Syria
Last update 10 February 2026Travel advice
Risk index
Level 5: Leave immediately/ avoid all travels
5
Select passport type
Syrian Arab Republic
Travel warning:
The situation in the country remains complicated, despite the efforts of the authorities. There are high risks in terms of security, including for foreign citizens. Visits for tourism purposes are not recommended, especially in an unorganized form, as they carry a high degree of risk. If you need to leave Syria, it is not advisable to use land transport to the Republic of Turkey. Travel to the Syrian-Iraqi border should be avoided, as there are areas of potential terrorist activity in the vicinity. Crossing into Lebanon is possible via three border crossings, and it is recommended to use "Jadeit Yabus - Masnaa". The "Naseeb" border crossing on the border with Jordan is operational, but to reach it, one must pass through areas with potential security risks due to the presence of armed groups. The international airport in Damascus is operational.
It is advisable to take out health, travel, road or other insurance in advance.
The activities of the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in the Syrian capital Damascus are limited and it does not offer consular services.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Address: Damascus, Arnus square, Pakistan street, Bld. 2213, P.O. Box 2732
Telephone: +963 944 39 02 03, +963 11 44 54 039
Fax: +963 11 44 19 854
Working hours: 09.00 – 15.00 ч.
Email: Embassy.Damascus@mfa.bg
Website: http://www.mfa.bg/embassies/syria
Emergency hotline: +963 944 39 02 03
*** The emergency hotline is a telephone number open only to Bulgarian citizens or citizens of EU member states who are not represented on the territory of Syria and who are in an urgent need of assistance. An emergency may be understood as incidents of any nature, such as: urgent medical need, detention or arrest, road accident, theft or loss of personal documents, death, etc.
Bulgarian citizens could receive consular assistance at the Bulgarian embassies in Lebanon, Jordan or Turkey.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Beirut, Lebanon
Address: BP 11 65 44 Beyrout, Hazmieh, Mar Takla, secteur 6, rue 44
Telephone: +961 5 452 883
Fax: +961 5 452 892
Email: Embassy.Beirut@mfa.bg
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/lebanon
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Ankara, Turkey
Address: Atatürk Cd. № 124, 06680 Kavıklıdere-Çankaya, Ankara, Republic of Turkey
(Ankara Kavekladere, Chancaya, 124 Atatürk Blvd.
Telephone: +90 312 467 20 71; +90 312 427 51 42
Fax: +90 467 25 74 (on duty); +90 468 69 56 (secretary)
Working hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:30
Opening hours: 09:00 – 12:00
Email: Embassy.Ankara@mfa.bg
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/turkey
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Address: Um Uthaina, 7, Al Mоsel Str., 11195 Amman, P.O.Box 950578
Telephone:+9626 5529391,+9626 5539392
Fax: +9626 5539393
Оut-of-hours hotlines: +962 6 5529391
E-mail: Embassy.Amman@mfa.bg
E-mail: Consulate.Amman@mfa.bg
Website: https://www.mfa.bg/embassies/jordan
Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Sofia
Address: 13 A Simeonovsko shose, 1700 Sofia
Telephone: +359 2 962 45 80, 962 57 42, fax: +359 2 962 43 14
Working hours: 08:30 – 15:30
E-mail: syrembabg@gmail.com
General information
Security level:
Foreign citizens should strictly comply with local laws and show respect for religious customs and traditions in a country where the majority of the population is Muslim.
In case of theft or loss of personal documents, cash, travel tickets, etc., immediately notify the nearest police station in person and in writing and request a copy of the report confirming the incident.
Healthcare:
Health insurance is recommended. The provision of certain types of medical services may be difficult.
Customs requirements:
The importation of alcohol is prohibited. Any amount over USD 5,000 must be declared. The importation of up to USD 100,000 (or equivalent in another currency). When leaving the country, you may export an amount up to the value of the funds originally imported (accompanied by a declaration of import of the funds) or an amount not exceeding USD 5,000. If you're taking out more than $5,000 (or the equivalent in another currency), you should declare it.
When traveling through Syria, you should avoid carrying items belonging to third parties.
Road traffic:
Your driver's license should be valid, and it is advisable to obtain an international driver's license. Traffic rules are widely disregarded, which should be taken into account when driving or walking.
Due to the complicated security situation, numerous checkpoints have been set up in cities and on inter-city roads. In order to prevent incidents, if you notice a checkpoint, you should stop and cooperate fully with the authorities. Be prepared to present your personal documents and those of your vehicle.
Local currency:
The local currency is the Syrian pound. Since the beginning of 2026, there has been a process of replacing banknotes with new ones that have a hundred times lower denomination (i.e., an old 5,000 SYP banknote corresponds to 50 SYP in the new banknotes). At this stage, it is possible to pay with both types of banknotes. Payment in US dollars is allowed almost everywhere, but this is not done at a fixed exchange rate, but at an approximate rate determined by the respective merchant. Payment with international credit/debit cards is not possible, so it is advisable to have the local currency available. Foreign currency can be exchanged for Syrian pounds at bank branches or exchange offices. It is not recommended to exchange currency or carry out currency transactions through private individuals due to the risk of fraud.
Travel papers and visas
You can enter the country with a valid international passport and a Syrian visa. Bulgarian citizens traveling to Syria can obtain a visa at the Syrian Embassy in Sofia.
The passport of the person applying for a visa must not contain any marks indicating a visit to Israel.
It is also possible to obtain a visa upon entry into Syria via a land border. Visa prices for EU citizens range from USD 40 to USD 150, depending on the duration of the visa.
Consular service
CONSULAR SERVICES (TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED)!
Bulgarian citizens in Syria should contact the Embassies of the Republic of Bulgaria in Lebanon or Turkey.