Syria sits at the crossroads of the eastern Mediterranean and the Levant, where borders have influenced trade, culture and conflict for centuries. Understanding which neighbors touch its frontier helps make sense of regional movement and geopolitics.
There are 5 countries that border syria, ranging from Iraq to Turkey. For each neighbor you’ll find below a compact table organized with the columns: Flag, Border length (km), Main crossings / notes, so you can quickly compare crossing points and approximate border distances — you’ll find below.
Which countries share a land border with Syria?
Syria has five land neighbors: Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Lebanon and Israel to the west and southwest. The list below gives each country alongside flag images, estimated border lengths and the primary crossings or notes about access.
How reliable is the border and crossing information in this list?
Border lengths and commonly used crossings are based on internationally reported maps and sources, but crossing status and access can change quickly due to local conditions; always check current government, UN or embassy updates before planning travel or logistics.
Countries that Border Syria
| Country | Flag | Border length (km) | Main crossings / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 🇹🇷 | 822 | Bab al-Hawa, Bab al‑Salameh (major crossings) |
| Iraq | 🇮🇶 | 605 | Al‑Qa’im / Abu Kamal crossing; desert frontier |
| Jordan | 🇯🇴 | 379 | Nasib / Jaber crossing (major road link) |
| Lebanon | 🇱🇧 | 375 | Masnaa (Beirut–Damascus road crossing) |
| Israel | 🇮🇱 | 83 | Quneitra crossing; UNDOF buffer; Golan Heights contested |
Descriptions
Turkey
Turkey borders Syria to the north along about 822 km, from the Mediterranean eastward. Crossings such as Bab al‑Hawa and Bab al‑Salameh are key for trade and humanitarian aid. The border is strategically sensitive, with security operations and large refugee movements.
Iraq
Iraq borders Syria to the east for roughly 605 km, mostly desert. The Al‑Qa’im–Abu Kamal crossing is the main transit point. The frontier has seen militant activity and smuggling; regional actors and security cooperation shape the border dynamics.
Jordan
Jordan shares about 379 km with Syria to the south, from the Hauran plateau toward the Golan area. The Nasib–Jaber crossing is the principal commercial and humanitarian route. Border issues center on refugee flows, trade disruptions, and tight security controls.
Lebanon
Lebanon borders Syria to the west along roughly 375 km, a mostly mountainous and heavily intertwined frontier. The Masnaa crossing is the busiest link to Damascus. Cross-border communities, political ties, and periodic security incidents characterize the boundary.
Israel
Israel borders Syria along the Golan Heights for about 83 km; the line is highly disputed following Israel’s 1967 occupation. The Quneitra crossing and UNDOF buffer monitor the area. The frontier’s legal status remains a major geopolitical issue.
