Syria customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Syria's customs environment is heavily influenced by ongoing sanctions and conflict. The biggest risk for travelers is failing to declare cash over 10,000 USD, which can lead to seizure and fines. Import of Israeli goods is absolutely prohibited.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value up to 200,000 SYP (~40 USD).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare any amount over 10,000 USD (or equivalent in SYP or other currencies) on the customs declaration form. The equivalent in Syrian pounds is approximately 13,000,000 SYP (based on official rate). Failure to declare risks seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 800 USD (or 4,000,000 SYP). Items above this value are subject to 30-60% duty depending on category.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Israeli goods or any items bearing Israeli logos or markings
  • Pornographic materials (including magazines, videos, and digital media)
  • Weapons, explosives, and ammunition (unless with special permit from Ministry of Interior)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous chemicals
  • Counterfeit currency and goods infringing intellectual property rights

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval from Ministry of Health)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require permit from Ministry of Transport)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require license from Syrian Telecommunications Authority)
  • Antiques and archaeological items (require export permit from Directorate of Antiquities)
  • Large quantities of commercial goods (require import license and customs broker)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival, all passengers receive a customs declaration card. Fill it out truthfully. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the green channel. If you have goods exceeding the allowance or restricted items, use the red channel. Random inspections are common.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a doctor's prescription. Narcotics, psychotropics, and certain painkillers (e.g., codeine, tramadol) are strictly banned. Bring only original packaging and a letter from your doctor.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Dried and packaged foods are allowed in small quantities for personal use.

Rules worth knowing

Currency Restrictions

Import and export of Syrian pounds is limited to 5,000 SYP per person. Foreign currency over 10,000 USD must be declared. Exchange only at licensed banks or exchange offices.

Sanctions Compliance

Travellers from countries under US/EU sanctions (e.g., Iran, North Korea) may face additional scrutiny. Transactions involving sanctioned entities are prohibited.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Foreign-registered vehicles can be imported temporarily for up to 3 months with a carnet de passage. Overstaying results in heavy fines and possible seizure.

Gifts and Samples

Commercial samples and gifts valued over 800 USD are subject to duty. Gifts must be for personal use and not for resale.

Frequently asked questions

Drones are restricted. You need a permit from the Ministry of Transport and must register with the Civil Aviation Authority. Unauthorized drones may be confiscated and you could face legal action.
Yes, but you must declare any amount over 10,000 USD. Use only crisp, new bills as older or damaged notes may be rejected by banks. Keep your declaration receipt.
No. Tramadol and codeine are classified as controlled substances in Syria and are banned. Bring only medications that are not on the narcotics list, with a doctor's prescription.
If customs finds undeclared cash over 10,000 USD, they can seize the entire amount and impose a fine of up to 25% of the value. You may also face questioning.
Personal electronics for your own use are generally allowed duty-free. However, multiple units of the same item (e.g., 3 laptops) may be considered commercial and subject to duty.
You can bring small quantities of packaged, non-perishable food for personal use. Fresh produce, meat, and dairy are prohibited. Dried fruits and nuts are usually fine.
Most nationalities require a visa obtained in advance from a Syrian embassy. Visa on arrival is available only for citizens of certain countries. Check with the nearest Syrian embassy before travel.

Official source

Syrian Customs Authority (Directorate of Customs)

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