRW 13.866667
KSM 0.002567
KWD 0.002807
KYD 0.007526
KZT 4.276562
LAK 204.527581
LBP 812.386085
LDO 0.033488
LEO 0.000967
LINK 0.001133
LKR 3.029552
LRC 0.736273
LRD 1.643020
LSL 0.147036
LTC 0.000200
LTL 0.027321
LUF 0.319196
LUNA 0.184208
LUNC 147.345013
LVL 0.005561
LYD 0.058026
MAD 0.084706
MANA 0.130007
MBX 0.359698
MDL 0.159225
MGA 38.388101
MGF 191.940505
MINA 0.190814
MKD 0.487433
MKR 0.000006
MMK 18.991079
MNT 32.423092
MOP 0.073079
MRO 3.612813
MRU 0.361281
MTL 0.003397
MUR 0.425235
MVR 0.139850
MWK 15.691992
MXN 0.158123
MXV 0.017930
MYR 0.036884
MZM 577.753760
MZN 0.577754
NAD 0.147036
NEAR 0.004540
NEO 0.004573
NEXO 0.011759
NFT 34,134.264385
NGN 12.395918
NIO 0.333001
NLG 0.017437
NOK 0.088983
NPR 1.379658
NZD 0.015900
OKB 0.000113
OMR 0.003482
ONE 7.237488
OP 0.084146
ORDI 0.002787
PAB 0.009046
PAXG 0.000002
PEN 0.030805
PEPE 3,316.620510
PGK 0.039797
PHP 0.556462
PI 0.079968
PKR 2.516761
PLN 0.033966
POL 0.123008
PTE 1.586345
PYG 55.025101
QAR 0.032928
QNT 0.000135
QTUM 0.012726
ROL 413.516232
RON 0.041352
RPL 0.004468
RSD 0.928091
RUB 0.697085
RUNE 0.021874
RVN 2.373658
RWF 13.260667
SAND 0.181312
SAR 0.033924
SBD 0.073203
SCR 0.129269
SDD 542.998141
SDG 5.429981
SEK 0.087322
SGD 0.011692
SHIB 2,066.169752
SHP 0.006780
SIT 1.896189
SKK 0.238377
SLE 0.206616
SLL 206.616400
SNX 0.039506
SOL 0.000112
SOS 5.165790
SPL 0.001508
SRD 0.340543
SRG 340.543447
SSP 42.962427
STD 195.298640
STN 0.195299
STX 0.052903
SUI 0.012109
SVC 0.079155
SZL 0.147036
THB 0.300701
THETA 0.064485
TJS 0.083852
TMM 158.725449
TMT 0.031745
TND 0.026668
TOP 0.021786
TRL 423,505.258668
TRX 0.027546
TRY 0.423505
TTD 0.061297
TUSD 0.009065
TVD 0.013059
TWD 0.290297
TWT 0.026315
TZS 23.770065
UAH 0.403152
UGX 33.059741
UNI 0.002862
USD 0.009046
USDC 0.009049
USDD 0.009055
USDP 0.009074
USDT 0.009056
UYU 0.364104
UZS 108.263949
VAL 15.321041
VEB 582,976,615.714073
VED 5.829247
VEF 582,924.713447
VES 5.829247
VET 1.917613
VND 237.918857
VUV 1.087289
WAVES 0.034043
WEMIX 0.034942
WOO 0.764005
WST 0.025020
XAF 5.190363
XAG 0.000147
XAU 0.000002
XAUT 0.000002
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.024487
XCG 0.016314
XCH 0.005740
XDC 0.321949
XDR 0.006672
XEC 1,703.017160
XEM 21.131614
XLM 0.045313
XMR 0.000028
XOF 5.190363
XPD 0.000007
XPF 0.944231
XPT 0.000006
XRP 0.007902
XTZ 0.036356
YER 2.143907
ZAR 0.147036
ZEC 0.000020
ZIL 2.932530
ZMK 165.992842
ZMW 0.165993
ZWD 3.273846
ZWG 0.242653
ZWL 606.323874

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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.