Short answer: You usually ship a vehicle to Syria by RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) to Latakia, the country’s main port on the Mediterranean coast. The roadworthy vehicle is driven onto the vessel in Northern Europe and travels across the Atlantic and through the Strait of Gibraltar into the eastern Mediterranean. Preparation is key: before each shipment, check the current embargo and sanctions situation and ensure you have the commercial invoice, bill of lading, vehicle documents and export declaration ready in full. ODS Orient supports you with its own office in Latakia.
The key points in 5 points
- Latakia is the port of destination for most vehicle shipments to Syria.
- RoRo is the standard for roadworthy cars, flat racks and containers.
- Check the sanctions situation is mandatory – before every single shipment.
- Documents complete Required documents: commercial invoice, B/L, vehicle documents, proof of export.
- Local contact: ODS Orient has its own office in Latakia.
What makes the port of Latakia special?
Latakia is situated on Syria’s Mediterranean coast and is regarded as the country’s most important seaport. A large proportion of the country’s freight traffic passes through it, including vehicles and project cargo. For you as a shipper, it is particularly important that collection, customs clearance and delivery at the destination port are well organised. This is precisely where our own office in Latakia comes in: you have a local contact who is familiar with the local procedures.
What is the route from Hamburg to Latakia?
Loading takes place at a Northern European Ro-Ro port, depending on the timetable and shipping line. From there, the sea route takes you through the North Sea and the English Channel, along the Atlantic coast and through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean, all the way to the Syrian coast. The transit time depends on the departure date, transhipments and port calls; you should allow for several weeks. You can find an overview of other destinations in the region in our article on how to You can reach the Middle East by Ro-Ro shipping.
What sort of cargo can be shipped to Syria?
Roadworthy cars, vans and lorries are typically transported by RoRo. ‘High & Heavy’ goods, such as construction and agricultural machinery, are also driven on board or loaded onto MAFI trailers. Flatracks are suitable for project cargo and oversized parts, as well as for vehicles that are not roadworthy or for providing additional protection for containers. The most suitable option depends on the dimensions, weight and condition of the cargo.
What documents and customs procedures are required?
Key documents include the commercial invoice, the bill of lading (as the transport document), the vehicle documents and the proof of export via the ATLAS export declaration. Our guide explains how the B/L, commercial invoice and clearances work together: Customs and documentation for RoRo. Import requirements in Syria are subject to change – so please check them in advance for each specific case.
What are the rules regarding export controls and sanctions?
There are EU restrictions in place regarding Syria, which have changed recently and may change further. You should therefore never rely on out-of-date information, but check the current situation with the BAFA on Embargoes and Export Controls. This applies to the goods, the recipient and the intended use. ODS Orient checks these details with every enquiry.
FAQ
Which port is the port of destination in Syria?
The main port of call is Latakia on the Mediterranean coast.
How long does shipping to Latakia take?
The sea voyage typically takes several weeks. On top of that, there is the lead time, customs clearance and delivery.
Am I even allowed to export a vehicle to Syria?
This depends on the current sanctions situation, the goods and the recipient. Check each case individually before each shipment.
Is RoRo or container shipping better?
For roadworthy vehicles, RoRo is usually the simplest solution. A container is the best option for non-roadworthy vehicles or where a higher level of protection is required.
Does ODS Orient have any contacts in Syria?
Yes. ODS Orient, a Hamburg-based freight forwarding company established in 1974, has its own office in Latakia.
All the information in this article has been carefully researched, but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Please contact us directly for a no-obligation quote.
