Syria: Travel Updates Part 2

This is a continuation of the previous Syria sticky thread.

If you have any on the ground reports to add then please do so here rather than start a new thread.
Any news items posted should be a brief excerpt only, with a link to the original website. Any lengthy news cut and pastes will be deleted.

Crossing Syria from Jordan to Turkey: 20 & 21 Dec 2011 from poster bcfarley, post #272 in the previous thread (much appreciated btw), is the most recent on the ground report I noticed so for anyone not wishing to read through all the other posts...

This is an information thread on the ongoing situation in Syria as it affects travel to Syria, not a chat or political argument thread so please don't let this thread go the way of the previous.

Andreas_at_LP more »

Has anyone entered Syria from Lebanon without pre-arranged Syrian visa?

Hi all,

I just read on Lonely Planet own visa section of Sryia (below)

"If there is no Syrian representation in your country, you can obtain a visa on arrival at borders, airports or ports. Otherwise you MUST secure a visa in advance. The only official exception is for travellers entering Syria from Lebanon; if you have a valid Lebanese visa, a Syrian visa will be issued without problem on the border - for a charge. "

Were you a traveller entering Syria from Lebanon successfully? What is your nationality and what was your experience at the border then? How much was the charge?

Thanks for your info.

Cheers,

Japanese Man Vacations on Syrian Front Lines

Based on news, there is Japanese tourist who cant resist go to Syria

Japanese Man Vacations on Syrian Front Lines

I just wander, is it really possible to sneak in to Syria like he did and take picture in Syria during this time ?

Rgds,

Rio

Edited by: laurent_rio

Thoughts are with the Syrian people

Just checked out the Syrian branch to see the latest. So sad to read almost daily reports of the destruction of cities and the killing of innocent people.

We visited Syria (Damascus, Hama and Aleppo) in august of 2009 and had a wonderful time, and the people of Syria were so friendly ..... great memories and makes these times so sad.

Our thoughts are with you, and hopefully the country will find peace in the near future.

Syrian phone number

I'm hoping someone can help me contact a friend in Aleppo. He gave me his mobile number last year but there are only 9 numbers - is this right? The number he gave looked like this: 09304****.

From Australia I have been dialling 0011 (international code) +963 (Syria) + 93304**** (I dropped the 0 at the front of his number and doubled the 3 as I do when I call another Syrian friend, and have tried different variations thereof).

I get a message in English that this number cannot be contacted and to try again.

His hotel number rings out unanswered and I really want to get in touch and see that everything is ok.

Thanks for any help I receive.

Edited by: perryale

British Embassy in Syria closed

Heard this morning, in a news item interrupting a discussion show, that the British government has closed its embassy in Syria.

Also see:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17218554

This would seem to be essential 'need to know' info. for all Brits currently in Syria or planning to visit.

Hope the info. can be added to the sticky thread at top of Syria branch.

Updates for 3rd Edition

Sorry I am sure there is a thread for this but here you go. Not sure about demand for an update with things as they are at the moment, but...based on Nov 2011 trip. At least temporarily don't try to take in any serious camera - I had issues at the border.

• Damascus citadel is not keeping regular hours - may still be open for events
• Dar al-Yasmin was down to $60 to stay and may be less now - well worth the price - also free wireless internet - fairly large and helpful staff
• George Dabdoub is an excellent shop but is now keeping reduced hours - half days
• You're better off taking a service taxi across all borders as on a bus you will have to wait for everyone to be cleared through
• If you're travelling Damascus/Aleppo fly instead of taking the train - there are reports of many stoppages and searches on the way by train as this passes through the area of Homs / Hama where...

Recent Comments on Syria

The undestand the better what's going on in the country see http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=28432