Destinations / Syria
Driving in Syria as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Syria drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though travel conditions mean most visitors rely on arranged drivers.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Syria expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Syria drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though travel conditions mean most visitors rely on arranged drivers.
Which translation format is used for Syria?
Syria uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Syria ask for a translation?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP and passport are expected where rental exists.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Syria?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Middle East
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.