Syria customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Syria's 2026 duty-free allowance for arriving adult travelers is SYP 3,000,000 (approx. USD 800) for personal goods. Cash amounts exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Alcohol and tobacco allowances are strictly limited, and many items are prohibited or require a permit.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Traveler must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the customs arrival form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to SYP 3,000,000 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duty and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis and hashish)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with special permit from Ministry of Interior)
  • Pornographic materials (including printed, digital, or video)
  • Goods originating from Israel or bearing Israeli labels
  • Counterfeit currency and goods infringing intellectual property rights
  • Live animals (except with import permit and quarantine certificate)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines: Prescription drugs for personal use require a doctor's prescription and must be in original packaging; quantities exceeding 3 months' supply need prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters: Require a permit from the Ministry of Communications and Technology.
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles: Require prior approval from the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products: Require a phytosanitary certificate and permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques: Export requires a permit from the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums.

Rules worth knowing

Currency Import and Export

Import of Syrian pounds is prohibited. Foreign currency can be imported freely but amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival minus any exchanged amount. Export of Syrian pounds is strictly forbidden.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Foreign-registered vehicles can be brought in for up to 3 months with a carnet de passage or a bank guarantee. Overstaying results in fines and possible seizure.

Gifts and Commercial Samples

Commercial samples and gifts intended for business purposes are not covered by the duty-free personal allowance and require a commercial invoice and customs broker.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. You must be at least 18 years old.
You can bring 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. These allowances are not combined.
Yes, any amount exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared on the customs form. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation and penalties.
Yes, for personal use with a doctor's prescription and original packaging. Quantities over a 3-month supply require prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
Drones require prior approval from the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority. Unauthorized drones may be confiscated and you could face legal action.
Narcotics, firearms and ammunition without a permit, pornographic materials, goods from Israel, counterfeit currency, and live animals without proper permits are all prohibited.

Official source

Syrian Customs Authority (General Directorate of Customs)

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