Deciding whether to return to Syria is a very personal choice. Any return should be voluntary, well-informed, and take place in safety and dignity.

Returnees are encouraged to check current conditions in advance by speaking with family or friends in Syria and by following official and reliable sources.

In addition to speaking with family or friends in Syria, we encourage you to visit the available official and reliable sources, including governmental websites. Additionally, you can visit the Syrian embassy or diplomatic mission in your country of residence prior to return. You can find the list of diplomatic missions by visiting the MFA website at: https://mofaex.gov.sy/en/diplomatic-missions

Syrians returning to the country need to present valid identification documents, such as a Syrian passport or Syrian identity card, for entry into Syria.

For those without identification documents but recorded in the Syrian civil registries, officials at the borders have indicated that entry may still be permitted following a verification of identity through the Civil Affairs database that is accessible at the borders. In such cases,  individuals may issue civil record extracts to facilitate entry.

Syrian diplomatic missions abroad are also authorized to issue temporary travel documents for Syrian nationals who do not have valid identity documents and wish to return to Syria.

Prior to departure, you are advised to contact  the nearest Syrian diplomatic mission or your nearest UNHCR office for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the documentation requirements based on your specific situation and country you are in.

Authorities in Syria require that all children entering Syria have a birth certificate and are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

If a child was born outside Syria and has not been registered in Syrian records through diplomatic missions abroad or through civil affairs offices in Syria, birth certificate issued by the country of birth is required.

Birth notifications from medical institutions, such as hospitals, may exceptionally be accepted for unregistered children when entering Syria.

No. Children under 18 years returning to Syria must be accompanied by an adult parent, relative, or legal guardian when entering Syria.

Alternatively, a travel authorization issued by the parent abroad may be presented.

For further information, you can contact UNHCR legal aid partners at: : Legal assistance for IDPs and Returnees – UNHCR Syria

Yes. There have not been any changes to the officially issued passports or identity cards.

Step 1: Report the Loss

• Passport: Immediately report the loss or theft to local police in the country you lost the documents and obtain a police report.
• ID Card: Report the loss of theft to local police and obtain a police report. While not always required abroad, having official documentation of the loss may be helpful when dealing with embassies or border authorities, or when applying for a new ID. Replacement of a lost national ID card can only be completed inside Syria after your return. Please note that since December 2024, the issuance of IDs has been suspended. You can, however, obtain a civil extract that can confirm your identity in Syria.

 Step 2: Contact the Syrian Embassy or Consulate

• Contact the nearest Syrian diplomatic mission in the country where you are staying or lost your documents.
• The embassy or consulate will guide you on next steps, which may include:
• Issuing an emergency travel document or temporary passport to allow your return to Syria.
• Assisting with the application for a replacement passport depending on the services available on that mission.

Consular fees might apply.

You can visit any Civil Registry Office or Citizen Service Centre in Syria to register personal status events such as birth, marriage, divorce or death. Please bring with you all supporting documents you may have.

Updates on registration procedures will be provided here. You can also contact UNHCR legal aid partners for free legal assistance at: Legal assistance for IDPs and Returnees – UNHCR Syria.

Children born in Syria

If the child was born in Syria, register the child at the local Civil Registry with parents’ IDs, marriage certificate, and a birth report from a hospital or licensed doctor or midwife.

Children born outside of Syria

If the child was born abroad, first register the birth locally, legalize and authenticate the birth certificate, then submit it through a Syrian embassy or consulate. Consular fees will apply. For detailed procedure on registering your child abroad at a Syrian condulate, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dedicated page.  . Once in Syria, you can then record your child with any local Civil Registry.

The application can be filed by a parent, a relative up to the fourth degree, or a legal representative with a power of attorney. Births must be registered within one year; late registration may result in fines.

For further details, see  the “Birth Registration” section at “Documentation and Legal Matters Section”.

If you are unable to register your child, you can contact UNHCR legal aid partners for free legal assistance at: Legal assistance for IDPs and Returnees – UNHCR Syria.

Services related to the issuance of Syrian national ID cards are currently suspended until further notice. However, you may obtain an individual civil record extract that reflects your basic personal data from any Citizen Service Centre or Civil Registry Office.

 For passports, you can apply through the Ministry of Interior’s official platform: https://www.ecsc.gov.sy/home

For legal assistance in relation to issuance of ID cards and other civil documentation, UNHCR Syria, through its legal partners, provide free of charge legal counseling and representation before courts or administrative authorities, based on individual needs.

You can approach a legal clinic or contact any of the hotlines operated by UNHCR legal partners in Syria. For contact details, visit UNHCR Syria Help website: Legal assistance for IDPs and Returnees – UNHCR Syria.

Stateless individuals whose place of habitual residence is Syria can return to Syria.

Following the Presidential Decree No. (13) of 2026 affirming that Syrian citizens of Kurdish origin, annulling all exceptional measures resulting from the 1962 Al-Hasakah census and granting Syrian nationality to previously unregistered Kurdish residents with full equality in rights and duties, Syrian authorities started mainstreaming it in its bodies.

You can contact UNHCR legal aid partners for free legal advice at: Legal assistance for IDPs and Returnees – UNHCR Syria.

If a child’s birth was registered by parties different than the Syrian national authorities, the birth must be re-registered with the official Civil Affairs Directorate to be fully recognized in Syria and for your child to be recorded in the official national system.

To do so, you need to approach the Civil Registry Office where your family record is registered. In some areas, you may also go to a Citizen Service Center (One-Stop Shop) if available.

What documents should you bring?

• The birth certificate you already have (if available)
• Parents’ ID or family booklet (if available)
• Marriage certificate (if available)

If you do not have all documents, you should still approach the Civil Registry for advice.

After re-registration, you can obtain an official civil extract, which is needed for school, documents and other services.

Important! Until re-registration is completed, the birth certificate may not be accepted for all official procedures.

For more information, contact the Civil Registry Office or you can contact UNHCR legal aid partners for free legal advice at: Legal assistance for IDPs and Returnees – UNHCR Syria.

Applicants must appear in person to apply for national ID cards and family booklets. This requirement applies even to persons with disabilities, as fingerprinting is mandatory for these documents. For other civil procedures (such as registering births, marriages, divorces or deaths), a relative or a legal representative with a power of attorney may submit the application on behalf of the person concerned.

If you lost contact with a family member due to conflict, migration, or disaster, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), provides family tracing services to help families reconnect with missing loved ones.

Family tracing is not a guarantee that a lost family member will be found, and tracing can sometimes take months or years.

However, ICRC will collect information that may help clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing family. When tracing is successful, ICRC will inform families of the whereabouts of their loved ones and, when possible, help to reunite those families.

If you wish to start the family tracing process from outside Syria, please visit ICRC website here.

To start the process of family tracing upon arrival to Syria, you can contact the following helplines:

Damascus: +963-936003113
Aleppo: +963-9630038337
Homs: +963-936033624
Hassakeh: +963-993305976
Or the Hotline at 0936033628

ICRC lines are open from Sunday to Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on official holidays. If you call outside working hours, please send a text message or a WhatsApp message with your name and number, and ICRC team will get back to you as soon as possible. Please visit ICRC website at : Useful information for people affected by the conflict in Syria | International Committee of the Red Cross.

Furthermore, the newly established Government-led National Commission of Missing Persons receives tracing requests at: [email protected] and via WhatsAPP: +963943009380/81/82

In addition, Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic, which is a UN entity established by the General Assembly on 29 June 2023 in response to the urgent calls for action from family members of Syria’s thousands of missing persons to determine their fate and whereabouts, is available at this link: Contact us | Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic

Returning home after a long time away can be difficult for children. They may feel worried, withdrawn, have trouble sleeping, or exhibit different behaviors. Free support is available to help children and families to cope.

UNICEF and its partners offer mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) through child-friendly spaces, community centers, and mobile teams. Services include individual counseling, group activities, and emotional support to help children feel safe and well. To find the nearest service, ask at your local Department of Social Affairs and Labour (DoSAL) office, visit a nearby community center, or call 0952535262 (Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM) to speak with someone who can help you find the nearest child protection service.

UNHCR-supported community centres also offer MHPSS for children in need. More information on types of services per location, which will be continuously updated, can be found on the Service Advisory Platform: Services Advisor Syria

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to speak up. You can:

• Talk to a social worker at your local DoSAL office, a teacher, or a health worker
• Visit a UNICEF-supported child-friendly space or community center
• Call 0952535262 (Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM) to speak with someone who can help you find the nearest child protection service.

Your concerns will be handled with care and confidentiality. Help is available, and your child’s wellbeing matters.

Some areas in Syria still contain landmines or explosive remnants of war, especially in places affected by past fighting. Children are at particular risk because they may not understand the danger.

To stay safe:

• Teach your children never to touch unfamiliar objects
• Avoid damaged buildings, empty lots, or unmarked paths

Ask your community leader, local community centre, or DoSAL office about Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) sessions in your area. These sessions, supported by UNHCR, UNICEF and partners, help families learn how to stay safe. You may find more information on the dedicated page Protection and Safety page.

No, UNHCR is not currently facilitating any temporary visits to Syria. 

UNHCR is working in collaboration with the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to have designated windows in the immigration halls of border crossings marked for Syrians returning to Syria. At these windows, basic information including contact details will be collected to assist UNHCR with following-up and helping those returning connect with available services, including UNHCR-supported Community Centres, in the areas that they return to.

Providing basic information at these windows is completely voluntary and only with your consent.

Information on available humanitarian services in areas of return will also be available to all returning Syrians at the designated windows.

These windows are currently operating at the following border crossings:

• Syria–Jordan: Nassib (operates 24/7)
• Syria–Lebanon: Jdaidet Yabous (operates from 6 am – 12 midnight), Arida (currently closed due to flooding damage), Joussieh (operates from 6 am – 12 midnight)
• Syria–Türkiye: Bab El Hawa and Al-Salama (operate 24/7), Kassab, Jarablus, Al Ra’ee and Al-Hamam (operate 8 am – 7 pm), Tell Abiad (operates 8 am – 5 pm)
• Syria–Iraq: Abo Kamal (operates from 8 am to 6 pm)

Transportation assistance for Syrian returnees in need is also available at certain border crossings. More information can be found in this page under “Is transportation assistance available for returnees inside Syria.”

Providing basic information at these windows is completely voluntary and only with your consent.

Information on available humanitarian services in areas of return will also be available to all returning Syrians at the designated windows.

These windows are currently operating at the following border crossings:

• Syria–Jordan: Nassib
• Syria–Lebanon: Jdaidet Yabous, Arida, Joussieh
• Syria–Türkiye: Kassab, Bab El Hawa, Al-Salama, Jarablus, Al Ra’ee
• Syria–Iraq: Abo Kama

Transportation assistance for Syrian returnees in need is also available at certain border crossings. More information can be found in this page under “Is transportation assistance available for returnees inside Syria.”

Transportation support is currently available to returnees arriving via Bab Al Hawa and Al-Salama border crossings with Türkiye, and  Joussieh  border crossing with Lebanon. This support is free of charge and managed by UNHCR partners in Syria.

Details of how to access transportation support in each of these border crossings can be found below:

• Bab Al Hawa Border Crossing:

• After completing immigration procedures, returnees can take busses designated by the border authority to  Sarmada bus station, located about 5 kilometer from the border. 
• .
• Returnees who need transportation support to continue their journey should approach the NGO Namaa office inside Sarmada bus station, which operates daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
• Transportation assistance is provided through vouchers that can be used at Sarmada bus station.
• Transportation is available from Sarmada bus station to Aleppo, Idleb, Homs, Hama, Damascus, Deir ez-Zor, Al-Hasakeh, and Ar-Raqqa. Each voucher entitles each family member to one bus seat and space for two travel bags.

• Al-Salama Border Crossing: 

• After completing immigration procedures, returnees can take busses designated by the border authority to  Sejjo bus station, located about 1 kilometer from the border. 
• Returnees who need transportation support to continue their journey should approach the NGO Al-Ehsan office inside Sejjo bus station, which operates daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
• Transportation assistance is provided through vouchers that can be used at Sejjo bus station.
• Transporation from Sejjo bus station is available to Aleppo, Idleb, Homs, Hama, Damascus, Rural Damascus,. Each voucher entitles each family member to one bus seat and space for one travel bag.

• Joussieh Border Crossing:

• Transportation support is available at Joussieh border crossing through NGO Child Care Society (CCS) from 9 am to 5 pm every day.  
• After completing immigration procedures, returnees who need transportation to continue their journey should approach CCS at the border.
• Transportation is provided after a quick assessment, using trucks available at the border.
• Transportation is available to Homs, Hama, Idleb and Aleppo governorates. Transportation to other areas in Syria can be provided on a case-by-case

Transportation support cannot be planned or arranged in advance.

UNHCR is committed to supporting refugees voluntarily returning to Syria and is working on scaling up its transportation assistance. Please check this page regularly for updates about transportation support.

Details of how to access transportation support in each of these border crossings can be found below:

• Bab Al Hawa: after finalizing immigration procedures, buses designated by the border authority will transport returnees to Sarmada bus station located about 5 kilometres from the border crossing. Returnees in need of support with transportation to continue their journey may approach the office of NGO Namaa located inside Sarmada bus station which operates daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Transportation assistance is provided through vouchers that can be used at Sarmada bus station. Destinations available at the bus station include Aleppo, Idleb, Homs, Hama, Damascus, Deir ez-Zor, Al-Hasakeh, and Ar-Raqqa. Each voucher entitles each family member to one bus seat and two travel bags.

• Al-Salama: after finalizing immigration procedures, buses designated by the border authority will transport returnees to Sejjo bus station located about 1 kilometre from the border crossing. Returnees in need of support with transportation to continue their journey may approach the office of NGO Al-Ehsan located inside Sejjo bus station which operates daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Transportation assistance is provided through vouchers that can be used at Sejjo bus station. Destinations available at the bus station include Aleppo, Idleb, Homs, Hama, Damascus, Rural Damascus, among others. Each voucher entitles each family member to one bus seat and one travel bag.

• Joussieh: transportation support is available at Joussieh border crossing through NGO Child Care Society (CCS). After finalising immigration procedures, returnees in need of transportation to continue their journey should contact CCS to request this support. CCS is present at the border daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Transportation assistance is provided after a quick assessment, through trucks available at the border up to destinations in Homs, Hama, Idleb and Aleppo governorates. Transportation to other areas in Syria can be provided on a case-by-case basis. Please take note that it’s not possible to plan the return movement in advance.

UNHCR is committed to supporting refugees voluntarily returning to Syria and is working on scaling up its transportation assistance. Please check this page regularly for updates about transportation support.

Yes, you may be eligible to different financial support upon arrival to Syria, depending on the established eligibility criteria.

UNHCR cash assistance

If you were a Syrian refugee who has returned permanently to Syria, your family may be considered for a one-time cash grant of USD 600 from UNHCR Syria to help support your return and reintegration. Support will be prioritized for the most vulnerable households, and each case will be assessed individually in line with established eligibility criteria.

This cash grant will be provided only once per family. This means that if one person in your family has already received the assistance, no other family member registered under the same file or Family Number/Temporary Protection ID can receive it again, even if they return to Syria at a later time.

To access more information about UNHCR cash assistance please visit the dedicated Assistance and financial support page

UNICEF’s cash assistance program

UNICEF runs a program in Syria called Cash+, which provides financial support to families in vulnerable communities. The program is available only in specific areas. To check if your location is included and whether you might be eligible:

• Call this number: +963952535262
• A representative will help you find out if your area is covered, if you are eligible and will guide you on the next steps

The World Food Programme (WFP) provides food assistance to returnees on the move at border crossing points in close coordination with UNHCR Syria.

WFP also offers additional support to the most vulnerable populations upon their arrival at their final destinations in Syria if they meet the eligibility criteria. This assistance includes targeted food assistance for the most vulnerable groups, nutrition programs, school feeding, and support for pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls. For more information on assistance provided by WFP, please contact WFP helpline number 0950022357 operational from Sundays to Thursdays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

If you are trying to find out about available services and assistance near you, visit the Services Advisor website for Syria. You’ll be able to search and find information, including contact details and opening times, of service providers in your area.

UNHCR Syria provides assistance to Syrian refugee returnees  and Internally Displaced People (IDPs) inside Syria through a wide network of community centres and mobiles units across 14 governorates.

The assistance and support offered by UNHCR include:

Protection services:  delivered through the UNHCR-supported community centres and mobile units– include legal assistance to access to civil documentation and housing, land and property (HLP) rights, child protection, psychosocial support services, specialized services for those living with disabilities, support to vulnerable cases, including survivors of gender-based violence.

Assistance: UNHCR may also provide shelter, livelihood and cash assistance, as well as core relief items for cases in need, in line with established eligibility criteria.

For available services and assistance near you, visit the Services Advisor  website for Syria. You will be able to search and find information, including contact details and opening times, of service providers in your area.

All UNHCR services are always free of charge. including transportation support.

To find the nearest service, ask at your local Department of Social Affairs and Labour (DoSAL) office, or visit a nearby community centre.

For more information about the location of UNHCR-supported community centres, please check the nearest community centre in your area of return, which are one-stop-shops for people in need of support.

For more information on UNICEF child protection services, you may call 0952535262 (Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM) to speak with someone who can help you find the nearest available location.

At this time, no direct support with finding housing is available. If you’re unable to return to your current home, we encourage you to make arrangements for alternative housing before doing so. Planning ahead can help ensure a smoother transition.

UNHCR Syria together with partners and stakeholders, works to provide livelihood opportunities and improve the economic conditions for the most vulnerable by increasing self-reliance and their capacity to shape their own futures.

See the different kinds of livelihood programmes in Syria.

For more information, please consult the dedicated page on Employment & Economic Conditions.

Yes. You can apply for a disability card by visiting the Directorate of Social Affairs or the Office of Disability in your governorate. This card can help you:

• Access specialized services from local NGOs
• Get referrals to other support services your child may need

It is a helpful way to ensure your child receives the care and support they deserve.

No. Missing documents does not automatically prevent you from receiving assistance. Inform the service provider about your situation. Approach legal aid provider to help you to re-establish your civil status documents (IDs, civil registry extracts) . For contact details, visit UNHCR Syria Help website: Legal assistance for IDPs and Returnees – UNHCR Syria

At this time, no shelter options are available. If you’re unable to return to your current home, we encourage you to make arrangements for alternative housing before doing so. Planning ahead can help ensure a smoother transition.

UNHCR and partners provide housing assistance through minor repairs or cash. Support will be prioritized for the most vulnerable households, and each case will be assessed individually in line with established eligibility criteria.

If you are in need of support, please approach the closest community center so your case can be assessed.

If you have any issues related to your house, land or property, UNHCR legal partners may be able to support through free legal counseling or assistance. For more information, please visit the Documentation and Legal matters page.

Yes. In many areas across Syria, the public water system is operational and provides access to clean drinking water. However, the quality and availability may vary depending on your location. Many areas receive water through a schedule (for example, once or twice a week), so it’s recommended to have clean storage containers at home.

UNICEF and its partners work closely with local water authorities to improve water quality and reliability, especially in heavily affected communities. If you have concerns about water quality, you can contact your local water establishment or ask the community leader for the nearest supported facility.

Basic sanitation services are available in most return areas. These include sewage networks, though functionality can vary by location. In some rural or heavily damaged areas, services may still be under repair or reconstruction.

UNICEF supports the rehabilitation of sanitation infrastructure. If sanitation services are not fully functional in your area, local authorities and NGOs are often working to restore them.

If you face difficulties accessing safe water or sanitation, you can:

• Report on the issue to your local water establishment or municipality.
• Call the UNICEF service line 0952535262 (Available Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Ask your community leader or mukhtar for guidance on available services.

UNICEF and partners are working to expand support, especially in areas welcoming a large number of returnees. Your feedback helps improve services.

Health services are provided by the public, NGO and private sectors, and are led by the Ministry of Health which is the main provider of health services that cover all levels of health care.

• Primary health care is provided through 1296 Ministry of Health centers and mobile clinics/teams, NGO centers supported by UN agencies, and private polyclinics. Ministry of Health clinics are offering free of charge national package of health services that focus on health promotion, disease prevention, disease management, and rehabilitation. Primary health care services consist of mother and child health services, communicable and non-communicable diseases management including mental health and psychosocial services, elderly, youth, dental and nutrition services, in addition to medical investigation and medicine services. Some of the centers offer specialized services such as Thalassemia services, and 24/7 emergency services.
• Secondary and tertiary health care is provided through 98 Ministry of Health and Department of Health hospitals and specialized centers, 12 university hospitals, NGO and private hospitals. Available care includes a wide range of medical and surgical interventions for elective and emergency cases that cover all specialty areas. Care at Ministry of Health hospitals is generally against a charge. Hospitals affiliated with the Department of Health are free of charge.
• Rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities, including assistive devices and artificial limbs, are provided through clinics, workshops and hospitals, NGO run workshops for artificial limbs, the SARC artificial limb centers in rural Damascus and Aleppo, UNHCR supported community centers, and Ministry of Health rehabilitation center in Damascus.

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health website.

If you are Syrian, you can access all levels of care at the standard rate set by the Ministry of Health.

You can access any public primary health center to receive ,if available, the package of primary health care services free of charge. Some NGO centers offer services for flat rates.

No legal documents are required in public primary health care centers of the Ministry of Health or the Department of Health, except if specialized or medicine services are provided. In that case the ID card should be presented.

Hospital services in autonomous hospitals of the Ministry of Health, university hospitals and NGO hospitals are generally charged at a national rate for Syrians in addition to the cost of medical supplies, if required. While non-autonomous hospitals affiliated with Departments of Health are free of charge except for the cost of medicines, medical supplies and devices.

Emergency services/departments in hospitals receive patients for life saving services free of charge regardless of their identity and nationality, up to the stabilization phase.

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health website.

Around 2,000 public primary health care centers across Syria offer free health services, especially for mothers and children. In addition, around 106 health points run by NGOs also provide care at no cost. These centers can help you with general check-ups, child health, maternal care, and more.

Yes. All vaccination services are free of charge. Vaccination services are available in all public health centers and through mobile vaccination teams that reach different areas. Vaccines are safe, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), and fully supported by UNICEF and WHO. The Ministry of Health also runs vaccination campaigns to ensure that all children under five get the vaccines they need according to their age – even if they missed doses while away.

Don’t Forget Your Child’s Vaccination Card

The vaccination card is an essential document for your child’s health and future. We strongly encourage all returning parents to bring their children’s vaccination cards when returning to Syria.

✅ Why is it important?

• It ensures your child can continue receiving the necessary vaccines without delays.
• It is often required for school enrollment.

Bringing the card helps health workers know which vaccines your child has already received, and which are still needed, keeping them safe and helping them start school on time.

If you’ve lost the card or don’t have one, don’t worry—health workers can still help you. Just visit your nearest health center after arrival.

Specialized services are limited. However, private clinics and hospitals offer quality specialized care, though these services often come at a higher cost.

Essential medicines’ availability can vary depending on the location and the type of medication needed.

The Ministry of Health and local NGOs offer a range of free nutrition services to support mothers and young children. These include:

• Early detection and treatment of child malnutrition, including wasting in children under five
• Preventive nutrition supplies – such as vitamins and supplements
• Counseling on infant and young child feeding
• If needed, treatment for moderate acute malnutrition in children under five

All those services – including the nutrition supplies – are provided completely free of charge.

• If you have a child under five:
  • Visit the nearest health center that offers nutrition services
  • Your child will receive a growth monitoring card and free nutrition supplements
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding:
  • Go to the nearest health center for antenatal care
  • You will receive regular check-ups, including weight and arm measurements, and iron-folate tablets
  • If you are found to be malnourished, treatment is available and should be started as soon as possible

If your child shows signs of malnutrition, please seek treatment immediately in the nearest nutrition facility – early care is very important!

• Ask your community leader or mukhtar for guidance – they can help connect you with the right facility
• Call the UNICEF service line 0952535262 (Available Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM)1,300 Ministry of Health facilities provide nutrition services across all governorates. In addition, national NGOs supported by UNICEF also offer these services in many areas. To find the nearest center:
• For more information on the nearest services, please check the Service Adviory Syria 

If your child shows signs of malnutrition, please seek treatment immediately in the nearest nutrition facility – early care is very important

The Ministry of Education has opened its schools to all children and has shown flexibility by accepting late school registration for any students. You should submit the document of last grade your child studied to the Education Directorate of the governorate you are residing in.

The Ministry of Education recognizes high school certificates from other countries. You must submit a school document of the latest grade your child studied in the secondary level, in addition to the basic education certificate.

Yes. On 11 September 2025, the Ministry of Education instructed to facilitate the school registration procedures for children, especially for children returning from abroad for the 2025-2026 school year. You can register your children through conditional registration based on the available documents provided or through the submission of a written pledge confirming the accuracy of the information and committing to complete the supporting documents (i.e. marriage certificate, statement of birth)  before the beginning of the second semester.

According to the MOE instructions, the child’s parent/caregiver bares the full responsibility in the event of failure to provide the required documents, and no academic certificate shall be given in case of such failure.

Each school level has a specific document that should be submitted.

For more details, see the infomation  endorsed by the Ministry of Education as of February 2025.

Phase I: Before Leaving Your Host Country

✓ Obtain your education transcript showing the successful completion of your last educational level that you attended, including a stamped and certified certificate outlining your academic achievements from the educational provider (school or organization).

 ✓ Certify the transcript through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country of residence.

✓ Obtain certification from the Syrian Embassy or diplomatic mission in your country of residence.

Phase II: Upon Arrival in Syria

✓ Certify all documents through the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in Damascus.

 ✓ Submit the Family Booklet or an extract family certificate from the civil registry.

✓ Obtain a medical report from the school health department.

Phase III: Final Registration with the Education Authorities

✓ Submit all required documents to the Directorate of Education in the governorate where your family resides. This includes:

• School registration application
• Guardian’s signed commitment to keep the child in school until the completion of basic education
• Copy of the child’s birth certificate or civil registry entry
• Copy of the relevant Family Booklet page showing the father, mother and child
• Copy of the guardian’s personal ID
• Three passport-sized photos of the child
• Health card from the school health clinic

For more details, please see the information endorsed by the Ministry of Education 2025 Syrian students residing abroad and wishing to pursue their education in the Syria.

• To support children and adolescents who are not currently in school and are at risk of leaving the education system, the following learning opportunities are available:

📘 Formal Education: Standard school-based education following the national curriculum.

 ⏩ Accelerated Formal Education – Curriculum B:  A condensed formal education program aimed at enabling students to make up for one or more missed school years and successfully reintegrate into the formal education system.

📚 Non-Formal Education – Empowered Learning Materials (ELM):   An activity-based, non-formal learning curriculum supporting self-learning and skills building for Grades 1-9 in foundational subjects of Arabic, French, English, Mathematics, Science, Physics, and Chemistry.

🔁 Remedial Education: Targeted academic support to help learners improve their performance and keep up with their peers.

📝 Literacy Programmes: Basic reading and writing courses for children and adolescents who missed foundational education.

Yes. Young people aged 10-24 can join various learning programs supported by UNICEF. These include:

• Life skills citizenship education
• Technical vocational training
• Job readiness and entrepreneurship programs
• Health awareness sessions
• Sessions related to environment and climate change

These programs are offered in 43 Adolescent-Friendly Spaces and 30 mobile teams run with local NGOs in 10 governorates, and in more than 70 cultural centers of the Ministry of Culture across 14 governorates.

All programs are provided in safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces that welcome both girls and boys. They focus on peer-to-peer learning and are tailored to be age- and gender-sensitive.

Yes. 43 Adolescent-Friendly Spaces and 30 mobile teams run with local NGOs in 10 governorates, and more than 70 cultural centers of the Ministry of Culture across 14 governorates offer opportunities for adolescents to:

• Join youth clubs and engage in sports, art, and cultural activities
• Participate in community service or volunteer projects
• Learn how to design and lead their youth initiatives

These spaces help young people build confidence, connect with peers, find support, and foster their positive social, civic, and digital engagement and resilience while promoting inclusion, social cohesion, and inclusivity.

Yes. Youth aged 15-24, including those returning to Syria, can access training that helps prepare them for work. They can access such training in 43 Adolescent-Friendly Spaces and 30 mobile teams run with local NGOs in 10 governorates, as well as more than 70 cultural centers of the Ministry of Culture across 14 governorates. Training includes:

• Life skills and transferable “soft” skills
• Vocational and technical training (including digital and skills related to climate change)
• Entrepreneurship and small business development
• Apprenticeship and on-the-job training opportunities, in collaboration with small businesses, cities, or chambers, like in Aleppo

These programs aim to support youth in finding decent work and building a better future, while encouraging resilience and social cohesion.