Destinations / Syria
Driving in Syria as a visitor
Usually yes. Syria expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Syria expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 (police), 110 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in SYP. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Numerous security checkpoints. |
|---|---|
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
| Roads | Drive defensively on intercity roads. |
On the road in Syria
At the pump
Petrol (often rationed) and diesel are sold, frequently in short supply with long queues; fill up whenever possible and refuel in cities where supply and price are better, and carry cash as card payment is rarely available.
After a crash
After a crash you must stop and not move vehicles until authorities arrive; contact police (general emergency 112) and obtain an official report for any insurance or legal process, noting checkpoints and language barriers make documentation essential.
Sources: internationaldrivingpermit.org · internationaltravelpermits.com · idaservice.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Syria?
Usually yes. Syria expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Syria accept?
Syria recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Syria ask for one?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP and passport are expected where rental exists.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.