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: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.098851
AAVE 0.000102
ADA 0.035983
AED 0.033225
AFN 0.565507
AKT 0.011223
ALGO 0.084249
ALL 0.742480
AMD 3.329538
AMP 10.812725
ANG 0.016299
AOA 8.310212
APE 0.062732
APT 0.009582
AR 0.004235
ARB 0.077406
ARS 12.630245
ATOM 0.004397
ATS 0.106937
AUD 0.012676
AVAX 0.000980
AWG 0.016194
AXS 0.007705
AZM 76.898561
AZN 0.015380
BAKE 12.236001
BAM 0.015200
BAT 0.093379
BBD 0.018094
BCH 0.000024
BDT 1.111712
BEF 0.313497
BGN 0.015200
BHD 0.003402
BIF 26.951248
BMD 0.009047
BNB 0.000014
BND 0.011580
BOB 0.062702
BRL 0.045323
BSD 0.009047
BSV 0.000601
BSW 10.569613
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.023518
BTN 0.872018
BTT 28,119.722738
BUSD 0.009051
BWP 0.122992
BYN 0.024879
BYR 248.787559
BZD 0.018209
CAD 0.012437
CAKE 0.006400
CDF 20.762080
CELO 0.112428
CFX 0.153636
CHF 0.007109
CHZ 0.183999
CLP 8.151453
CNH 0.061555
CNY 0.061534
COMP 0.000411
COP 34.370263
CRC 4.095658
CRO 0.129460
CRV 0.038344
CSPR 3.062506
CUC 0.009047
CUP 0.217080
CVE 0.856951
CVX 0.005212
CYP 0.004548
CZK 0.188928
DAI 0.009051
DASH 0.000211
DCR 0.000537
DEM 0.015200
DFI 9.212959
DJF 1.609787
DKK 0.058074
DOGE 0.086739
DOP 0.535536
DOT 0.007245
DYDX 0.062546
DZD 1.201043
EEK 0.121596
EGLD 0.002308
EGP 0.482401
ENJ 0.210638
EOS 0.111837
ERN 0.135703
ESP 1.293050
ETB 1.424566
ETC 0.001016
ETH 0.000004
EUR 0.007771
EURC 0.007765
FEI 0.009081
FIL 0.009375
FIM 0.046207
FJD 0.019949
FKP 0.006745
FLOW 0.250712
FLR 1.083027
FRAX 0.009111
FRF 0.050977
FTT 0.028000
GALA 2.690664
GBP 0.006745
GEL 0.024169
GGP 0.006745
GHC 1,034.952702
GHS 0.103495
GIP 0.006745
GMD 0.668322
GMX 0.001367
GNF 79.357069
GNO 0.000076
GRD 2.648099
GRT 0.359703
GT 0.001275
GTQ 0.068968
GUSD 0.009067
GYD 1.892119
HBAR 0.100506
HKD 0.070849
HNL 0.240667
HNT 0.010985
HOT 22.801238
HRK 0.058553
HT 0.062388
HTG 1.184121
HUF 2.802315
ICP 0.003503
IDR 160.356574
IEP 0.006120
ILS 0.026257
IMP 0.006745
IMX 0.053145
INJ 0.001736
INR 0.872018
IQD 11.853737
IRR 11,925.207797
ISK 1.114410
ITL 15.047499
JEP 0.006745
JMD 1.430551
JOD 0.006414
JPY 1.437852
KAS 0.261788
KAVA 0.157086
KCS 0.001129
KDA 1.087613
KES 1.169925
KGS 0.791390
KHR 36.284174
KLAY 0.173926
KMF 3.823271
KNC 0.063010
KPW 8.141992
KRW 13.617107
KSM 0.001817
KWD 0.002785
KYD 0.007525
KZT 4.245058
LAK 198.438230
LBP 811.031680
LDO 0.025402
LEO 0.000897
LINK 0.000933
LKR 3.012950
LRC 0.558222
LRD 1.658097
LSL 0.150624
LTC 0.000167
LTL 0.026833
LUF 0.313497
LUNA 0.142937
LUNC 115.101206
LVL 0.005462
LYD 0.057446
MAD 0.083258
MANA 0.102652
MBX 0.231037
MDL 0.156557
MGA 37.855158
MGF 189.275790
MINA 0.158368
MKD 0.478905
MKR 0.000005
MMK 18.991567
MNT 32.378507
MOP 0.072974
MRO 3.617151
MRU 0.361715
MTL 0.003336
MUR 0.427763
MVR 0.139725
MWK 15.745663
MXN 0.156554
MXV 0.017716
MYR 0.035955
MZM 577.826302
MZN 0.577826
NAD 0.150624
NEAR 0.005607
NEO 0.003129
NEXO 0.010171
NFT 31,986.896013
NGN 12.403809
NIO 0.332541
NLG 0.017126
NOK 0.083897
NPR 1.395883
NZD 0.015452
OKB 0.000111
OMR 0.003480
ONE 4.413566
OP 0.070465
ORDI 0.002173
PAB 0.009047
PAXG 0.000002
PEN 0.030960
PEPE 2,456.634024
PGK 0.039970
PHP 0.558292
PI 0.059601
PKR 2.520508
PLN 0.032969
POL 0.099525
PTE 1.558023
PYG 55.063163
QAR 0.032931
QNT 0.000121
QTUM 0.010019
ROL 404.846612
RON 0.040485
RPL 0.005213
RSD 0.912124
RUB 0.655670
RUNE 0.020215
RVN 1.636938
RWF 13.227532
SAND 0.125624
SAR 0.033926
SBD 0.072431
SCR 0.132813
SDD 543.020182
SDG 5.430202
SEK 0.085122
SGD 0.011580
SHIB 1,569.548506
SHP 0.006745
SIT 1.862335
SKK 0.234121
SLE 0.207217
SLL 207.217033
SNX 0.029206
SOL 0.000106
SOS 5.169698
SPL 0.001508
SRD 0.336767
SRG 336.767381
SSP 42.652561
STD 192.451453
STN 0.192451
STX 0.037872
SUI 0.008550
SVC 0.079160
SZL 0.150624
THB 0.295111
THETA 0.045824
TJS 0.084211
TMM 158.646620
TMT 0.031729
TND 0.026273
TON 0.004496
TOP 0.021522
TRL 412,387.103033
TRX 0.025364
TRY 0.412387
TTD 0.061365
TUSD 0.009058
TVD 0.012676
TWD 0.286222
TWT 0.018933
TZS 23.540103
UAH 0.399342
UGX 34.094853
UNI 0.002562
USD 0.009047
USDC 0.009050
USDD 0.009056
USDP 0.009059
USDT 0.009055
UYU 0.362631
UZS 108.851995
VAL 15.047499
VEB 468,017,417.927797
VED 4.679965
VEF 467,996.538145
VES 4.679965
VET 1.343040
VND 238.207364
VUV 1.074169
WAVES 0.023803
WEMIX 0.033490
WOO 0.535694
WST 0.024382
XAF 5.097694
XAG 0.000119
XAU 0.000002
XAUT 0.000002
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.024493
XCG 0.016299
XCH 0.003259
XDC 0.291028
XDR 0.006618
XEC 1,233.315996
XEM 13.593355
XLM 0.061624
XMR 0.000023
XOF 5.097694
XPD 0.000006
XPF 0.927373
XPT 0.000005
XRP 0.006545
XTZ 0.026459
YER 2.158760
ZAR 0.150624
ZEC 0.000016
ZIL 2.301080
ZMK 170.985526
ZMW 0.170986
ZWD 3.274057
ZWG 0.234406
ZWL 585.715953

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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.