Syria is one of the larger states of the Middle East and has its capital in Damascus. Syria is bordered to the north by Turkey, to the east by Iraq, by Jordan and Israel to the south, and by Lebanon to the south-west. In addition, the country has a short coastline on the east
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Mediterranean Sea. Syria has 14 governorates (or muhafazat - singular: muhafazah): Aleppo, Al Hasakah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda, Dara, Damascus, Deir-az-Zur, Hama, Homs, Idlib, Latakia, Quneitra, Rif Dimashq, Tartous. Golan Heights (occupied by Israel) is also claimed by Syria. Damascus - the capital of Syria, Aleppo - a large souk and ancient citadel with great views, Deir-az-Zur - a desert town on the Euphrates River bank, Hama - waterwheels and a good base for exploring Krak des Chevaliers, Homs - an ancient city on Orontes River Latakia - a major port city, Tartous - an historical port city. Syria has three international airports: Damascus International Airport (DAM), 35km (22miles) SE of the capital, Aleppo International Airport (ALP) just northeast of Aleppo in the north of the country, Lattakia International Airport, south of Lattakia, main sea port of the country. The first two airports have regular direct flights served by Syrian Arab Airlines and the British airline bmi to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, while the third one for the time being is connected only with the capital city of Egypt, Cairo. Flights from Damascus and Aleppo compete with other international carriers serving the same destinations. Syria levies an airport departure tax of 1500 Syrian Pounds. Damascus international airport is served by many of the larger European carriers to the Middle East including Lufthansa, British Airways and Aeroflot. Low-price tickets from Europe can sometimes be found, but until the recent war in Lebanon, cheaper fairs could sometimes be obtained through Czech Airlines, Cyprus Air or Malev. Royal Jordanian can be reasonable through Amman. To cut down on airfare from Europe some people catch a charter flight to Turkey (Antalya) and then take the bus to Aleppo. The only connection to America is served by Conviasa in a non-stop flight from Damascus to Caracas. Upon arrival, a free entry visa can be delivered to almost all travelers if they are being received by local Travel Agency. Call the Syrian Embassy in your home country for more information. All passengers (both Syrians and foreigners) leaving Syria from Damascus International Airport have to pay a departure tax of 1500 SP (as of february 2009) per person. It's wise to save enough pounds because the exchange rate at the airport counter is lower than in regular banks.
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