Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Middle East
Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Jul 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 12
Syria update July 2nd 2011

Hi just came thru Syria into Turkey yesterday having passed thru a week ago into Jordan. No problems but heavy troop movements on roads heading north. Border at Bab al hawa very quiet and easy. Stayed in Damascus on Friday no problems and everyone very helpfull. On costs entered twice without carnet around 4000syp each time, insurance 1000yp and a couple of 100s for stamps. Helpers try to sneak thru a couple of humdred for themselves but first time thru it was worth it just stay with them as they go to the desks. Each time you leave you also have to pay 500syp but thats it. Not a suggested holiday destination but worth transiting to get to Jordan, riding at Wadi Rum area is fantastic. Sorry for the fractured mail, no computer just working from Kindle. Paul
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Smile

Great report. Let's hope it stays that way!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Jul 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 7
planning trip turkey-syria-jordan-egypt-sudan...SA

Thanks Paul for the update.
I really need the good news.
I'm planning trip Belgium-Turkey-Syria-Jordan-Egypt-Sudan and further to SA.
Because the Visamar ferry (venice-alex) doens't go untill oktober 2011 I'm looking for a alternative route to Egypt.
Do you think it is possible with the borders Turkey-Syria and Syria-Jordan.
I'm starting end august 2011 in Belgium and will be at Syria-border about end september.

1.Did you feel safe in Syria, how are the people to travellers??
2.Do you think it is still possible for travelling into Syria??
3.Where did you get the visa for Syria??
4.I do have a carnett, so more easy at the borders!!
5.Do I get discussion in Sudan with Syrian visa in passport??

Hope that you have some answers.
Enjoy your travells.
Rens.




Quote:
Originally Posted by paul13 View Post
Hi just came thru Syria into Turkey yesterday having passed thru a week ago into Jordan. No problems but heavy troop movements on roads heading north. Border at Bab al hawa very quiet and easy. Stayed in Damascus on Friday no problems and everyone very helpfull. On costs entered twice without carnet around 4000syp each time, insurance 1000yp and a couple of 100s for stamps. Helpers try to sneak thru a couple of humdred for themselves but first time thru it was worth it just stay with them as they go to the desks. Each time you leave you also have to pay 500syp but thats it. Not a suggested holiday destination but worth transiting to get to Jordan, riding at Wadi Rum area is fantastic. Sorry for the fractured mail, no computer just working from Kindle. Paul
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Jul 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 12
Syrıa up date

Sorry for my late reply I,ve been out of ınternet contact for a whıle. Have spent the last few days rıdıng thru the Anatolıan mtns, fantastıc much better than the costal route I took on my way thru Turkey to Syrıa.
Re Syrıa:
Local people could not have been more frıendly, had great nıght ın Damascus wıth hotel staff who took me to all the local eatıng places to sample all the specıalıtıes (all free!) spent nıght drınkıng and chıllıng together. Hotel was Iranıan and cost 700 syp!
No problem at the border or anywhere, don,t want to get polıtıcal here but there ıs a lot of hype ın the medıa whıch does not seem to be reflected on the ground. Nuff saıd!
No one knows how the sıtuatıon may change but entry ınto Jordan was very relaxed and no problems (as was Turkey-Syrıa).
Frankly, from a government pount of vıew, no ones ınterested ın transıtıng bıkers, the locals are at paıns to welcome you and want you to go away wıth a very posıtıve vıew of theır country.
Jordan was fantastıc but be aware because of the lack of transıtıng tourısts they have hıked the prıces up quıte a lot, Petra was double last years cost (stıll worth ıt) ıts not a cheap country, ıt was quıte a culture shock after Syrıa and Turkey. Any further ınfo I can help wıth pls ask.
Paul
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jul 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 3
All good news - I thought Syria would be a no-no.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Jul 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 4
I am happy to hear this very good news- this means Syria would be a yes-yes in stead of a no-no. By the way, can we get our visa at the border?

(My wife and I wil go September 1th from the Netherlands - Turkey - Syria - Egypt - South Africa...so Lorenso, maybe we will meet each other!)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Jul 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Syria update

We went in and through Syria about 2 weeks ago. Spend 3 days driving around and no problems at all. Went in through the western border post from Turkey, had an interview, asking the usual questions, stayed outside Aleppo in a camping ground of sorts. Went on to jaba citadel for the second evening. Drove through to palamyra and onto Damascus for our third and last evening.

Military/ police presence every where but friendly and helpful albeit inquisitive. Exit down south to Jordan without any issues.

Boereklonk

Ps. Make sure you enter with enough petrol/diesel to last you at least a day.

--------————----------—————-------
Http://www.scenicroutehome.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Thumbs up

Great! Thanks for the update.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Jul 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Enfield
Posts: 19
Syria Entry

Hi, Entered Syria two days ago through Batnh near Rehanli, Turkey, no problem getting through but beware, do not stop for anyone between the Turkish Or Syrian border post, even if they look as if they are uniformed as they are all bandits on the make. Plenty of diesel in Syria and petrol looked to be ok,
Damascus what a fun place to drive in
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 292
What about Syrian visa when coming from Turkey? I can get it at the border?

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Aug 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Africa
Posts: 8
Sounds like it is not a problem for bikers, but does anyone know what it is like for 4x4ers?
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
syria update paul13 Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 7 16 Jul 2011 17:03
Syria update July 2nd 2011 paul13 Middle East 3 9 Jul 2011 19:29
Syria, Iran, Jordan...update anyone? Adastra Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 63 8 May 2011 14:13
Carnet update for Syria/Jordan required paul13 Trip Paperwork 0 26 Mar 2011 09:04
Turkey-Syria-Jordon-Iran-Turkey Circuit April - July 2011 Adastra Travellers Seeking Travellers 8 13 Mar 2011 04:03

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:24.