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Tariq Haddad — Syria travel expert verified
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Tariq Haddad

Senior Travel Expert & Operations Lead at YallaToSyria

Specialist in routes between Syrian cities; fluent in English and French.

My Story & Syrian Journey

Hello, I'm Tariq. Since joining the permanent team at YallaToSyria, my core responsibility has been ensuring that foreign travelers navigate Syrian arrival points safely and with complete peace of mind. Born and raised in Damascus, I have spent the last decade documenting our historic landmarks and building reliable, direct relationships with border and passport control officials.

Working full-time with our on-the-ground support network allows me to keep our travel advisories constantly updated in real time. I don't just write guidelines from afar; I actively manage our transport fleets, meet guests directly at the borders, and oversee their safe passage between Syrian provinces.

Areas of expertise

  • Entry permit and security approval verification
  • Regional routes (Damascus, Palmyra, Aleppo, Latakia)
  • Meet-and-greet at land borders with Lebanon and Jordan
  • Safe routes through official coordination

Recent travel updates & guides by Tariq Haddad

June 2026 Travel Updates

Syrian Tourist Police: Safety, Assistance, and Emergency Contacts

Learn about the dedicated Syrian Tourist Police department ensuring traveler safety and service quality. Access direct contact numbers, patrol locations, and assistance tips.

June 2026 Itineraries & Stories

Is Syria Safe to Visit? An Immersive Journey Through Damascus Beyond the Headlines

A realistic, first-hand account of crossing the border from Beirut to Old Damascus in 2026. Get verified safety updates, cash logistics, and city insights.

June 2026 Visas & Entry Permits

Syria Tourist Visa & Security Clearance 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

A complete guide to getting your Syrian tourist visa and security clearance in 2026. Learn about documents, processing times, fees, and border entry tips.

June 2026 Travel Updates

Syria Travel Update: Passport Control & Entry Procedures (2026)

In 2026 every foreign traveler passes organized passport control on entry and exit — Damascus airport and land borders — with a 6-month valid passport, printed entry permit, and paper copies required.

June 2026 Money & Currency Guide

Syria money & payments guide 2026: new pound, exchange, cards

Official framework for travelers: new Syrian pound (1:100 swap), CBS rate 113 SYP/USD, licensed exchange, Paymera cards, and USD cash at borders.

June 2026 Travel Updates

Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing Update: Entering Syria with Private Cars (June 2026)

Syrian expatriates can enter Syria in private cars via Bab al-Hawa after a $100 baseline fee and up to 15 days stay — with Kimlik exclusions and pre-checks on the official crossing portal.