Update! Experience Crossing the Border into Syria (Visas for Canadians)

Just wanted to give all the Canadians out there our experience crossing the border from Lebanon to Syria at the beginning of August 2010 since I know like others, your biggest worry is simply 'will I get a visa on arrival crossing the border into Syria."

So our original plan was to go from Egypt, fly to Lebanon and then hope we would get in Syria.. Thankfully everything went as planned. First we flew from Alexandria to Beirut (around $100 with airarabia as opposed to most other airlines which we charging around $230) and went around Lebanon (really would recommend going to becharre for a hike, its amazing and beautiful) eventually staying in Tripoli for the night (stayed at Pension Hadad for $10 a night, just around the corner from Hotel Khora) for the purpose of crossing the border there.

The next day we took a service taxi (around the clocktower) for 15 000 Lebanese pounds headed towards Tartus in Syria. Our taxi driver seemed to be in a huge rush at immigration, taking our papers and pushing his way to the officials. Thankfully since all the signs were in Arabic and we spoke and read very little, this really helped us in the end, since it could get a little confusing otherwise. First we went to the table near the door for our arrival forms, then were shepherded outside, and to a building (that was connected, just through a different door) further down where we then went into a small office and were then directed to pay $56 US dollars for our visas. After this we went back into the main building, went to the immigration officers who then went through our documents and then proceeded to stamp them. We were in!

This was really a great relief for all of us. I really was expecting either to not get the visa at all and be refused or at the minimum, been harrassed by the immigration officials for not getting a visa beforehand and then forced to wait hours upon hours to find out if we would actually get one or not. Thankfully none of that happened. Not only did they not ask us any questions, they didn't yell at us and best of all this was all completed within 45 minutes!

While Americans unfortunately don't seem to be able to get a VOA still, apparently its still cool for Canadians to, at least at the border between Tripoli in Lebanon and Syria (although on LPs website it mentions theres an agreement in place between the two countries that as an exception to the rule, would allow you to get a VOA)

Just wanted to relay our story for all the other confused Canadians worrying about whether they'll be able to get a VOA or not.

Josh

Good info, thanks for taking the time to post it.

thanks for your post!

I have been searching for any recent updates for border crossings from Lebanon to Syria and the success of canadians. I will be trying in in November for my Eid break. Getting the visa here in Egypt seems next to impossible...so fingers crossed....

Thanks again for giving the rest of us hope!