Area Code 17 – Latakia

Geographic Overview

The Syrian area code 17 is the National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the coastal governorate of Latakia (اللاذقية). This region encompasses the city of Latakia, the country's principal seaport, along with surrounding towns such as Jableh, Qardaha, and Al-Haffah. The code is used for fixed-line PSTN services within this governorate, and it is administered by the Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE).

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in Latakia from within Syria, subscribers dial the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code 17, and then the subscriber's 6-digit local number. For example, a local number such as 123456 would be dialed as 017 123456 from anywhere inside the country.

For international callers, the Syrian country code +963 is used, followed by the area code 17 (without the leading zero) and the 6-digit local number. Thus, the same number would be dialed as +963 17 123456 from abroad.

It is important to note that within Latakia, local calls may be placed using only the 6-digit subscriber number, depending on the local exchange configuration. However, for clarity and to avoid misdialing, it is recommended to use the full national format (0 17 XXX XXX) when calling from other governorates.

Geographic and Administrative Coverage

The 17 code covers the entire Latakia Governorate, which is subdivided into four administrative districts: Latakia, Jableh, Al-Haffah, and Qardaha. The area is known for its Mediterranean climate, agricultural production (especially citrus fruits), and tourism. The code is exclusively geographic, meaning that the number range is tied to the physical location of the fixed-line subscriber.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan data, there is no overlay code for Latakia; the 17 code remains the sole geographic NDC for the region. The subscriber number length is consistently 6 digits, resulting in a total national significant number length of 9 digits (including the leading 0 for national dialing). No changes to this structure have been announced, but subscribers should always verify the current dialing procedures with their service provider, especially when using VoIP or mobile services.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within Latakia): Dial the 6-digit subscriber number directly.
• National callers (from other Syrian governorates): Dial 0 + 17 + 6-digit number.
• International callers: Dial your country's exit code, then 963 + 17 + 6-digit number. Do not include the leading zero of the area code.