Syria has begun granting visas again for US citizens, after a period of difficult travel conditions to the country for Americans. 

Syria closed to tourists when the COVID pandemic initially struck 2 years ago and gradually reintroduced visas for visitors from certain destinations – including the UK and EU. 

However, restrictions remained in place for US citizens, with no visas being issued, until last month.  

The country has now relaxed its US ruling and it means Americans can now join us on our fixed date group adventure in September to Syria, as well as private trips at any time of the year. 

We fly into the Lebanese capital Beirut and drive the short route through the Lebanese hills to the Syrian capital, Damascus. 

We also visit Aleppo, the UNESCO World Heritage site at Palmyra, the towns of Homs and Maaloula and Krak des Chevaliers fortress, among other fascinating sites.  

Founder of Untamed Borders, James Willcox, says “The Syrian news is another welcome development as the final few countries reopen to tourists post-COVID – over the last few months China has joined the reopening list too.

We're also delighted to be able to run private trips to Turkmenistan and Eritrea again after both countries dropped COVID related tourist restrictions over recent months. 

All of the destinations Untamed Borders serve are now welcoming tourists again, with North Korea the only nation still refusing tourists internationally.”  

The Syrian visa process involves a pre-authorisation stage, which Untamed Borders can help facilitate before your trip - you can then pick up the hard copy of the visa on arrival at the Syrian border.  

We recommend guests book at least 8 weeks in advance to allow time for the pre-authorization process. 

For more information about our trips to Syria and on the visa process please contact us at – press@untamedborders.com 

You can see the full itinerary for September's trip to Syria on our website:  

https://untamedborders.com/itinerary/syria/#tab02  

Photo – Martin Poirier  

Extra information for editors:  

To request more information, images or interviews with Untamed Borders founder, James Willcox, please contact our PR and Marketing coordinator, David Harrison - press@untamedborders.com 

Company summary:

Founded in 2007, adventure travel company Untamed Borders runs bespoke trips and small group adventures to some of the world's most interesting and inaccessible places. Specialising in trips to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Middle East, East Africa, former Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus, Untamed Borders takes over 250 guests a year to unusual and largely unvisited areas of the world.   

Originally formed by professional fixers supporting journalists wanting to access difficult areas of the world, Untamed Borders still also serves media professionals today. Travelling in small groups and using local guides, the Untamed Borders mission is to add positive benefit to the countries it visits.