Crossing the Jordan-Syria Border at the Jabar-Nasib Border Crossing
Crossing the Jordan-Syria Border at the Jabar-Nasib Border Crossing was originally published in May 2025
There’s something equally thrilling and exhausting about a border crossing. It’s a cocktail of anticipation, nerves, mild loathing, and the creeping dread that you might have accidentally packed something suspect you totally forgot about, just waiting to get you in trouble at the checkpoint.
On this trip, I tackled the Jordan-Syria Border Crossing at Jabar-Nasib, which went rather smoothly.
On my return to Syria, I decided to explore Jordan before the expedition started, leading a group across the Jordan-Syria Border Crossing a t Jabar-Nasib. Following the conclusion of the tour we exited Syria at the al Masnaa Border Crossing between Lebanon and Syria.
Spoiler: it was smoother than I expected, especially given my past experiences with notoriously chaotic borders in Central Asia (where a “quick” border hop could easily spiral into a full-day saga, complete with side bets on bribe totals and how many hours it would take).
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Getting from Amman to the Jabar-Nasib Border Crossing
We had our transfer from Amman to Damascus all sorted in advance, no wild border taxi haggling for us this time (after all, I was running my Safar Expeditions tour of Syria and had a group in tow). That said, for the more adventurous (or budget-conscious), buses also ply this route regularly between the two capitals.
Our trusty van pulled up at Hotel Philosophy in Amman, scooped everyone up, and rolled out at a precise 09:13.
By 10:27, we hit the first checkpoint en route to the Jabar Border Crossing, where our passports got their first inspection. A quick shuffle down the road brought us to another checkpoint at 10:30, and by 10:31, we were at Jordan’s exit immigration building- three checkpoints in under five minutes, a new personal record.
The (Slightly Confusing) Exit Tax Process
Here’s a crucial tip to know: before you queue up at the immigration counter, make sure to pay your 10 JOD exit tax. I had (wrongly) assumed we’d settle that at the immigration desk, but just as we were about to hit the front of the line, a kind family pointed us toward a little building next door.
Cue a minor workout: I dashed over with everyone’s cash in hand, found the window (left-hand side once you step into the building next door), and waited for the elusive tax collector to reappear. Armed with receipts, I sprinted back just as our group’s first passport was being checked.
Timing? Impeccable.
Fun twist: one of my travelers had only been in Jordan for less than 24 hours and, surprise, didn’t actually owe the exit tax. The immigration officer stamped her out, sent her back next door, and, shockingly, she got her tax refunded! I was impressed.
Getting Stamped Out of Jordan
Aside from the exit tax detour, the Jordanian side of the Jordan-Syria Border was surprisingly efficient.
By 11:30, we were officially out, just a minute shy of an hour, which felt blissfully fast compared to my previous border war stories (looking at you, my 2016 11-hour Uzbekistan mosh-pit-esque Fergana Valley crossing fiasco).
We took a quick loo break, piled back into the van at 11:40, and waited behind a convoy of buses until 11:44. One last checkpoint at 11:45, and boom, we were waving goodbye to Jordan.
Entering Syria: A Shiny New Welcome
Just two minutes later at 11:47, we cruised through Syria’s first checkpoint.
By 11:50, we pulled up at the freshly renovated Syrian immigration office at Nasib. Honestly, it felt more like a small airport terminal than a dusty border outpost. Major upgrade.
The foreign visitor desk was quiet, and processing was smooth. We all faced the usual round of questions- where are you staying in Damascus, what’s your occupation, have you been to Syria before, etc., nothing too intimidating.
By 12:01, everyone had their shiny new Syrian entry stamps.
We breezed through a quick vehicle check at 12:08, hit the final checkpoint at 12:14, and by 12:16, we were officially in Syria. Cue celebratory sighs of relief.
Nasib Border to Damascus: Almost There
The highway from the Jabar-Nasib Border Crossing to Damascus is a straight shot, and by 13:20, we made a pit stop to swap out some leftover Jordanian dinars for Syrian pounds and stock up on Syrian snacks.
At 13:43, we hit the outskirts of Damascus, but of course, no journey is complete without a minor hiccup, this time in the form of some wonky GPS.
I couldn’t help but suspect a bit of IDF-induced GPS jamming, as I’d experienced in both Syria and Lebanon during my 2024 travels.
By 14:20, after a bit of backtracking and circling, we rolled into the parking lot of one of the entry gates to Damascus’ Old City, hot, a little sleepy, but buzzing with that giddy feeling you get when you’re back in one of your favorite places (Damascus is a city like none other).
Cost of Crossing the Jordan-Syria Border
For a private transfer directly from Amman to Damascus (or vice-versa), plan to pay $220 USD for the entire vehicle.
For those trying to go across the Jordan-Syria Border on the cheap, there are buses between the two capitals.
Final Thoughts on the Jordan-Syria Border Crossing
All in all, crossing the Jordan-Syria Border at the Jabar-Nasib Border Crossing was a breeze, especially by Middle Eastern border standards.
The brand-new facilities on the Syrian side were a pleasant surprise, and the whole process, from Amman to Damascus, was efficient and (dare I say) largely stress-free.
Whether you’re a first-timer heading into Syria or a returning visitor like me, this crossing is a fantastic option, and it’s great to see travel between these two countries becoming a bit more seamless.
Have questions about crossing the Jordan-Syria Border? Drop them in the comments. I’m happy to help with the latest info
Let me know if you want to add any specific tips for crossing the Jordan-Syria Border, if you’ve crossed here. And of course, leave your questions about the Jabar-Nasib Border Crossing below.
