Türkiye and Syria to launch transit transportation system this month

Türkiye and Syria are set to activate a comprehensive transit transportation agreement this November, marking a significant step in normalizing cross-border economic relations between the neighboring nations. Syrian transportation official Mazen Alloush confirmed that implementation of the August-signed agreement will commence this month, eliminating the current transshipment system for freight traffic and establishing direct transit routes for commercial vehicles.

Visa and Border Facilitation Measures

Under the new arrangement, Syrian drivers will obtain visas through the Turkish Consulate in Aleppo within ten days, while Turkish drivers will receive visas directly at border crossings. Turkish authorities have also preliminarily approved entry for dual citizens using Syrian-plated vehicles, with implementation expected shortly. These measures aim to streamline cross-border movement and enhance trade efficiency between the two countries.

Infrastructure Development and Trade Expansion

Syrian officials emphasized plans to modernize the country's transportation fleet, enabling Syrian drivers to access Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Europe, and Gulf countries via Turkish land routes. Since the political transition in December 2024, Syria has reactivated key border crossings with Jordan and Lebanon and processed over 110,000 containers through Latakia and Tartus ports, importing more than three million tons of fuel while exporting phosphate and livestock.

Anti-Corruption and Security Enhancements

The new administration has implemented rigorous anti-smuggling measures at border points, deploying K9 units and advanced screening technology to combat narcotics trafficking. Twenty new X-ray machines are being installed to replace non-functional equipment from the previous regime, with officials noting successful interception of multiple major drug shipments, particularly along the Jordanian border route.