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A Returning Citizen Pays $200 Fee for Phones at Aleppo Airport
Social media users circulated an official receipt from Aleppo Customs, claiming it requests a $200 fee to allow entry of two phones for a citizen returning from Germany.
According to the widely circulated details, the young man, on his way to visit his family, faced this situation upon arriving at the airport. He was told he either had to pay a fine or have his devices confiscated, before he was allowed to travel to Deir Ezzor.
However, the Syrian Customs Authority issued a statement to clarify the situation amid significant online controversy, strongly denying the authenticity of these claims and confirming that the circulated image is completely false.
Mazzen Aloush, Director of Public Relations at the authority, explained that customs procedures are conducted in an orderly manner. He clarified that customs at Aleppo and Damascus airports do not confiscate personal belongings, and follow official legal regulations.
Aloush pointed out that when travelers refuse to pay fees, their items are stored securely in the customs warehouse, where they are kept officially and returned to owners upon their departure from Syria, without any arbitrary measures or illegal confiscation. These statements aim to reassure travelers and dispel the widespread rumors on social media platforms.
Levant: Follow-ups
