Civil Documentation and Legal Aid

Attention! All services and assistance of UNHCR and its partners are free of charge!

If you are considering returning to Syria, here are some steps to think about:

  • Prepare your family: Discuss your plans together. Share and write down important contacts.
  • Pack essentials: Keep important documents with you (IDs, passports, civil and education documents and medical records for your family members related to treatment for NCDs, pregnancy card, vaccination records). Bring medicine, water, food, warm clothes, and any special items.
  • Be alert to explosive objects. If you see a suspicious object: (1) STOP, (2) do not approach, (3) do not touch, (4) call Lebanese Mine Action Center at 05956143.
  • Avoid misinformation: Check information on official border crossing points on HELP Lebanon.
  • Find UNHCR services and community centers in Syria: unhcr.org/sy/cc
  • Explain to your children what is happening in a way they understand. Make sure they know (1) their name, (2) your names, (3) your phone number.

1. What civil documents should I take with me if I plan to return to Syria?⬇️

In addition to bringing identity documents (e.g. national ID, passport), it is very important that, if possible, refugees who have decided to return to Syria leave Lebanon with official records of civil events (birth, marriage, divorce, death) that took place in Lebanon. This means that refugees should have a birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificate registered with the Foreigners’ Registry (Personal Status Department) and stamped by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to current practices, Syrians can cross the border using any of the following documents:

  • A passport (even if expired)
  • A national Syrian ID
  • An individual civil extract (even if old). Please note that a family booklet alone is not sufficient.
  • A laissez-passer issued by the Syrian Embassy. According to a statement issued on 8 January 2025, the Syrian Embassy issues a laissez-passer free of charge for any Syrian who proves they lost their passport or national ID. A laissez-passer can also be issued to Syrian children born in Lebanon, whose birth is registered at the Lebanese Personal Status Department and with the Syrian Embassy.

Syrian children born in Lebanon after 2011 must show a birth certificate. It does not have to be registered with the Foreigners’ Register of the General Directorate of Personal Status.

For information on legal aid for birth registration, visit HELP Lebanon.

As the situation is changing rapidly, please stay informed of the latest updates by:

2. Why is it important for me to have my civil documentation if I decide to go back to Syria?⬇️

Without your civil documentation you risk your civil events not being recognized in Syria. This could result in children born in Lebanon not being able to prove their Syrian nationality; inability to access inheritance or to prove ownership/ use of family houses and property.

3. I wish to return to Syria but am missing important documents, what should I do?⬇️

It is very important that you and each family member have official records of civil status events that took place in Lebanon (birth, marriage, divorce, death) as well as any education documents. Without these, there is a risk that these events and/or your education will not be recognized on return to Syria.

If you are missing documents contact UNHCR for guidance:

4. My child was born in Lebanon, but I have not completed the birth registration process in Lebanon. Will the authorities allow my child to return to Syria?⬇️

Syrian children born in Lebanon after 2011 must show a birth certificate. It does not have to be registered with the Foreigners’ Register of the General Directorate of Personal Status.

For information on legal aid for birth registration, visit HELP Lebanon at: help.unhcr.org/lebanon/welcome/legal-aid/birth-registration/.

For individual counselling and more detailed advice and support:

5. I lost, damaged or had my legal documents confiscated by GSO but I have a ‘green slip’, can I return to Syria with this?⬇️

The green slip alone will not allow you to return to Syria. To know what documents are required to return to Syria, please refer to Question 13.

For individuals counselling and support, contact UNHCR:

Note: A ‘green slip’ is a card provided by GSO to foreigners whose residence permit applications are being processed, or to individuals who have had their IDs confiscated by GSO.

6. I live abroad (outside of Lebanon and Syria) and wish to return to Syria, am I allowed to enter Lebanon?⬇️

Yes, Syrian nationals arriving in Lebanon via the airport may transit to Syria, even if they are subject to an entry ban. The entry is only allowed those who wish to transit to Syria (not to stay in Lebanon) or those who hold valid residence permits in Lebanon.

7. Can I re-enter Lebanon if I am a university student?⬇️

If you hold a valid student residence permit at the time of your re-entry to Lebanon, you may be allowed to enter the country if there is no re-entry ban issued against you.

As the situation is changing rapidly, please stay informed of the latest updates by:

8. Will my employer in Lebanon be able to sponsor my return if I have a valid work contract?⬇️

To re-enter Lebanon, you need to have a valid residence permit based on a work permit issued by the Lebanese Ministry of Labor or a sponsorship issued by the GSO.

As the situation is changing rapidly, please stay informed of the latest updates by: