🔴Syria closes its doors to Lebanese citizens: What are the reasons?

The Syrian authorities have recently banned Lebanese citizens from entering Syria, with the exception of those holding Syrian residency. This decision follows similar measures taken by Lebanon to restrict entry for Syrians who do not meet specific Lebanese requirements.

The reasons behind the closure are thought to be linked to recent incidents involving security concerns along the border, particularly the Lebanese Army’s detention of fighters from “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham,” a group affiliated with opposition forces in Syria. After the detention, the fighters were later released, and sources suggest this may have prompted Syria’s retaliatory decision.

This action has caused significant disruption at border crossings, with tighter regulations requiring Lebanese citizens to meet stricter conditions, such as presenting a valid Syrian residency, making hotel bookings, or having financial guarantees. Furthermore, those who violate residency rules in Syria face fines and a one-year entry ban. These changes have been enforced with heightened security measures and have affected movement across key border crossings, including Al-Masna’a.