Practical information
Visas, border crossings, cash, SIM cards, getting between cities — where the plan is built.
145 Practical
Day trips from Hama
Apamea and Shayzar, Abu Qubays and Mhardeh to the west, Masyaf in the hills, Qasr Ibn Wardan in the steppe. How long each takes, finding a car, what to watch for.
Getting Around Damascus
Damascus minibus and bus routes, the Baramkeh and Thawra Bridge interchanges, a fare that changed four times since late 2025, and where electric buses stand.
Day trips from Homs
Krak des Chevaliers and Lake Qattinah, the villages of Wadi al-Nasara, Qatna and Kadesh, the Orontes to Hama. How long each takes, finding a car, and when not to go.
Damascus intercity bus stations: where to catch a bus to each city
Intercity buses from Damascus leave from four official terminals, and two old garages moved in 2026. Which stations are current, how to cross town, and fares.
How to get to Qamishli and Hasakah: airport status and the road east
Qamishli airport is not yet open to flights in September 2026; the nearest scheduled landing is Deir ez-Zor. Buses from Damascus run via Deir ez-Zor to Hasakah.
Festivals and fairs in Syria: the yearly calendar
The book fair in February, the Damascus International Fair in late August, heritage week and theatre festivals in between. When they ran in 2026 and where to look.
Where to stay in Latakia: the city centre or the Blue Beach strip
Latakia’s hotels are central, a walk from the bus garage and the museum; the Blue Beach strip to the north is chalet country and needs a car. Two options, no names.
Which apps work in Syria: VPNs, Google Play and geo-blocks
Google Play has worked without a VPN since January 2026 and Gemini since September, but blocks still vary by service and connection. What to install before you go.
How to get to Latakia: flights, buses and the Kessab crossing
Latakia’s airport is still closed to civilian flights. Come by bus from Damascus or Homs, or via the Kessab crossing from Turkey, and check the M4 closure first.
Dog bites and rabies shots in Syria: what to do and where to go
Wash a bite or scratch with soap and water for 15 minutes and get seen the same day. Rabies vaccine and serum are free at approved centres; what each wound needs.
How to get to Raqqa and Tabqa: roads, bridges and the 2026 situation
There are no flights to Raqqa or Tabqa; the nearest scheduled airports are Aleppo and Deir ez-Zor. The Aleppo road was cleared in 2026, and a key bridge reopened.
Travelling in Syria in bad weather: floods, storms and snow
In winter 2026 floods cut the old Damascus–Homs road and roads near Qusayr, and the Semalka bridge collapsed. Which roads close when, where to check, what to do.
