Can Foreigners Drive in Syria in 2026? Licences, Documents and What to Know

If you are visiting Syria in 2026, a common first question is simple: can foreigners drive here at all, and what do you need. The short answer is yes — foreign visitors can rent and drive a car in Syria with the right documents. This guide explains what to carry and how it works in practice.

Can foreigners legally drive in Syria?

Yes. Foreign visitors can drive in Syria using a valid foreign driving licence. For short visits, a national licence is generally accepted. If your licence is not printed in Latin script, carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national licence removes any doubt at checkpoints and during a rental handover. The IDP is a translation of your licence, not a replacement, so always carry both.

Documents to carry

The essentials

• A valid passport, with any entry documents you were told to bring
• Your national driving licence, held and valid for the rental period
• An International Driving Permit if your licence is not in Latin script
• The rental documents for the vehicle, kept accessible in the car
• Some cash, as card payment is not available everywhere

The booking should be in the main driver name, and the driver should meet the minimum rental age.

Renting as a foreigner

To rent a car in Syria as a visitor, the practical route is Damascus. Auris coverage is centred on Damascus and Damascus International Airport, with pickup in the city and, when the service is available, at the airport. You can check live availability through the website search or send your dates and pickup point to the Auris support team on WhatsApp for a direct answer.

Auris does not take online card payment — the team confirms your reservation manually, so a real person checks the details with you before anything is final, and there are no fixed online prices because rates depend on your dates and plan.

Checkpoints and driving culture

You may pass through checkpoints when driving in and around Syrian cities. Slow down on approach, keep your passport and licence ready, have the rental documents accessible, and stay calm and polite. Avoid photographing checkpoints. Damascus traffic is busiest in the morning and late afternoon, lanes are loosely observed, and motorcycles and microbuses move unpredictably — a calm, defensive style is the right approach. For a fuller picture, read the driving in Syria guide.

When a driver makes more sense

If it is your first time in Syria, you are travelling for business, or you simply prefer not to handle checkpoints, parking and directions yourself, a car with a driver is often the easier choice. Auris offers both self-drive and a private driver in Damascus, so you can pick what fits your trip.

Not sure which suits you? Send your plan to the Auris support team and rent a car in Syria with the details confirmed up front.