Is it possible to visit North East Syria (also known as Rojava) as a tourist? The simple answer is yes. The easiest way is by joining a Rojava tour with us – either a private or a group tour. Our prices are unmatched in the market, at around 100 USD per day. Otherwise, this article explains how you can get a Rojava permit to visit the region as a tourist.

What is Rojava?

Many areas of North East Syria are controlled by the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces), such as Raqqa, Qamishli, Hasakah and more. Much of the leadership in this autonomous region is Kurdish, and they refer to this whole region as Rojava. However, the official name for this part of Syria is the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). You can read more about it here. Travelling to this region requires special permission from the local authorities, and a regular Syrian visa or entry stamp will not be enough.

Independent Travel Permit in Rojava

If you’re a Syrian citizen, you are in luck. Since December 2024, you no longer require any special permission or sponsorship to visit the SDF controlled areas. However, foreign visitors still require special permission. Getting this permission as an independent visitor is not easy, as you will have to have local sponsors. Here’s how to do it:

Every single foreigner requires 2 local sponsors to get a Rojava permit, who will be legally responsible for you during your time in SDF areas. Hence, if you are two foreigners looking to visit, you will need 4 sponsors. Your sponsors will have to visit the immigration department for sponsorship in either Qamishli or Raqqa city (the Hasakah office doesn’t issue permission for foreigners) with a copy of your passport and they will have to sign that they are responsible for you. The office will then issue a document, usually within a couple of days, which will allow you to enter Rojava. Once you arrive at the first SDF checkpoint from other parts of Syria, based on your permit, they will issue you a 15 day visitor card.

What if I don’t have a sponsor?

If you can’t find a sponsor, they you will have to use a fixer in order to arrange your entry permits. Many fixers charge around 300 or 400 USD per day for their services. But if you’re on a budget, you are in luck – we offer our services for around a quarter of that price. Make sure to contact us if you are interested.

Rojava permit for journalists

If you are a journalist, and you would like to visit Rojava, then you will need a different type of permit, issued by the Media office. However, you will also need a fixer for this, and to be accompanied by them during your time in the North East. We can also help you with this service.

In 2010, before the start of the Syrian war, more than 8.5 million international tourists visited Syria. In the years to follow, however, numbers significantly dropped, as war and instability took root in most corners of the country. Now, Assad has fallen, and draconian Assadist rules on foreigners were lifted, allowing tourists to travel independently in Syria. As a company that offers Syria tours, we have received increased interest in Syria tourism in recent months. But is this trend likely to continue, and is it safe to visit?

Is Syria stable enough for tourism?

Since November 2024, the pace and scale of the changes that have happened in Syria have been completely unprecedented. A government fell in 11 days, Israeli has occupied territory in the south, clashes with the new government and the SDF at the Tishreen Dam have taken place, massacres on the coast, and sectarian tensions are just some of the issues that have faced Syria.

But, a dictator has also fallen, exchange rates have improved, and US sanctions on Syria are to be lifted! Political prisoners have been released, electricity hours have improved and in general, optimism for the future is at an all time high.

All in all, whilst is is currently safe to visit major cities and tourist attractions in Syria, and while we are very optimistic about the future, we are still obliged to monitor the situation in parts of the country on a regular basis before we take a group there. Security is our utmost concern, and as such, there are parts of the country that we do not take tourists to. Even if the risk is minimal, we prefer it to be none.

The future, however, looks optimistic. Once the economic situation stabilizes and the deal with the SDF is implemented, the whole situation in Syria will likely become more stable.

Is it worth visiting Syria?

ABSOLUTELY! Many of our customers tell us that Syria as their best destination of yet. There is simply so much to offer, from ancient ruins to authentic culture, to religious and natural diversity, to food and hospitality, and more! But by visiting Syria with us, you won’t just be a regular tourist – you will be on a learning experience. About the complex political situation, the culture, the war, the history, and so much more. You’ll leave Syria so much more knowledgeable about the region than when you arrived.

We are also offering tours to North Eastern Syria, also known by Kurds as Rojava, as well as Raqqa, Suweida and more parts of the country that are only recently open to tourism. So come and join us on a tour of Syria!

Previously known to be the capital of ISIS, Syria’s Raqqa province has got a lot to offer to tourists. Jaabar Castle is perhaps my favourite touristic site in the province, located just over a hour’s drive from the city. If you’re interested in a tour to Raqqa or North East Syria, or Syria group tours in other provinces, make sure you contact us. We were fortunate to visit Jaabar Castle for the first time in April 2025 on a day-trip from Raqqa city.

History of Jaabar Castle

Prior to the 11th Century AD, the castle was known as Dawsar castle. Although the exact age is unknown, locals there believe that it dates back to the 7th Century. However, it was named Jaabar Castle after Ja’bar ibn Sabiq, who possessed the castle and was also killed there in the 11th Century. However, most of the construction of Jaabar castle took place at the hands of Nur al-Din in the 12th Century AD, making up most of what we see today.

One interesting part of the castle’s history is that it was home to the tomb of Suleyman Shah, grandfather of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman empire. Until 1973, due to a special treaty with Turkey, the area of the tomb was actually considered as Turkish territory, with Turkish soldiers guarding the tomb. However, due to rising water levels, the tomb was moved, and it became fully sovereign Syrian territory.

The Lake

In the 1970, the Syrian government of Hafez Al Assad built the Tabqa dam, creating Syria’s largest lake. Water levels surrounded Jaabar castle, and it has since become an island in the lake, connected to the rest of Raqqa province by a short strip of land. This lake was known as Assad Lake, although I expect that a new name will be given to it soon!

Before the dam was built, Jaabar Castle looked like this:

How to visit?

To visit North Eastern Syria, and all areas under SDF control, you will require special permission. The easiest way to do this is if you book a tour, but if you know local people, it’s also possible for them to sponsor you by visiting the residency directorate in Raqqa or Qamishli city. Once you’re in Raqqa, you can take a private taxi to Jaabar Castle for around 40 USD return. Or, you can take public transport to Tabqa city, and take a taxi from there (cheaper).

If you get the chance, don’t miss sunset from Jaabar Castle! It’s one of the best places in Syria where you can watch the sunset.

If you have any questions or if you would like to book a tour, please feel free to message me:

• Email: xavier@travelingtheunknown.com
• WhatsApp (preferred): +447905681636

Located in Aleppo countryside, beautiful land of Afrin, Syria, is populated primarily by Kurds. We visited this beautiful region to May 2025 to learn more about it’s recent and ancient history, and we now offer trips to Afrin as part of our Syria tours program. What is there to know, and to see, in this beautiful region of Syria?

Recent History of Afrin, Syria

During the Syrian war, the Afrin region was controlled for the most part by the Kurdish YPG, with Russian support (as opposed to American, as in North East Syria). However, in 2018, following a Russian withdrawal, the Turkish army and their Syrian allies invaded, taking control of the region. I’m not going to get too deep into the politics, as that’s not what I cover, but you can read more about it here.

Olive production in Afrin

In Afrin, the local economy relies mostly upon olive production. Everywhere you look in the whole region is just filled with olive trees! Throughout the whole of Syria, Afrin olives are famous, with the main olive season being in October. Locals told me that over 60% of the total land area of Afrin is covered with olive trees.

Historical sites in Afrin, Syria

The most famous historical site in Afrin is Ain Dara, with an ancient temple dating back thousands of years. However, it is said that during the invasion in 2018, most of the ruined site was reduced to rubble and famous basalt lion was stolen. We had heard that the current site is filled with landmines and as such, we didn’t even attempt to go. We did, however visit some other sites.

The northern part of Afrin, Syria, has two Roman Bridges, which are said to date back to the 2nd Century. Just like the rest of Afrin, you can admire these bridges whilst looking at the olive tree landscape in the background. These two Roman bridges are located near the Nebi Huri Mausoleum, another important site.

The Nebi Huri Mausoleum and mosuqe in Afrin, Syria, was built around a Roman-era tower/tomb, dating back to the 2nd or 3rd Century BC. However, in the 14th Century AD, under the Mamluk period, the tomb was turned into a Muslim shrine, dedicated to a Sufi saint known as Nebi Huri. In the recent war in 2018, it was heavily damaged, but has been renovated by Turkish authorities in 2021.

The village of Brad has got ancient churches and ruins dating back to the 5th Century AD. However, the real importance of these ruins is said to be because it is the burial place of St Maron, the founding figure for Maronite Christians, who make up the majority of Christians in Lebanon. Ancient churches were built around his burial place. The nearby town of Kimar is also filled with ancient ruins, including old pagan temples. Here is a picture of Kimar, below:

Natural attractions in Afrin, Syria

Aside from the rolling hills and olive trees filling the horizon, Afrin is also home to a beautiful lake, known as Meydanki lake.

On Meydanki lake, we took a boat ride and danced to Kurdish music. It was so much fun!

If you’re interested in visiting Afrin, or other parts of Syria, make sure you check out our Syria tours or contact us for a private tour.

A decade ago, visiting this historical Syrian city would have been completely implausible. It was controlled by ISIS, one of the most brutal terrorist groups in recent history. Now, however, the city is peaceful, and many of its residents have returned, rebuilding so much of the city and turning it back into a bustling metropolis. There are now a plethora of things to do in Raqqa.

Currently, Raqqa is under the control of the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces). This means that it requires a permit to visit, and cannot be visited with only a regular Syrian visa / entry stamp. If you join one of our tours to Rojava, Raqqa will be included as part of the itinerary, including entry permits/documentation.

So, what are some of the best things to do in Raqqa? Here’s a list of them.

1) I Love Raqqa

The “I Love Raqqa” sign is located on Naim Roundabout in the center of the city. Right now, it’s a popular meeting point for locals. However, during the times of ISIS, this square was used as a place where they would undertake public punishments, such as cutting off the hands of thieves and even public executions. Just next to it is a great sweet shop (with delicccciiooous ice cream) called بيت الكيك. Just write that word into Google Maps and it will show up.

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2) The Euphrates River

One of the most famous rivers in the world, the land between the Euphrates and Tigris river makes up much of ancient Mesopotamia. It starts in Turkey, then flows into Syria, through the cities of Raqqa and Deir Ezzour, then crosses into Iraq, passing through Babylon and Najaf before flowing out into the Arabian/Persian Gulf. In Raqqa, it is a popular spot for families to go for a picnic and enjoy the blue water.

3) Baghdad Gate

Raqqa’s ancient city gates dates back to the Abbasid period (8th Century AD). One of them remains, known as Baghdad gate, named after Baghdad, which was the capital city of the Abbasid empire. The nearby Qasr Al Banat ruins can also be visited, and date back to the same period.

4) Bustling Markets

In my opinion, one of the highlights of Raqqa is just walking through the bustling streets and meeting its friendly people. In my opinion, they are some of the friendliest in all of Syria! You can start by the “I love Raqqa” sign and slowly walk through the markets on the way to the river. You are guaranteed to find some hustle and bustle and feel the vibe of the city.

5) Jaabar Castle

This is one of the best things to do in Raqqa! This ancient castle is one of my favourite historical sites in all of Syria, located right next to what was previously known as Assad Lake (I don’t think they have come up with a new name for it, yet). If you come here an hour or two before sunset, you’ll have enough time to explore the castle, and also to watch the sunset over the lake. It’ll be one of the best sunsets you’ve ever seen, I can guarantee you that!

If you’re interested in visiting Raqqa, or Syria in general, you know where to look. We provide some of the best Syria tours on the market, so make sure you get in touch with us!