Practices at Official Border Crossing Points

You are advised to exit Lebanon through an official border crossing point.

Accepted documents for entry into Syria:

• Passport (valid or expired) for all family members; photos or copies also accepted
• National ID card; photos or copies also accepted
• Military ID (for males aged 18+)
• Individual civil extract (with or without a photo)
• Torn or damaged passport, provided essential biodata is legible
• Family booklet (accepted as an identification document for children, only if one of the parents is present)
• Valid Laissez-Passer issued by the Syrian Embassy in Beirut, if no of the above is available

🚨Important: A refugee certificate or Repatriation Form is not accepted as a standalone document for entry to Syria. However, if accompanied by copies of prior documentation, it may assist identity verification at the border or help facilitate issuance of a civil extract in Syria.

For children born in Lebanon:

• A birth notification or birth certificate (even if only issued by the Mukhtar)
• If accompanied by only the mother, she should carry a copy of the father’s ID card, as Syrian authorities may assess the father’s nationality to approve entry to Syria.

For children born in Lebanon whose birth is not registered to the level of Nofous:

• Return is still possible, but the family may face delays or obstacles in Syria.
• If possible, register your child’s birth in Lebanon at least to the level of Nofous. This helps with birth recognition and access to services in Syria.
• Failure to register the birth in Lebanon may require legal action, such as filing a lawsuit, in order to enable birth registration in Syria. UNHCR can refer you for free legal assistance if needed.
• The final decision about whether to register the birth remains with the parents.

🚨Procedures related to civil documentation and entry may change. Check with UNHCR or Syrian authorities for the latest information before traveling.

Approach the Syrian embassy in Beirut prior to your interview to apply for a Laissez-Passer (LP) which is valid for one month. To apply, you will need to provide a photo and any proof of identity (even if old or photocopied).

No. You do not have to pay overstay or exit fees when departing through an official border crossing point. GSO has waived administrative fees, including overstay and exit fees, for individuals participating in return programmes from 1 July 2025 to 31 March 2026.

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.

The waiver on administrative fees applies to all Syrians and Palestine Refugees from Syria whether known to UNHCR or not. If you travel through a UNHCR programme, UNHCR will still notify GSO of your return so that the waiver can be applied and your departure will be properly documented.

As per Lebanese custom regulations, personal belongings, tools and household furniture intended for personal use are not subject to customs fees. However, new or unused electronics items may be subject to fees. It is important to check and adhere to updated guidance, rules and regulations on transportation of personal belongings.

In particular, Lebanese and Syrian customs regulations strictly prohibit the export and possession of illegal weapons, ammunitions and drugs, which is considered a criminal offense.

Animals are not permitted as part of the UNHCR-IOM organized voluntary return Programme.

Syrian customs regulations strictly prohibit the import and possession of illegal weapons, ammunitions and drugs, which is considered a criminal offense.

To take your vehicle to Syria, you will need to prove that you own it.

If the vehicle is not registered in Syria, custom fees may be imposed at the Syrian border. UNHCR has observed that privately hired or rented Lebanese-plated vehicles crossing through the Qaa/Joussieh and Arida borders are not being permitted entry into Syria, and you will need to arrange for transfer to Syrian-plated vehicles at the official border crossing point. However, this regulation is not applicable for crossing through the Masnaa/Jdaidet Yabous crossing point. UNHCR is actively advocating with the Syrian authorities to ensure a harmonized regulation on the crossing of Lebanese-plated vehicles into Syria.

Also note that some official crossing points such as Arida may not be open for vehicles.