International Driving Permit Syria
Syria is a country with a rich heritage. As one of the oldest civilizations in the world, it is one of the most fascinating places in the Middle East. Now, the country devastated by this war is about to be rebuilt. The tour is open and welcomes travelers to places once the most visited country in the region. So if you’re visiting here for tourism or business, there are a few things to note about driving before packing your bags.
What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?
An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.
In comparison, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.
United Nations Convention on Road Traffic
The Convention was prepared and opened for signature by the United Nations Road Traffic Conference held in Vienna from October 7th to November 8th, 1968. The Secretary-General of the United Nations adopted it on July 27th, 1966, and May 26th, 1967, respectively, by UN Economic and Social Council Resolutions 1129 (XLI) and 1203 (XLII) 5. The conference also prepared and opened the Convention on Road Signs and Signals (see Chapter XI.B-20) and adopted the final law.
Benefits of carrying an IDP
In some countries, foreign permits are available for some time. The purpose is to promote tourism and reduce the inconvenience of tourists. However, it can be difficult for the traffic police to decipher the driver’s license driver’s information when the vehicle is stopped, as it is just an interpreter document. It can also be used anywhere as proof of identity, and this is especially useful in emergencies and traffic accidents.
Foreign companies may not want to rent a car to a foreigner without an international driver’s license. An international driver’s license is a legal document approved by the United Nations that is accepted as a valid driver’s license by most national and international car rental companies.
Driving requirements in Syria
The Arab Republic of Syria has signed the 1949 Geneva Convention, which requires that visitors hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally in Syria. It has become. Therefore, all visitors to Syria must ensure their domestic driver’s license is understandable to the foreign municipality where they plan to drive.
Get a Syrian International Driving Permit to make your trip smooth and stress-free. An IDP is a translation of a native driver’s license, allowing you to drive legally in the country. This vital document is helpful for police inspections, checkpoints, and emergencies.
The IDP is valid for one year and certifies that you have a valid driver’s license in your country of residence and the category of vehicles you are allowed to drive.
The minimum age to drive in Syria is 18. When hiring a car, the minimum age is 21, and if you are under 25, an inexperienced driver premium may apply. Also, depending on the car rental company, you must have a driver’s license for 1 to 3 years.
IDPs help ensure that all drivers who own an IDP are certified to improve road safety worldwide. IDPs are recognized worldwide and available in 10 languages to overcome the language barrier.
Similarly, Syrian citizens and residents wishing to travel abroad must apply for an IDP through the Syrian Automobile Club (SAC) or the Syrian Automobile Tourism Club / Aleppo (SATC).
How can I get a driving permit in Syria?
You can apply online through our website if you want a driving permit abroad in Syria. All you will be required is your current driver’s license, photographs, identity, and barely 20 minutes of your time. A printed IDP will arrive 2-30 days to your postal address.
Update driving documents
The IDP is not a separate document for driving in the country, so you need a valid, non-expired driver’s license that you can create on request. If your driver’s license expires abroad, you will need to renew your driver’s license to continue driving in that country. The process of renewing a license varies significantly from country to country. License renewals may include vision tests that are not available online. You must return to your country of origin to renew your license. Most governments provide expatriates with online license renewal services.
For an IDP, all you need is your current driver’s license details, photo, and a driver’s license to verify your identity. The annual IDP costs $49.
Car rental in Syria
To rent a car in Syria, the driver must be 21 years or older and have a license of at least one year. Some car rental companies require a 25-year-old driver.
All you need is a valid driver’s license, international permit, and credit card. (Some companies also accept debit cards). If you are under 25, many companies charge an additional fee, limiting the number of cars you can get, but they charge nothing more. Your rental contract covers car and third-party insurance. Still, better insurance options are often quite expensive (purchasing separately can be much cheaper, and for some credit cards) it Includes some compensation). Your health insurance is up to you, not the landlord.
Foreign drivers should stay reasonably far from other vehicles and stay vigilant. Drivers and passengers in the passenger seat must wear seat belts. Mobile phones can only be used with hands-free devices. If an accident occurs in your rental car, you must report it to the police, even if the damage is minor. The police phone number is 112.
Driving and safety
Drive on the right side of the road. Drive on the right side of the road, like in many other countries worldwide. If you’re from a country with left-hand traffic, it’s best to take some driving lessons before you get out on the road.
Legal age
The minimum driving age is 18 years, and the minimum rental age is 21 years. If you’re underage, you must be accompanied by an adult.
Seat belts
Seat belts are a must. Driver and passenger seat belts are mandatory, and children should have a safety belt or car seat for safety reasons.
Mobile phone
Hands-free is a must. Keep the phone away unless you are hands-free. Do not receive calls except in an emergency.
Respect laws
Remember that you are not allowed to play loud music while driving in a densely populated city area. Drunk driving is prohibited, and drinking is not permitted because Syria is subject to an Islamic republic. You may be fined or imprisoned if you are drunk or have alcoholic beverages.
Speed limits
Follow local speed limits in Syria to avoid accidents and car damage. The maximum speed is 40 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on highways. Watch out for traffic police. Keep your essential driving documents with you and follow all traffic laws.
Road conditions in Syria
Road conditions and traffic safety are poor nationwide. Unenforced traffic regulations and problematic roads and infrastructure make road traffic extremely dangerous. Authorities may also impose road traffic restrictions without notice, making travel slow and dangerous. Avoid driving after dark. Obstacles and checkpoints are common, such as major roads and highways in and around major cities. It is also located along Damascus’s highway with Aleppo, Jordan, and Beirut. Even if it looks unmanned, don’t try to cross obstacles.
Driving in winter
Winters in Syria are very harsh and involve long periods of snow and sub-zero temperatures. Always keep emergency equipment handy. You can go as long as you are ready. Drive on the right side of the road.
Safety tips Syria
Driving standards in Syria tend to be unpredictable, especially in cities with heavy traffic and where concepts like lane discipline do not exist. Horns are the most helpful tool in a car, as most drivers use a horn instead of a turn signal. Expect activity, cars being pushed into traffic gaps, and even cars going the wrong way at roundabouts when the right road is blocked. Non-urban streets are poorly lit, and you may encounter pedestrians, animals, and poorly lit vehicles on the road. Be especially careful when driving at night. Outside the city center, traffic is light, and roads are generally in good condition, but beware of truck drivers who may overtake blind spots and hills. It is the driver’s responsibility whenever an accident occurs between a car and a pedestrian. Because the city does not have a pedestrian crossing, you will come across pedestrian crossing techniques like the Kamikaze Special Attack Corps.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Syria
Krak des Chevaliers
Krak des Chevaliers is an impressive former Crusader castle. Not far from Homs, Clark was built in the 11th century and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most important extant medieval castles. Its location is important because, during the First Crusade, the castle overlooks the valley, which was the only route from the city of Antioch to Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea. What made this place so strategic was that there was only one route south of the city of Antioch to Beirut, Lebanon, and the Mediterranean, which passed through Homs Gap. The Krak des Chevaliers dominate the surrounding countryside and are located on a 650-meter-high hill overlooking this old highway. Kurak was a much smaller fortress initially built by the chief of Aleppo, and the greatly expanded fortress has served as an operational base in the Middle East for centuries. Built to the taste of the Master, the Krak des Chevaliers is a classic example of Gothic architecture that has been uprooted from Western Europe and inherited in the Middle East. Krak des Chevaliers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aleppo Citadel
Aleppo Citadel is a huge fortified palace in the center of the old town. The site was used as a fortress hill dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. The castle has been inhabited and refurbished several times over the years. Most recently, it was reopened to visitors in 2017 after the Battle of Aleppo during the civil war. Unfortunately, the citadel is one of Aleppo’s few attractions that survived the war. Aleppo’s Great Mosque and Souks have been destroyed. Aleppo Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Aleppo’s Old Town.
Umayyad Mosque
The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, the fourth most sacred mosque in Islam, suffered minor damage in the early days of the war but soon recovered. Almost all historic sites in the Syrian government-controlled area have survived, but some have been lightly damaged, and others have been heavily damaged by terrorist artillery and bombardment. Fortunately, almost all of Syria’s beautiful places in its government-controlled areas have been restored today, but work is underway if they haven’t been restored yet.
Palmyra
Palmyra is one of Syria’s landmarks, once a thriving city on the Silk Road and the west gateway for travelers returning from the Orient. The Palmyrene Empire spread from Turkey to Egypt. After the empire lasted 13 years, Aurelian decided to conquer it. He defeated the Palmyrene Empire and returned Zenobia to Rome. There she was accepted by society, and eventually, she became an energetic and highly regarded Roman woman. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, it has become one of Syria’s most popular tourist destinations.
Busra
One of Syria’s oldest cities is Busra, one of Syria’s most popular tourist destinations. Busra is known as one of the oldest cities in the world and was the capital of a province in ancient times. The city’s main attraction is its well-preserved archaeological sites from Roman culture. The Roman amphitheater remains completely untouched over time, detailing the genius of Roman architects. There are also many churches, mosques, monuments, and arches. In 2018, a settlement was reached between the locals and the government, the location was calm, and we could visit the area, but we stayed overnight due to a lack of accommodation for tourists. I couldn’t.
FAQs
Is it necessary to have an IDP in Syria?
One country recognizes IDPs but doesn’t recognize the U.S. license. Some countries have their licenses honored in the U.S but have to have specialized translations for local languages (e.g., Spain). The IDP may be suitable in such cases. Although the government may not require an IDP, car rental in the country, like Hertz, may need an IDP to rent an automobile. IDPs are available at a discounted price, so you avoid unnecessary expenses.
How old do you have to be to get a driver’s license in Syria?
You must be 18 to drive in Syria. If you rent a car below 25, you may be required to pay premiums. The license can take up to three years, depending on the rental company.
How do I apply for an IDP for Syria?
Apply online through our website very quickly in around 20 minutes. You need your current driver’s license, photographs, and identity for verification. A yearly IDP would cost $49.
How long will it take for me to get my IDP for Syria?
After filling in your application form online through our website, you will receive an email with your digital permit in 2 hours. Your printed IDP will arrive at your postal address in 2-30 days, depending on your region and delivery method.