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.
Update: Resumption of UNHCR’s Voluntary Return Programme
UNHCR is resuming its Voluntary Return Programme from its Return due to Force Majeure (RFM) programme, issuing a Repatriation Form and providing a one-time return cash grant per returning individual to facilitate the voluntary return of refugees to Syria through official border crossing points.
Important: GSO has announced an extension of administrative facilitation measures for Syrian refugees intending to return to Syria till 30 July 2026. The details of the latest circular can be found here: Lebanese General Security
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.
- 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 through 30 July 2026. GSO has announced this will be the last extension. 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. These measures apply only to individuals who entered Lebanon on or before 30 July 2026; entries into Lebanon after 30 July 2026 are not included in the waiver and may be subject to fines and penalties upon exit. 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.
UNHCR is responding to the ongoing security situation in Lebanon and assisting many refugees and Lebanese community members affected by recent hostilities. As the situation is extremely difficult for many families, the decision to stay in Lebanon, relocate within the country, or return to Syria is entirely yours and you should make an informed choice as far as possible.
- UNHCR staff are available to provide information and guidance to help you make the safest decision
- If you decide to relocate within Lebanon: register in the MoSA self-registration portal (www.mosa-relief.com) and reach out to UNHCR for any immediate assistance needs
- If you decide to return to Syria: UNHCR can provide counselling about available support. After a short assessment, UNHCR may provide a one-time return cash grant of USD100 per returning individual. UNHCR will also refer your case to UNHCR inside Syria
- Organized return transport arranged by UNHCR and IOM scheduled for April are postponed
- Services are available in Syria for all returnees. Visit Syriaishome.org and contact community centers in your intended area of return
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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