Syrians returning to the country must present valid identification, such as a national passport or ID card, to enter. Passports and ID cards issued by the former government are deemed valid. Those without documents but registered in Syria’s civil registries may still be allowed entry after their identity is verified through the Civil Affairs database at border checkpoints, at which point they are issued a civil record extract for entry. Additionally, Syrian diplomatic missions abroad are authorised to issue temporary travel documents and passports to facilitate the return of nationals who had lost them. Replacement of lost ID cards can only be done in person inside Syria. UNHCR provides free legal assistance through its partners to IDPs and returnees on issues related to civil documentations including IDs.710
Since 8 December 2024, civil registry offices in Syria have suspended the registration of civil events, including births. Under Syrian law, personal status events such as births, deaths, and marriages that occur outside Syria must be registered in accordance with the laws of the country of residence, provided these do not conflict with Syrian legislation (as outlined in Article 17 of the Civil Affairs Law, amended by Law 13/2021). The interim authorities in Syria require all children entering the country to present a birth certificate and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For children born abroad who have not been registered in Syrian civil records either through diplomatic missions or domestic civil affairs offices, a birth certificate from the country of birth is required. In exceptional cases, hospital-issued birth notifications may be accepted for unregistered children at the border.711