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Yes, the processing time for the electronic visa (e-Visa) has stabilized to 5-7 business days as of October 2025. While the system was initially slower earlier in the year, recent updates to the Ministry of Tourism’s portal have streamlined approvals for EU passport holders. You still need to apply through an authorized tour operator who initiates the security clearance on your behalf. Once approved, you receive a PDF to present at the border, where you’ll pay the visa fee (typically €70-130 depending on nationality). Do not attempt to apply solo without a sponsor, as rejections remain high for independent applications.

Yes, the Masnaa border crossing is fully operational for tourist traffic as of December 2025, following extensive road repairs completed in late summer. Taxis and private cars from Beirut are crossing normally, though wait times have increased to 2-3 hours due to enhanced vehicle inspections introduced in November. Shared taxis (service) are running frequently from Charles Helou station in Beirut. Ensure your driver has the correct cross-border permits before departing to avoid being turned back or forced to switch vehicles at the border zone.

No, absolutely not. Due to long-standing international sanctions, the Syrian banking system is disconnected from networks like Visa, Mastercard, and Swift. Your European cards will be useless pieces of plastic inside Syria. You must bring 100% of your budget in cash (Euros or US Dollars) to cover hotels, food, transport, and souvenirs. If you run out of cash, there is no way to withdraw more or have money wired to you via Western Union. Calculate your daily budget carefully and add a 30% emergency buffer in cash.

Bring US Dollars for the best exchange rates and utility, though Euros are widely accepted. The crucial rule is that all banknotes must be pristine—no tears, ink marks, folds, or dates older than 2009 (for USD). Syrian money changers are incredibly picky and will reject bills with even microscopic imperfections. While you can exchange Euros, US Dollars are often preferred for larger payments like driver fees or hotel bills. Bring small denominations ($10, $20) for flexibility, as getting change in foreign currency is impossible.

Generally, yes, Old Damascus is considered safe for tourists to walk around, especially in the evenings when the streets are lively. The city center is heavily secured with checkpoints, and petty crime against tourists is relatively rare compared to major European capitals. However, you must carry your passport at all times in case you are stopped at a checkpoint. Avoid political conversations, do not take photos of military personnel or checkpoints, and stay within the areas designated safe by your guide. Always have your guide’s phone number saved in case you get lost or stopped.

You legally cannot obtain a tourist visa without a licensed tour operator sponsoring you, which effectively means you need a guide. “Backpacking solo” in the traditional sense is not possible for European tourists. While you might have some free time to wander markets alone in the evenings, your inter-city movements (e.g., Damascus to Aleppo) must be accompanied or pre-approved by your sponsor. Attempting to travel to restricted zones without your guide can lead to detention and deportation. Treat the guide not just as a requirement, but as a critical facilitator for checkpoints and logistics.

The most reliable route is flying into Beirut (BEY) in Lebanon and taking a private taxi across the border to Damascus. The drive takes 3-4 hours depending on border traffic. You can arrange this transfer through your Syrian tour operator, who will send a driver to meet you at Beirut Airport. Alternatively, you can fly to Amman (Jordan) and drive north, but the transfer is longer (5-7 hours) and the border procedures can be slower. Avoid connecting flights through sanctioned hubs if you want to keep your travel history simpler for future trips to other countries.

It is highly unlikely your European carrier offers roaming in Syria, and if they do, the costs will be astronomical (often €5-10 per megabyte). Buy a local SIM card from Syriatel or MTN upon arrival; your guide can help you register it with your passport. Data packages are cheap (approx. €5-10 for 10GB), but speed is limited to 4G/3G and coverage can be spotty on highways. Note that many Western websites and apps are blocked or restricted due to sanctions, so you will need a VPN installed on your phone before you arrive to access banking apps or email.