Last updated: July 2026. Flight schedules and border opening hours change quickly and at short notice. Check with the airline and your tour operator before booking.
The 30-second summary
There are three realistic routes into Syria: a direct flight to Damascus International Airport (DAM) or Aleppo International Airport (ALP), where more than ten airlines now operate after Syrian airspace reopened on 8 April 2026; an overland crossing from Lebanon via Masnaa–Jdeidet Yabous, historically the easiest route; or from Jordan via Nassib–Jaber. Turkish crossings are generally not available to foreign tourists. Choose changeable bookings and keep a backup exit plan.
Airlines and routes serving Syria
Syria has two international airports receiving flights: Damascus International (DAM) and Aleppo International (ALP). According to published schedule data, around 13 airlines serve Syria across roughly 21 international routes — 16 from Damascus and 5 from Aleppo — with the local carrier Fly Cham the largest operator.
The main airlines and routes as of the latest update:
| Airline | Route | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fly Cham | Multiple routes | Largest operator by seat capacity |
| Syrian Air | Istanbul, Amsterdam and others | Amsterdam–Damascus returned on 2 July 2026 after several years |
| Turkish Airlines / AJet | Istanbul | One of the most stable routes for arrivals from Europe |
| Qatar Airways | Doha–Damascus | Resumed daily on 1 May 2026 |
| Royal Jordanian | Amman–Damascus | A short, convenient hop |
| flynas | Riyadh–Damascus, Jeddah–Damascus | Riyadh route began 5 June 2025 |
| flyadeal | Jeddah–Damascus | Launched 10 May 2026 |
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi–Damascus | From 12 June 2026, four flights a week |
| Air Arabia | Sharjah–Aleppo | Daily from 4 July 2026 |
| Kuwait Airways | Kuwait–Damascus | Resumed 15 July 2026 |
| Dan Air | Bucharest–Damascus, Bucharest–Aleppo | Aleppo from 1 July 2026 |
The Gulf is one of Syria’s largest air markets, which makes sense: more than 350,000 Syrians live in the UAE alone, and demand is driven by family visits, business and heritage tourism.
Tip: before booking, check that the flight actually appears in the airline’s own reservation system, not only in a ticket search engine. And if you are travelling on an organised programme, confirm the arrival airport with your tour operator — especially on newly launched routes.
Land crossings from Lebanon (the easiest route)
Crossing from Lebanon was and remains the easiest overland route into Syria for non-exempt travellers, and the distance from Beirut to Damascus is relatively short.
Masnaa – Jdeidet Yabous is the main and most-used crossing, particularly for anyone moving between Beirut and Damascus. Reports say it has operated around the clock, seven days a week, since March 2026, while other sources cite fixed hours (roughly 6am to midnight). The hours have changed repeatedly — check before setting off.
Other crossings with Lebanon:
- Jousieh – Al Qaa: operates daily; some sources report 24-hour operation since March 2026, others cite fixed hours.
- Jisr Qamar – Dabboussieh: pedestrians only, no vehicles.
- Al Arida: limited operation, pedestrians only since 8 March 2026 because of bridge damage, and reported to be reserved for Syrians arriving from Lebanon.
Crossing procedure: your passport is stamped on the Lebanese side on exit, then on the Syrian side after paying the visa fee in cash US dollars.
Important for the return leg: Lebanon has imposed a mandatory entry-stamp fee on all non-Lebanese entering overland, of one million Lebanese pounds (roughly $11–12), payable in cash at the border. Budget for it if you will leave Syria for Lebanon by land, whatever way you originally entered.
The land crossing from Jordan
Nassib – Jaber is the only official operating crossing between Syria and Jordan, about 100 km north of Amman. It has run around the clock since the Jordanian authorities moved it to 24/7 operation on 23 March 2026, following investment in upgrading its facilities.
It is a practical option for anyone starting from Amman, but be aware that formalities can take considerably longer than at the Lebanese border. Allow half a day and build that into your itinerary.
The land crossing from Iraq
Al Bukamal – Al Qaim is the main crossing between Syria and Iraq, reopened in June 2025. Tourists can cross there and the same visa fees apply, but it is not commonly used and security concerns remain in the eastern regions. We do not recommend it as a first-choice tourist route.
Turkish crossings: why they do not work for foreign tourists
This is a common point of confusion. The crossings between Türkiye and Syria — Bab al-Hawa, Bab al-Salameh, Kasab, Jarablus, Al Rai, Tal Abyad — are generally not open to foreign tourists. Their traffic is primarily for Syrians (including returnees), Turkish citizens and specific categories.
For context: Bab al-Hawa lies about 50 km west of Aleppo and connects the Syrian M45 highway with the Turkish D827; the nearest Turkish town is Reyhanlı in Hatay province.
If you are coming from Türkiye on a foreign passport, the correct route is to fly to Damascus or Aleppo — Istanbul routes are numerous and relatively stable — or to enter overland via Lebanon or Jordan.
Arriving by sea
The ports of Latakia and Tartus handle limited passenger and returnee traffic. In practice this is not a route you can plan a trip around — there are no reliable regular ferry services for tourism.
Which route suits you?
| Starting point | Recommended route | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait) | Direct flight to Damascus | Via Amman, then overland at Nassib–Jaber |
| Türkiye | Istanbul–Damascus or Istanbul–Aleppo flight | No overland alternative for foreigners |
| Europe | Istanbul or Doha then Damascus, or Bucharest direct | Beirut, then overland via Masnaa |
| Jordan | Nassib–Jaber overland, or Amman–Damascus by air | — |
| Lebanon | Masnaa–Jdeidet Yabous overland | Beirut–Damascus by air |
| Egypt and North Africa | Flight via Doha or Istanbul | Beirut, then overland |
From the airport to your hotel
Damascus International Airport is about 25–30 km from the city centre. Do not assume there will be a ready, reliable transport option waiting once you clear the stamp — this is exactly the point that catches many travellers out.
The options:
- Pre-arranged pickup by your tour operator — the best and safest, at a price agreed in advance.
- A private car arranged through your hotel — book it before you travel, by email or WhatsApp.
- Airport cars — available, but agree the fare before setting off and do not rely on a meter.
Carry small denominations in cash, and do not assume there will be an ATM that accepts your international card.
Frequently asked questions about getting to Syria
Is Damascus airport operating now?
Yes. Damascus International Airport returned to regular operation on 8 April 2026 after Syrian airspace reopened, and several airlines run scheduled flights there. Schedules do change, so check before booking.
Are there direct flights from the Gulf to Damascus?
Yes — from Riyadh and Jeddah (flynas and flyadeal), Doha (Qatar Airways), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), Kuwait (Kuwait Airways), and from Sharjah to Aleppo (Air Arabia).
What is the easiest land crossing into Syria?
Masnaa – Jdeidet Yabous with Lebanon. It is the most used and the fastest to clear for most travellers heading to Damascus.
Can a foreign tourist enter Syria from Türkiye?
Generally no. The Turkish crossings are reserved for Syrians, Turkish citizens and specific categories. Fly to Damascus or Aleppo instead.
Do I need a visa before arrival, or do I get it at the border?
The fee is paid at the point of entry, but your airline may refuse to board you without a prior approval document. The full detail is in our Syria tourist visa guide.
How long does an overland crossing take?
From one hour to several, depending on the crossing and how busy it is. The Jordanian border usually takes longer than the Lebanese one.
Before you book: a checklist
- Check the flight appears in the airline’s own reservation system
- A changeable or refundable ticket
- Arrival airport confirmed with your tour operator
- Visa approval document in hand before the day of travel
- Cash in US dollars for the visa fee, plus one million Lebanese pounds if you will return overland via Lebanon
- Airport-to-hotel transfer arranged in advance
- A backup overland exit plan
What to read next
Read our Syria tourist visa guide, then 14 things to do on a first visit to historic Damascus, or browse our tour programmes, which include airport pickup and internal transport.
