The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Damascus announced an important change to procedures for Syrian citizens entering Turkey, facilitating overland travel between the two countries.
According to the embassy's announcement, the requirement to travel by air that had applied to Syrian citizens holding a valid Turkish visa has been abolished.
Under the new amendment, Syrian citizens holding valid visas issued by Turkish embassies, consulates and missions will be able to enter Turkish territory not only through airports but also through all land border crossings.
Entry into Turkey by land with a valid visa
The new decision means that Syrians holding a valid Turkish visa are no longer required to use air travel to enter the country.
The Turkish Embassy in Damascus said in its announcement:
“Valid visas obtained from our missions will be valid for entry through all our land border crossings, in addition to air crossings.”
The decision is expected to facilitate movement between Syria and Turkey by land in particular, while providing an additional option for Syrian travelers holding valid Turkish visas.
The decision does not abolish the visa requirement for Syrians
At the same time, the new amendment does not mean the visa requirement for Syrian citizens seeking to enter Turkey has been abolished.
The decision concerns how the visa may be used and the permitted entry points, not the abolition of the visa system itself.
Accordingly, Syrian citizens subject to the visa regime must continue to obtain a valid Turkish visa, but under the new system they will be able to use it to enter through land crossings as well as airports.
The amendment comes as travel and movement between Turkey and Syria undergo changes, particularly as land crossings between the two countries have gained importance recently.
