The Kurdish Hawar News Agency (ANHA) quoted a private source stating that the Nusaybin border crossing, which separates the regions of Rojava (Northeast Syria) and North Kurdistan (Southeast Turkey) in the city of Qamishli, will be reopened during the current week.
The reopening of the crossing comes as part of the implementation of the terms of the agreement signed on January 29.
It is worth noting that the Nusaybin crossing has been closed repeatedly over past years. However, the most significant closure occurred in 2016, when Turkish authorities completely shut the crossing to both civilian and commercial traffic amid security and political developments in the region.
In a related context, sources reported that the General Crossings Administration will officially open the Tal Kojer (Al-Yaarubiyah) crossing during this week.
Integration of Semalka Crossing into Official Systems
Earlier this month, the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs announced the inclusion of the Semalka border crossing with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) into its official operational system. The authority noted the temporary use of the Suwaydiya–Al-Waleed outlet as an alternative due to the flooding of the Tigris River.
Mazen Alloush, Director of Relations at the Authority, stated in a press release:
“As of today, April 15, 2026, the Semalka border crossing with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has been integrated into the Authority’s operational system.”
He explained that this step aims to “complete the unification of operational and administrative procedures across all border outlets.”
Alloush added that the unified customs program and passenger transit program, adopted at all outlets, have been launched. This initiative contributes to standardizing data and procedures while facilitating transit movement.
Regarding the current status of the crossing, the Syrian official clarified that due to the flooding of the Tigris River and the subsequent decommissioning of the floating bridge connecting the Syrian and KRI borders, the Suwaydiya–Al-Waleed outlet is currently being used as a temporary alternative. This will continue until the technical issues are addressed and full readiness is restored at the Semalka outlet.
Travel hours for passengers have been set from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, while customs operations will continue until 7:00 PM, according to Alloush.
Abolition of Entry and Exit Fees
In the same context, entry and exit fees for travelers through the Semalka border crossing have been abolished, with no changes made to passport stamping procedures or the duration of stay within Syria.
A source in the crossing management told Arta FM that the decision includes the cancellation of fees previously imposed on certain categories, including:
$20 for Syrians holding European residencies.
20,000 Syrian Pounds for holders of Kurdistan Region of Iraq residencies upon entry.
The source added that a new additional receipt has been adopted for travelers, bearing the logo of the Syrian government and the name of the “Ports and Customs Authority,” without any accompanying amendments to established travel procedures.
Furthermore, the source confirmed there are no changes to the passport stamping mechanism, denying rumors regarding new measures for European passport holders. He also noted that the permitted duration of stay within Syria remains unchanged.
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