More foreign visitors are travelling to Syria than at any point in the past decade — journalists, aid workers, business travellers, tourists, and families of Syrians abroad. Renting a car is one of the most practical ways to move around, and the process is more straightforward than most first-time visitors expect. Here is the complete process, step by step.
Can foreigners rent a car in Syria?
Yes. Foreigners can rent a car in Syria by providing a valid passport, a valid driving licence, and booking details. Requirements can vary by nationality, vehicle type, and pickup location, so the practical rule is simple: confirm your documents with the rental company before you travel, not after you land.
Auris Cars serves foreign customers in English, Arabic, and Turkish, and confirms document requirements individually over WhatsApp before arrival.
What documents do you need?
For most foreign visitors, three documents cover the rental itself:
- Passport — valid for your entire stay; the rental is registered against it.
- Driving licence — your national licence; an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it is recommended, especially if your licence is not in Arabic or English.
- Booking confirmation — your reservation details from the rental company.
Separately, you need a valid Syrian visa or entry approval for the trip itself — that is an immigration matter, not a rental requirement, and rules differ by nationality. For the rental documents specifically, see our detailed guide on what documents you need to rent a car in Syria.
How do you book before you arrive?
Book online before your flight rather than searching after arrival. The sequence with Auris Cars:
- Browse the fleet page and pick a vehicle class that fits your trip.
- Select dates — rentals start from three days.
- Choose your pickup point: Damascus airport pickup or delivery to an address in Damascus.
- Confirm details over WhatsApp — documents, flight number, payment method, insurance options.
booking ahead matters in Syria more than in most countries: fleets are smaller than in mass-tourism markets, and popular classes sell out around holidays.
How do you pay, and is there a deposit?
Payment methods and deposit amounts are confirmed in writing before pickup. Auris Cars accepts cash and other agreed methods, and the deposit depends on the vehicle class. Ask for the full breakdown — daily rate, insurance, deposit, any delivery fee — in one written message before you commit. A legitimate company will provide it without hesitation.
What is driving in Syria actually like?
Expect a driving environment that rewards calm: city traffic in Damascus is dense but slow, intercity highways like the M5 are in workable condition, and checkpoints on intercity routes are routine — carry your passport and rental documents, and treat stops as normal procedure. Fuel is available in cities; plan fills before long intercity stretches. Our driving in Syria guide covers routes, fuel, and navigation in detail.
What happens if something goes wrong?
This is where the provider choice matters most. With Auris Cars you get a support line during the rental, roadside help if the car has a problem, and a replacement process handled in your language. Save the support number at pickup, and report any issue immediately rather than attempting repairs yourself.
Renting as a foreigner in Syria comes down to preparation: documents confirmed before travel, booking made in advance, terms in writing, and a company that answers after you have paid — not just before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners rent a car in Syria?
Yes. Foreigners can rent a car in Syria with a valid passport, a valid driving licence, and a confirmed booking. Requirements vary by nationality and vehicle type, so confirm your documents with the rental company over WhatsApp before travelling.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Syria?
An IDP is recommended alongside your national licence, especially if your licence is not in Arabic or English. Confirm with the rental company whether your specific licence is sufficient before you travel.
Can I rent a car in Syria without a credit card?
Yes. Payment and deposit methods are agreed in advance with Auris Cars, and cash is accepted. Request the full cost breakdown — rate, insurance, deposit — in writing before pickup.
Is there a minimum rental period for foreigners in Syria?
Auris Cars rentals start from three days for all customers. For shorter needs, a car with a private driver booked per day is usually more practical.
What should a foreigner do at checkpoints when driving in Syria?
Carry your passport and rental documents, slow down, and follow instructions calmly. Checkpoint stops on intercity routes are routine procedure. Keeping documents accessible makes stops brief.
Ready to explore? Auris provides 24/7 road assistance across all Turkish and Syrian provinces.
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