Travel From Iraq to Syria by land

Can I Cross From Iraq to Syria by Land?

Syria and Iraq are two neighboring countries in the Middle East, rich in history and culture.
Syria, with its ancient cities like Damascus and Aleppo, has been a center of civilization for millennia.
Traveling from Iraq to Syria has become more feasible in recent years as the border crossings have reopened, furthermore, the journey offers travelers a chance to explore Syria’s architectural marvels like Palmyra.
So! Yes, you can cross from Iraq to Syria by land, actually, there are a lot of Iraqi citizens who travel to Syria by land through several border crossings, but there are specific procedures and conditions to consider:

What are the factors I need to consider when traveling from Iraq to Syria by land?

Border Crossings: The most commonly used border crossings are the Al-Qaim border crossing in Anbar Province, Iraq, and the Abu Kamal crossing in Syria. However, the status and accessibility of these crossings can change due to security conditions.
Security Situation: The security situation in both countries can be unstable, particularly in areas near the border. It’s essential to stay informed about the local situation. Also, you can follow us on social media we will keep you updated.

Documentation: Ensure you have the necessary documentation, including:
1. Valid passport: An Iraqi passport with at least six months of validity.
2. Valid Visa for Syria (if required).
3. In some cases, additional permits might be needed to travel To certain regions.
Local Regulations: Be aware of local laws and customs in Iraq and Syria, as they may differ from what you are familiar with.
Travel Restrictions: Some areas, particularly within Syria, may be off-limits due to ongoing conflict or military operations.
In addition, border crossings often involve security checks.

How to get a Visa?

Securing a visa for Syria is a breeze when you partner with Syria Scope Travel. We handle every aspect of the visa process seamlessly, requiring just a scan of your passport.
You can read all the info you need about Visa here.

Visa Requirements:

Iraqi citizens are generally required to obtain a visa to enter Syria.
You can apply for a visa at the Syrian embassy in Iraq before traveling.
However, please keep in mind that you may need to obtain an exit permit when leaving Iraq.

Bringing a Vehicle from Iraq to Syria

There are specific requirements and procedures to follow:
Vehicle Documentation: also, for vehicle ownership you need to have proof of ownership of the vehicle, such as the vehicle
registration.
furthermore, you must clear your vehicle through customs at the border, this may involve paying fees or obtaining a temporary import permit.
International Driving Permit (IDP): While Iraqis may be allowed to drive in Syria with a national driving license, an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be helpful, especially for foreigners.
moreover, make sure your vehicle is insured for international travel.
To sum up:
Customs clearance and any applicable fees at the border.
Valid vehicle registration and proof of ownership.
International Driving Permit (recommended).
Insurance that covers your vehicle in Syria.
most importantly, you can know better about bringing a Foreign Car into Syria here.

People come from Iraq to Syria for various reasons, including:

  1. Religious Pilgrimage
    people come from Iraq to Syria to visit shrines and religious Sites because Syria is home to many important sites, in fact, Iraqis often visit religious shrines, such as the Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque in Damascus.
  2. Historical Religious Sites
    Christians and Muslims visit ancient churches, mosques, and historical religious landmarks across Syria.
  3. Shared History
    Iraq and Syria share a deep history and culture, also, many Iraqis visit Syria to explore historical sites like the Citadel of Aleppo, Palmyra, and Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
  4. Language and Culture
    Since both Iraq and Syria have a shared Arab culture and speak Arabic, many Iraqis find it easy to travel and communicate in Syria.
  5. Medical Treatment
    Some Iraqis travel to Syria for medical treatment, because the healthcare services in Syria may be more affordable or accessible than in Iraq.
  6. Business and Trade
    Iraq and Syria have trade relations, and many Iraqis visit Syria for business purposes, including trading, investment opportunities, or transporting goods across borders.

Here are some important travel tips for driving from Iraq to Syria:

Carry Identification: Always keep your passport, visa, and vehicle documents handy, as you will encounter checkpoints.
Additionally, be prepared for potential delays at the border due to security checks and paperwork processing. It’s advisable to reach the border early.
Expect Rough Roads: Some roads may be damaged or unpaved.
So, please drive cautiously and be ready for unexpected obstacles.
Check Your Vehicle: make sure your vehicle is in good condition before the trip. Carry a spare tire, extra fuel, and emergency supplies.
also, carry extra fuel in case of emergencies.
Pack Sufficient Food and Water: Depending on the region, and the opening hours of the stores on the road, food and water might be hard to find, especially along the less populated routes.

Have a Working Phone: Ensure you have a mobile phone with a local SIM card or an international plan. Download offline maps and apps for navigation, as signals may be unreliable in some areas.
Carry Required Permits: Make sure you have all required travel documents for both Iraq and Syria, including visas and vehicle permits.
In addition, prepare for Inspections, at the checkpoints your vehicle and documents will be thoroughly inspected, so keep them easily accessible.
Exchange Currency: Carry enough cash in the local currency (Syrian Pounds) for use in Syria. Exchange facilities may be limited in border areas.

Want to Explore Syria? Embark on a journey to Syria

For more information about Syria please get in touch with us today! Alternatively, check out our extensive range of group Syria tours.

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    Josh
    Josh
    2024-06-23
    Lulu was our tour guide in Damascus in October 2022 and she was the best guide we could‘ve hopefully for! We had a tight schedule so we asked to see as much as possible, which she happily obliged to. She has a very interesting background, knowing every last bit of the city, its culture, history and food! She speaks multiple languages, including Japanese (!) and was just a fantastic guide to have. 10/10 would recommend.
    Samantha Echeverria
    Samantha Echeverria
    2024-06-23
    An extraordinary and humbling experience. From start to finish the whole experience was an adventure, learning of the Syrians deep history gives a great insight to their collective strength and dedication to their culture. To walk the same footsteps as mentioned in the Bible and Quran is profound and indescribable. Overall I was incredibly humbled by my experience in Syria. Thank you again for the experience of a lifetime, and I look forward to coming back to Syria soon 🤲🏼
    Per Sommer
    Per Sommer
    2024-05-31
    Jeg rejste tre dage sammen med Tambi i det nordlige Syrien. Det var en uforglemmelig oplevelse. Sammen besøgte vi Homes, Krak de Chevaliers, Maloula, Aleppo, Arward Island og Apamea. Ikke bare er Tambi blevet en god ven, men han har også en kæmpe viden om de steder, som vi besøgte. Et af højdepunkterne var også at være på besøg hos Tambi i hans lejlighed og møde hans kone. Her fik vi te, kager og en god snak om oplevelserne under den lange krige. Jeg kan kun give Tambi mine varmeste anbefalinger.
    Marco Arenas
    Marco Arenas
    2024-05-31
    I was in Syria a few years ago doing a little tour with Ayoub and the experience was amazing, Ayoub and his team were marvelous guides all around the country, making the most of the trip. Their service is amazing. I highly recommend Ayoub because he is reliable and well-organized. I am looking forward to coming back to Syria!
    Junaidi
    Junaidi
    2024-05-21
    I recently had the pleasure of exploring Syria with Tambee as our tour guide, and I can't recommend him highly enough. Tambee’s deep knowledge of Syria's rich history and culture brought every site we visited to life. His passion for the country was evident in the way he shared stories and historical insights, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Tambee’s professionalism and attentiveness were remarkable. He ensured our group felt safe and comfortable at all times, handling all logistics seamlessly. His ability to navigate the complexities of travel in Syria, combined with his warm and friendly demeanor, made our journey both smooth and memorable. What I really love is his knowledge of Islamic History. The way he told me the History of Islam while we are standing on the historical site itself just gave me goosebumps. He can make the history comes to life. In summary, Tambee is an exceptional tour guide whose expertise and dedication significantly enhanced our Syrian adventure. If you're planning a trip to Syria, do yourself a favor and contact Tambee. You won't be disappointed!
    Joel Lara
    Joel Lara
    2024-05-20
    Everything on the tour was amazing. Whatever you need to feel comfortable, they will go out of their way to make sure you feel okay. Tambi was our tour guide and I honestly would not have switched anything about it. He is one of the best tour guides I’ve ever met. Someone that is really passionate about sharing the past, present and future of Syria. You need to book your trip to Syria as soon as possible. There is so much history to be seen in this country. Do yourself a favor and don’t listen to what western media would say about this country. Saying it’s all about terrorism and dangerous, that’s a HUGE lie, go see for yourself how kind and loving those people in Syria are. As for the war in Israel, it feels really safe in Syria. You going there gives people hope for a better future. Visa costs depend on nationality. As a US citizen my Visa was pretty costly 220$. It was WORTH IT!
    Cymbie Lumbao
    Cymbie Lumbao
    2024-05-20
    Syria was definitely on our list of country to visit. It exceeded our expectations! Syrians are the most hospitable and warmest people we have ever met. The history is amazing! Tambee is our tour guide and Tayseer is our driver. They are the best! Tambee is very passionate about his country and their history. We felt really safe and well taken care of. We would definitely visit again. We went in for a tour of Syria and came out with a lifelong Syrian friends! 🙏🏽🇸🇾 thank you for a wonderful experience! Shukran!
    Rahul Mudumba
    Rahul Mudumba
    2024-05-19
    Tambee was fantastic, and made sure I had an incredible trip!
    Filippo Volpato
    Filippo Volpato
    2024-05-18
    Tambee was the most exquisite guide we could have ever wanted. Always attentive, extremely knowledgeable and open to adjust the itinerary based on your interests (expect surprises for you!). Hopefully we will be back to this beautiful country, that Tambee made us fall in love with.
    Michael Van Arragon
    Michael Van Arragon
    2024-05-18
    Ask for Tambee! There is so much to learn about the history and future of our shared humanity in this important and beautiful country. I travelled 10 days across a large part of Syria and wish I could've stayed. Tambee who emphasizes the "intangible" is a talented and enthusiastic story teller with an amazing personal connection to the people and culture. He will help you come away with a big picture appreciation of everything youre seeing and with a specialist's attention to detail; help you deepen your own sense of what is happening today in the region. These are some seriously friendly people- a visit to Syria like this one is so special.

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