Border and customs regulations

In this section

Border Entry Points

(as of 19 May 2026)

Operating Hours may change, please check official updates for the latest information through this link General Authority for Borders and Customs

 

From Lebanon:

Crossing update

  • Jdaidet Yabous / Masnaa and Joussieh / Qaa: Operates  24/7 (since March 2026) — main land crossings.
  • Arida: Limited operations — pedestrians only since 8 March 2026, due to damage to the bridge.
  • Jisr Qamar: Pedestrians only — operational since 4 May 2026.

 

From Jordan:

  • Nasib/ Jaber (operates 24/7) is the main crossing for travelers and returnees.

 

From Iraq:

Passenger crossings (operating daily hours):

  • AlBukamal / Al Qaim: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Al‑Yaroubia / Rabie: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

 

From Türkiye:

Passenger crossings (operating daily hours):

  • Bab al Hawa & Al Salameh: Operates 24/7 (main crossings)
  • Kassab, Al‑Rai & Jarablus: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tell Abiad: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

By Sea: Latakia and Tartous ports receive limited passenger traffic and returnees.

Air travel: Damascus Airport and Aleppo Airport.

For up-to-date information on border status, please continue to check the official channels of the Syrian General Authority for Borders and Customs and the General Authority for Civil Aviation

Entry requirements for Syrian Returnees

Before traveling, check the latest border procedures and make sure you carry valid ID and travel documents.

Note: please refer to the sections: “Documentation and legal matters” where detailed legal information is provided.

Required documents

Adults: Please carry one of the following:

  • Syrian passport or Syrian national identity card
  • Or any document proving Syrian origin (e.g., civil extract, driving license/ID, etc.) that can be accepted in some cases based on the decision of the border authorities.

Children (under 18)

A birth certificate is required, and the child must travel with a parent or legal guardian.

  • Birth certificates issued abroad are accepted if authenticated.
  • Hospital-issued birth notifications may be accepted only in exceptional cases.

If you do not have identification documents but registered in Syrian civil registries, border authorities may allow entry after verifying your identity at the border crossings.

Note: Procedures may change. Always check the websites of Syrian diplomatic missions: Diplomatic Missions | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates | Syrian Arab Republic

Support abroad

  • Syrian diplomatic/consular missions abroad are also authorized to issue temporary travel documents for Syrian nationals without documentation who wish to return to Syria.

    Advice: Before departure, contact the relevant Syrian diplomatic mission or your nearest UNHCR office for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance based on your situation.

Syrian diplomatic missions and UNHCR offices

Customs regulations

In general and as mentioned in the Syrian Law of Customs issued on 18 May 2026, Syrian returnees are allowed to bring personal belongings, work tools, and household items/furniture when returning to Syria for permanent residence.

Please note that what can be transported may vary depending on:

  • Host country regulations
  • Transportation and logistics arrangements
  • Border procedures and conditions

Before travelling, we recommend checking with the relevant authorities and contacting UNHCR or local government services for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance based on your situation.

Crossing with your own vehicle

Syrians travelling in their own vehicles (Syrian‑plated or not) may be able to cross, but vehicle ownership documents are required. Vehicles with non‑Syrian plates may be subject to duties/fees or, at some border points, travelers may be asked to switch to Syrian‑plated vehicles depending on procedures in place.

 

 

Items that may be restricted or subject to customs fees

Some items may be restricted for departure from the country of asylum or may require customs fees, including:

  • Gas/fuel canisters
  • E-bikes and motorbikes
  • Certain electrical equipment
  • Binoculars

Live animals

As the situation is changing rapidly, stay informed by:

Important notes:

  • UNHCR cannot guarantee border crossing procedures or re-entry to asylum countries.
  • Frequent travel between Syria and your asylum country may affect your refugee status.
  • Regularly moving back and forth can impact your UNHCR file and eligibility for protection and assistance.
  • If you need to update your information upon arrival to Syria or know about UNHCR supported community Centres in Syria and the services provided, please call the UNHCR Call Centre at 01121812333 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday.