The world watched in shock as the Bashar Government, a regime that clung to brutal power over Syria for decades and 2 generations of dictator rule, fell in under 2 weeks from revolution starting in the small North-Western province of Idlib. The change was shocking for everyone – even us working in the tourism industry used to organizing tours for foreign tourists visiting Syria – not even Syrians themselves – it is almost like no one saw the brutal regime of the Assad’s ending one day in December with the conquering of Damascus and the fleeing of Bashar to Russia.
A regime change means big changes in all industries and aspects of social, political and legal life. While we had our regular Christmas in Syria tour scheduled, we decided to cancel as changes under the new regime were unclear. After months of constantly analysing the situation from multiple sources, we decided it was the right time to resume group trips for foreign tourists visiting Syria.
I traveled to Damascus, Homs and Idlib by myself in March to discuss with our local team the new changes to tourism and society, before we bought our first group. The situation in Syria is evolving everyday in terms of mundane topics such as the exchange rate (fluctuating between 15,000SYP to as low as 9,200 SYP to 1 USD), visa protocol and sites that the public can now visit.
After ample research, we brought our first group back to Syria on May the 1st and we became the largest group of foreign tourists visiting Syria since the change in the regime. Some things in Syria are unchanged but there have been a number of changes also.
Table of Contents
What has (and may always) stayed the same:
- Pricing of goods: The pricing of items and services have relatively stayed the same. For an 8 day tour, we recommend bringing $200 USD of spending money plus extra money for emergency spending
- Staying Connected: Still, as of the time of writing it is difficult for foreigners to obtain a sim card. Many providers such as MTN will not accept foreign passports. However, there are reports that a Syrian eSIM will be rolled out in the country shortly, which would make it much easier to stay connected throughout your travels.
- Hospitality: It is no surprise to anyone who has researched about Syria that Syrians are known to be some of the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. When walking down the street, many people will welcome foreign tourists visiting Syria with ‘welcome to Syria’ or ‘Ahlen Wa Sahlen’ (welcome to Syria). For most, a return of tourists signals a positive future, where the world once again feels safe to return, like how it was prior to 2011. After many trips to Syria, I personally never felt unwelcome, in fact people always go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need, despite any personal problems they have.
- Dress Code: The dress code for foreign tourists visiting Syria essentially stays the same. You will see many more people in more conservative fashion (hijabs and niqabs) than beforehand. However, as a visitor, you are only asked to dress respectfully. This includes covering the shoulders, knees and stomachs and avoiding tight, sheer or offensive clothing. It is best to wear long pants/skirts and to cover the arms fully, particularly in more conservative areas, however it is not absolutely mandatory. In some cities such as Idlib, there is a separate dress code which requires the hair to be covered and an abaya preferably to be worn. This will not only show your respect for the customs in the city, but will make you feel more comfortable in your travels too.
What has changed:
- Places that people can visit: There were many places under Assad’s rule that were not open for foreign tourists visiting Syria (and sometimes also the general public). Now, it is possible to enter places that the former government did not want you to see – including Idlib and some areas of Damascus like Jouba which were heavily damaged during the war. This has unlocked more places in which we can take tourists to get a more holistic understanding of the diversity of Syria!
- Military and Checkpoints: The military has changed from Assad forces to general security. There are less checkpoints than what there was under the Assad government. It is possible to interact with soldiers, however it is not recommended that females approach male officers directly out of respect. Some officers may greet you and take photos with you whereas others may not approach you. Please respect the soldiers as they are law enforcement.
- Access to Alcohol: Many places in large cities are no longer licensed to serve alcohol and have been shut down. In Damascus, you can still find bars on the straight street that serve alcohol, but in Aleppo, Homs and other cities the presence of alcohol is becoming more limited – it is also not recommended to venture out of the old city too late at night.
- Freedom of Speech: During the Assad era, criticism of the government was absolutely not allowed and many Syrians devastatingly faced harsh and cruel punishments for the simplest of criticisms. Now however, people are a lot more free to voice their opinions online and in person – but it is still not complete freedom of speech. Also, it is a very sensitive time for religious and ethnic groups in Syria so it is important to stay away from topics which are sensitive. It goes without saying that pro Israeli and anti Islamic comments should absolutely not be made online prior to the tour and absolutely not during the tour itself.
- Overall security landscape: The security landscape has also changed. It is important to note that with any government change, there becomes a vacuum of power. When traveling Syria, you can expect to be able to complete your itinerary, however changes may need to be made when considering the security situation. Indeed, it is very important to listen to your YPT leader and local guide who have thorough experience with guiding foreign tourists visiting Syria.
- Defacing of the Assads: If you traveled to Syria before December 2024 you probably recall Bashar Al Assad’s face, well, everywhere. Now there is not a single statue, poster or painting, that I have seen visiting most regions of Syria that has not been destroyed, defaced or painted on. Sometimes, you may see their posters used as doormats!
The First YPT Tour To Syria Since The Fall Was A Success… But We Have Many More Tours To Syria This Year With Availability!
YPT have been bringing tourists to Syria since 2017 and have many dates available for travel each year. We have tours in February, May, August. September (2) and December (2). If none of these dates or itineraries match your preferences, we can also facilitate a private tour for you!
About Post Author
