Travel alerts & warnings
Syria driving guide.
Driving in Syria involves damaged roads, unpredictable checkpoints and closures, alongside serious security and unexploded-ordnance risks. Many governments advise against all travel; check current official advice, and treat the drive times below as rough normal-condition estimates—not confirmation that routes or attractions are safe or accessible.
- Advisory
- Do not travel
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- April to May or…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travelto Syria for any reason due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict.
- Do not travel to Syria for any reason.
- The U.S. government suspended U.S. Embassy operations in 2012. The Czech Republic is the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria due to the safety risks.
- Armed conflict
- Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.
- Unrest
- Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011. No part of Syria is safe from violence.
Driving there
Your permit in Syria
- Syria honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Syria
Road rules and road hazards
Wear seat belts, avoid handheld phone use and drive defensively around inconsistent lane discipline. Avoid night driving because lighting, road surfaces and vehicle visibility can be poor. Stay on established roads; never use unverified roadside tracks or enter damaged buildings because of mines and unexploded ordnance.
Speed limits
Follow posted limits and instructions from authorized traffic officers. Reliable, current nationwide speed-limit information is difficult to verify, so confirm applicable limits locally rather than relying on generic online tables. Slow substantially for settlements, damaged surfaces and checkpoints.
Tolls and road payments
Confirm any tolls on your intended route locally before departure; do not assume that historic toll information remains accurate. Carry small-denomination Syrian-pound cash for legitimate road charges and request receipts where available. A checkpoint demand is not necessarily an official toll; do not offer bribes.
Fuel availability
Petrol and diesel availability can be disrupted, with queues, rationing or station closures. Confirm working stations and the correct fuel grade before each journey, refuel early and carry enough local cash. Do not plan a long rural leg around a single mapped station.
Rentals, documents and police checks
Rental availability and foreign-driver eligibility must be confirmed directly with the operator. Carry your original driving licence alongside your International Driving Permit, passport, vehicle registration, rental authorization and insurance explicitly valid in Syria; an IDP alone is not a licence. Obtain written approval before taking a foreign rental across the border. Approach checkpoints slowly, keep documents accessible and never photograph personnel or military installations.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Syria
Old City of Damascus
Damascus · About 15–30 minutes from central Damascus districts to an Old City access point.
Historic lanes, traditional markets and the Umayyad Mosque; explore on foot after arranging suitable parking outside the narrow streets.
Maaloula
Rif Dimashq · About 1–1.5 hours from Damascus.
A mountain settlement known for its monasteries and Aramaic-speaking heritage; confirm local access and visiting arrangements.
Bosra
Daraa Governorate · About 45–60 minutes from Daraa.
A remarkable Roman theatre and basalt-built ancient city; archaeological access and route conditions require advance confirmation.
Krak des Chevaliers
Homs Governorate · About 1–1.5 hours from Homs.
A monumental medieval fortress overlooking the surrounding hills; check opening arrangements and restricted or damaged areas.
Citadel of Aleppo
Aleppo · About 10–25 minutes from central Aleppo districts to nearby parking, followed by a walk.
A landmark fortified hill above the historic city; restoration work and security restrictions may limit access.
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
Latakia Governorate · About 25–40 minutes from Latakia.
An important Bronze Age archaeological site associated with an early alphabetic writing system; verify that visits are permitted.
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