from Turkey into Syria

[Runner]

Hi all

Wondering about taking a diesel Land Rover from Turkey into Syria for a brief trip this summer (at the halfway point of a run from the UK via Switz, Greece. Italy) - a few questions;

1. Can someone clarify about this diesel tax? How much is it? Is it a tax on diesel VEHICLES or on the importation of diesel FUEL? Surely everyone taking a diesel 4x4 into Syria cant sit there grinning and lie that they run on petrol with huge clouds of black smoke pouring out the back of a diesel-chugging 4x4??????

2. What's the hassle at the border like? Is it a case of wait hours and get pestered for bribes (ok ok I am pessimistic - I lived in Cairo for 4 years) and are you likely to get secret police guys with Saddam moustaches (I have heard about the Mokhabarat!) insisting on searching the wagon and getting everything out of it?

3. Where's the best place to cross into Syria and back?

Cheers

Runner

[DesertSoul]

Crossed it twice, no problems whatsoever, agents nice (though I've always done it at nighttime), they don't perform a big search, it's more of a proforma check. The tax is on diesel vehicle entering the country.

[Samy]

I hear customs officer/police is not like before. They even smile and generally don't take everything outside as it used to be so. Guess you will not wait hours. May be an hour or so.
(If you wait longer than expected, you can donate 10 usd to orphans and go soon).

Best border to pass should be Reyhanli (Hatay) and Kilis. There is also Ceylanpinar and Akcakale (small ones) at Sanliurfa city Choose up to your route.

Click and see at :
Hatay (Antakya), icel, adana, Osmaniye, Mersin Road Map, Maps, Area Map, www.adiyamanli.org
Gaziantep, Kilis Road Map, Maps, Area Map, www.adiyamanli.org