OnTheRoad

Cheaper than Jordan and friendlier than Egypt, Syria is a great place to spend at least a few weeks. Major highlights include the old towns of Damascus and Aleppo, the Crusader castles and the ancient ruins to the east.

Syrian visas are an interesting issue. Officially, you must obtain them from the embassy in your own country. If your country doesn't have an embassy, then you can pick one up at the border. In reality, most people can just turn up at the border and get one in a few minutes, although different borders may apply different rules.

Visas for NZ citizens cost US$60 at the border; however, transit visas (for three days) are free and I managed to extend mine, once inside the country, for only US$1, so you might as well try that way if you can. The worst that happens is they charge you the original visa fee, so no great loss.