GPS, satphone and CB radio illegal in Sria?

[Ronnie79]

I'm reading on different sites that GPS and short wave radios are banned in Syria. Is this true?
Anyone got their confiscated or seen but ignored by officials?

[Richard-NL]

Hey Ronnie,

This week we were not allowed to enter Syria with a GPS. The second time we were not allowed to enter because of the laptops and camera's. It seems that this country is afraid of its own.

Be aware of troubles during the crossing. Maybe you are lucky and they let you pass. Getting a visa is not a problem at all but getting trough the police, security police and the intelligent service is the issue !!!

We had already our visa and insurance but the above called forces didn't let us enter the country.

Cheers Richard

[itchyfeet38]

Hi Ronnie,

I asked our contact in Damascus about Richard's experience. He answered that yes strictly speaking it was illegal to bring these things (I specifically mentioned GPS, CB radios, laptops and cameras) into the country but that they usually weren't so strict. He said the Dutch guys must have either aroused suspicion in some way or just been plain unlucky. It would obviously be a good idea to have these sort of items out of sight at the very least.

Itchyfeet

NB I know you will have your visas but for the benefit of others reading this he also mentioned that Dutch can still get visas at the border because there is no Syrian Embassy in Holland. The flip side being that if there is a Syrian Embassy/Consulate/some other form of representation in your country of origin you almost certainly can't get a visa at the border at the moment.

[uktosa]

Originally Posted by Richard-NL

Hey Ronnie,

This week we were not allowed to enter Syria with a GPS. The second time we were not allowed to enter because of the laptops and camera's. It seems that this country is afraid of its own.

Be aware of troubles during the crossing. Maybe you are lucky and they let you pass. Getting a visa is not a problem at all but getting trough the police, security police and the intelligent service is the issue !!!

We had already our visa and insurance but the above called forces didn't let us enter the country.

Cheers Richard

So that doesn't sound great Richard - Where are you now and what are your plans? try Again? I'm looking to do this route in a month. It's all looking a little unlikely.

Hope you've made it through.

[Richard-NL]

We are in Ankara right now, arranging some stuff. Friends of us just past the border with Syria at Kilis and went trough without any search what so ever.

In our eyes we look like normal tourist but maybe we were unlucky. W hope to try it one more time maybe.

Let our experience not stop anybody to cross Syria !!!

Cheers Richard

[itchyfeet38]

From the US Department of State website:

It is also illegal in Syria to possess specific-use electronic devices including GPS, short-wave or handheld radio equipment, or similar devices.

I can't imagine there is a formal position re laptops/cameras but there's little point arguing that - entry is at the border representative's discretion and he can turn you away based on the colour of your eyes if he wants. You are also required to declare currency over $2000 and electronic goods so the dilemma will be whether you declare computers etc or not.

[Richard-NL]

We are in Ankara right now, arranging some stuff. Friends of us just past the border with Syria at Kilis and went trough without any search what so ever.

In our eyes we look like normal tourist but maybe we were unlucky. W hope to try it one more time maybe.

Let our experience not stop anybody to cross Syria !!!

Cheers Richard

[Ronnie79]

Glad to hear that your friends managed to cross.

Put the Hawaii shirt and flip flops on and give it one more try! =)

[tweetyduck]

Just received a call back fro the syrian Embassy in the UK. They were quite upbeat about all three items, Laptop (OK), GPS (OK) and satellite Phone (not so sure). They mentioned to say you had one (Sat phone) and they would take it to the other border for collection. This doesn't give me any confidence and he was also a bit vague. He also hinted that hinding it might be best. I do stress this was a hint as nothing was said directy. He was pretty sure Laptop and GPS would be OK though.

Might be worth a call in another country to see what they say. I know Ronnie has tried in Sweden. I've tried UK. Can someone else call to see what they say ?