Voluntary Return to Syria 

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

For the latest information on available services inside Syria, check the new UNHCR Syria is home.

The Government of Lebanon has shared the following circular regarding the provision of additional facilitation measures for Syrians and Palestinian refugees from Syria wishing to depart through land border crossing points. If you 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 being issued against you. This facilitation is effective from 1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025. For more information, please visit the official website of the General Directorate of General Security at www.general-security.gov.lb, or call 1717.

This page provides you with information to respond to some questions you may have on the topic of return to Syria.

In light of the rapidly changing situation in Syria, this page will be updated as new information, or resources become available.

For individual counselling and more detailed advice and support regarding return to Syria, you can:

  • Call the UNHCR National Call Center at 📞04726111
  • Contact us through the 🗎 Online Contact Form

Voluntary Return to Syria: Two programs supported by UNHCR are available

In close coordination with the Government of Lebanon and partners, UNHCR is now facilitating the voluntary return of refugees who wish to return to Syria in safety and dignity. Two voluntary return programs have been implemented, and you may choose your preferred option:

  • Self-Organized Voluntary Return Program
    This program will begin on 1 July 2025 and provides each of your returning family members with a one-time return cash grant of USD 100 per returning family member, to organize the logistics of your return through official crossing points.
  • Organized Voluntary Return Program
    This program offers transportation support in addition to the one-time return cash grant of USD 100 per returning family member who wishes to return to Syria. While the program has been confirmed, final details regarding transportation are being discussed with the authorities and International Organization for Migration (IOM). Therefore, the launch will be slightly delayed and the launch date will be communicated as soon as possible.

Please note that based on consultations with the Syrian refugee community and authorities, the Go-and-See visit Program has been de-prioritized and will not be launched given that many refugees have already undertaken such visits independently.

If you have already contacted UNHCR to express an interest in a voluntary return program, you will be contacted to re-confirm your interest once they are launched. Remember participation is voluntary, and you can change your mind at any time.


Related information