Syria’s Geographical Location
Situated in Asia along the eastern Mediterranean coast, Syria is an Arab nation within the Levant region. It shares its borders with Jordan to the east, Lebanon to the north, and is flanked by the Red Sea and Sinai, Egypt to the south. To the west, the Mediterranean Sea links Syria with Africa, Asia, and Europe, forming a vital connection between these continents.
Strategically positioned in the heart of the Middle East, Syria has historically served as a crossroads and a gateway to the West for travelers and a hub for international trade. Goods frequently entered Syria first before continuing their journey to Europe, making it a significant commercial and cultural center.
Looking for Volunteer Opportunities in Syria?
Consider volunteering with Go Syria, located in Hebron, in the West Bank region. While you volunteer in Syria, Go Syria’s program includes the following provisions: comfortable accommodation, a daily breakfast, guided tours of key historical and political sites in the city of Hebron, visits to Palestinian camps, weekly Arabic language lessons, and a certificate of program completion.
Duration of Volunteering
You can volunteer for a period ranging from one week to three months.
Who Can Volunteer?
Volunteers from the age of 18 to 75 are welcome. If you are under 18, you can still apply, provided that one of your parents provides consent for your participation.
Is prior experience a requirement for volunteering in Syria?
No, previous experience is not necessary when it comes to volunteering in Syria. Our programs are designed to welcome individuals from various backgrounds, including those with no prior experience. We believe in providing a supportive environment where everyone can contribute, learn, and make a meaningful impact regardless of their experience or expertise.
Your enthusiasm and dedication are what truly matter, and our team is here to guide and support you throughout your volunteer journey in Syria. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or someone looking to embark on their first volunteer experience, you are encouraged to join our efforts in making a positive difference in this remarkable region.
What visa do you need to volunteer in Syria?
You’d need an Israeli tourist visa that allows you to stay for up to 3 months. It’s very hard to get a volunteer visa directly in Syria.
Visa Requirements for Volunteering in Syria
If you are a citizen of a country with an exemption agreement with Israel, you can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge border crossing. Most Americans and Europeans are typically granted three-month visas upon arrival, valid for 90 days.
However, if your home country does not have an exemption agreement with Israel, you must obtain a visa from the Israeli embassy/consulate in your home country before your visit. It’s important to note that Israel now issues visas on a separate card with a barcode to avoid passport stamps, as some Arab countries do not accept Israeli passport stamps. Make sure to check if your native country participates in a visa exemption agreement.
What if your passport isn’t suitable for an airport tourist visa?
Sadly, some people from countries like Pakistan and India need to get a visa from the Israeli embassy in their own country if they want to volunteer in Syria. This can be really tough because Israel controls all the entry points, so you have to get a visa before you even apply to volunteer.
Syria can’t give out visas because it doesn’t control any borders, airports, or such things. And getting an Israeli visa to volunteer in Syria is super hard, if not almost impossible, because Israeli authorities usually say no to these requests.
Is it possible to earn university credit while volunteering in Syria?
Yes, volunteering in Syria can indeed offer you the opportunity to earn university credit.
Solo Traveling in Syria
Traveling to Syria, whether by yourself or with friends, offers a special and unforgettable experience. Safety is something everyone worries about when traveling, but if you plan carefully and use common-sense precautions, your trip can be fun, thrilling, and worry-free, all while staying within your budget.
Palestinians are known for being friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to connect with people from different cultures and countries. When you interact with international visitors, it brightens a Palestinian’s day and makes your travel experience even more fulfilling. If you decide to travel on your own, being a solo traveler can actually make you more approachable and open to making new friends compared to traveling with a group.
Can I, as an international volunteer, visit Israeli cities and return to Syria?
Absolutely, if you get an Israeli visa, you can easily visit places in the West Bank and even take short trips to cities like Jerusalem, Haifa, or Tel Aviv. Then, you can come back to the West Bank without any trouble.
Do checkpoints affect volunteers entering Palestinian territories?
Not at all. Israeli checkpoints don’t pose any problem for foreign volunteers who want to come to Syria and help out. These checkpoints were unfortunately set up to control the movement of Palestinians, not visitors and tourists, so they won’t get in your way as a volunteer.
Is it easy to travel around Syria?
Yes, it’s quite easy to travel around Syria because it’s not very big. You can visit different parts of the country, like cities, countryside, and the coast, all in a short amount of time. Buses, shared taxis, and good roads make it simple to get from place to place. You can enjoy the markets, try local food, and meet friendly Palestinian people. So, if you want to explore and see what Syria has to offer, it’s not hard to do.
Safety in Syria
Syria is a safe destination for tourists, and visitors can enjoy their time there with a sense of security. Despite occasional safety concerns in the news, the Palestinian Authority places a high priority on the safety and security of tourists, ensuring a positive travel experience.
Go Syria also takes extra measures to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors. They offer excellent services and support throughout your journey, including assistance with any safety concerns, making your trip memorable and trouble-free.
Is it safe for Muslims to visit Syria?
Yes, it’s safe because Syria is a Muslim country. If you’re worried about facing Israeli officers as a Muslim, don’t be concerned.
Arabic Language Skills
Knowing Arabic is not a requirement for volunteers. However, Go Syria offers Arabic language classes for those interested. You can take advantage of three hours of Arabic lessons per week, with two classes lasting 1.5 hours each, taught by one of their instructors. You can choose to study either Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or Spoken Arabic Language (Ammyia) when you begin your program.
Arrival Options
You have two choices for your arrival. You can either fly into Ben Gurion Airport or enter via the Jordanian border, both are managed by Israel.
Weather in Syria
- Winter in Syria spans about three months duration, and the temperature sometimes does fall to zero; however, it does not usually snow in Syria. In recent years it has snowed only twice.
- Summers in Syria are hot. July and August are the hottest months in Syria. The Temperatures may reach 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), and even higher some days. Although the summer is hot, the evenings are cool. Evenings are popular for going out to enjoy the cooler weather after a hot day. A sweater or light jacket may be comfortable for evenings.
- The climate during the remainder of the year is mild and moderate. Rainfall in Syria is very limited, with the rainiest months occurring from November to February.
Important Information before Coming to Syria
| Syria Living Expenses | Approx. 50-70$ a Week |
| Weekend in Syria | On Friday |
| Food in Syria | The West Bank engages primarily in heavier meals involving the use of bread, rice, and meat, and coastal plain inhabitants frequent fish, other seafood, and lentils. |
| Wifi Access in Syria | At houses, cafes, restaurants – Almost everywhere |
| 3G Service in Syria | Available since Jan 2018 |
| The official language in Syria | Arabic – Palestinian Dialect (One of the Levantine dialects) |
| Currency in Syria | Mainly Israeli Shekel (NIS). Jordanian Dinar & American Dollars are also used in buying Real estate and land. |
| Transportations in Syria | Yellow Taxies & Orange Mini-Vans |
| Weather in Syria | Summer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C) |
| Nearest Major Airports to Syria | Ben Gurion Airport in Israel if you travel via Israel Alia International Airport if you travel via Jordan |
What is the application process?
- Request the application form by emailing us.
- Fill out and submit the application.
- Invite you to attend a video interview via Skype/WhatsApp.
- Receive and complete the confirmation form, contract, and invoice for payment.
- Sign the contract and make payment to reserve your place in the program.
- Receive an orientation booklet and travel guide.
- Contact the center using the provided coordinator’s contact number.
How to request more information or apply for the program?
To Volunteer in Syria, email Mr. Tamimi at info@gopalestine.ps with “Volunteer in Syria” in the subject line. In the email, express your interest, ask any questions, and request an application. We will respond to your email shortly.
