Return to Syria
Attention! All services and assistance of UNHCR and its partners are free of charge!
If you feel you are being forced to return or may be at risk of exploitation and abuse, or to report any exploitation and abuse, contact UNHCR immediately at 04726111. Your safety and rights are our priority.
For the latest information on services inside Syria, check the UNHCR site: Syria is home. If you were a Syrian refugee who has recently returned to Syria, and need information about services provided or supported by UNHCR, please call UNHCR Syria’s call center on 📞 01121812333.
Returned to Syria and need to close your UNHCR file in Lebanon? If you have returned to Syria and your UNHCR file in Lebanon has not yet been closed, you can request closure of your file online. You do not need to return to Lebanon to request the closure of your file. To request the closure of your file, please submit a request to UNHCR through the online contact form. Select option Registration and fill out the comment box with the reason and the names of family members requesting the closure. Once your file is closed, UNHCR’s Syria’s records will be updated and this may help you access available services or assistance through UNHCR in Syria, where applicable.
Additional Support for Vulnerable Families Returning to Syria
As of 14 July 2026, eligible families may receive a one-time USD 300 Return Top-Up Grant per returning family in addition to the USD100 return cash grant for each returning individual. For more information, see the Q&A under either the UNHCR Self-Organized Voluntary Return Programme or the UNHCR/IOM Supported Organized Return pages for more details on eligibility or call 04 726 111 to see if your family may qualify.
Important information on official border crossings for refugees planning to cross to Syria
- Masnaa and Qaa border crossing points are operational 24/7 for pedestrian and vehicular travel.
- Arida official crossing point is operational for pedestrian-only crossing daily from 06:00 am to 19:00 pm.
- Boqayaa official crossing point is operational for pedestrian-only crossing daily from 06:00 am to 18:00 pm.
- Operating Hours may change, please check official updates for the latest information through this link General Authority for Borders and Customs, which has introduced a timely operational update on the status of border crossings here.
- If you are planning to return to Syria, you are strongly advised against using unofficial crossing points as they can be dangerous. These risks can include landmines and explosive objects, exploitation, and abuse.
- UNHCR cannot guarantee practices or conditions at the crossing points.
- UNHCR continues to monitor the situation closely with colleagues in Syria.
The Government of Lebanon has introduced facilitation measures for Syrians and Palestinian refugees from Syria wishing to depart via land border crossing points. These measures remain in place until further notice. If you previously entered Lebanon legally or illegally and have exceeded your authorized length of stay, you may depart through land border crossing points without paying any fees or penalties and without re-entry bans. NOTE: Anyone who uses these border measures to return to Syria will have their UNHCR file in Lebanon closed and can pursue services and assistance in Syria instead (Syria is Home). For more information, visit the General Directorate of General Security website or call 1717.
Given the changing situation in Syria, this page will be updated as new information is available. For more information on UNHCR’s position on returns under the current situation, see the section on “General Information” below.
If you are considering returning to Syria, contact UNHCR:
- National Call Center: 04726111 (Monday to Friday, 8AM – 5PM)
- UNHCR Online Contact Form: help.unhcr.org/Lebanon/contact-us
- Visit a Community Center (centers in your area may be temporarily closed. Before visiting, call ahead: help.unhcr.org/lebanon/community-development-centers
- Speak to a trusted partner or community volunteers
A UNHCR staff member will call you back to answer your questions and discuss your needs. While UNHCR cannot advise on the situation in your area of intended return, we can provide advice on exit procedures, important documents, medical issues, vaccinations, the status of your UNHCR file in Lebanon, etc.
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