SYRIA AND CARNETS
 

Hi, need some info on the above, I'm planning a trip to Turkey in September 2004 and would like to blast down to Damascus for two days then scarper back into Turkey, just for the tick you understand. I don't really want to go to all the hassle of a carnet just for a two day excursion into Syria. Is it possible to do Syria without the carnet? has anyone done it?

Officially you do need a carnet for Syria, but I've read accounts from people who've got in without one. I've also read some accounts of Syrian customs rejecting valid carnets and making people pay for a temporary import licence. It really depends on which border crossing you use and the mood of the customs officer on the day, so you could probably bluff your way in.
One thing you should be aware of is that it costs about 40USD (insurance, import tax, etc) to get into Syria, plus the cost of a visa, so it's not particularly cheap for a 2 day dash.
If you've got the time, it's worth heading into Jordan too (no carnet required) - Petra and Wadi Rum are worth seeing and only a day's ride from Damascus.

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no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org

I rode in Syria two times, and both I had a carnet. Nevertheless I heard from the majority of travellers that the carnet is not required. It's enough to pay a tax for temporary importation of the bike at the custom.

Check at the Syirian embassy, but in any case, if you're already in Turkey, I think it worth riding to the custom and just trying.

Finally, i found Aleppo even better than Damascus (and very close to the Turkish border). If you have one more day you can't miss Palmyra.

Pietro

Thanks for the information gents, I will probably give it go without a carnet.


Pete K

Hi Pete,

Just crossed into Syria from Turkey at Kilis/ Azaz. They were all friendly. They told me it would cost $70 dollars without a carnet and $30 with. I had a carnet and it came to $32 for a month insurance plus paperwork.

Cheers George

hello george,
we are currently in amman chucking in a new camshaft etc. planning to go to beirut for a beer afterwards in the next couple of days if you are about.
dave

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George, thanks for that info, I want to be where you are.

Regards

Pete K

Dave and Sam , good to read you made it till aman. This is Mauro the AT guy in Addis.
I read here at HU that some people had problems crossing from Egypt to Jordan, due to NEW BIKE regulation in Jordan .. did you have any problems ?? And where did you cross ??
Thanks for the info, and i am planning to leave Addis on the 20th of June ....
Cheers and all the best.
Mauro