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 Iceland?

The Directorate of Immigration offers support and assistance that may be relevant to you if you choose to return to Syria. Voluntary return is not arranged to all countries. You can check the situation of a country by contacting Directorate of Immigration directly.

You can also find more general information on the website of the Directorate of Immigration on voluntary return.  You can also find information provided by IOM in several languages.  

The Directorate of Immigration may advise you further on voluntary return:

IOM provides information and advice about Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR). You can get guidance from IOM:

If you are outside of Syria and not in Iceland, 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 Iceland if I return to Syria?

If you have refugee status in Iceland, you may lose your refugee status if you voluntarily return and settle in your home country.

The Directorate of Immigration may advise you further on this:

Can I get legal assistance?

If you are in Iceland and you need legal counselling, please contact the Icelandic Human Rights Centre:

Contact them at: 

    •       Phone +354 552 2720

You may also contact Directorate of Immigration for information on legal assistance.

    • Phone: +354 444 0900 (Service center is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 14:00 and Friday from 9:00 to 12:00)

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

Please contact Directorate of Immigration directly for information on how this will affect your family reunification application:

    • Phone +354 444 0900 (Service center is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 14:00 and Friday from 9:00 to 12:00)

Can UNHCR help me with transport to Syria?

The Directorate of Immigration offers support and assistance that may be relevant to you if you choose to return to Syria. Voluntary return is not arranged to all countries. You can check the situation of a country by contacting Directorate of Immigration directly. UNHCR does not offer support with transport to Syria from Iceland.

You can also find more general information on the website of the Directorate of Immigration on voluntary return.  You can also find information provided by IOM in several languages.

The Directorate of Immigration may advise you further on voluntary return:

    • Phone +354 444 0900 (Service center is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 14:00 and Friday from 9:00 to 12:00)

IOM provides information and advice about Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR). You can get guidance from IOM:

E-mail to  [email protected]

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 Iceland if I go visit Syria?

If you have refugee status in Iceland, you may lose your refugee status if you voluntarily return and settle in your home country.

The Directorate of Immigration may advise you further on this: