Syria Booking

Key Booking/Arrangement Areas

Here’s what recent sources say as of mid-/late-2025:

Syria has introduced a new visa policy (from July 6, 2025) requiring visa fees for entry at airports and land border crossings. syriascopetravel.com+2syrianguides.com+2
An electronic visa (e-visa) system has been launched. Travelers from many countries can apply online, rather than via embassy in person. Visamundi+1
Certain nationalities are visa-free or have reduced fees; others pay depending on nationality and purpose/duration of stay. syrianguides.com+1

You will generally need a visa—arrival or prior-approval—unless your country is among those visa-exempt. syrianguides.com+1
For many, visa application is processed through licensed tour operators ahead of travel, then paid/issued upon arrival. syrianguides.com
Sometimes the e-visa processing time is fast (some reports 72 hours) but this may vary with nationality. Tourism Review+1

There are local platforms dedicated to hotel booking in Syria, e.g. SyriaBooking. On this site you can search by city, compare hotels, see guest reviews, etc. Syria Booking+2Syria Booking+2
A useful feature: many local hotels allow “pay on arrival” instead of paying in advance. This helps if credit card or online payments are unreliable. syriabookingpro.azurewebsites.net+2Syria Booking+2
Prices vary:
• Budget/simple hotels: approx US$10–25 / night Safaraq
• Mid-range: ~ US$25–50 / night Safaraq
• Luxury/4-5 star: around US$60–120 / night depending on location etc. Safaraq
In many cases, you may need to contact hotels directly (by phone or email) because many standard international booking sites may not list them or availability is limited. Reddit user reports confirm difficulty using major platforms. Reddit+1

Flights: There are some direct flights to Damascus (e.g. the route from Abu Dhabi by Air Arabia starting Oct 28, 2025). The Times of India
Airport/City transfers: There are online taxi-booking services (for example “TaxiMatcher”) that allow you to book airport taxis or city transfers in advance in many Syrian cities. TaxiMatcher
Inter-city buses and shared taxis (“service”) are common inside Syria. Tickets often can be bought directly (not always in advance); scheduling may be informal. visitdamascussyria.com

Payment / Online Booking Issues:
Many hotels or service providers might not accept international credit cards/payment systems, or online payments may fail. Cash on arrival is often safer. Reddit users report needing to pay in cash, and that online-booking platforms sometimes do not show hotel availability. Reddit+1
Availability:
Especially during peak times, many hotels may be full. Some places show “no availability” on booking-sites while direct contact reveals they have rooms. It’s good to plan ahead. Reddit+1
Exchange Rates / Fees:
Make sure you know the currency in which you’ll pay (US dollar, Syrian Pound, etc.), and whether the hotel or service charges extra for foreign payment. Some fees or visa charges may need to be paid in USD or equivalent. syriascopetravel.com+1
Documentation:
Be sure your passport is valid for the required period. Some nationalities are denied entry if passport has Israeli stamps. syrianguides.com+2GOV.UK+2
Security / Travel Advisories:
Always check current travel advisories. Even in areas that seem stable, things can change. Documentation and proof of bookings may be useful. GOV.UK+1

Use local booking platforms (like SyriaBooking) rather than always relying on big global ones.
Contact hotels directly to confirm availability; ask about payment methods, cancellation policy, and what amenities are available.
Make visa arrangements well in advance, especially if from a country with longer processing times.
Bring extra copies of booking confirmations, and carry cash in multiple currencies if possible.
Be flexible with dates / locations in case some places are full or services are disrupted.