Semalka Border Crossing Now Duty-Free: Unified Management and New Facilities for Travelers

Yekiti Media

In a new regulatory move, the General Authority for Ports and Customs of Syria’s transitional government announced the integration of the Semalka border crossing with the Kurdistan Region into its operational system, effective yesterday, Wednesday, as part of a plan aimed at standardizing administrative and operational procedures at all Syrian border crossings.

Mazen Aloush, the Authority’s Director of Relations, explained that the implementation of the unified customs and passenger clearance programs approved for various border crossings has begun, which contributes to standardizing data, simplifying procedures, and expediting the flow of traffic.

In parallel with this step, it was announced that entry and exit fees for travelers crossing the border have been waived, without any changes to the passport stamping procedure or the duration of stay within the country.

A source at the border crossing administration stated that the decision covers the fees previously imposed on certain categories, including a $20 fee for Syrians holding European residency permits, as well as a 20,000 Syrian pound fee for holders of Kurdistan Region residency permits upon entry.

The source added that a new receipt bearing the Syrian government’s logo and the name “Border and Customs Authority” has been adopted, without any accompanying changes to existing travel procedures.

He also denied any changes regarding European passport holders, confirming that the current system remains in effect without change, including the duration of stay within Syria.

Aloush noted that crossing hours for travelers are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., while customs operations continue until 7:00 p.m.