Explore: Syria - Formalities
Clearance
The current conflict in the country does not make this a safe place to visit.
Port Control should be contacted prior to arrival on VHF Channel 16. Lattakia is Syria’s main port and as its officials are used to dealing with foreign vessels, this is the best port to enter. (Call Lattakia Radio). Call at the 20 kms (12 miles) limit and again at 10 kms (six miles) off. Approach the port at 90 degrees to the coast.
Since there are specific rules concerning the distance a yacht must stay off the Syrian coast and a yacht’s approach to Lattakia Harbor, any yacht wanting to visit there on their own should fax ahead for the latest procedures to the Syrian Yacht Club.
When 12NM off, call the harbor radio on VHF Channel 16 and follow instructions.
Yachts must have a “clearance document” (zarpe), showing the date of departure from the last marina or port before arrival at Lattakia. Also fax or email copies of passports, ship’s papers and a provisional ETA to the host club or agent at least a week before planned arrival. Visa takes from three to 10 days depending on nationality.
It might also be necessary to produce a signed list of your last five ports of call and your logbook may be inspected.
Remain on board until the officials have visited the boat and clearance is completed.
Take care to arrive on a weekday as offices are closed on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as on various national holidays.
Departure: 24 hours’ notice is required before clearing out and once cleared, no one must leave the boat. Again, it needs to be a weekday.
Last updated: August 2018
This is the last known information as at November 2016.
Immigration
Passports must be valid for three months from entry.
Visas must be obtained in advance from Syrian consulates or embassies abroad. A letter of recommendation from one’s own embassy is required if the visa is not obtained in one’s country of residence.
Visitors are given a stay of 15 days on arrival but may be able to be extended for up to a month at a time at any immigration office in the major towns or cities. Visas can be difficult to obtain by nationals of certain countries, such as the United States.
Entry is refused to Israeli nationals or to anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport. Any evidence of a previous visit to Israel is sufficient reason to deny entry, even a stamp from a country with a border with Israel.
Visa rules frequently change, so details should be checked before planning a visit.
Visitors must change US$100 on arrival.
Last updated: June 2012.
This is the last known information – November 2016.
Customs
Syrian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Syria of items such as weapons, narcotics, alcohol, tobacco, cheese, fruits, pharmaceuticals, modems, cosmetics, and some electrical appliances.
This is the last known information as at November 2016.
Last updated: November 2016
Documents
Boat registration document, signed crew lists, signed list of the last five ports of call and clearance document (zarpe) or receipt from a previous port of call.
Fees
The cost of visas vary depending on nationality but seem to be about US$60. The extension charge is about US$1.
Last updated: July 2008
Local Customs
Syria is a multi-faith country. Levels of religious tolerance can vary considerably from area to area.
Pets
Requirements for pets are those listed in the ASPCA booklet entitled “Traveling With Your Pet”.
Cats and dogs must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate issued at the point of origin.
