For almost the full duration of the civil war, foreigners were not recommended to fly to Damascus Airport. A mix of air raids from Israel, sanctions against Syrian airlines Cham Wings and Syrian Airways, and other logistical concerns made the route for foreigners well off the beaten track. In fact, many Syrians abroad when returning would fly to Beirut instead and cross via land. This was not only safer, but often less complicated.
However after the fall of the Bashar Al-Assad regime, commercial flights have resumed. The airport now has daily flights from Cham Wings, Syrian Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Royal Jordanian Airways. What is the airport like today? Can foreigners fly to Damascus?
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What is the Damascus airport like?
The Damascus airport is interesting – in the grounds of the complex you will see an abandoned airport hotel as well as amusement parks near the airport. The airport is in the country area of Damascus, yet is only 20-30 minutes from the city of Damascus.
Inside however, you will find great facilities. Downstairs before going to the check in area, there is a Cham airlines lounge/cafe in the center. Once passing immigration, there are multiple stores selling souvenirs, snacks, tea and coffee and more. Most facilities are pretty modern despite there being a large period of time where the airport was barely functional.
Staff at the airport are very friendly and are always ready to help, even despite a language barrier.
Can foreigners fly to Damascus?
In short, yes foreigners can fly to Damascus airport. Please keep in mind that the visa fee for your respective nationality is requested in USD cash upon arrival.
How To Get To The Airport:
You can currently only get to the airport via car/taxi. The whole trip should take 20-30 minutes from the Old City and should cost at an absolute maximum 150,000 Syrian Pounds. We recommend booking a taxi with Yalla Go as it is the safest way to travel by taxi.
Are There Any Safety Concerns? What Is The Process At The Airport?
The Damascus airport is now very secure in terms of safety. There are many checkpoints on the way to the airport and entering the grounds of the airport, your car is likely to be stopped and your bags quickly searched.
When you walk into the airport, you will need to put your bags on an X-ray conveyor and get searched by security (women go to an enclosed area). After this, you will need to show your passport, flight reservation details and any visas necessary to officers before continuing to one last bag search and onto the check-in area.
Once you have checked in, you need to continue to the immigration area where you will receive an exit stamp. You can continue to the gates. Up the stairs you will find gift shops and cafes with most of the gates downstairs.
Important Things To Remember When Flying To and From Damascus:
- If you are a foreigner, on arrival in Damascus you will have to pay the visa fee for your nationality on arrival. Currently, the visa fee is not mandatory when entering through Lebanon.
- Officially, there is supposedly a $2 tax to pay upon departure, however this is rarely enforced
- Upon arrival you will likely be asked who you will be meeting with or who your guide is for your tour. It is best to have a prewritten letter with your itinerary. YPT can provide this letter for our tours.
- Please dress modestly on arrival. Some people have been denied entry to Syria of late, mostly those with many visible tattoos and immodest clothing.
- Most likely due to sanctions, the lounge in the airport is not compatible with priority pass.
Should I Fly To Damascus? Which Land Borders Can I Use?
There are multiple things to consider when deciding whether you should enter Syria via land borders or fly into Damascus. First, let’s look at the land border processes:
Lebanon border crossing: The Lebanon border crossing is the most established route in and out of Syria and is the most traveled land border by locals and foreigners alike. The distance between Beirut and Damascus is only 3-4 hours with the border crossing taking 1-2 hours, depending on the traffic. Here, you will not have to pay the visa fee and can visit an extra country!
Jordan border crossing: The Jordanian border crossing is often much longer than the Lebanon crossing for two reasons. Firstly, the distance between Amman and Damascus is much longer. Secondly, officials on the Jordanian side of the border often take long periods of time to search cars, buses and bags of those crossing. The reasoning is to strengthen their borders against captagon usage, which was trafficked from Syria under the Bashar Al-Assad regime. However, with the drug producing regime gone, in the future the border may become less strict.
Iraq border crossing: This border crossing is closed at all land points as of May 2025.
Turkey border crossing: The border crossing to the north near Aleppo between Turkey and Syria is open, however, only for Turkish citizens and Syrian citizens. You can get a bus from Istanbul for only $85 USD. However, you will not be permitted to cross if you are not a Turkish or Syrian citizen.
Traveling to Syria in 2025
YPT makes travel to Syria uncomplicated. We have group tours in February, May, August, September (2) and December (2) to suit your timeframe and budget!
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