Planning a Trip to Damascus: Best Time to Visit, Entry Requirements and Tips for a Family Holiday in Syria

The capital lies at an altitude of around 680 metres on the edge of the Ghouta Plain. The Old City, home to the Umayyad Mosque, Suq al-Hamidiyya and the ‘Straight Street’, is a dense network of alleyways, workshops and courtyards. Bab Touma and Bab Sharqi are known for their churches, cafés and guesthouses; Malki and Abu Rummaneh are regarded as modern residential and shopping districts. The reality of daily life has changed several times in recent years – much works well, whilst some things are less reliable. That is precisely why up-to-date information is worth its weight in gold: your local family is the best source for assessing the situation in your own neighbourhood.
In public spaces, respect and discretion are good guidelines to follow. Grand gestures are rarely as important as small acts of courtesy – a ‘Marhaba’, a thank you, an open yet quiet manner of conversation. If you bear this in mind, you will find that, despite all the challenges, Damascus exudes warmth and familiarity for family visits.

The travel advisory issued by many foreign ministries regarding Syria remains in force for large parts of the country. This may affect insurance cover, transport routes and the availability of flights. Even within the city, roadblocks, checkpoints or last-minute changes to itineraries may occur. You should therefore allow for extra time, keep important documents to hand at all times and arrange transfers in advance where possible.
Offline maps, the number of a reliable driver from your family, and the rule not to photograph sensitive buildings or checkpoints are all useful. If you’re unsure, ask your relatives – they usually know best what’s currently possible on the ground.
Three key points will help you to realistically assess the situation before and during your trip:

• Check official travel advice regularly
  Not just once before booking, but also shortly before departure – the situation can change at short notice.
• Use your family as an early warning system
  A quick phone call before you set off will tell you more about the current situation in your destination neighbourhood than any official report.
• Allow for flexibility
  Re-bookable tickets and generous buffer times take the pressure off in the event of last-minute changes.

Damascus has a predominantly continental, dry climate: hot summers, cool winters, with short transitional periods in between. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to mid-November) are considered the most pleasant times of year for exploring the Old City, sitting in the courtyard with family and planning short trips. During these periods, the weather in Damascus is often at its mildest – ideal for hours of conversation over sweet tea and for relaxed walks around the city.
In summer, temperatures regularly rise above 35 °C, sometimes significantly higher. Winter can be surprisingly cool and wet, with rain and occasional frost at night. Anyone planning a holiday in Syria to stay with family should check the Damascus weather carefully in advance and plan their travel dates accordingly. People who are sensitive to the heat usually feel more comfortable in spring or autumn.

A concise overview will help you better gauge the temperature range. The figures are approximate – the local weather in Damascus can vary from year to year.

• Spring (March–May)
  Mild to warm, often 18–28 °C, with occasional showers. Ideal for strolling around the city and short excursions.
• Summer (June–September)
  Hot and dry, 32–40 °C and above. It’s best to plan activities for the early morning or late evening.
• Autumn (October–mid-November)
  Pleasant, starting at 20–28 °C, becoming cooler later on. Good light conditions for photos.
• Winter (mid-November–February)
  Cooler and damp, 5–15 °C, sometimes lower at night. Indoor spaces can be chilly – bring warm clothing.

Pack using the ‘layering’ principle: light, breathable clothing for the day, a warm layer for evenings and indoors during the winter months. A scarf is versatile – for sun protection, on draughty buses or in religious sites. Modest clothing is appreciated in Damascus, particularly when visiting families and in traditional neighbourhoods.
Essentials include comfortable shoes for cobbled streets, a sun hat, sun cream and a refillable water bottle. Handy to have: a multi-socket adapter with an EU plug and a universal adapter, as sockets and electricity supply can vary. You can find all the details on free allowance and additional luggage at Luggage.
These extras are often forgotten, but are just as important:

• Copies of important documents, stored separately from the originals
• First-aid kit with your usual medicines
• Power bank for when you’re out and about
• Lightweight rain jacket for the transitional periods in autumn and winter

Religious holidays such as Ramadan and Eid shape daily life: opening hours change, and the city comes alive in the evenings. Ask your family if there are any festivals or weddings coming up during your stay – these are often the most memorable moments of a holiday in Syria. Expect heavier traffic on public holidays and allow plenty of time for transfers.
Fancy some more tips on climate and the best times to travel? Have a browse through the LEAV blog – for example, on autumn getaways or winter destinations.
Compare connections, prices and dates on LEAV now and find the right time slot for your family visit.

A visa is required to enter Syria. The specific documents required in each individual case, the processing time and the rules applicable to your nationality are determined solely by the relevant Syrian diplomatic mission abroad. Clarify this early on – ideally before you make any firm travel plans.
Please also note: Many countries issue travel advisories for Syria. This has implications for insurance cover – exclusions for crisis and war zones are common – and may limit access to consular services. A structured travel checklist will help you ensure you don’t forget anything before you set off.
For flights outside the Schengen Area, you are personally responsible for checking the entry requirements – including your passport (note the minimum validity period), visa, proof of a confirmed onward or return flight ticket, and any other requirements. We cannot provide binding information on passport and visa matters. Please contact the relevant embassy for this.

So that you know who to ask and when, here is a clear breakdown. LEAV is your airline – we’re here to help with everything to do with your flight, fare and luggage. However, everything to do with your entry into Syria is decided exclusively by the Syrian authorities. This distinction may sound matter-of-fact, but it could save you weeks of hassle in case of doubt.

• At LEAV
  Flight booking, fare selection, seat reservation, free baggage allowance and excess baggage, online check-in, rebooking and flight status. You can find all the details in the travel information.
• At the relevant Syrian diplomatic mission
  Visas, application documents, processing times and all special cases – such as dual nationality or when minors are travelling.
• At the Foreign Office of your country of residence
  Travel and safety advice, travel warnings and consular assistance whilst abroad.
• With your insurance provider
  Validity of the policy in countries subject to travel warnings and cover for services such as medical repatriation.

The diplomatic mission will tell you which documents you need. How you organise them whilst travelling, however, is simply a matter of experience – and saves you time and hassle at the airport.
A small folder containing copies of the most important documents, stored separately from the originals, plus digital copies of the same documents on your mobile phone, has proven to be a good idea. Also, print out the most important phone numbers, as mobile internet isn’t reliable everywhere in Syria. Make sure your name is spelt consistently across all documents – this will save you from having to clarify anything.

• Copies of travel documents, stored separately from the originals
• The same documents also saved digitally on your mobile
• A printed list of telephone numbers in case there’s no mobile signal
• Proof of insurance and booking confirmation to hand

Before you set off, check whether your health or travel insurance is valid in countries subject to travel advisories. Many policies exclude such destinations or require special rates. Also clarify which benefits (e.g. medical repatriation) are covered. If you’re holidaying with family in Syria, it’s also advisable to draw up a realistic emergency plan with your relatives.
Due to sanctions, international credit cards often do not work. Take sufficient cash in a widely used currency with you and exchange it locally in consultation with your family. Local SIM cards or eSIM solutions are handy for communication; ask which provider has the best coverage in your neighbourhood. Use messaging apps with an offline function and download maps in advance.
Before taking out insurance, it’s worth taking a close look:

• Check the policy’s validity for crisis and war zones
• Clarify the scope of cover for medical repatriation
• Agree on emergency contacts with your family there
• Keep your insurance certificate to hand, both digitally and as a printed copy

Fares, baggage rules and check-in: You can find all the information about your LEAV flight in the travel information.

Travelling to Damascus is now much easier to plan than it was a while ago: LEAV operates seasonal direct flights to Damascus International Airport. This means that for many family visits, there’s no need to take a detour via another hub. As flight schedules in the region may still change at short notice, please do check the LEAV flight search on a daily basis to ensure your flight is going ahead as planned. If you have any questions about your specific booking, the LEAV Service Centre will be happy to help – and please coordinate closely with your family.
If the seasonal LEAV service does not fit in with your travel dates, Beirut is a nearby alternative: LEAV also flies you there, from where you can continue your journey to Damascus by ground transport. Whether this is advisable depends heavily on the security situation and border formalities. Be sure to coordinate the route with your relatives and the relevant authorities, and allow for a few spare days.

In the city, many people get around by taxi or using ride-hailing services, which are organised by phone. Have your destinations ready in Arabic or ask your family to tell the driver where you’re going. Patience is required during rush hour; allow extra time for journeys to the Old City, especially when prayer times, school finishing times or the evening rush hour coincide.
Damascus is best enjoyed on foot – especially in the historic quarters. Watch out for uneven pavements and take a small bottle of water with you. For longer distances, a combination of walking and a taxi is practical and inexpensive.
Discover LEAV direct flights to Damascus now and plan your family visit with ease.

A holiday in Syria with family is more than just sightseeing. Coffee in the courtyard in the morning, a stroll through the souk in the afternoon, mezze with all the generations in the evening – that’s what a typical day feels like. The Old City invites you to simply go with the flow: spice stalls, craft shops, old caravanserais, the smell of freshly roasted nuts.
At the same time, consideration is key. Dress modestly and conservatively, and appropriately at religious sites – your host family will be happy to advise you. Always ask permission before taking photos of people, and avoid photographing checkpoints or military infrastructure. Small, respectful gestures open doors – quite literally.

Small gifts are well received. Bear in mind that sensitive electronic devices or certain products may be subject to export and import regulations – if in doubt, it’s best to ask. You’ll often be expected to take your shoes off when entering a home; ask if you’re unsure. At the table, the rule is: trying a dish is a compliment, and second helpings are readily offered – politely let them know when you’ve had enough.
In conversation, family, food, local history or football are safe topics. Political issues are viewed very differently in Syria; it’s best to exercise caution here. If you’re open and respectful, you’ll find people are very open in return.
Popular small gifts:

• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Coffee or espresso
• A fragrance or perfume
• Something useful for the home

For a few relaxing hours, there are a few classic spots that you can easily combine with family time. Plan short trips so that there’s plenty of time for visits and shared meals. Ask your family what’s currently safe to visit.

• Umayyad Mosque
  A spiritual centre with impressive architecture. Mind your dress and maintain a quiet atmosphere.
• Suq al-Hamidiyya and the Citadel
  Stroll, look around, sample the local fare – a window into the urban heart of the city.
• Via Recta (Straight Street) and Bab Touma
  Alleyways, cafés, churches – ideal for a relaxing afternoon.
• Trips to the surrounding area
  Places such as Maaloula are historically significant, but should only be visited with an up-to-date assessment of the situation and a local guide.

Mezze, kibbeh, fatteh, grilled skewers: the cuisine in Damascus is heart-warming. Try fresh mutabbal, tabbouleh and falafel from small shops recommended by your family. Sweets such as baklava or barazek (sesame biscuits) are popular souvenirs to take home.
Here’s how to bring sweets home in one piece:

• Buy fresh from a reputable patisserie
• Pack them cleanly and in leak-proof packaging
• Check your home country’s quantity limits in advance
• Transport them in a cool place, away from direct light

With the seasonal direct flight, travelling to Damascus is now much easier to plan, although it still depends on the situation on the day. LEAV helps you keep track of everything: the latest flight search results, suitable travel times and – if necessary – the alternative route via Beirut. Compare your options directly in the LEAV flight search so that you remain flexible should your plans need to change.
Transparency is key for your holiday in Syria: before booking, check the travel advisory for Syria and clarify visa and insurance requirements with the relevant authorities. On the LEAV blog, you’ll also find travel ideas, practical checklists and updates on flight destinations. Start your research now at your own pace – and stay up to date with the LEAV newsletter and social media channels.
Discover all of LEAV’s destinations and find the right route for your next family visit.