How to Travel to Syria

Syria gets something of a bad rap. Yes, it's ruled by an authoritarian regime and is a conservative culture with Islamic foundations. But this Middle Eastern country, bordering Turkey, is friendly to tourists and wants to draw more to its old cities. There you can tour ancient mosques, shop in colorful bazaars, taste delicious mezes and smoke fruit-flavored tobacco from hookah pipes—all on the cheap. First, though, you must jump through some hoops to gain entry.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• a valid passport
• a visa

1. Make sure your passport is valid. If you need to send it in for renewal, make sure you do so well in advance of your planned excursion. Passport renewal can be a slow and frustrating process.
2. Obtain a visa. You must submit your passport, two visa application forms, two photos, a money order for $100 and a self-addressed FedEx or Express mail envelope to the Embassy of Syria in Washington, DC, or to one of three honorary consulates. They're located in California, Texas and Michigan.
   
   The addresses are:
   
   —Embassy of Syria, 2215 Wyoming Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008
   —The Honorable Consul of Syria, 3 San Joaquin Plaza, #190, Newport Beach, California, 92660
   —The Honorable Consul of Syria, 1022 Wirt Rd., Suite 300, Houston, Texas, 77055
   —The Honorable Consul of Syria, P.O. Box 2392, Birmingham, Michigan, 48012-2392
   
   You may also submit your paperwork and money in person between 9:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.
3. There are no direct flights between the US and Syria. You can fly to Turkey and cross the border there. But you cannot cross the border from Israel—any traveler with a passport stamp from Israel will likely be denied entry to Syria.

Tips & Warnings

• Syria is on the US Department of State's List of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Still, crime in the country is low and anti-American violence is not rampant.
• Tourists may be watched by security personnel.
• Monitor travel warnings prior to departure.