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Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Crossings, Mazen Alloush, clarified on Wednesday that decisions regarding vacation visits for Syrians living in Türkiye remain entirely under the jurisdiction of Turkish authorities.
Alloush said that the agency continues to receive hundreds of daily messages from Syrians in Türkiye—holders of temporary protection cards and residence permits—asking whether they can visit home for short holidays.
He acknowledged the “deep longing and sincere sense of belonging” expressed in those messages but noted that Syrian authorities have no mandate over the matter.
“The decision lies solely with the Turkish side,” he said.
Under current Turkish regulations, Syrians with temporary protection cards are allowed to enter Syria only under the voluntary-return process.
Those with residence permits may travel by air only, since land border crossings are currently closed for visits.
The Syrian official said Damascus has repeatedly raised the issue with Ankara through official channels, stressing citizens’ wish to reunite with their families.
So far, he added, there has been no indication that Türkiye intends to reopen border leave or modify its restrictions.
Based on current conditions, Alloush said no near-term change is expected, though coordination efforts will continue. Any updates, he added, will be announced through official channels.
The statement concluded by expressing appreciation for Syrians’ “sincere feelings and longing for their homeland” and wishing for their safe reunion with loved ones soon.
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