Syria customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Syria's customs regime is defined less by duty-free allowances than by what you cannot bring in at all: any Israeli-linked item, pork, drones, satellite phones, and material critical of the government. Expect bag-by-bag inspection, a single inspection line rather than red/green channels, and strict currency controls. Declare everything and keep every receipt — undeclared items can mean confiscation, fines, or detention.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of alcoholic beverages (spirits or wine) per adult non-Muslim non-resident. Must be 18+. Alcohol is legal for non-Muslims but import is tightly controlled; public consumption outside licensed venues is prohibited.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount of foreign currency over USD 10,000 (or equivalent in Syrian pounds, approx. SYP 130,000,000 at the 2026 parallel rate) must be declared on arrival using the customs declaration form. There is no duty-free cash allowance — it is a reporting threshold, not a permit.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (approx. SYP 10,400,000 at the 2026 parallel rate) are duty-free. Above that, customs applies a flat 30% duty plus 10% surcharge on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and any illegal drugs (including cannabis, even for medical use)
  • Any goods originating from or bearing Israeli labels or symbols
  • Pork and pork products
  • Satellite phones and encrypted communication devices (without prior security clearance)
  • Drones and remote-controlled aircraft
  • Counterfeit currency or forged documents

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Personal medications (prescription required, 30-day limit)
  • Laptops, cameras, and professional broadcasting equipment (must be declared; may be held until departure)
  • Books, magazines, and media that criticise the Syrian government or religion
  • Currency over USD 10,000 (must be declared)
  • Antiques and cultural artefacts (export permit required)

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Damascus International Airport and land borders you fill out a customs declaration card before reaching the hall. There is no red/green channel system — all arriving passengers pass through a single inspection line where officers decide who to search. If you have nothing to declare, keep the card and your receipts handy; if you do, declare it verbally and be ready to pay duty on the spot in USD or SYP.

Bringing medication

Bring only personal-use quantities (max 30-day supply) in original packaging with a doctor's prescription. Codeine, tramadol, pseudoephedrine, and most psychiatric drugs are controlled or banned — they will be confiscated and can lead to detention. Declare all medications on arrival.

Food, plants & animal products

All fresh food, meat, dairy, seeds, and plants are prohibited without a prior import permit from the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture. Canned or packaged food for personal use is usually allowed in small quantities but must be declared. Anything containing pork is banned outright.

Rules worth knowing

Currency exchange is illegal outside banks

You must exchange money at an official bank or licensed exchange office. Using the black market can get you arrested. Keep all exchange receipts — customs may ask to see them when you leave.

Israeli stamps or goods are a red line

Any item with an Israeli connection — a stamp in your passport, a product made in Israel, even a Hebrew-language book — will be confiscated and can lead to refusal of entry. Check your passport and bags before you fly.

Electronics are logged on arrival

Laptops, cameras, and phones are recorded on your declaration card. You must show the same items when departing, or pay duty on the missing ones. Do not sell or leave them behind.

Alcohol is legal but restricted

Non-Muslim foreigners can bring 1 litre of alcohol, but public consumption and buying alcohol outside licensed hotels is illegal. Do not carry bottles openly in the street.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only a 30-day personal supply in original packaging with a prescription. Codeine, tramadol, and most psychiatric drugs are banned — they will be seized and you may be detained. Declare everything on arrival.
Yes. All electronics are listed on your customs declaration card. You must present the same items when you leave, or pay duty on them. Keep the card safe.
The excess is confiscated and you may be fined. There is no option to pay duty on excess alcohol — it is simply seized.
No. Syria uses a single inspection line for all passengers. Officers select who to search. If you have nothing to declare, you still fill out the declaration card and may be waved through.
Fresh food, meat, dairy, seeds, and plants are banned without a permit. Packaged snacks and canned goods for personal use are usually allowed in small amounts but must be declared. Pork is completely banned.
You must declare any amount over USD 10,000 (or equivalent in Syrian pounds). There is no limit, but undeclared cash is confiscated and you can be fined or detained.
Yes — narcotics, pork products, Israeli goods, satellite phones, drones, and any material critical of the Syrian government. Possession can lead to arrest.

Official source

Syrian Customs Directorate (General Commission for Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Syrian Customs Directorate (General Commission for Customs) before travelling.