WHEN TO TRAVEL to Syria

Location

Climate

Low and high season periods

Before looking at cultural events and public holidays in Syria, it's essential to know the country's low and high season. This will influence not only the cost of your trip, but also the number of visitors and the availability of accommodation.

Low season (November to February)

The low season in Syria generally runs from November to February. During this period, the climate is cooler and temperatures can drop to 0°C in some areas. It's not uncommon to see snow in the mountains, making certain tourist sites less accessible. However, this period offers the advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds at tourist attractions.

High season (March to October)

The high season in Syria runs from March to October. Temperatures are milder and the climate is generally sunny, with summer temperatures reaching 40°C in some areas. Tourist sites are busier during this period, especially in the summer months (June to August), when the heat can be overwhelming for some travelers.

Major cultural events in Syria

Syria has a rich cultural tradition and organizes many events throughout the year. Here are just a few of the major events worth visiting:

1. Damascus International Film Festival The "CINEMA FESTIVAL": usually held in October, this festival attracts filmmakers and film buffs from all over the world to celebrate the seventh art.
2. Flower Festival Every year in May in Lattakia, this celebration marks the arrival of spring and offers a variety of activities for young and old.
3. Aleppo Music Festival Held usually in September, this festival brings together local and international musicians to offer concerts in various venues around the city.
4. Arab Theatre Festival Arab Theatrical Festival: held every two years in Homs, this event showcases Arab theatrical talent through performances, workshops and conferences.

Public holidays in Syria

In addition to cultural events, it's important to take public holidays into account when planning your trip to Syria. Some tourist sites and businesses may be closed on these dates.

• January 1st : New Year
• March 8 Revolution Day
• April 17 Independence Day
• May 1st Labour Day
• October 6 Golan Heights Liberation Day
• December 25 Christmas (for Christians)

In addition to these fixed public holidays, there are Muslim religious festivals whose dates vary according to the lunar calendar. These include

• Eid el-Fitr Ramadan: marking the end of Ramadan, this festival usually lasts three days and is a time for family celebrations and festivities.
• Eid el-Adha Feast of the Sacrifice: also known as the "Feast of the Sacrifice", it commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham and takes place around two months after Eid el-Fitr.
• Al-Arbaïn gathering This Shiite religious event takes place 40 days after Ashura and attracts large numbers of pilgrims to the town of Sayyidah Zaynab, near Damascus.

Different types of visa in Syria

In Syria, there are several types of visa allowing foreigners to enter and stay in the country. Here are some of the most common visas:

• Tourist visa : for foreigners wishing to visit the country for a short time.
• Business visa: granted to people wishing to carry out commercial or professional activities in Syria.
• Study visa : awarded to international students pursuing their studies in the country.
• Family visa : granted to family members of a Syrian citizen or legal foreign resident.
• Work visa: issued to foreign workers hired by an employer in Syria.

Most popular visas in Syria

Due to the current security and political situation in Syria, visa applications have dropped considerably in recent years. However, certain types of visa remain popular. These include:

Asylum and humanitarian visas

One of the major aspects of immigration to Syria is the migration crisisThis has led to a significant increase in the number of international refugees seeking to flee the conflict. According to available data, it is estimated that around half of the Syrian population has been displaced since the start of the war in 2011, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries or Europe. As a result, humanitarian visas and asylum applications are among the most frequently filed by Syrian nationals. However, it should be noted that Syria does not grant refugee status to people fleeing conflict zones inside the country, which limits the options for those seeking protection.

Family visas

Family visas are also very much in demand in Syria, particularly for family reunification purposes. Many Syrians who have managed to find refuge in another country are seeking to bring their families to live with them. As a result, family visa applications account for a significant proportion of visas issued by Syrian embassies and consulates abroad.

Key figures on immigration to Syria

Here are some key figures on immigration to Syria:

• Over 5.6 million Syrian refugees are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
• Some 6.1 million people are displaced within Syria, bringing the total number of uprooted people to over 11.7 million.
• Turkey currently hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees, around 3.6 million people.

International tourism in Syria: current situation

Before the outbreak of civil war in 2011, Syria was a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of foreign visitors every year. However, since the start of the conflict, the tourism sector has been severely affected, with a drastic drop in the number of international tourists visiting the country. Nevertheless, in recent years, there has been a slight increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting certain regions of Syria, particularly those under government control and considered safer. However, the number of international tourists is still well below pre-war levels.