Returning to Syria

If you are thinking of returning to Syria from abroad, here you’ll find reliable information and organizations that may be able to help you and your family re-establish your home.

Is it safe to return to Syria?

Returning home is a personal decision that should be fully informed, voluntary and take place in conditions of safety and dignity. It is a choice only you and your family can make.

  • UNHCR continues to call on countries and local authorities to allow those who fled to access their place of origin/residence, and to refrain from returning anyone against their wishes. 
  • UNHCR stands ready to support as conditions allow. 
  • Every refugee has the right to return home voluntarily, in safety and dignity.  

To help you make informed decisions about returning to Syria, UNHCR created Syria is Home, where you can find information on legal steps, documents, housing, healthcare, and education.

Syria is Home website

Who can help me return to Syria from Estonia?

Estonia does not have any arrangements in place to facilitate refugees return to Syria. This means that your return must be organized independently.

If you are outside of Syria and not in Estonia, please contact our offices in the country you are in:

Select the country you are in to find out how to contact us >

Attention! All UNHCR services are FREE!

What will happen to my legal status in Estonia if I return to Syria?

In Estonia, if you have been granted refugee status (international protection), returning to Syria can affect your legal status. Voluntarily returning to Syria may lead Estonian authorities to consider that you no longer require international protection, potentially resulting in the revocation of your refugee status and residence permit.​ According to the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens, refugee status may be revoked if the individual voluntarily returns to their country of origin. Specifically, §48 of the Act states that refugee status can be withdrawn if the person has voluntarily re-established themselves in the country they fled from.

Before making any decisions, it is important to consult with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board or legal experts specializing in refugee law to fully understand the potential consequences of returning to Syria on your legal status in Estonia. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and inform you about any recent policy changes that may affect your status.

You can contact International Protection Advisers of Estonian Police and Border Guard Board via:

    • Telephone: +372 5300 3702 (Kalle Aasamäe), +372 5871 2145 (Diana Žovnjarovitš)

More information can be found here: Useful contacts

Can I get legal assistance?

Yes, you can get legal assistance. In Estonia, UNHCR  works with an experienced national non-governmental organisation, the Estonian Human Rights Centre (Eesti Inimõiguste Keskus),who has staff that provide support and advice to asylum seekers and refugees.

Contact them at: 

    •       Address: Ahtri 8, 10151 Tallinn, 6th floor, Estonia

    •       Phone: (+372) 644 5148 / (+372) 5194 9015

Will the current situation in Syria impact my family reunification process in Estonia?

As refugee in Estonia, you have the right to apply for family reunification, and there are no specific restrictions that apply only to Syrians. However, the current situation in Syria can make the process more difficult in practice. It may be hard for your family members to obtain official documents (like passports or birth and marriage certificates), and since Estonia does not have an embassy in Syria, they might need to travel to a neighboring country to apply for a visa.

To understand your options and manage any challenges, it is important to contact the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board that can guide you through the steps based on your specific situation.

You can contact International Protection Advisers of Estonian Police and Border Guard Board via:

    • Telephone: +372 5300 3702 (Kalle Aasamäe), +372 5871 2145 (Diana Žovnjarovitš)

You can also contact Estonian Human Rights Centre (Eesti Inimõiguste Keskus), who has staff that provide support and advice to asylum seekers and refugees.

Contact them at: 

    •       Address: Ahtri 8, 10151 Tallinn, 6th floor, Estonia

    •       Phone: (+372) 644 5148 / (+372) 5194 9015

Can UNHCR help me with transport to Syria?

UNHCR in Estonia does not provide transport to Syria. Your transportation has to be organized independently.

Is there shelter and temporary housing available to those that choose to return to Syria?

You can check out UNHCR’s Syria is Home page for information about housing and shelter in Syria here: Housing and shelter, land and property.

Can I come back to Estonia if I go visit Syria?

If you have refugee status in Estonia and you voluntarily visit Syria, even just for a short time, your legal status may be at risk. According to the Estonian Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens (§ 48 ), your refugee status can be withdrawn if you:

    • Voluntarily re-establish yourself in the country you fled from, or

    • Seek protection from that country again (e.g. using a Syrian passport or contacting Syrian authorities for help).

Estonian authorities may interpret your visit as proof that you no longer fear persecution in Syria. This can lead to the revocation of your refugee status and your residence permit in Estonia. So, even a temporary visit to Syria could result in losing your protection status and the right to stay in Estonia.

Before making any travel plans, it’s important to contact the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. They can explain the risks based on your personal case and give you up-to-date advice.

You can contact International Protection Advisers of Estonian Police and Border Guard Board via:

    • Telephone: +372 5300 3702 (Kalle Aasamäe), +372 5871 2145 (Diana Žovnjarovitš)