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Syria Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 10, 2024, syria - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to reflect the risk of wrongful detention

Do not travel to Syria due to the risk of  terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, and armed conflict. Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detention.

Country Summary:  The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in February 2012. Czechia serves as the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria.

Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011. No part of Syria is safe from violence. Hostage taking by armed groups, wrongful detentions, the use of chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardment of civilian centers pose significant risk of death or serious injury. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has also increased hardships inside the country.

The U.S. government strongly warns private U.S. citizens against traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict. The U.S. government does not support this activity. U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including hostage taking by armed groups, wrongful detentions, injury, or death. Our ability to provide consular assistance to individuals who are injured or kidnapped, or to the families of individuals who die in the conflict, is extremely limited.

Protests and demonstrations are quelled by government forces through aggressive tactics and protestors, activists, and political dissenters are routinely detained without access to legal representation or the ability to communicate with friends and family.

Terrorist groups are active in Syria. Parts of Syria have experienced recent increases in incidents of bombings, IEDs, and assassinations. Fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates, can constitute the provision of material support for terrorism or a foreign terrorist organization, which is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines.

There is an ongoing risk of hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals throughout the country. U.S. citizens are also targets of abduction and/or wrongful detention by the Syrian government. Those in detention do not have access to fair judicial process or medical attention. Government detention centers are known to be unsanitary facilities where widespread cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment of detainees has been documented, as well as torture and extrajudicial killings. Minors, persons with physical, sensory, or mental disabilities, and elderly have frequently been victims of unjust detention. The Syrian government has also been implicated in the enforced or involuntary disappearance of more than 100,000 individuals, including medical and humanitarian workers, journalists, human rights activists, political opposition, and additionally those suspected of affiliation with these groups and their family members. Only the Syrian government can issue a valid entry visa to Syria. Failure to obtain a legitimate entry visa directly from the Syrian government could result in detention.

Due to risks of operating civilian aircraft within or in the vicinity of Syria, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Syria.

If you decide to travel to Syria:

• Visit our website on  Travel to High Risk Areas .
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your family, so that if you are taken hostage, your family knows specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive and to rule out a hoax.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with family so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information.
• Enroll your trip in the State Department's  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter/X .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Visiting Syria – Useful Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Wandering Beyond

Embarking on a trip to Syria started questions from doubters: ‘Did you travel to the third most dangerous country in the world of Syria through an ongoing conflict? Are you crazy to risk terrorist attacks in the Middle East?’ So many questions, but we still wanted to visit Syria!

Coming from a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, mentioning our journey to a country during war often raises concern.

Unfortunately, the general narrative revolves around conflicts in the Middle East . This missed opportunity arises as our Syrian journey reveals a breathtaking side overshadowed by war complexities. 

Join us as we challenge preconceptions and uncover the hidden beauty of Syria amidst the ongoing conflict.

This blog post will guide you with all you need to know, such as where to go, what to see and more – ensuring you have the most amazing time in this remarkable country.

Our Experience

Our trip to Syria, which made it to one of the national newspapers , was a remarkable experience that we will never forget. Despite warnings from social media and news portals about terrorist attacks and the Syrian conflict, Syria is a destination offering the most authentic experiences for adventurous travellers. 

Whether exploring the city centre or north-east Syria, don’t let fear discourage you—conduct thorough research before your journey.

Thanks to the guidance of our local guides, we not only had the time of our lives but also encountered incredible people and discovered outstanding places.

What about Safety in Syria?

We have a deep love for the Middle East, and the excitement was above and beyond when we decided to travel to the Syrian country. Upon arrival, that special feeling was evident! 

While it’s true that Syria has faced years of conflict with terrorist groups and military action, it’s essential to keep a few key factors in mind. Checking travel advisories before your trip to Syria and sticking to local laws help concerns.

Damascus emerged unscathed by the war, showcasing resilience despite economic challenges. Syrians, like everyone else, aspire to lead everyday lives. Several cities were untouched by conflict, while others, though affected, remained safe with a commitment to established rules.

The scene is vibrant in many parts of Syria—children playing, locals earning a living, bustling markets, and people enjoying time with friends. Syria is a country much like any other worldwide, and there’s no need for fear to go to Syria, as it stands as a safe country.

How to Get to Syria

Our journey to Syria began from Beirut in Lebanon, a roughly 2-hour drive to the Masnaa Lebanon, Syria border crossing.

Besides Lebanon , alternative entry points exist, such as from Jordan, Erbil, Tehran, or Cairo to Damascus International Airport.

We highly recommend the best and easiest travel option from Lebanon. Our tour guide from Golden Team picked us up from Hamra, Lebanon, and made our entrance as smooth as possible.

Discovering Syria Independently: Navigating the Traveller’s Dilemma

To enter Syria is more complicated than it once was. Unlike in the past, you cannot enter on your own. Securing a guide is necessary to facilitate entry and travel within Syria. Additionally, specific areas require a dedicated driver for exploration.

For those considering a visit, understanding the arrival process, obtaining a tourist visa, adapting to local customs, and staying informed about the security situation is essential to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable experience in Syria, starting from the border in Beirut.

Arrival and immigration tips for Syria

We want to help you make the immigration process easier, so here are some useful tips:

Don’t break a sweat over visas! Roll with a tour guide when planning your grand Syrian adventure. 

They’re your golden ticket to hassle-free travel, sorting out that visa business along with your booking. It’s like a two-for-one deal minus the stress.

Stamp of Approval (Not from Israel, Though)

Heads up—keep those passport pages looking fresh. If you’ve got stamps from Israel, prepare for a U-turn! Having the Israeli ink might get you banned from Syria.

This rule isn’t just for our Israeli pals; even travellers with a hint of Israel on their passports are in for a detour.

Cash Rules Everything Around Syria (Money)

Make sure you pack EUR or USD cash. Exchange your money because, in Syria, it’s all about the Syrian pounds.

Your dollars and euros are like VIP passes for a smooth entrance into this fantastic country. Let the adventure begin!

Getting Around Syria – Tour or Local Guide

Before you visit, you must check the latest travel advisories, but don’t overdo it. Since the independent approach to this destination country is restricted, booking with a tour or a guide becomes crucial, particularly for managing visas and accommodations in advance.

With a range of options, including group and private tours, our standout recommendation, based on our wonderful experience, is the outstanding Golden Team Syria .

This team is the real deal—absolute pros who transformed our journey into an unforgettable one. They covered us from crossing the border to the very last minute bound for Beirut. Need conversion to Syrian pounds? No problem. Are you concerned about navigating the local laws of the Syrian government and high-risk areas? They’ve got it all under control. 

The Golden Team ensured our Syrian journey was nothing short of epic, making it the best experience ever. When unravelling the magic of Syria, they’re the people you can trust!

How to Get a Visa

One must get a visa in Syria as you can not travel alone like in Jordan . You must inform your travel agency about arranging your documents and, ideally, combining them into your tour cost, making it hassle-free. 

We recommend sorting out the above at least two to three weeks before your trip. There is no need to browse consular services on the government website when your local guide seamlessly handles everything.

While Damascus allows some independent travel, venturing beyond can be challenging, if not impossible, without a guide. The quantity of checkpoints throughout the country requires constant document verification, including the tourist visa. 

Ensure a smooth journey by letting your guide navigate these frontiers and handle the intricacies of travel in this magnificent country.

Crossing Check Points

When you travel to Syria, you’ll quickly observe the majority of checkpoints as you cross from one place to another. The security situation is well managed, featuring armed groups of border officers tasked with ensuring safety and compliance. 

It’s crucial to be respectful and follow the rules and orders issued by your guide throughout your travels here, navigating the barriers and borders seamlessly.

Currency Exchange

Upon arrival in Damascus, settling your tour cost is a straightforward process—you’ll need to pay in notes, with both USD and Euro accepted. However, it’s advisable to bring extra notes in USD in exchange for the Syrian pound currency at the border to cover additional expenses, such as food. 

While Euro is acceptable for settling your tour bill, bringing USD is preferable. Remember that there are no ATMs or card readers in Syria, stressing the importance of carrying enough money in dollars for your entire trip, including visas and other costs at the border.

Where to Stay?

When we shared our plan to visit Syria, the reactions were overwhelming, with most people expressing massive concern about our accommodations. Many assumed that Syria, still recovering from the impact of conflict, lacked suitable places to stay. 

Contrary to this misconception, our experience was quite the opposite! In Syria, we enjoyed staying in some of the most beautiful hotels, exceeding all expectations in comfort and amenities.

To our delight, the Golden Team had meticulously planned and booked all our accommodations well in advance, ensuring a smooth experience. Each hotel we stayed at not only met but exceeded our needs. Moreover, they all offered delectable Syrian breakfasts, adding a delightful culinary touch to our stay.

Accommodation

For those considering a trip to Syria and opting for a guide instead of a tour, we highly recommend booking the same hotels that made our stay truly special:

• Hotel Talsman
• Dar Al Mamlouka

Al Misthaya

• Villa Rosa Hotel
• Laurus Hotel

Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Must See Places

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries, Syria promises to be an unforgettable destination. Bursting with a wealth of history, culture, and natural marvels, here are some of the must-see places:

Damascus is one of the major cities that fascinates most people and boasts an impressive blend of history and modernity. At its heart lies the iconic Umayyad Mosque, a symbol of Syria’s rich cultural heritage. With its energetic city centre, the ancient city of Damascus invites exploration that promises awe-inspiring experiences.

Bosra is an ancient city in Syria that offers a captivating journey through time. With its rich historical significance, this well-preserved site invites exploration and promises a unique glimpse into the past.

When your travels bring you to Syria, Maaloula is an absolute must-see. Half a day is dedicated to exploring this beautiful destination. During our exploration, we encountered the poignant remains of a hotel, bearing witness to the ravages of war. In Maaloula, a unique experience awaits as you interact with locals who still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Wandering through these ancient sites is truly a fantastic journey back in time.

Krak Des Chevaliers (Al-Husn)

When you find yourself in Syria, prepare to be mesmerised by the sheer magic of Krak Des Chevaliers. This iconic fortress is a must-see and a key highlight in guided tours. Once a stronghold for the Knights Hospitaller, the Krak Des Chevaliers boasts an awe-inspiring medieval architecture that transports you to a bygone era.

Ensure your camera is handy, as you will be able to capture the captivating details and breathtaking views this historical marvel offers. At least we did. The fortress stands as a testament to centuries of history. It is a living storybook ready to be explored, leaving visitors wondering about its grandeur and the tales it holds within its walls.

Al-Mishtaya

Al-Mishtaya, a hidden gem in Syria, invites travellers to discover its unique charm. This picturesque destination fascinates with its serene beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether strolling through its historic streets, savouring local cuisine, or engaging with the welcoming community, Al-Mishtaya promises an authentic and memorable experience off the beaten path in Syria.

Hama, nestled in the heart of Syria with a storied history, extends a warm invitation to visitors, blending ancient allure with a dynamic modern spirit. Renowned for its iconic Norias, or water wheels, lining the Orontes River, this place unfolds an exciting journey through time. Delve into the remnants of its ancient past, from the Roman-era aqueduct to the historic citadel, immersing yourself in the city’s lively atmosphere.

The residents here, accustomed to rarely seeing tourists, expressed genuine excitement upon encountering new faces during our visit. Eager to connect, everyone wanted to capture moments together, and we were overwhelmed by the joy reflected in their happy faces.

Hama effortlessly blends tradition and modernity, creating a captivating stop for those enthusiastic about exploring Syria’s rich cultural fabric. Discover the hidden gems and experience the warm hospitality that makes this location a uniquely distinct and memorable destination

Apamea, another gem in Syria’s historical crown, is near Hama. Strolling through its collonaded streets, one can almost hear the echoes of ancient civilisations that once thrived in this city. The site offers a captivating window into the history and culture of this ancient land.

During our visit to Apamea, we had the privilege of meeting locals engaged in the traditional practice of olive cutting. Children, with bright smiles, were actively participating in this age-old process, transforming olives into medicinal treasures. 

This immersive encounter with the local community added a deep layer to our exploration, providing a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions that endure in such historical marvels.

Exploring this archaeological gem not only unveils the architectural splendours of the past but also connects visitors with the resilient spirit of the present-day community, making Apamea a truly enriching destination to travel for those seeking a profound journey through time.

Aleppo, a city in northern Syria celebrated for its culinary scene, stands resilient despite war’s challenges. Though scarred, the bustling markets testify to the city’s enduring spirit. 

During the day of exploring Aleppo, we found ourselves captivated not only by its diverse and flavorful dishes but also by the unwavering resilience of its residents, offering a narrative of strength. Post-conflict, locals eagerly pursue normality, breathing life back into their city amid the scars of conflict. 

From markets to neighbourhoods, Aleppo experiences a collective effort to rebuild and revive, transforming into a symbol of rebirth. The indomitable spirit of its residents shines, determined to reclaim lives in the face of adversity, each step towards normalcy a testament to Aleppo’s enduring strength.

Visit Homs, Syria, and discover a city steeped in history and cultural richness, where ancient landmarks tell tales of a captivating past.

In Homs, we were welcomed into the home of a Syrian family, which, with open arms and warm hospitality, awaited us. Beyond the delightful lunch, our hearts warmed as we spent precious moments playing with local kids , turning our journey into an extremely heartwarming experience. Check out this video full of love from the kids of Homs.

@norbertbezzina 🇸🇾 These are the kids of Syria, and we are in Homs, and these beautiful kids are amazing, not just the kids; everyone is amazing. When you see these faces, you can’t be any happier ❤️ #maltatravel #maltatiktok #tiktokmalta #fypmalta #maltatiktoker #maltatiktok🇲🇹 #maltatiktok🖤 #maltatok #maltese🇲🇹 #maltesepeople #maltesetiktoker #maltesetiktok #maltesetraveller🇲🇹 #maltesetraveller #maltesetravellers #maltafyp #maltafyp🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers #malta🇲🇹_tiktokers #tiktokersmalta #tiktokermalta #maltafyp2023 #fypmalta2023 #maltesefyp2023 #syria🤍 #syria_love #fypcute #beautifulkids #sobeautiful❤️ @Norbert Bezzina @Norbert Bezzina @Norbert Bezzina ♬ original sound - Norbert Bezzina

@norbertbezzina 🇸🇾 The beautiful kids of Homs, Syria ❤️ We love you 🤍 #maltatravel #maltatiktok #tiktokmalta #fypmalta #maltatiktoker #maltatiktok🇲🇹 #maltatiktok🖤 #maltatok #maltese🇲🇹 #maltesepeople #maltesetiktoker #maltesetiktok #maltesetraveller🇲🇹 #maltesetraveller #maltesetravellers #maltafyp #maltafyp🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers #malta🇲🇹_tiktokers #tiktokersmalta #tiktokermalta #maltafyp2023 #fypmalta2023 #maltesefyp2023 #syria #syria🇸🇾 #fypcute #beautifulkids #sobeautiful❤️ ♬ original sound - Norbert Bezzina

Do Not Miss What We Missed

We highly recommend visiting Palmyra and including it in your journey . Isis destroyed Palmyra, but despite its unfortunate history, exploring this ancient city is worth exploring. There is a significant part of understanding Syria’s rich heritage and the resilience of its historical treasures.

Moses Al-Abyssinian Monastery (Al Nabk)

In Al Nabk, this Monastery beckons with its serene spirituality and architectural elegance and is worth visiting.

Traditional Food

You can only be in Syria by exploring the delightful flavours of traditional Syrian cuisine. Do not miss the below:

• Kibbeh Bil Sanieh
• Samaka Harra

For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Syrian Booza—an ice cream with a unique twist! Make sure to indulge in this treat when in Damascus.

Internet access in Syria is minimal, much like the situation in Beirut. It’s essential to be mindful of the connectivity challenges that may occur when you travel to Syria. 

We experienced this firsthand, disrupting our usual workflow due to the constrained connection. Fortunately, with a flexible content writing schedule, we were less impacted and could work anytime. 

When crossing the border, anticipate a substantial decrease in wifi availability, potentially slowing your ability to stay connected during your travels in Syria. 

Electricity

Electricity availability in Syria can also be unpredictable, with occasional power outages, so be prepared for potential disruptions.

Recommendations for Visiting Syria

Planning to enter syria make it easier with these helpful tips:.

• Consider Golden Team as your tour guide for the best experience.
• Get a Visa to ensure hassle-free entry taken care of by the agency.
• Bring currencies like USD or EUR to exchange for the Syrian pound.
• Travel insurance is extremely limited to Syria; however, TrueTraveller is available.
• Consider exploring other countries, like we did with Lebanon , to take advantage of Syria’s central location.
• Stay updated on travel advisories during your days in Syria.

What to Wear when You Travel to Syria

Clothes advice.

• Men: Normal clothes are suitable, but avoid sleeveless shirts in mosques.
• Women: Dress freely, but carry trousers and a scarf. Avoid shorts or short skirts in Hama and Aleppo, especially in mosques.

Taking Photos and Videos

During your trip to Syria, you can capture photos and videos anywhere except at the borders. Exercise caution in high-risk areas, especially checkpoints, where little or no warning may be given. 

People of Syria

Syrians are undoubtedly some of the most warm-hearted and kind individuals we’ve ever encountered. Despite living in challenging circumstances and often facing poverty, their generosity knows no bounds. 

Whether offering food or heartfelt gifts, they naturally desire to share what they have with visitors.

This genuine kindness touched our hearts deeply, and we are incredibly grateful, mainly as we were with Golden Team Syria, which provided us with unique insights into Syrian life from the locals’ perspective.

Best Time to Visit Syria

The optimal times to visit Syria are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is cool and pleasant.

In June, the heat is intense, as experienced with Norbert suffering heatstroke during our visit. Take precautions if planning this beautiful country during hotter months.

Have You Got any Questions or Concerns? We can Help You!

Please get in touch with us if you’re interested in planning your Syrian adventure or have any questions about travelling to this unique destination. We’ll gladly provide insights, information, and assistance to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience in Syria.

Drop your questions below, and let the journey begin!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. If you book your accommodation or buy anything through our links, we earn a small commission at NO extra cost to you. We only recommend links to services we truly trust. Thank you for your support!

Wandering Beyond

We're Norbert and Steff, a couple from the tiny island of Malta. Our love story began in 2012, and our shared aspiration has always been to embark on adventures and uncover new horizons. With a passion for backpacking and a desire to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, we continue to create unforgettable experiences. Our dream has reached a new level today since we are full-time digital nomads living our dream, travelling the world one country at a time.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Syria travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: July 15, 2024 12:32 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, syria - avoid all travel.

If you’re in Syria, you should consider leaving if it’s safe to do so.

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Security situation

The Syrian conflict began in 2011, and Syria remains an active conflict zone in which the security situation could worsen with little warning.

The Syrian regime and its allies conduct regular strikes in northwest Syria despite a ceasefire agreed to in 2020. Since September 2014, the global coalition against Daesh has carried out aerial bombardment operations on terrorist targets across the northeast. There is also frequent shelling by Türkiye near the northern border due to longstanding tension between Syrian Kurdish groups and neighbouring Türkiye.

Central and southern Syria are unstable and dangerous due to sporadic airstrikes against Iranian-aligned targets. Occasional active fighting between opposition and regime forces, as well as drug-smuggling activities in the area, pose an additional security threat. Syria’s chemical and biological weapons program and their historic use on civilians contribute to the volatile situation.

The use of small arms, tanks, artillery and aircraft is common. Common war tactics have also involved:

• blockading entire cities for months or years with little or no warning
• denying entry to humanitarian aid workers and supplies into cities

If you attempt to travel to Syria, you expose yourself to grave risk. In addition to threats from war, terrorism, criminality, arbitrary detention, torture and forced disappearance by the Syrian regime are ongoing threats.

The Government of Canada has urged Canadians to leave Syria since November 2011. Commercial means to leave the country are limited. Most commercial airlines have suspended their flights. Airports in Damascus and Aleppo may close with little or no notice. Checkpoints may also delay or impede access to the airport.

The Embassy of Canada in Damascus has suspended its operations. Our ability to provide consular assistance and other support in Syria is extremely limited.

Do not travel to Syria. If you choose to travel to Syria, or remain in the country, despite this advisory:

• exercise extreme caution at all times
• always be aware of your surroundings
• keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety and that of your family
• ensure that your travel documents are up to date

There is a significant threat of terrorism in Syria. Extremist groups control parts of the country and pose a dangerous risk to foreigners. Terrorist attacks including suicide bombings, car bombings and other violent incidents occur regularly, resulting in civilian casualties.

Further attacks are likely, and the security situation could worsen with little warning.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• residential areas

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during:

• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

The crime rate has increased significantly in Syria. State and non-state actors engage in criminal markets. Smuggling and trafficking routes have greatly expanded throughout southwestern Syria. There is widespread corruption and bribery throughout the country. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

• Avoid travelling at night
• Avoid showing signs of wealth
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Kidnapping for ransom is a frequent phenomenon in various parts of the country, especially in tribal areas and across southern Syria. Others are disappeared. Politically motivated kidnappings by armed and terrorist groups often result in execution or disappearances.

• Be extremely vigilant at all times
• Use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when travelling

Demonstrations

Demonstrations rarely occur. Security forces and the military use excessive force to suppress uprisings and demonstrations throughout Syria.

Peaceful demonstrations frequently turn violent. They lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Civilians are frequently arrested without cause and for being near the site of a demonstration.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor international and social media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone are at risk of facing harassment and verbal abuse, and in some areas—notably in territories controlled by terrorist groups—are at risk of physical assault.

Advice for women travellers

Service outages and supply shortages

Due to infrastructure damage and mismanagement, Syria experiences regular power outages. At best, some areas of the country receive roughly 2-3 hours of electricity per day. Those who are most fortunate rely on fuel-powered generators. Access to fuel is rare and inconsistent.

Drought has caused severe water and food shortages across the country. Safe running water may not always be available.

Telecommunications are sometimes disrupted without notice.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Unenforced traffic law and problematic roads and infrastructure make road travel very dangerous. Authorities may also impose road travel restrictions without notice, making travel slow and dangerous.

Avoid driving after dark.

Roadblocks and checkpoints

Roadblocks and checkpoints are common, including on major roads and highways in and around major cities. They are also present along the highways connecting Damascus to Aleppo, Jordan and Beirut.

Never attempt to cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended.  

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Syria.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

If you are a non-Arab national, you can’t obtain a visa at border points of entry. You must obtain it from the nearest Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic or one of its consulates prior to your departure.

Registration

If you intend to stay in Syria for longer than 14 days, you must register with the Syrian Immigration and Passports Office before the 15th day after your arrival.

If you travel on a tourist visa, this requirement is applied each time you enter Syria, whether you have a multiple or single-entry visa.

Exit permits

Some travellers may require an exit permit to leave the country. The permit can be obtained from the General Security Department.

Health entry requirements

You must be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if you intend to:

• obtain a residence permit in Syria
• marry a Syrian national

Syrian authorities won’t issue a residence permit unless you have a negative HIV test.

Regional travel

Travellers have been denied entry into Syria because their passports bore:

• an Israeli visa
• an Israeli border stamp
• an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate that the traveller visited Israel prior to coming to Syria
• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Basic medical care and medications are extremely limited throughout Syria. There are severe shortages of medical personnel, supplies and equipment throughout the country. Large parts of the country rely on international organizations to provide medical assistance.

You will likely need an emergency medical evacuation is case of serious illness or injury. However, it may be difficult to arrange evacuation due to the volatile security and political situation.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Arbitrary detention, torture and forced disappearance may occur. Syrian authorities may not help you contact the Government of Canada if they detain you.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect severe penalties, which may include the death penalty.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

It’s prohibited to photograph official buildings such as military or government installations.

Seek permission prior to photographing individuals.

Mobile phone

It’s prohibited to use your cell phone at checkpoints.

Communications are likely to be closely monitored by security services.

Dress and behaviour

The country’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to traditional and Islamic practices and beliefs.

To avoid offending local sensitivities, particularly when visiting religious sites:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to verify your identity at any time.

• Carry photo identification, such as a passport, at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case the original is lost or confiscated

Syrian authorities scrutinize foreign journalists and media. Reporters can face considerable restrictions in the context of their work.

Journalists attempting to work in Syria without official approval from the Syrian government place themselves at considerable risk. Armed groups in opposition-held areas have injured, kidnapped and killed journalists and other foreigners operating there.

The Syrian Arab Armed Forces and other armed groups have also detained journalists in Syria. 

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Syrian law criminalizes sexual acts and relationships between persons of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could also be discriminated against or detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. They could be charged with promotion of homosexuality. If they are convicted, they could face the death penalty.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Syria.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Syria.

The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services in Syria is extremely limited.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Compulsory military service

Men aged 18 or over who are of Syrian descent, including dual citizens and those without Syrian citizenship, must complete compulsory military service or pay an exemption fee if they travel to Syria. If you choose to travel to Syria despite the advisory to avoid all travel to the country, contact the Syrian government before travelling for information on compulsory military service.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Syria.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Syria by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Syria to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Syria and have a valid certificate confirming that you have third-party insurance.

There is zero tolerance for having alcohol in your system while driving.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency of Syrian is the Syrian pound (SYP).

The economy is primarily cash-based. Credit cards are not widely accepted. You should carry enough U.S. dollars or Euros to cover your expenses.

ATMs are available in major cities, such as Damascus and Aleppo, but are not always reliable.

Due to international sanctions, several foreign credit institutions and banks have suspended their transactions with Syria. As a result, you may not be able to use your Canadian credit and debit cards. Contact your financial service provider before travelling to Syria to confirm whether you can use your cards there. Regulations regarding financial transactions, financial sanctions and currency exchange can change without notice.

It’s illegal to exchange currency on the street. You must exchange foreign currency in banks or at official exchange counters. The Syrian pound cannot be exchanged outside the country. You will need to present official exchange receipts to exchange Syrian pounds into foreign currency before your departure. Keep all your official exchange receipts.  

Earthquakes

Earthquake in türkiye and syria.

On February 20, 2023, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake and an aftershock of 5.8 magnitude struck the area near the border with Türkiye. This follows a series of earthquake in southeastern Türkiye on February 6, 2023 which had already severely impacted northern Syria, including Idlib and Aleppo. There are reports of further damage to buildings and more casualties.

If you are in the affected area:

• monitor local media
• follow instructions from local authorities

Syria is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes may occur.

Familiarize yourself with local evacuation plans in the event of an earthquake.

• Earthquakes  - What to Do?
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey

Dust storms

The weather is very dry and hot from May to October. Sand storms and dust storms may occur during the summer months.

Sand-laden winds can blow at high speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. These storms can also cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal for some people.

If a dust storm is occurring:

• stay indoors
• keep windows closed
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Drought and flooding

Syria has been facing drought in recent years, leading to crop failure and severe food shortages.

While infrequent, torrential rains and heavy flooding also occur, which can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

In the event of flooding:

• avoid the affected area
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Large-scale emergencies abroad

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 112
• medical assistance: 110
• firefighters: 113

Consular assistance

The Embassy of Canada to Syria, in Damascus, has suspended its operations.

The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Lebanon, in Beirut, to provide consular and other support throughout Syria is extremely limited.

Canadians in Syria and their relatives seeking information should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Lebanon, in Beirut, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also call the  Emergency Watch and Response Centre  in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Syria Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Syria. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles July 24, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Areas of active cholera transmission are  localized  to Aleppo (last case reported in the past 3 months), Al-Hasakeh (last case reported in the past 3 months), Ar-Raqqa (last case reported in the past 3 months), and Idleb (last case reported in the past 3 months) in Syria. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Syria.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Syria.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Syria.

Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in Syria, rabies vaccines are typically not readily available.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

• Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads
• May spread from to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• May spread to people from camels.

Middle East Respiratory virus syndrome (MERS)

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Syria, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Syria. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Syria include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Syria. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Syria’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Syria may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Syria, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Syria for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Latest update

Do not travel to Syria due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, air strikes, terrorism and kidnapping.

Syria (PDF 755.31 KB)

The Middle East (PDF 1.45 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire services, medical emergencies.

Call 110 or go direct to a hospital.

Call 112 or visit the nearest police station.

Advice levels

Do not travel  to Syria.

Do not travel  to Syria due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, air strikes, terrorism and kidnapping.

See Safety .

• An increased threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region and ongoing military action in the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. Demonstration and protest activity may occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. 
• This may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and flight diversions and other travel disruptions. 
• The security situation in Syria is dangerous due to military conflict, air strikes, high levels of violence, terrorism and kidnapping. Chemical weapons have been used in the conflict. If you're in Syria, despite our advice, avoid possible terrorist and military targets. Seek professional security advice if you enter Syria. Limit your movements. Keep stocks of food, water, fuel and toiletries.
• Foreigners, especially aid workers and journalists, have been kidnapped. Vary your routines so your movements don't become obvious to others.
• Protests can turn violent. Authorities have arrested people near demonstrations, regardless of their citizenship. Avoid large public gatherings.
• Serious crime occurs, including violent robberies, kidnappings and carjackings. Keep your vehicle doors locked and windows up, even when moving. Carry only what you need.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Access to hospitals and medicine are limited due to the ongoing conflict. The quality of health care in Syria is low. If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need medical evacuation. This is expensive and hard to organise. The Australian Government won't organise evacuation or pay for these costs.
• Insect-borne diseases, such as leishmaniasis, are common. Malaria occurs in the northern border region, particularly in Al Hasakah Province. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. Consider taking anti-malarial medication.
• Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include brucellosis, typhoid and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked foods and unpasteurised dairy products.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry drugs. Penalties for drug offences include the death sentence.
• Get professional legal advice if you're involved in local legal matters, especially family or business law.
• Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph military and government buildings and other sensitive infrastructure.
• Using a drone is illegal and could result in a severe penalty. 
• Always carry ID. It's required by law.
• Syria recognises dual nationality. However, if you're an Australian-Syrian dual national, Syrian authorities will treat you as Syrian. If you're a male dual national, you may have to do military service if you go to Syria. Contact your nearest  Syrian embassy or consulate  for details.
• Same-sex relations are illegal in Syria.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• If you travel to Syria despite our advice and don't have Syrian identity documents, you'll need a visa. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Syria for the latest requirements.
• Contact Lebanese and Syrian authorities for the latest information on travelling between Syria and Lebanon. Entry and exit measures may change without notice. 
• Leave Syria as soon as you can. Most commercial airlines have stopped flying to Syria. Commercial air services and airports could be attacked or stop operating at any time. Roads and border crossings may be blocked without warning. Plan your exit carefully to minimise safety risks. 
• Ongoing conflict in Syria may increase risks to civil aviation in the region. Civil aviation authorities in a number of countries do not allow airlines from those countries to fly in Syrian airspace.
• The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). The economy is primarily cash-based. Penalties for carrying or using currencies other than the SYP are severe. Your credit cards and ATM cards may not work.
• The SYP continues to depreciate heavily and can drastically affect the cost of everyday goods. Ensure you have enough cash for your stay, including depreciation rates. 

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Syria. Our ability to provide consular services in Syria is severely limited. The Romanian Embassy in Damascus may be able to provide some emergency consular services to Australians in Syria. For further information, contact the  Australian Embassy in Beirut .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Armed conflict and terrorism.

The security situation in Syria is dangerous due to:

• ongoing military conflict, including air strikes
• high levels of violence
• civil unrest and political tensions
• terrorist attacks
• kidnappings involving foreigners

Chemical weapons have been used during the conflict in Syria. These weapons could be used again.

If you're in Syria despite this advice, prepare to leave as soon as possible. Get a valid exit visa in your passport in case you need to depart quickly.

While you're in Syria you should:

• seek professional security advice
• adopt effective personal security measures
• stay in a safe place and limit your movements
• always be alert
• keep a low profile
• vary your routines so your movements don't become obvious to others

Take safety precautions, including: 

• avoiding possible targets for a terrorist or military attack
• having a clear exit plan in case there's a security incident

If there's an attack:

• leave the area as soon as it's safe
• avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks
• monitor the media for any new or emerging threats

The security situation means access to food, water and fuel can be difficult. You should stockpile essential goods, including toiletries and prescription medication.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

There is a very serious threat of kidnapping throughout Syria. Kidnappings can occur for political or financial gain. Criminal and terrorist kidnappings are also a significant risk in Syria. There have been multiple cases of kidnappings in Syria, including of foreign nationals. 

Syria remains at war and there are numerous terrorist and militant groups operating throughout the country. Among the terrorist groups are Islamic State (IS) and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). These terrorist groups are known to use the kidnapping of foreigners as a tactic. This includes targeting aid workers, journalists and those working in the tourism and business sectors. Westerners have assassinated by these terrorist groups. If despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is limited. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• vary your movements so you don't set predictable patterns
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location 
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.   Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.   More information:

Civil unrest and political tension

The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

Public protests and events with large groups of people can turn violent.

Syrian authorities have arrested people near demonstrations, regardless of their citizenship.

Civil unrest may limit your ability to travel by road.

If you're in Syria despite our advice:

• avoid rallies, demonstrations and crowds
• avoid funerals and mourning processions
• avoid areas where people congregate after Friday midday prayers
• monitor the media for new safety and security risks, including political events that could increase tensions
• Demonstrations and civil unrest

The breakdown in law and order has led to an increase in crime, including:

• violent robberies
• kidnappings
• carjackings
• drive with your doors locked and windows up
• secure your accommodation
• stay alert to your surroundings

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Climate and natural disasters

Syria is subject to  earthquakes . Dust storms and sandstorms also happen,  especially during the summer months when there have been long periods of dry weather.

If there's a  natural disaster  or  severe weather :

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources such as the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Syria.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Australian Government)
• COVID-19  (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Due to the ongoing conflict, there is a shortage of medicine. 

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Syria. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Syria is exposed to the international spread of  polio .

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases, such as  leishmaniasis , are common.

Malaria  occurs in the northern border region, particularly in Al Hasakah Province.

To protect yourself from disease:​ ​

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking malaria prevention medication

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• brucellosis
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks could happen.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Access to hospitals is limited due to the ongoing conflict. The quality of healthcare in Syria is low. 

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation is expensive and hard to organise. The Australian Government won't organise evacuation or pay for these costs.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.

• Carrying or using drugs

If you're involved in local legal matters, get professional advice. Know your rights and responsibilities, especially in family law matters like:

• child custody
• child support

Serious crime such as murder have the death penalty.

These activities are illegal in Syria:

• same-sex relationships
• taking photos of military or government buildings or other sensitive infrastructure
• not carrying ID
• failing to have the right entry visa

If you wish to preach a religion other than Islam, get local advice. Restrictions can apply.

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Australian laws

It's illegal under Australian law for Australian citizens, including dual citizens, to support any armed groups in Syria. This includes:

• joining the conflict
• funding, training or recruiting someone to fight
• supplying or funding weapons

Australia has  imposed sanctions on Syria , including a ban on weapons.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Syria recognises dual nationality. 

If you're an Australian-Syrian dual national, Syrian authorities will treat you as Syrian. This limits the  consular services  we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Children of Syrian men obtain Syrian citizenship automatically at birth.

• Dual nationals

Military service

Syria has compulsory military service.

If you're a male dual national, you may have to do military service if you go to Syria. Having an Australian passport won't get you out of military service.

Local customs

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative, particularly around religious sites.

If you're female, wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs. Wear a headscarf.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

The Islamic holiday month of  Ramadan  is observed in Syria. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time. 

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

If you travel to Syria despite our advice and don't have Syrian identity documents, you'll need a visa.

You can apply for a visa at the nearest Syrian  embassy or consulate  before you go to Syria. You can't get a visa when you arrive.

You must inform Syrian Immigration if you intend to stay in Syria longer than 15 days from the date of entry. This applies to residence permits and visa extensions. 

Parts of Syria, including north-east Syria, are controlled by groups that may issue local travel permits. But you'll still need a visa issued by the Syrian Government if travelling to Syria.

Border measures

Check entry requirements with Syrian authorities before travelling. Monitor media and announcements from local authorities. 

You must declare all foreign currency and electronic equipment when you arrive in Syria, or else you could face delays when you leave. You may need to declare how much currency you're carrying when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not just cash.

If you're a dual Australian/Syrian citizen and enter Lebanon using your Syrian documentation, to visit the Australian Embassy in Beirut, you'll need to prove you have an appointment before you'll be allowed to enter the embassy. The Australian Embassy in Beirut can inform Lebanese General Security of your intention to enter Lebanon. To contact the Australian Embassy in Beirut, see 'l ocal contacts '.

Syrian border authorities have held Australians of Arab origin for long periods without charge.

If you've overstayed your visa, you'll need an exit visa for you and your children before leaving.

If you have a residence permit, check with Syrian Immigration regarding the 'exit and return' requirements. 

Be aware that:

• children born in Syria must have their father's permission to leave Syria
• a Syrian husband can stop his wife from leaving the country, regardless of her nationality
• unmarried women can be prevented from leaving Syria due to strict family controls

Travel to Israel

If there's evidence that you've travelled to Israel, authorities will refuse your entry to Syria or deport you. Evidence includes:

• Israeli exit or entry stamps in your passport
• Egyptian or Jordanian stamps from border crossings with Israel
• travel itineraries or tickets that include Israel as a destination
• souvenirs from Israel
• airline tags on your bags

Leaving Syria

Leave Syria immediately by commercial means.

Contact Lebanese and Syrian authorities for the latest information on travelling between Syria and Lebanon. Entry and exit measures may change without notice. Most commercial airlines have stopped flying to Syria. Other commercial air services and airports could stop operating without notice.

Civilian airports could come under attack at any time, including in Damascus and Aleppo. 

Telecommunication and travel restrictions may limit your exit options:

• transport options to airports and seats on flights may be limited
• roads may close or be blocked without warning, affecting access to border crossings
• major highways may be blocked
• border crossings can be closed with little or no warning
• conflict can limit access to all border crossings

To minimise risks to your safety:

• seek local and expert advice
• make contingency plans
• check the status of routes to airports and borders
• always carry your passport and travel documents

Other formalities

Do not carry electronic devices such as standalone GPS or hand-held radio equipment. These are illegal in Syria. Do not use mobile phones at check points.

The Syrian Government enforces restrictions on prior travel to Israel.

Authorities can hold anyone, regardless of their nationality, for questioning for several days and then deport them.

If you travel to Syria despite our advice, note that some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply this rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You may end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure if it will be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP).

You can change money in government banks or at recognised exchange bureaus. However, many exchange bureaus can no longer exchange foreign currency. There are severe penalties for carrying or using currencies other than SYP.

You can't convert Syrian pounds into other currencies when you leave.

International sanctions mean financial organisations in several countries have stopped doing business with Syrian companies.

Credit cards may not be accepted in Syria. You may not be able to access your money via ATMs.

Local travel

Local restrictions.

Travel within some parts of Syria can be particularly dangerous.

If you're in Syria despite our advice, consider the security environment before travelling within the country. See  Safety

Road travel

Access to international border crossings may be limited due to roadblocks, road closures and fighting. This can happen with little to no warning.

Major highways may become or are already blocked, due to conflict. These include:

• Tartous-Latakia
• Tartous-Homs
• Latakia-Aleppo
• Homs-Damascus
• Damascus-Jordan

If you need to travel by road, first:

• get local information on possible routes
• Driving or riding

Don't travel to Syria by sea due to the dangerous security situation.

The international airport in Damascus is the only airport operating international flights in Syria. 

Ongoing conflict in Syria may increase risks to civil aviation in the region. Civil aviation authorities in a number of countries do not allow airlines from those countries to fly in Syrian airspace. If you travel to Syria despite our advice, refer to the Smartraveller page on air travel and check with airlines before booking.  Flight paths are subject to change.  Check with your airline for updates and departure options. 

DFAT does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Syria. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular help in Syria is severely limited.

The Romanian Embassy in Damascus may be able to provide limited emergency consular services to Australians in Syria. They provide these services under a consular assistance arrangement in conjunction with the Australian Embassy in Beirut.

Romanian Embassy, Damascus

8, Rue Ibrahim Hanano, PO Box 4454, Damascus, Syria Phone: (+963 11) 332 75 72  Fax: (+963 11) 332 75 71 Email:  [email protected]  or  [email protected]

Australian Embassy, Beirut

Embassy Complex, Serail Hill  Downtown Beirut, Lebanon  Phone: +961 1 960 600  Fax: +961 1 960 601  Email:  [email protected] Website:  lebanon.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  Australian Embassy - Beirut, Lebanon Twitter:  @SafirAustralia

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Syria?

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The relevant authorities in Syria set and enforce entry rules. 

Passport validity requirements

To enter Syria, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Previous travel to Israel

If your passport shows previous travel to Israel, it is likely you’ll be refused entry to Syria.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa and relevant security clearance for the area of Syria you want to travel to.

Applying for a visa

If you choose to travel to Syria against  FCDO  advice, ensure you have the right visa or you may be refused entry. Contact the relevant Syrian authorities for further information.

Penalties for illegal entry

If you enter Syria illegally, you could get a fine of 5 to 10 million Syrian pounds and a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years.

Journalists travelling to Syria

All foreign journalists entering Syria need special permission from the relevant Syrian authorities.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Syria guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Syria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Tourist information
• 5.1 Entry requirements
• 5.2 By land
• 5.3 By plane
• 5.4 By train
• 5.7 By boat
• 6.1 By taxi
• 6.3 By microbus
• 6.4 By bus or coach
• 6.5 By train
• 6.6 By bicycle
• 10.2 Shopping
• 16.1 Syrian dual citizens
• 16.4 Homosexuality
• 17 Stay healthy
• 18.1 General etiquette
• 18.2 Social customs
• 18.3 Clothing
• 18.4 Religion
• 18.5 Things to avoid
• 19.2 Internet

Syria (الجمهوريّة العربيّة السّوريّة Al-Jumhuriya al-`Arabiya as-Suriya , the Syrian Arab Republic) is a country in the Middle East . Rich in history, the capital, Damascus , is the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, and the country has been the site of numerous empires.

Since 2011, the country has been torn apart by a brutal civil war. This aside, the country offers numerous attractions and some daring travellers have been able to visit Syria without hesitation.

Syria has 14 governorates, but the following conceptual division used to make more sense for travelers:

• 33.513056 36.291944 1 Damascus — the capital claimed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world
• 36.2 37.16 2 Aleppo — a once-great ancient citadel with great views, much of Aleppo has been destroyed by fighting in the Syrian Civil War. Once the heart of Syria's Armenian community, but it is unknown how many remain after the Syrian Civil War.
• 35.333333 40.15 3 Deir-az-Zur — a desert town on the Euphrates River bank.
• 35.133333 36.75 4 Hama — known for its famous waterwheels.
• 34.733333 36.716667 5 Homs — an ancient city by the Orontes river, amazing green mountains in Spring.
• 35.523611 35.791667 6 Latakia — a major port city, Saladin's Castle, Fronloq Forests and Al Samra Beach near Kasab.
• 34.883333 35.883333 7 Tartous — a historical port city and historical small island called Arwad.
• 35.95 39.01 8 Raqqa — former capital of ISIS's self-proclaimed caliphate

Other destinations

• 35.418 36.398 1 Apamea — a former Roman city that once housed about half a million people. Apamea was hit by an earthquake in the 12th century and much of it was destroyed but it still boasts a long street lined with columns, some of which have twisted fluting.
• 32.516667 36.483333 2 Bosra — a Roman city in southern Syria close to the Jordan border noted for the use of black basalt stones and its well preserved theatre
• 36.334167 36.844167 3 Dead Cities — a series of towns that once formed part of Antioch. They have long since been abandoned but make an interesting stop for tourists. Al Bara boasts pyramidal tombs and formerly grand archways set on modern farm land. Serjilla is another famous dead city.
• Der Mar Musa — not a tourist site, but an active Christian monastery actively promoting Islamic/Christian dialogue. Welcomes Christians and followers of other religious traditions. It is 80 km north of Damascus.
• 34.756944 36.294722 4 Krak des Chevaliers — the archetypal Crusader castle, magnificently preserved and not to be missed
• 34.550381 38.269791 5 Palmyra — formerly held the once-magnificent ruins of a Roman city, in the middle of the desert. Once considered the main attraction in Syria, the UNESCO-listed heritage site was severely damaged by Daesh extremists in 2015. Restoration and de-mining is underway as of 2019.
• Saladin's Castle — a quiet gem in a valley with pine trees about 37 km inland from Latakia
• Salamieh — Salamieh is an ancient city which was first known during Babylonian times in 3500 BC; contains Shmemis castle, Greek temple of Zeus, the old hammam, the old walls, remains of Roman canals

Syria was known as Aram in ancient times, and was one of the great civilizations of the Fertile Crescent . Later, Damascus was the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate during the early days of the Islamic Golden Age , and Aleppo was one of the most important cities for the Silk Route in the Ottoman Empire . After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, following World War I, France was given a League of Nations mandate over Syria. Shortly following its independence after World War II in 1945, Syria participated in the first war against the newly independent Israel in 1948. It participated in subsequent wars with the Jewish state in 1967, as a result of which it lost most of the Golan Heights , and 1973.

The President of Syria is Bashar al-Assad, who replaced his father, Hafez al-Assad, soon after his death on 10 June 2000. Having studied to become an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) in Damascus and London, Bashar was groomed for the presidency after the 1994 car accident of his elder brother Basil. Consequently, he joined the army and became a colonel in 1999. Bashar's modernizing credentials were somewhat boosted by his role in a domestic anti-corruption drive, and he began his rule with increased openness. Bashar's position as head of the Syrian state rests on his presidency of the Ba'ath Party and his role as commander-in-chief of the army.

Assad's regime and the Ba'ath Party own or control most of Syria's media. Criticism of the president and his family is not permitted, and the press (both foreign and domestic) is heavily censored for material deemed threatening or embarrassing to the government. A brief period of relative press freedom arose after Bashar became president in 2000 and saw the licensing of the first private publications in almost 40 years. A later crackdown, however, imposed various restrictions regarding licensing and content. In a more relaxed manner (perhaps since these matters are largely beyond possible government control), many Syrians have gained access to foreign television broadcasts (usually via satellite) and the three state-run networks. In 2002 the government set out conditions for licensing private, commercial FM radio stations, ruling simultaneously that radio stations could not broadcast news or political content.

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, which was part of the Arab Spring that attempted to topple authoritarian leaders across the Arab world and transform the Arab countries into liberal democracies. Since then, numerous armed rebel groups backed by the United States and its allies have been waging a war against Assad's government, which is backed by Iran and Russia , and many parts of the country remain outside government control. Russian intervention on Assad's side since 2015 has brought more than half the country back under government control.

Syria's population has fallen from 21.9 million people in 2009 to 18.3 million in 2017 (UN estimates). About 4½ million are concentrated in the Damascus governorate. A moderately large country (185,180 km 2 or 72,150 sq miles), Syria is situated centrally within the Middle East region and has land borders with Turkey in the north, with Israel and Lebanon in the south, and with Iraq and Jordan in the east and south-east respectively.

The population of Syria is predominantly Arab (90%), with significant minorities of other ethnic groups: Kurds, Armenians, Circassians, and Turks. The official language is Arabic, but other tongues that are occasionally understood include Kurdish, Armenian, Turkish, French, and English. The Syrian Republic is officially secular. Nonetheless, it is greatly influenced by the majority religion of Islam (80% of the population, split between 64% Sunni Muslim and 16% other Muslim, Alawites , and Druze ). There is a significant Christian minority that amounts to about 10% of the population. Syria historically had a significant Jewish community, but most of the Syrian Jews were resettled in the United States in the 1990s in exchange for sanctions relief by the U.S., and the last Jews fled Syria for Israel with the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War.

As of 2023, most of the Arab countries have restored, or are in the process of restoring diplomatic relations with Syria. Syria was re-admitted into the Arab League in May 2023, in a move criticized harshly by the United States and its Western allies.

Tourist information

• Offices: Damascus: 2323953, Damascus Int'l Airport: 2248473, Aleppo: 2121228, Daraa (Jordanian-Syrian border gate): 239023, Latakia: 216924, Palmyra (Tadmur): 910636, Deir-az-Zur: 358990
• Ministry of Tourism website

Entry requirements

Visas are needed for most individual travelers. These are available in 6-month (single/multiple entries), 3-month (single), and 15-day (land borders only) versions. Citizens of Arab countries do not require a visa, except unaccompanied Moroccan women below 40 years old. In addition, Malaysian , Turkish , and Iranian citizens do not require visas.

Getting visas in advance is expensive and confusing. Americans are required to apply in advance at the Syrian embassy in Washington DC, even if they live elsewhere, and pay US$131 or €100. Most other travelers, though, can get them anywhere, a popular choice being Istanbul (Turkey), where they are generally issued within one day for €20 (Canadian citizens) or €30 (EU citizens). A "letter of recommendation" stating that your consulate has "no objection" to your visit to Syria may be required. The visa issued must have two stamps and a signature. Otherwise, the visa is considered invalid, and you will be turned back at the border. It is necessary to keep the blue arrival form, as travelers must submit it upon departure.

Official policy says that if your country has a Syrian embassy or consulate, you should apply for your visa in advance. Most nationals must apply for a Syrian visa in the country where they are a citizen. Alternatively, a foreign national may apply for a Syrian visa from a Syrian Consulate in a country other than their own if they hold a residency visa valid for at least six months for the country in which they are applying. There are very few exceptions to this rule. In practice, it is possible to obtain a visa at the border for most nationals.

As of June 2024, Syria has introduced e-visas (you must register on the website to access this option). This should considerably streamline the process, but there are reports of the system suffering from "teething problems", with the website going down from time to time, and applicants being denied visas for no obvious reason. It remains to be seen if and when this will improve.

Every national can get a visa at the border, regardless of whether it is not officially written or recommended. But do not buy a bus ticket to take you across the border. They will always leave you there because it takes 2-10 hours for US citizens, and they will not tell you that in advance when purchasing the bus ticket. Buy a ticket to the border via minibus/shared taxi (servees), then do the same when you get to the other side. US citizens cost US$16 or €12, while others are more costly. Japanese are US$12-14 or €9-11, Singaporeans are US$33 or €25, Australians/New Zealanders are about US$100 or €75.99, and Swiss are US$63 or €47.88. They only take US dollars or euros. You may only receive a 15-day single-entry tourist visa and must go through this process if you ever re-enter Syria. When you exit Syria, you will have to buy/pay an exit card for about US$12 or €9.15.

If going by land and you are planning to get a visa on the border, bring US dollars, euros, or Syrian pounds. Other foreign currencies will not get a reasonable exchange rate, and there are no credit/debit card facilities at most crossings. Traveler's checks are also not accepted.

American citizens need to beware of sanctions on Syria. While traveling and spending money in Syria is permitted, you may not fly with Syrian Arab Airlines. More importantly, many US banks err on the safe side and ban all business with Syria. Some credit or ATM cards may not work, although many Americans today experience little problems. Be wary, however, as some travelers have had their bank account access frozen, regardless of whether or not they informed their bank of travel to Syria.

Due to the conflict, various areas of Syria are not under the control of the Syrian central government. Areas near Turkey are under the control of Kurdish and rebel forces. Foreigners will not be allowed to cross these borders, and Turkey/Syria borders are generally closed now because of the conflict. From the Kurdish Region of Iraq, people cross over the river into Syria at Faith Khabour. However, the crossing is only for humanitarian workers, and non-aid workers may not be allowed to travel.

Syria has two functioning international airports: Damascus International Airport ( DAM  IATA ), 35 km (22 miles) southeast of the capital and Bassel al-Assad International Airport ( LTK  IATA ), south of Latakia, the main sea port of the country. Due to the ongoing civil war, most airlines have suspended service to these airports. As Syria's airports are frequent targets for Israeli missile strikes, flights often have to be cancelled at short notice when the strikes render the runways unusable.

Upon arrival, a free entry visa can be delivered to almost all travellers if they are being received by a local travel agency. Call the Syrian Embassy in your home country for more information.

Syria levies a departure tax (~US$13) at land and sea borders. Airport departure tax is included in the ticket price, and airlines will put a manual stamp on your boarding pass.

One of the practical and reasonable ways to enter Syria from Turkey is to take a domestic flight to Gaziantep and then taxi to Aleppo through Oncupinar border-gate in Kilis. The journey takes around 2 hours including custom formalities. The fare is US$60, per car with max 4 and one way. Taxis holding licence can be arranged in Kilis or Gaziantep. Turkcan Turizm, 0348 822 3313

As of 2020, all international and most domestic trains have been suspended indefinitely. Former international routes included the historical Toros Express from Istanbul to Aleppo and an overnight train from Tehran to Damascus .

Buses run from Turkey, with frequent connections from Antakya (Hatay). You can also travel by bus from Jordan & Lebanon. Buses to Damascus run from Beirut.

When arriving in Damascus by bus, move away from the bus terminal to find a taxi to the town center. Otherwise, you risk paying several times the going rate, as cars posing as taxis operate next to the terminal.

This is usually a two-person operation, with one person trying to distract you while the driver puts your suitcase into the trunk of the "taxi" and locks it.

When traveling from Lebanon, service taxis (which follow a fixed route only, usually from one bus station to another) are a convenient way to reach Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Aleppo, or other Syrian towns. A shared service taxi from Beirut to Damascus will cost about US$17 per person , based on four people sharing the same taxi. You will have to pay for every seat if you want a private taxi. In most cases, buying a Syrian visa before leaving home is necessary, often costing about US$130 or less, depending on the country of residency. It's possible to obtain a free entry visa for tourists if being received by a local Travel Agency. It is also possible to arrive by car from Turkey. A private taxi from Gaziantep Airport (Turkey) will cost about US$60 .

Service taxis run from Daraa across the Jordanian border to Ramtha; from there, microbuses are available to Irbid and Amman -- the stop in Daraa permits a side trip to Bosra , with UNESCO-recognised Roman theater and ruins.

• The nearest car ferry port is Bodrum in Turkey .
• Occasional passenger ferries run between Latakia and Limassol , Cyprus . This service has come and gone over the years. Confirm that the departure will occur with Varianos Travel before making plans to incorporate this route. [1]
• Latakia and Tartous serve as ports of call for several Mediterranean cruise lines.

The taxis (usually yellow, always clearly marked) quickly get around Damascus, Aleppo, and other cities. Arabic would be helpful: most taxi drivers do not speak English. All licensed taxis carry meters, and it is best to insist that the driver put the meter on and watch it stay on. Most drivers expect to haggle prices with foreign travelers rather than use the meter. Private cab services (which advertise prominently at the airport) charge substantially more.

However, there is also a bus from Baramkeh station to the airport.

Visitors can rent cars at various Sixt, Budget, and Europcar locations. Cham Tours (formerly Hertz) has an office next to the Cham Palace Hotel, which offers competitive rates starting at about US$50 per day , including tax, insurance, and unlimited kilometers.

Sixt Rent a Car at the Four Seasons Hotel has rates starting from US$40 per day (all-inclusive).

If you have never driven in Syria before, take a taxi first to get a first-hand idea of what traffic is like. Especially in Damascus and Aleppo, near-constant congestion, a very aggressive driving style, bad roads, and highly dubious quality of road signs make driving there an exciting experience, so err on the side of caution when traveling.

The only road rule that might come in handy is that, as opposed to most of the rest of the world, in roundabouts, the entering cars have the right of way, and the vehicles already in the roundabout have to wait. Aside from that, motorists are pretty free to do as they please.

If you have an accident in a rental car, you must obtain a police report, no matter how small the damage or clear it is who is at fault – otherwise, you will be liable for the damage. Police (road police No:115) probably will only be able to speak Arabic, so try to make other drivers help you and call your rental agency.

Gasoline/petrol (marked as "Super," red stands) costs about double diesel (green stand). Suppose you run out of fuel (try to avoid it), which is relatively easy wherever the eastern Damascus-Aleppo highway or mountains western from it, you can find some locals willing to sell you a few liters from a canister. Remember that prices may be high. Usually, gas stations are only in bigger towns and major crossroads in the desert, so try to refuel whenever you can.

By microbus

The microbuses (locally called servees or meecro ) are little white vans carrying ten passengers around cities on set routes. The destinations are written on the front of the microbus in Arabic. Usually, the passenger sitting behind the driver deals with the money. You can ask the driver to stop anywhere along his route.

Often, microbuses will do longer routes, for example, to surrounding villages around Damascus and Aleppo or from Homs to Tadmor or Krak des Chevaliers. They are often more uncomfortable and crowded than the larger buses, but cheaper. Especially for shorter distances, they usually have more frequent departures than buses.

By bus or coach

Air-conditioned coaches are one of the easy ways to make longer hauls around Syria, for example, the trip from Damascus to Palmyra. Coaches are a cheap, fast and reliable way to get around the country; however, when they exist, the schedules are not to be trusted. For the busy routes, it's best to go to the coach station when you want to leave and catch the next coach, you'll have to wait a bit, but most of the time, it's less of a chore than finding out when the best coach will be leaving, and then often finding it's late.

As of early 2020, rail transport in Syria is limited to a twice-daily service between the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous and a commuter service in Aleppo . All long-distance services connected to Damascus, Aleppo, Deir-az-Zur, Al-Hassakeh, Al-Qamishli, and many other cities are canceled indefinitely. Rehabilitation is, however, underway in some sections.

The summer-only excursion steam train in Damascus, which travels to Al-Zabadani in the Anti-Lebanon Mountains and back, resumed operation in 2017. The train is popular with locals trying to escape the summer heat.

While traveling by bicycle may not be for everyone, and Syria is by no means a cycle tourist's paradise, there are definite advantages. Syria is a good size for cycling, and accommodation is frequent enough that even a budget traveler can get away with "credit card" touring (though in the case of Syria, it might be better to refer to it as fat-wad-of-cash touring). There are sites one can not get to with public transportation, like the Dead Cities, and the people are amiable, often inviting a tired cyclist for a break, cup of tea, meal, or night's accommodation. The problem of children throwing stones at cyclists or running behind the bicycle begging for candy and pens (such as in parts of Morocco) does not seem to have appeared in Syria. Locals, young and old alike, will be inquisitive about your travels and your bicycle, and if you stop in a town, you can expect a large crowd to gather for friendly banter about where you are from and your trip.

Wild camping is relatively easy in Syria. The biggest challenge is not finding a place for your tent but picking a spot where locals will not wander by and try to convince you to return to their home. Olive groves and other orchards can make a good spot for your tent, except on a rainy day when the mud will make life difficult. Another option is to ask to pitch your tent in a private garden or beside an official post like a police station. You will unlikely be refused as long as you can get your message across. A letter in Arabic explaining your trip will help with communication.

Syria's standard of driving skills is inadequate, and other road users tend to drive very aggressively. They seem used to seeing slow-moving traffic and usually give plenty of room as they pass. Motorcycles are the most significant danger as their drivers like to pull up alongside cyclists to chat or fly by your bike to look at the strange traveler and then perform a U-turn in the middle of the road to return home. The safest option, in this case, is to stop, talk for a few minutes and then carry on.

Finding good maps tends to be another problem. You should bring a map with you as good maps are hard to find in Syria. Free ones are available from the tourist bureaus but could be better for cycle touring. Even foreign-produced maps can contain errors or roads that don't exist, making excursions from the main route challenging. When you come to a crossroads, asking several locals for the right road is a good idea. With good maps, it can be easy to avoid riding on the main highway, which, while safe enough (a good wide shoulder exists on almost all the highways), is not very pleasant due to the smokey trucks and uninteresting scenery.

You should think about bringing a water filter or water treatment tablets with you. Bottled water is only sometimes available in smaller towns. Finding local water is easy. Tall metal water coolers in many town centers dispense free local water, always available near mosques. The Syrian word for water is pronounced like the English word “my” (as in “that is my pen”) with a slight A afterward, and if you ask at any shop or home for water, they will happily refill your bottles.

Arabic is the official language. It is always a good idea to know some words ("hello," "thank you," etc.). A surprising number of people speak at least (very) rudimentary English. Learning basic numbers in Arabic to negotiate taxi fares would be worth your while. Personnel working with foreign tourists (like tourist hotels, restaurants, tour guides, etc.) generally communicate reasonably well in English. Educated senior citizens usually speak French , a legacy of French colonial rule in Syria.

Syria is also a multi-ethnic country, so in some areas, you might hear other languages such as Kurdish , Armenian and Aramaic.

Due to the general lack of ability by the public to communicate in English beyond basic phrases, Syria is a great place to force yourself to learn Arabic through immersion, should you wish to improve your Arabic skill.

• Ancient cities such as Damascus , Aleppo , Palmyra , Crac des Chevaliers and Bosra including Medieval souqs .
• In Hama there are the Al Aasi Water Wheels in a river (نواعير نهر العاصي).
• Al Hosn Castle in Homs .
• Qala'at Samaan (Basilica of St Simeon Stylites) about 30 km (19 mi) northwest of Aleppo and the oldest surviving Byzantine church, dating back to the 5th century. This church is popularly known as either Qalaat Semaan (Arabic: ‏قلعة سمعان‎ Qalʿat Simʿān), the 'Fortress of Simeon', or Deir Semaan (Arabic: ‏دير سمعان‎ Dayr Simʿān), the 'Monastery of Simeon' .
• Tartous with its Crusader-era Templar fortress
• The Yarmouk Valley
• Endless desert and countryside in much of the country
• Mountain ranges in the west of the country
• Take a scenic tour . Travel from Latakia (beach), Syrian Coast and Mountains (Safita tower, Mashta hikes and cave) Marmarita: Virgin Mary memorial, St George Monastery, Crac des Chevaliers , Palmyra (ruins), to Damascus (souq, mosques).  
• Hike . in the Syrian Coast and Mountains region.  
• Geocaching . Find geocaches in the area.  

Syria's currency unit is the Syrian pound or 'lira.' You will see a variety of notations used locally: £S, LS or S£, Arabic: الليرة السورية al-līra as-sūriyya, but Wikivoyage uses the ISO currency code SYP immediately prefixing the amount in our guides. The pound's subdivision 'piastre' is obsolete.

Coins of Syria are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 Syrian pounds. Banknotes of Syria are issued in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 Syrian pounds.

The black market rate for U.S. dollars is volatile. As of 3 January 2024, it was SYP 14,500 for US$1. Hard currencies such as U.S. dollars, pounds sterling, or euro can not be bought legally; the black market is the only source of foreign currencies available to Syrian businessmen, students, and the very many who wish to escape abroad. The maximum foreign currency amount that can be exported legally is a remarkably generous US$3,000 equivalent per year for each traveler. Any amount over US$3,000 risks confiscation by the authorities and time in jail. There are restrictions on the export of Syrian currency of a maximum of SYP2,500 per person.

Because of high inflation and political instability, amounts expressed in Syrian pounds in these guides are subject to significant change.

Due to international sanctions, some foreign financial institutions have suspended transactions with Syria, including MasterCard and Visa, and bank cards operating under the Cirrus, Maestro, and Plus transaction networks. It is nearly impossible to change travelers' checks in Syria. Even logging into a banking website or mobile application while in Syria could lead to your account being blocked, at least temporarily.

An international student card reduces the entry fees to many tourist sites to 10% of the regular price if you are younger than 26 years. Depending on who is checking your card, you can get the reduction when you are older than 26 or have only an expired card. It is possible to buy an international student card in Syria (around US$15). Ask around discreetly.

In the souks (especially the Al-Hamidiyah Souq in the Old City of Damascus, where you can easily "get lost" for a whole morning or afternoon without getting bored), the best buys are the "nargileh" waterpipes, Koran, beautifully lacquered boxes and chess/draughts sets and (particularly in Aleppo) olive soap and traditional sweets. The quality of handicrafts varies widely, so when buying lacquered/inlaid boxes, run your hand over the surface to see that it is smooth and check, in particular, the hinges. In the souq, haggling is expected. Bargain ruthlessly.

Syrian traders who price goods in foreign currencies now face up to 10 years in jail after a decree issued by President Bashar al-Assad forbids the use of anything other than the Syrian pound as payment for any commercial transaction or cash settlement . This was because of the increasing "dollarisation" of an economy in ruins after two years of civil war.

Falafel , deep-fried chickpea patties, are available. Another popular vegetarian meal is Foul. Don't let the name put you off. It's pronounced "fool," and this fava bean paste – topped with cumin, paprika, and olive oil and served with flatbread, fresh mint, and onion – is tasty, satisfying, and filling.

You may also order a salad of Fatoush with your soup. Chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and herbs are mixed in a dressing and finished with a sprinkling of fried bread resembling croutons. Cheese may also be grated on top.

Syrians also have a well-honed sweet tooth, with its desserts being largely similar to that of Lebanon , Jordan and the Palestinians . Syria is particularly known for its local style of ice cream, with Damascus ice cream shop Bakdash having been continuously in business for over a century. Other Syrian desserts to try include baklava, a pastry made of filo dough, nuts and syrup, and knafeh, made of kataifi and cheese.

Fresh fruit juices are available from street stalls in most towns, such as mixed juice (usually banana, orange juice, and a few exotic fruits like pomegranate).

Beer is cheap. Syrian wine can be found, and Lebanese and French wines are also available in a higher price bracket.

Tea is served in a little glass without milk, sweetened with sugar. Add the sugar yourself, as the Syrians have a collective sweet tooth and will heap it in.

A double room in a three stars hotel costs about US$50, US$80 for four stars, and can reach US$250 in a five-star hotel.

Before the war, Syria became a significant destination for studying Arabic , with several language schools operating in Damascus .

If you enter the country on a tourist visa, don't try to work and earn money. Foreign workers should always get official approval to work. Despite this, many international students supplement their income by teaching, and many institutes in Damascus will happily hire foreigners and pay them under the table.

Travelers should avoid all large gatherings as they may turn violent. Political groups have targeted foreign travelers, especially in the country's south.

You could find yourself in trouble if you engage in open criticism of and against the Syrian government or the president. Your best bet is to avoid political conversations altogether to avoid any possible problems. If you engage in political discussions with Syrians, be aware that they might face intense questioning by the secret police ( mukhabarat ) if you are overheard. As a general rule, always assume that plain-clothes police officers are watching you. You will notice that not many uniformed police officers can be seen in the streets, but this is because the police have a vast network of plain clothes officers and informants.

Since begging is common in some parts of Syria, particularly outside tourist attractions, mosques, and churches, it has been known that beggars occasionally demand money and may follow you around until you give. Some have even been known to "attack" tourists just for money and food. It is advised to wear appropriate Arab clothing and try to blend in. Keeping your money in your front pockets and safe with you is also better. Beware of these scams by beggars has also led many foreign tourists to lose quite a bit of money.

Syrian dual citizens

Dual citizenship is recognised by the Syrian government.

If you are Syrian – being a dual citizen of Syria, having an Syrian father, or having a father of Syrian descent – possessing another passport will not exempt you from mandatory military service (applicable to men only) and grant you consular access and protection in the event you get detained or arrested.

If you haven't completed mandatory military service (which normally lasts 18-21 months), you may not be allowed to leave the country.

The death penalty is enforced for drug trafficking or cultivation.

Women traveling alone may find that they draw a little too much attention from Syrian men. However, this is generally limited to stares or feeble attempts at conversation. If it goes beyond that, the best approach is to remain polite but be clear that approaches are unwelcome. Be loud and involve bystanders; they will often be very chivalrous and helpful.

Women can be arrested under suspicion of immoral behavior (e.g., being alone in a room with a man who is not the woman’s husband or being in a residence where drugs or alcohol are being consumed) and may be subjected to a virginity test.

Homosexuality

Homosexual conduct is illegal under Syrian law, which is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment.

Stay healthy

Healthcare in Syria is well below Western standards, and essential medication is not always available.

Local pharmacies are well stocked with treatments for most common ailments such as stomach bugs and traveler's diarrhea. Pharmacists often speak a little bit of English. You can ask your hotel to call a doctor and visit your hotel room.

Of course, the best treatment is to stay healthy in the first place. When eating, pick busy restaurants.

If you have a treatment, take it with you. Only expect to find some medicines in Syria. Ask for a "foreign" EU or US brand if you have to buy something from a pharmacy. You will have to pay a premium for that, but at least you will increase the chances of having actual medicine. According to certain local pharmacists, some products come from uncertain origins and are ineffective.

Generally you can drink water from the tap. It should be safe, but if you're unsure, ask the locals first. This water is free compared to bottled water.

Syria is a majority Muslim country with long-established Christian, Jewish and Yazidi minorities. However, the Jewish community is down to only a handful of individuals in Damascus, with the vast majority having immigrated to Israel . Historically, religious groups lived in harmony, and religion was primarily considered personal. It was inappropriate to ask someone about their faith unless you knew them well. However, this has changed since the start of the Syrian Civil War.

General etiquette

• Syrians are indirect communicators . They are tempered by the need to save face and they will avoid saying anything that could be construed as critical, judgmental, or offensive.
• Syrians often ask people personal questions . Some of the questions they may ask may be too personal ― for example, are your parents alive? ― in other parts of the world. Try not to be fazed or bothered by this because Syrians aren't trying to interrograte or corner you; this is how people get to know each other.
• Syrians tend to be affectionate to children . In Syria, it's perfectly normal for both men and women to interact with a stranger's child. This does not imply that they have malicious intentions.
• Syrians tend to speak loudly in groups . They also use aggressive body language and raise their voices in conversations; to most visitors, this implies that Syrians are an argumentative bunch, but Syrians tend to use emotions to convey interest in a conversation. What may seem like a shouting match in public may actually be a simple, friendly discussion!

Social customs

• Never beckon a Syrian person directly , even if they have done something wrong in your opinion. Syrians are quite sensitive to being beckoned directly, and it is considered very rude manners. If you must give feedback, give a mix of both positive and negative feedback.
• Don't talk someone down for having poor English skills . Many Syrians can speak English, usually as a second language. Making condescending statements such as "You speak very good English" is extremely rude.
• Do not swear or use obscenities in the presence of women . This is applicable to male travellers. It is considered extremely rude.
• It's common for Syrians to turn up to a place unannounced . When this happens, stop what you are doing and attend to your guests.
• Never show the soles of your feet to others . This is considered very disrespectful, unless you are in the company of friends.
• Don't spit in public or in the direction of others , even when obviously done without malice. It is extremely rude.
• Do not tell dirty jokes . As is the case throughout the Arab world, such humor is not appreciated in Syria.

Male and female visitors can generally wear whatever attire they would normally wear in their home countries. Contrary to what some Westerners may believe, it is possible for women to wear T-shirts and it is not necessary to wear long-sleeved tops unless visiting a religious site. Head covers are recommended when visiting Muslim religious sites. Dress as you would normally dress in the West to visit Christian religious sites, avoid wearing shorts at churches. Many local women dress in Western attire, especially in Christian neighbourhoods. Shorts are common for both men and women. Be mindful of your environment, outside of areas frequented by tourists it is wise to dress in more modest clothing.

Women who wish to attract less attention should wear shirts that reach the elbow, and have no revealing cleavage. T-shirts and jeans are acceptable attire in Damascus.

If you are of European ancestry most Syrians assume that you are a practising Christian. Most Syrians will also be puzzled by a suggestion that you are an atheist, due to the strong influence religion has in Syrian social and cultural life. The coastal areas are much more progressive when dealing with religion and the same applies to areas of Damascus most frequented by Western tourists such as Bab Touma, the Christian Quarter. The further you travel east, the more conservative people are. In order to avoid any protracted philosophical discussions, it is best to avoid identifying as an atheist or non practising Christian.

Things to avoid

• Avoid talking about Israel . Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights is considered illegal by the vast majority of Syrians and many Syrians express negative sentiments against Israel. Unless you have a heart for prolonged discussions, avoid debates on Israel.
• It is unwise to criticise or speak badly of the Syrian government . A comment heard by the wrong person can land you in legal hot water. Those who have fled Syria are more likely to have negative things to say about the Al-Assad government.

Sensitive issues:

• Be cautious when talking about the civil war . Millions of Syrians have fled their country and some have lost their loves ones in the war. Offer sympathy when the opportunity arises; Syrians will appreciate the gesture.

The international calling code for Syria is +963.

Syria has easy and cheap internet access. Internet is very common around the cities at internet cafés. The cafés are very friendly but in order to avoid being price gouged it is best to ask a local how much the internet costs per an hour before agreeing to sit down. It is best to avoid political debates regarding the Syrian government, or reading Israeli newspapers or websites on-line.

Prices for high-speed access are quite varied.

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How to Travel to Syria as a Tourist

Can you visit Syria as a tourist? Yes, you can! Many people get surprised when they realize that Syria used to be one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East before the war. Tourists were flocking to the country – not surprisingly, as its home to many historic treasures and incredible people.

Syria re-opened for tourists once again a few years ago. The process to get a tourist visa to Syria is similar to what it used to be before and you are still required to have a local guide. However, there are more ways to visit now, as the airport reopened.

Why Visit Syria?

When it comes to traveling to certain places like Yemen or Syria many people ask questions about the ethical aspects of traveling to Syria . These places, not so long ago were war zones and many people have been forced to escape in order to save their lives.

Some people call it “dark tourism” and instantly shame those who travel there. I think that people are so focused on places like Chernobyl, Syria, or Yemen as they happened recently, they quickly forget that technically speaking visiting the Colosseum in Rome would be a prime example of dark tourism… especially considering the fact that everyone acts like a goof there and takes cutesy photos. Just saying.

Syria is a place full of history. When you travel there respectfully, you can learn a lot about the recent crisis and the history before and after it. You won’t learn that from the news.

Considering the fact that Syria used to be a prime tourist destination, many people were forced out of their jobs because of the lack of tourists. Many Syrians are simply trying to live their lives.

My own guide was a multi-lingual educated man with years of experience in tourism. Nowadays, being a guide is a side job, because there are not many visitors so he drives a school bus. Syrians are very happy to see that tourists are coming back.

Is Syria safe now?

The capital city, Damascus is very safe as any other city in the Middle East. Damascus is a very vibrant city that didn’t get affected by the war like Aleppo or Homs. But the economy isn’t obviously good, so frequent power cuts are a problem in the winter.

I drove around the country and felt like Tartus was a quiet beach town. Aleppo was safe but you had to take precautions just in case. I haven’t spent the night in Homs, just visited during the day so I cannot speak for that. I stayed in Hama and it was completely safe. I was told, “there was no fighting there, so not an issue”.

For safety in Palmyra read the section “Visiting Palmyra”.

The fighting is practically done and people want to live their lives. You’ll see children playing football, people selling souvenirs and returning to markets while rebuilding everything, and adults enjoying themselves at cafes and restaurants… just like anywhere else in the world.

How to Get a Visa to Syria

In order to visit Syria, you will need to obtain a visa. As you cannot travel completely independently (like you can in Iran ) you will currently need a special security clearance that needs to be organized through a travel agency in Syria.

Note: You could go to Syria with an invitation letter from a local who’s not an official guide but that only applies to Damascus. Traveling anywhere else around the country is basically impossible due to the huge amounts of checkpoints, where you need to show your Ministry of Tourism documentation.

Obtaining a security clearance through your operator takes about 2 weeks, so you must plan in advance. It’s included in your tour cost. With that, you can, or should I say your guide, will obtain a visa for you at the border.

However, now (2024) you can also just get your visa at Syrian embassies and consulates. It takes about 4-6 weeks. It is only a sticker and your guide with a security clearance will welcome you at the border and then you get an actual stamp – it costs 100 EUR for Europeans now.

You cannot just show up without clearance and hope for the best. Even if you somehow got the visa at the border (but you cannot), you wouldn’t be able to drive anywhere without security clearance – you get stopped multiple times every day and your guide needs to show your paperwork.

IMPORTANT (recent changes in 2024): If you have a stamp from Sharm El Sheikh in Egipt you will not enter Syria. Syrian border officials assume you may have entered Israel by being there. Change your passport before you go. Same goes for Aqaba in Jordan naturally.

Money in Syria

When you get your visa at the border ask to exchange money immediately as it’s the easiest place to do so. In Syria, they use the  Syrian Pound (SYP) . Bring € or USD because you obviously cannot pay for anything with a card or withdraw more while in Syria.

How to Get to Syria

Your agency will inform you about possible options to get to Syria, potential border closures, and possible flights. When I was going the only reliable option was driving from Beirut.

The journey from Beirut to Damascus takes about 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic.

Nowadays you can also opt for flying directly to Damascus from Erbil, Moscow, Tehran or Cairo (with Syrian Arab Airlines). As Iraq now issues visas on arrival it’s super easy to do it from there, but most tour operators prefer to bring your from Lebanon either way.

Can You Visit Syria Independently?

Not anymore. Technically you could in the past and I know people who did that by jumping through some hoops. It’s also costly because the security clearance alone was $500+ per person.

You still need a driver to get around and that counts as a tour.

I’ll be real, just because the rules say you need a guide, it doesn’t need to be a loud tour of foreigners if you’re not into it, as it can be isolating from the actual local experience. I get it.

How to Find a Guide or Tour

I traveled to Syria solo. It was just me and my guide/driver and sometimes a few other locals (eg. in Palmyra I had to be escorted by a few soldiers).

It was as authentic as it could have been and I could still wander around Damascus on my own. That way I was able to see parts of Syria that are not possible for independent travelers, like Palmyra.

I highly recommend Golden Target Tours. The contact is Khaldoun +963 944 372700 (WhatsApp) or email address is  [email protected] . Everyone I met at the company is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. My guide was Bilal is you would like to book the same one, but I’m sure any guide from the company will be great.

You pay for your tour in USD cash upon arrival in Damascus, as there are obviously no ATMs or card readers. You must bring extra USD to exchange at the border for your own expenses such as food, drinks, souvenirs and extras.

Internet in Syria

I was surprised that I was able to connect to wifi pretty much at every hotel I stayed. You could also buy a SIM card, but I felt like I had no need for that.

Food in Syria

Syrian food is absolutely delicious. Similar to Lebanese with local twists. Hummus, kibbeh, kabobs, salads, fresh bread – everything was very tasty.

I also got to try Syrian kanafeh when in Hama and lots of svehha in Damascus. The latter is sort of like a Syrian pizza.

Visiting Palmyra

Palmyra, a UNESCO heritage site pictured here used to be one of the most important attractions. Built in 3rd BC, it was incredibly preserved.

Many visitors skip Palmyra as it requires extra driving time, extra permit and naturally cost. Others say “Palmyra has been destroyed”. As you may have heard, sadly, Isis destroyed Palmyra but it doesn’t mean that it’s completely wiped out.

Personally, I still found it incredible so I can only imagine how impressive it was before the destruction.

Is Palmyra safe to visit?

Hotels and restaurants nearby don’t really exist anymore so the closest place to stay is Homs, and you now need to visit it with the military – until they clean up the grounds completely, so it’s not 100% safe but it’s relatively safe.

Are All Cities Destroyed?

Damascus – The city center has been intact, but a small area outside of Damascus is still off-limits.

Aleppo – Lots of people wonder about Aleppo as it was always on the news. Part of the Old Souk is completely destroyed but people are actively rebuilding it. Parts of the old town are gone, but many places are intact.

Homs – The most destroyed city in Syria out of all. Over half of it is completely gone.

Hama – Entirely intact.

Palmyra – Most things are at least damaged and functional buildings are gone, but it’s still impressive to see.

Krak de Chevaliers – Partially damaged, but as the castle is from the XIIth century it’s not fully preserved.

Tartus – Most places are intact, just a small part of town has some damage.

Useful Tips for Visting Syria

1 – my most useful tip is to try going in the summer months..

I visited in March and I surely underestimated how freezing it was. I didn’t think how cold could it be as I’ve been to neighboring Lebanon before. I was freezing the whole trip despite two sweaters and a coat.

I also had to cut my visit to Krak de Chevaliers short, because it was so windy and cold that I could barely hear my guide. The night in Damascus when the electricity and heating went out I was a frozen ice cube, so come prepared.

2 – I suggest you fly to Damascus ( Cham Wings Airlines  and  Syrian Air ) or cross the border between Beirut and Damascus.

I crossed the border above Tripoli on my way to Tartus and it was a bit of a hiccup. The guide had my security clearance, but the staff had no idea how to issue my visa, how much do I pay and I spent a long time walking from one booth to another building to figure it out.

It was extremely windy and cold, so this wasn’t the best experience.

3 – I recommend bringing a friend with you.

I don’t mind traveling entirely solo, but in places like Syria or South Suda n where you spend long hours in the car, it’s nice to have a friend to keep you company. Otherwise, it does feel a bit lonely.

4 – Don’t be disrespectful.

I cannot underline this enough, as I actually saw a blogger going to Syria and acting like he was visiting Disneyland. Don’t be that person who poses in front of the ruins.

5 – Photos are allowed everywhere minus checkpoints.

There are no restrictions on taking photos in Syria. As long as it’s not a checkpoint you can take selfies everywhere (apart from the point. 4, obviously). Locals do that too, especially at the umbrella street in Damascus or at the tomb of Zaynab – the daughter of Fatima, at Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque.

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Tuesday 7th of May 2024

Thanks for this article! I am an American spending time in Lebanon and looking to visit Syria with my partner while we are here. I have some family in Syria but the language barrier makes it hard to communicate.

Does anyone know if it is possible to start a tour in Beirut to Damascus/Syria, and then onward to Jordan (Ammann and Petra)? Then we would fly back to Beirut from Jordan.

AnnaEverywhere

It's possible, just contact the guide :)

Tarif Alhawari

Thursday 28th of December 2023

Thank you for your informative contribution, currently the circumstances are improved, hopefully will be even better during the coming months. I will be glad to accompany tourists around Syria and ensure they have great arrangements for the best experience possible. You can WhatsApp me on 00963932280797 Tarif. Best of luck

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

Hi, I will be travelling to Syria soon, and because of my nationality i do not need a visa and i am allowed to travel independently, but do you have any tips on how to find good cheap hotels or hostels around syria ? Since it is difficult to find anything online.

Tuesday 28th of November 2023

There are no hostels in Syria I'm afraid. You can try couchsurfing.

Thursday 20th of July 2023

Hi, I'm traveling to damascus next month trough beirut, I think I get visa at the border, security clearance is not necessary. Syria need tourists, they give visa at the border

Friday 16th of June 2023

hola quisiera visitar siria vivo en USA pero voy en un vuelo a turquia pienso pasar un tiempo alla y luego ir en vehiculo a siria por la frontera. sabes si necesito algun permiso para el vehiculo que es placa europea.

Anna Karsten

Friday 23rd of June 2023

No creo que puedes entrar a Siria en tu vehiculo de renta y mas importante sin guia local

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Unbelievable! From start to finish, this trip was the best ever. Visited 51 countries, and Syria tops the list! Nights in Damascus, day trip to Homs, overnight in Aleppo – guided by the amazing Bashar, the best ever. Passionate, intelligent, friendly, and funny – highly recommend!

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I enjoyed an 8-day tour of Syria with Mary this year. Syria is wonderful, and I plan to return. Mary is a top-notch guide, understanding guests’ preferences. Her genuine warmth, kindness, and shared experiences make her the perfect guide. Perfect English, extensive knowledge.

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Lucky to tour with Rami and Bashar—wonderful guys! Bright, knowledgeable, funny, and pleasant. They know their country, can solve any problem. Impressed, I even started learning Arabic at home. 😀 With these guys, you’re in the best hands.

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Loved Syria! Guides were crucial to my excellent experience—treated us like family, friendly and cooperative. I plan to return to explore the rich history, a true lesson in civilization. Highly recommend Syrian Guides. Go to Syria!

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Is it safe to travel to Syria?

Yes, Syria is generally safe to visit, except for certain parts in the northwest region. The main cities and popular tourist attractions are considered safe and can be visited. Additionally, to ensure your safety, our guide will accompany you throughout your trip, prioritizing your well-being. Read more about safety and security in Syria .

How can I obtain a visa for Syria?

Please note that a security clearance is currently required for obtaining a visa upon arrival in Syria. Read the visa requirements section.

How long does it take to get a visa to Syria?

The visa processing time for Syria is typically 1 to 3 working days. However, please note that for American citizens, it may take up to 15 days.

What is the currency exchange rate in Syria?

Currency exchange rates in Syria can fluctuate. Please, read our helpful guide about money in Syria .

Any dress code for women in mosques and churches?

In general, mosques and churches in Syria provide special attire for visitors, particularly for women, to ensure adherence to the appropriate dress code.

What are the best places to buy souvenirs in Syria?

Souvenirs can be found in local markets and bazaars across Syria, such as the Souq Al-Hamidiyah in Damascus and the Souq Al-Madina in Aleppo. These markets offer a wide range of traditional crafts and souvenirs.

What vaccinations do I need to travel to Syria?

No specific vaccinations are required.

Can I use credit cards in Syria?

Credit cards are not working in Syria because of US sanctions. So, it is better to carry cash in the local currency.

Any vegetarian or vegan options available in Syrian restaurants?

Syrian cuisine heavily features meat and dairy products, but there are vegetarian and vegan options available. Dishes like falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves (Warak Enab) are popular vegetarian choices.

In which cases can’t I visit Syria?

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15 Best Things To Do In Syria in 2024

When I decided to travel to Syria the first thing everyone said was of course: ‘are you crazy!?’. An understandable reaction but it didn’t change my mind. I realized that for me it was safe to visit Syria and their outstanding tourist attractions were on my bucketlist for a very long time.

For many years this country was topping the bucketlist of many travelers and no wonder because there are so many amazing things to do and places to visit in Syria. But when the Syrian war in 2011 started, everything changed...

First I will list the best things to do in Syria before I tell you more about my trip, about the safety issues traveling to Syria in 2024 and also give you some more Syria travel tips and an ultimate Syria itinerary to start planning your own trip to Syria.

Apart from Palmyra and Latakia, all the Syria attractions and tourist destinations listed below I was able to visit myself on a 1-week Syria itinerary. At the end of this blog I will also show you my Syria itinerary and tell you more how I traveled around and got passed all the checkpoints.

For many years this was the most iconic Syria tourist attraction, but unfortunately it suffered heavily during the Syrian War and a lot of this historical site got destroyed. This archeological site and the most popular tourist attraction in Syria was built in 200 AD by the Romans. The ruins of this city are so iconic that I remember them from one of the first travel books I once got when I was a kid. Palmyra was one of the reasons I badly wanted to visit Syria.

In 2024 you are able to visit Palmyra again, but unfortunately I did not get a permit to travel to Palmyra in 2019. Yes, you needed a special permit, which can be arranged by the travel agency. This has nothing to do with your visa, this permit has to be personally approved by the high officials in the military.

Recently several tourists have been lucky enough to get a permit to visit Palmyra (at no extra costs, just safety measures). For me it is another reason to travel to Syria again in the future.

2. Krak des Chevaliers

One of the most preserved medieval castles in the world can be found in Syria on a hill not too far from the city of Homs. It was built in the 11th century and its size is truly impressive. It endured the Syrian war pretty damn well, but looking at its majestic size I am pretty sure it will still be there another thousand years from now. Krak des Chevalier was one of my Syria highlights.

When I caught the first glimpse of Krak de Chevalier I was in awe and after taking many photos from outside we toured for almost 2 hours inside the castle. Our guide was telling one interesting story after the other.

There are many hidden rooms and the view from the top is amazing. Read more about it in my Krak des Chevalier blog .

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When we sat down for a tea after visiting Bosra we heard that we were the first European tourists in 9 years! I couldn’t believe my eyes, because when you travel to Syria make sure to include this in your itinerary if possible! The Bosra amphitheater and the ruins of the old city are one of the best things to do in Syria in 2024 for sure.

Sorry Italians, but the massive amphitheater in Bosra is much more impressive than the Colosseum in Rome. This place blew my mind and writing about this place to visit in Syria makes me smile again. On the other hand it also makes me a little sad knowing that this unique tourist attraction has been unable to visit for so many years. Bosra is located in the south of Syria on the Jordan border, about 1,5 hours drive from Damascus.

Behind the Amphitheater you will find the ruins of the old city of Bosra dating back to 200 AD. Incredible to walk through as well and even our guide had not been in 9 years time. He was just as much a tourists as me. According to his words most of this Syria attraction has endured the war pretty well.

For videos about visiting Bora click here to see my Instagram stories .

4. Damascus

Now that I first told you my 3 favorite things to do in Syria I can start with the capital. Being one of the oldest capitals in the world, Damascus obviously is a meltpot of cultures and a piece of ancient history can be found on every street corner. Small doors opening to amazing courtyards, hidden underground churches, the big Damascus souk and of course the the most impressive Umayyad Mosque, one of the best things to do in Damascus. Also don’t forget to get lost in the narrow streets in the Christian quarter and for a good rooftop restaurant with views over the city go to Naranj.

One of my best Damascus travel tips is to go on a guided city tour and I can recommend you the following guide: Ghassan +963 933 334 416. This amazingly friendly and patient guide was a legend, so kind and calm. He is a Christian living in Damascus all his life, who can tell you the hidden corners in the Christian quarter as well as in the Muslim areas.

On top of that one of my Syria travel tips is to go out at night! Yes go party in the Christian Quarter in Damascus, there are many bars and even some rooftops. It is totally safe in Damascus to walk around on your own at night. At least that was my experience!

See here the videos on my Instagram story about Damascus here including the party, sleeping in a mosque, the churches and getting lost in the narrow streets.

The second biggest city and a major Syria tourist attraction before the war. Not that long ago it reopened its doors to international tourists and when you are visiting Syria try to add this to your Syria itinerary. Unfortunately two of the best things to do in Aleppo got completely destroyed during the war: the Aleppo Great Mosque and the Aleppo Souk. The mosque is closed for visitors as it is one big construction site, but the souk is open, although only reconstructed for about 10% at the moment.

So why bother going you might ask yourself when it is almost completely destroyed in the Syrian War? Right now the Aleppo great Mosque is under construction and they are rebuilding it from the ground. The Aleppo souk was in total 12 kilometers long and is a living history. Here I met several people, sat down and had tea with them while listening to their stories about the past, the war and the future. Strolling through the remains of the Aleppo souk was one of my Syria highlights, an emotional experience.

Aside from the destruction there is the Aleppo citadel, a castle on top of a hill. The Aleppo castle is survived the war and is an amazing place to visit in Aleppo. You can climb all the way to the top of one of the watch towers which will give you a 360 view over this massive city.

At night the area around the citadel is extremely lively and the walk around the castle walls is like a boulevard with tea houses and restaurants dotted along the way. We went out partying, see my Instagram stories . Visiting Aleppo on you trip to Syria will be totally worth it and don’t forget to eat traditional Aleppo Kebab.

6. Beehive Houses at Al Jaboul Lake

Because of the ongoing war in the Northwest of Syria the highway between Hama and Aleppo is closed. To visit Aleppo you have to make a detour through the desert, but that will bring you to the  remains of the famous Beehive Villages. These mud houses were designed for life in the desert but deserted already for a long time. These deserted villages now became one of the Syria tourist attractions. You can find them around the Al Jaboul Lake.

7. Salt Lake (Al Jaboul Lake)

Syria has its own salt lake worth adding to your list of things to do in Syria. It is located just an hour Southeast of Aleppo and perfect to add to your itinerary together with the Beehive villages. The highway towards Aleppo follows along the Salt Lake for a bit and you can’t miss it. The friendly workers will surely invite you for a tea when you stop here.

Personally I was not a really big fan of Hama. Not saying it is not worth visiting, but it is not topping my list of best things to do in Syria. Hama is famous for its impressive waterwheels and historical irrigation system. The wooden water wheels can reach lengths up to 30 meters in diagonal. The city is dotted with a lot of them.

The narrow streets in the old city are also worth strolling through and there you will find a restaurant hidden in an amazing courtyard. It reminded me a bit about my trip to Iran where I found loads of these kind of places. The name of the restaurant is Aspasia. When visiting Hama definitely go here for dinner or lunch, see the videos on my Instagram Stories 2.

At night the streets of Hama were like one big night market, almost like Thailand style. It also was the most conservative place I have ever been after Iran.

Unfortunately Homs is one fo the places that suffered a lot in the Syrian War and many Syria tourist attractions got destroyed. I definitely don’t encourage you to visit remains of a war zone, but what I saw in Homs was unreal. Strolling through the endless destruction in Homs, made me rethink about a lot of things in life. The sad reality of what people do to each other…

In the middle of the destruction in Homs there is a beautiful restored mosque. It was one of the most impressive things to do in Syria. While sitting inside a beautiful restored mosque in the heart of the most worst destructive area in Syria I simply lost it. Visiting Homs will be emotional, though worth it on your trip to Syria!

10. Sednaya

Visiting Sednaya was put on my Syria itinerary instead of going to Palmyra. Looking back Sednaya was a great place to visit in Syria. This mountain village located 1,500 meter above sea level is most famous for its Greek Orthodox Monastary on top of a hill. According to the legends of the Christians AND the Muslims Holy Virgin Mary appeared here at the Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery. Climb up to the top of the monastery for amazing views over this mountain village.

Sednaya is located only 30 kilometers north of Damascus and easy to visit on a day trip from Damascus.

11. Maaloula

According to many Syria travel guides similar to Sednaya, but to me visiting Maaloula was even more interesting. To me visiting Maaloula felt like a fresh wind. Most places to visit in Syria are Muslim orientated, but Maaloula is more about the history of Jesus Christ. Maaloula is one of the only 3 remaining villages where they still speak the Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ.

There are several things to do in Maaloula, like visiting the Saint Sarkis Monastery, the Saint Thecla Monastery, the statue of Virgin Maria, a walk through a narrow canyon and the taking in the view over this beautiful mountain village from one of the viewpoints.

All these amazing places to visit in Maaloula made it one of the best things to do in Syria for me! It is about 30 minutes north of Sednaya, fairly close to Damascus as well.

The religious music that was coming from the speaker of the Saint Sarkis Monastery on top of the hill and blasting over this mountain village literally gave me goosebumps. You should see my Instagram Story about Maaloula . Another amazing moment was a lady that came came to pray in Aramaic inside the church. So many magical moments, I really loved visiting Maaloula!

12. Latakia

Because of the way our Syria itinerary was created we had to skip Latakia and I got a lot of ‘shit’ for it from Syrians. Just for fun of course, but according to many of my followers this is one of the best places to visit in Syria. Fancy some days at the Mediterranean Sea then visit Latakia. The 4th biggest city in the country houses several historical buildings in the city center, but is more famous for its beautiful bays, beaches and delicious seafood.

The city of Tartus was my first stop in Syria, regarded the safest city during the Syrian War. This Mediterranean coastal city is your base for visiting Amrit, the best preserved temple in the world of the Phoenacians dating back more than 4,000 years ago. Our guide himself did not visit this famous archeological site in more than 9 years. You can also find several tombs here in the countryside close to Tartus. Read more about visiting this Syria tourist attraction in my Tartus travel blog .

Unfortunately some amazing things to do in Syria are not safe to go at the time of writing this article.

14. Qalaat Al Madiq

In Qalaat Al Madiq you would be able to find amazing Roman ruins of an old city that has a similar feel to Palmyra. There is also a castle on top of a hill worth visiting. Only in May 2019 the Syrian Armed Forces retook this town from the rebels. Tourists have been back visiting Qalaat Al Madiq. It is one my list of places to visit in Syria when I return.

Unfortunately due to time restrictions I had no time to visit Daraa on my trip to Syria. But if you after all the dusty desert towns also want a slice of green nature then make your way South to Daraa. Here you will find canyons, green hills, waterfalls and more spectacular nature just 10 kilometer from the Jordan border.

Just like Busra it has not been visited by foreign tourists for many years. Im not saying it is safe to visit at the moment, I would leave that up to your Syria travel agency to decide. Daraa is where the Syrian conflict got sparked with the arrest of 15 youngsters when they painted anti-government slogans on buildings.

In case you get a chance and you feel it is safe to visit I would add this highlight to your Syria itinerary.

Is it safe to travel to Syria?

Of course that is the first question I would like to discuss. Obviously I didn’t wanna risk my life to see all the Syria attractions so I did a little research. Mainstream media are not the places to do your research. When you are ready to travel to Syria in 2024, Im pretty sure you are aware of that already.

I reached out to people that lately took a trip to Syria. How? Social media, blogs, etc. These are the people that can really tell you if it is safe to travel to Syria. Instagram is a good source, but you have already found my Syria travel blog and I can tell you I did NOT feel uncomfortable or whatsoever on my week long trip to Syria.

Syria travel advice

Yes there is a negative travel advice for Syria and that is because officially there is still a war ongoing. Well, let me tell you that is not where you want to go and you won’t even be able to of course. All the things to do in Syria that I am showing you are safe to visit. My advice is to go travel to Syria with a reputable local travel company.

The company I used to travel to Syria with Golden Target Tours. The company is run for more than 30 years by a Syrian man called Khaldoun Alamy . If you contact him tell him you are referred by Traveltomtom and he will have a nice offer for you!

My trip to Syria

This Syria travel blog is written based on MY OWN experiences on my trip to Syria at the end of 2019. It was MY OWN idea to travel to Syria, no one has forced me to go, nor did anyone force me to write travel blogs about Syria.

To date it is the most expensive trip I have ever done in 7 years around the world as a full time traveler. My tour was arranged with an independent Syria travel agency running Syria tours for more than 30 years.

All my videos about my trip to Syria can be found in my Instagram Stories highlights , I recommend you to have a look to see the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling to Syria in 2019. There are 3 different stories on my Instagram @traveltomtom : Syria 1, Syria 2 and Syria 3.

The reason I wanted to visit Syria was not only to see all the fabulous places to see in Syria, but also to get in touch with the amazingly friendly Syrian people and show the world that NOT everything about Syria is negative!

Yes I feel deeply saddened for those Syrians that had to run for their lives and are not able to go back to their homeland. But let me assure you that I travel to learn, to become a better person from all that I experience on the road. The only people I wanted to support with my trip to Syria are those Syrians I met on the street, the locals.

Best itinerary for Syria in 2024

To tick off all the above mentioned safe things to do in Syria I recommend you travel to Syria for at least 1 week. At the moment almost all trips to Syria start from Beirut, Lebanon.

Day 1: Beirut to Tartus/Latakia - (A,B)

Day 2: krak des chevalier - homs - salt lake (c,d,e), day 3: aleppo (f), day 4: hama - palmyra (g,h), day 5: sednaya - maaloula (i,j), day 6: damascus (l), day 7: busra - daara (k), syria travel blogs.

I hope all my Syria travel tips, places to visit and things to do were helpful for your upcoming trip to Syria. I also wrote a couple more personal Syria travel blogs about my first days. In my blog about Tartous you can read about my first impressions of Syria and the border crossing from Lebanon to Syria. In my Krak des Chevalier blog you can read all about my visit to one of my favorite things to do in Syria.

Curious with which Syria travel agency I arranged my trip or any other questions about my trip to Syria then please send me a message on my Instagram @traveltomtom and I am happy to help you out sending you my contact and help in any way I can planning your trip to Syria.

My Instagram is also where you can find more about my journey to visit every country in the world . As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries!

Enjoy your trip to Syria!

• English (EN)
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• Português (BR)

Is Syria Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Syria : Safety by City

Syria is one of the larger countries of the Middle East and shares its borders to the north with Turkey, to the east with Iraq, with Jordan and Israel to the south, and with Lebanon to the south-west.

An added natural beauty is its short coastline on the east Mediterranean Sea.

However, Syria has been caught up in serious warfare and it is, at this point, so dangerous to visit it that it has become impossible to visit the country as it is essentially a war zone.

The civil war has been raging in the country since 2011, and Syria is now probably the most dangerous destination in the world.

Before this, it was a country of great natural diversity and with plenty of archeological sites worth visiting.

However, the question remains how much of that is left of Syria, given the fact that it is being destroyed for years and devastated by the raging war.

• Warnings & Dangers in Syria

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Syria is extremely dangerous for everyone. It is currently probably the most dangerous destination in the world. If you're in Syria currently, try and find a way to get out of it, if at all possible.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

You should bear in mind that, even there are plenty of ways to get around Syria, traffic is unreliable with plenty of factors affecting its quality, like the near-constant congestion, drivers that drive recklessly and ignore traffic signs, bad roads and poor quality of road signs. You should be careful.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

The country is destroyed up to a point where they're probably aren't many people on the streets as they are in hiding due to the war that is raging or simply in a state of panic. However, if you find yourself on the streets, keep your belongings tightly by your side.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Putting aside the man-made disasters that have hit Syria very hard, one of the most prominent natural hazards that Syria is susceptible to is flooding.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Violent crimes in Syria do exist but are not too common, again, due to the fact that the country is a war zone and every day is a fight for survival.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Chances are extremely high that Syria will be targeted by terrorists while you're there - if you intend to go there. There have been many terrorist attacks already, everywhere in the country, including major cities and the threat comes from many terrorist groups that are active in Syria, like Daesh and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams should be the least of your concerns if you end up in Syria. You should, just in case, double-check your change and agree upon a price before making a deal with someone, whether it's a taxi driver or a merchant.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Women aren't safe in Syria. The country isn't dangerous for women particularly, but it is advised for tourists in general, regardless of their gender, not to walk around Syria, be it during day or night, as the country is essentially a war zone.

• So... How Safe Is Syria Really?

Traveling to Syria is extremely strongly discouraged because of the on-going raging conflict and war that has been going on for 7 years now and has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths.

Syria is now a war zone and as such, should be avoided at all costs.

You should know that forces loyal to the Assad government have carried out deadly bombings and attacks targeting rebels that hide among the civilians.

On the other hand, rebel forces have also carried out attacks targeting the government and pro-government civilians.

There have been instances of foreigners attempting to enter Syria so they could join the opposition forces (namely jihadist groups) against the government.

The situation, however, is so tense at this moment, that if you get captured by either side, you may be in life danger.

If you end up in Syria and without a way of leaving, at least try and avoid areas that are known as critical war epicenters like the cities of Aleppo, Damascus, Homs and a couple of others.

It should be emphasized once more that tourists should not go to Syria under any circumstance, and there have been incidents of foreigners being killed in Syria.

ISIS terrorists have also been known to operate in Syria’s neighbors Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan, so there aren’t many ways to escape this country.

• How Does Syria Compare?
• Useful Information

All countries do need a visa in order to visit Syria, and they must be obtained from one of the Syrian diplomatic missions well in advance. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Syrian pound is the official currency in Syria. Keep in mind that Visa ATMs are available in major towns, though there aren't many of them, they may not necessarily accept VISA cards.

The climate in Syria is a Mediterranean-influenced one, with long, hot and mostly dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures vary from 12 °C in January to 36 °C in August.

Damascus International Airport is the main international airport in Syria. It is located in Damascus, the capital of Syria.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Syria, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Syria Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Syria - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

40 Reviews on Syria

Not as bad as media suggests.

It’s not so dangerous that I wouldn’t consider suggesting a visit. In the past things were worse, but the violence has mostly stopped. Lots of history here make it a great place to check out.

Are you mad ?

I wouldn’t say its bad for muslim people, they hate americans so i wouldnt recomend us going

No, we don’t hate Americans, but it’s out of control and extremely dangerous for anybody even us Syrian people.

Coming from a person that can’t keep up with the news bc it’s too dependent on drama>facts. But, Knowing my nephew, basically my son and best friend, is currently there… I had zero idea how dangerous it actually is. My heart breaks for the country in general.

Muslims do not hate the Americans, but if you want to abuse or for their religion, they will hate you, the Muslims have a bias for their religion ,

Forget the slander!

Agree. Western governments are spouting so much crap about Syria its unreal. Literally ‘unreal’! Visiting Syria is a magnificient experience. Stay away from the border with Iraq, be prepared for a few harmless scams in the popular Palmyra, and you will be fine. Aleppo is hardly unsafe – the trouble is well over for god’s sakes! Damascus and environs are a pleasure to explore and generally the people are fun and friendly. Drinking isnt ilegal, but only establishments in the Christian quarters usually sell it. Ice cream parlours are busier.

Wonderful place to see

I am an American woman and I travel to Damascus Syria every year. I walk the streets to shop at the souk “Shopping malls” Dine in nice restaurants. If people mind their business and respect their culture then they will have no problem.

well you are probably muslim then

Racist reply

That is racist. And the fact you would say that is very offensive

Get a grip.

There is literally nothing racist about that. It may be off color and presumptuous but it’s not racist. In fact, it was comment about religion….not race. This is the problem in America now. EVERYTHING is racist. People are professional victims who just can’t wait to be offended. They go around looking for it. Moreover, it waters down ACTUAL racism. It’s like the boy who cried wolf. Get a grip.

Syrians are diverse

“You are probably Muslim then” Syria has plenty of non-muslims, and Muslims who aren’t particularly conservative (No Hijab, Bikini at the beaches in Latakia, bars and nightlife in a Damascus, etc).

Humble question

I’d you don’t mind me asking… as a blonde hair, blue eyed, very Caucasian woman… would I be safe to go visit? (Only asking bc I visited Mexico on a solo trip and evidently where I went is a very high risk area for sex trafficking in my specific genre of Human Being… so I was preached to a lot in my “lack of care for my own safety”. I had no clue – even with research).

If you go you are literally begging to get killed.

But what if I want to die

I travel there twice a year to finish getting my degree and here I am typing this comment 💀 I can’t say it’s completely safe you still find people stealing just like other countries, but no, you wont die.

Don’t listen to the people telling you it is not dangerous! They are ISIS trying to bring more people to their deaths! DON’T IGNORE THE DANGERS OF THIS COUNTRY. THESE PEOPLE ARE VICIOUS AND KILL ANYONE IN THEIR WAY

It’s not dangerous though all isis women are detained and isis men are in prisoned they are very low on numbers, plus the war ended years ago whats left is just rubbish and broken houses but it’s safe only thing dangerous is Americans, pickpockets and terrorism ACTS ,

Why do you not like us Americans? Not everyone is bad people. I don’t hate anyone and i am American.

I doubt you have even Visited Iraq, Syria, Lybia or even Iran, I’m British but people there were still nice to me and my friend who came with me (my friend was American) they offered us way too much free stuff and I enjoyed it.

Americans have ruined many countries such as Libya and Iraq. And Americans think that the Muslims are the terrorists but Americans are. Plus, why in the Vietnam war did you support the occupying power if you guys want “Freedom for All”

Yes, thank you! Folks need to take your governments travel warnings and advice very seriously! Don’t put your safety in the hands of strangers who probably have no clue what they’re talking about and most likely don’t give a crap about your safety. You have no idea who these “people” are behind these types of comments. Take them with a grain of salt. Please!

Its the best place to go they only shot my leg!

Muslims have suffered in this war like everyone else

What on earth is with several of the reviews on here saying along the line of “it’s only safe if you’re Muslim”? You do understand that it’s mainly Muslim people that have been killed in this war?!

Collateral Damage

Isn’t that kind of the point and particularly revealing? Many Syrians themselves can’t survive in their own country with all the threats to their safety. It doesn’t matter whether the threats to their safety are directly from the Assad Regime, or Rebels, or Muslim extremists, or interfering foreign powers; or if the threats to safety are Indirect from the fighting between these forces. It’s not safe for the majority Muslim population that lives there but surely a traveler is more safe as a Muslim than not.

Even Syrian Muslims are killed and tortured every day it’s not safe even for its own people.

Only for Muslim and Mexicans

I’m white blue eyes dirty blonde hair and a god fearing Christian who happens to be gay I was shot in 2 mins exiting the plane in Syria looking for a Starbucks I was mugged 4 times in the hospital 3 times I was wide awake my luggage was gone so I only had my make America great again shirt on literally a block away from the embassy and was shot again by a 6 year old who looked Mexican don’t ever go there

it should be fine if your brown

Syrians are White. As are Lebanese. You’re confusing them with those from the Arabian peninsula.

DO NOT GO IT IS FILLED WITN TANKS AND CONSTANT ARTILLERY BARAGES!!!! LISTEN TO THE GUIDE THEY HUNT AMERICANS AND WILL KIDNAPP YOU!!! SOMEONE STEPPED ON A LANDMINE!!!! go if you want to experince ww2 again *minecraft Hardcore*

Assumptions...

You have no idea what you’re talking about lmao, all these westerners that make assumptions based on dramatical media. I’ve been living here since I was born, never got mugged, threatened, injured by any sort of artillery, or anything you all claim. It’s super peaceful in most of the country, only the electricity is bad, really. Don’t walk around at night, and if you have to, have some people with you, usual advice for literally any other country’s dimly lit streets.

You are straight up lying about everything you just said! Except electricity. I honestly don’t believe you’re Syrian. If you are and you haven’t experienced any of the war there then you’re extremely lucky. If you haven’t even heard of any of it, you’re a straight up liar!!!! To try to put others in danger by lying about something this serious is disgusting!

someone held me hostage, free babysitting

It’s basically Doom Eternal on Ultra-Nightmare difficulty but instead of being reset when you die, you actually die.

honestly, pretty good! WW2 flashbacks of bombing! tons of napalm and street fighting! they held me hostage, but they fed me good food! 10/10 if you want to make some permanent buddies!

A modern day dystopia

I watched the show ‘’30 Coins”. When Father Vergara travels to Syria he spent just a little bit there and he is captured by terrorists and almost killed. After watching what it was like in Syria I think it’s best to avoid traveling to the country. Truly a modern day dystopia

Damascus is completely safe

Damascus is completely safe, maybe not so much around the Turkish borders.

I think Syria is pretty good, it’s just dangerous

Do not try to come to Syria, please. I am from Syria and I live in it. I tell you that Syria is not a safe country. Crime, drugs, murder, organ trafficking and sex are widespread in the city. If they see any foreigner, they will try to kidnap him.

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Syria Tours

Join one of our tours in syria.

After nearly a decade of unfortunate conflict, some areas of Syria are finally gaining certain safety and stability, allowing intrepid adventurers to discover its many Christian monasteries, bustling souks, and ancient Roman ruins.

From Palmyra to Bosra, Krak de Chevaliers, Aleppo, and more, our tours focus on Syria’s highlights but what makes us truly unique is that we put a lot of attention to the human side of Syria. This means that we will interact and get to know kind-hearted Syrians, while witnessing their struggle and desire to return to normality.

We already have a large experience in running tours in Syria and we only work with the best local team, the reason why this is our top-selling destination.

We have many, many scheduled group expeditions for Syria all year long, plus we can also organize any sort of private, tailored adventure.

why join a Syria tour with Against the Compass

Here’s what makes our expeditions to Syria are so unique.

what travelers say about us

Need to know for your Syria travel tour

How to get a visa.

In order to join a tour in Syria, you must first obtain a security clearance (Letter of Invitation). We will take care of that, so you don’t need to visit the embassy.

Is it safe?

As of today, the areas which are controlled by the Government (the ones we visit) are relatively safe. However, you need to be aware of all the risks involved by reading the travel advice from your Government, something like the FCDO advice. 

Which nationalities can join our Syria tours?

We can apply for pretty much any nationality worldwide, including US citizens (2024).

Our scheduled group tours for Syria

We have two types of scheduled Syria tour packages:

On the one hand, we have our classic 8-day trips , typically composed of 12 people, always led by a tour leader, either myself (Joan Torres) or someone from my team, besides a Syrian tour guide.

On the other hand, we also schedule shorter, budget versions of 5 days . The main difference versus the 8-day expeditions is that they are obviously cheaper, and the Western tour leader will not attend.

Upcoming Syria Tours

These are all our upcoming tours in Syria

Syria with Marmarita festival

Come to Syria to experience the annual Marmarita Festival, while enjoying the Syrian coast, Aleppo and Damascus

Full Syria in 13 days

From Latakia to Golan Heights, Palmyra and Aleppo, this is the most complete itinerary for Syria.

Syria in October

Our classic 8-day itinerary during the best month of the year

Syria Classic Itinerary for Christmas

Our classic itinerary during Christmas time!

Syria during Ramadan

Our classic itinerary during the holiest month of the year in Syria

Syria for Easter (in Spanish)

Our classic itinerary during the magic of Easter

Syria for Christmas (Round 2)

All our syria group tours include.

Transfer to and from Beirut

Accommodation

Security clearance (needed for the visa)

Private transportation and driver around Syria

Breakfast and lunch (in 8-day expeditions, otherwise, just breakfast)

Special permit for Palmyra & Bosra

English-speaking Syria tour guide

Western Tour leader (in 8-day expeditions)

Entrance fees to the places listed in the itinerary

Private, tailored trips for Syria

Do you want to travel solo, or with a group of friends?

From 1-day trips to Damascus (from Beirut or Amman) to compelling multi-day itineraries, we are able to design any sort of adventure based on your needs, 365 days a year.

If you can’t afford a private, solo trip, we can also help you find other partners to travel with.

Tell us your dates

When do you want to travel to Syria

Which places do you want to visit

We will design the perfect itinerary based on your needs

Where do you want to start from

Beirut, Amman or Damascus?

Sample itinerary for our Syria vacations tours

Here’s the standard 8-day tour we offer on most of our expeditions.

Day 1 – Beirut and Damascus

• Starting in Beirut at 8am, from where we will drive towards the Syrian border and Damascus.
• Check-in at the hotel in Damascus, followed by a traditional welcoming lunch
• Strolling around the old city, beginning to assimilate that we are truly in Syria
• Night out. The Christian district is particularly vibrant, filled with bars and restaurants.

Day 2 – Full day in Damascus

• With more than 5000 years of history, Damascus might easily be the oldest capital in the world, a city absolutely packed with historical sites, as well as lively souks and bazaars.
• We will visit all highlights, including Umayyad Mosque (where Yahya is buried, John the Baptist for Christians), Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque, the bazaars and more.

Day 3 – Maaloula, Mar Musa, and Aleppo

• Drive towards Aleppo, stopping in Maaloula, one of the most important Christian towns in the Middle East, and one of the very few places in the world where people still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus.
• Maaloula was occupied by Al-Nusra, and it was largely destroyed due to the recent war, but its most important churches and monasteries have been rebuilt
• Visiting two of its most important churches, where we will get the chance to meet nuns who were kidnapped and held as hostages for three months.
• Then, visit to Mar Musa, a mind-blowing, skyscraper-shaped, 6th-century monastery raised in the middle of rocky mountains.
• Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 4 – Aleppo

• Once the most populated city in Syria, Aleppo was one of the most affected cities by the Syrian war.
• Life, however, is coming back to Aleppo, visible in the ongoing reconstruction and all the people who are slowly returning to their beautiful home city.
• Among other things, we will visit the Citadel of Aleppo – the last Syrian Army stronghold – as well as the historical souk and vibrant Christian district, which remained pretty untouched from the war, and is today filled with absolutely delicious restaurants serving Lebanese wine.

Day 5 – Hama, Krak de Chevalier, Al Mishtaya

• On the way to Krak, stop in Hama, a pretty photogenic town, famous for its water wheels, all over the city.
• Then, we will head for Krak des Chevaliers, once described by Lawrence of Arabia as the most wholly admirable castle in the world , absolutely gorgeous and surrounded by lush green hills.
• Lunch in a restaurant with stunning castle views
• Evening and overnight in Al Mishtaya, a lovely Christian town with a pretty nice evening atmosphere.

Day 6 – Palmyra and Homs

• Palmyra is rich in both ancient and contemporary history, since the archaeological site was taken by ISIS on two separate occasions during the war.
• ISIS blew up the most important temple, but the site is huge and most of its structures are still standing.
• We will visit the ancient place escorted by a member from the Syrian Army
• After a picnic lunch inside the ruins, we will head back to Damascus and, on the way, we will stop in Homs.
• Overnight in Damascus

Day 7 – Bosra

• Day trip to Bosra, an ancient city home to one of the most admirable Roman amphitheaters in the whole world, as well as other important monuments.
• In Bosra, the local Syrians are culturally different, similar to Bedouins.
• We will have lunch in a traditional Bedouin tent, with locals from Bosra.
• Overnight in Damascus.
• Day 8 – New Damascus and goodbye
• Visiting the new part of Damascus, including the National Museum and the handicraft market
• Strolling around the souks, for shopping, buying souvenirs, etc.
• After lunch, back to Beirut, around 8pm.

Join a tour in Syria: FAQ

What makes against the compass different from other companies.

Show, not tell. You can check our latest documentary below.

In order to come to Syria , you must first obtain a security clearance (Letter of Invitation). We will take care of that, so you don’t need to visit the embassy.

How much does the visa cost?

These are the latest visa fees updated in 2024.

Price varies depending on nationality:

• European passport holders: 75 USD
• Canadian passports: 100 USD
• British, Australian, and Argentinian passports: 150 USD
• US passport holders: 200 USD

The visa fee is paid at the border, to the respective authorities.

Which nationalities can join this tour?

All nationalities, and that includes US passport holders. 

Syria started issuing visas for Americans in March 2023, so US citizens are welcome to join too. 

Are there ATMs in Syria?

Your credit card can’t be used in Syria. You must bring all your money in cash.

Which currencies do they accept?

Mostly US dollars ($) but € can be exchanged too.

If I want to join a Syria tour, where does it usually start?

Our scheduled group tours into Syria generally start in Beirut. It’s just easier, since flights into Damascus get canceled often and Amman is further.

However, for a private Syria tour, you can start from anywhere you like, including Beirut, Amman, and Damascus International Airport.

Do you recommend a specific travel insurance?

Either you are joining one of our trips, or you are traveling by yourself, you might want to look for proper travel insurance. Against the Compass has been a partner with IATI for several years already, recommending it to all readers, as well as covering all Joan Torres’ personal trips.

We like it because It covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel, it offers budget plans and covers all sorts of adventure activities.

Against the Compass readers can benefit from a 5% discount .

Get a quote here to claim your discount

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Travel to Syria: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting as a Tourist

• 16th July 2022
• 10 minute read

This will be, without a doubt, one of the most difficult destination blogs to compose. On the other hand, I personally feel a duty to share the notion of travel being possible in Syria – even amidst the internal and external battles that the country still currently faces today. Depending on your travel experience, it’s common to realise that the reality of most countries can be very different to the perception that mainstream media outlets try to convey… This applies to (many areas of) Syria too.

Table of Contents

Why should you travel to syria, travelling to syria as a female, what is it like travelling syria, in my experience…, how much spending money will you need, should you tip in syria, accommodation in syria, food in syria, internet in syria, weather in syria, what to wear in syria.

Don’t have time to read this now?  Pin this blog for later .

Syria could be one of the most emotionally difficult destinations you can visit today. It is clear to see that most of the landscapes, towns and characters have been shaped by the most recent war. Personal stories will continue to break your heart on a day-to-day basis. And as a consequence, military checkpoints patrol most corners of the road network and most of what remains to be visited by tourists.

Still and all, contrary to what much of the mainstream media would have us believe, Syria has many other stories to tell, especially to those who are courageous enough to visit.

Before 2011, popular hotel rooms and tour operators would be fully booked. Tourists from all around the world would flock in numbers to explore the incredible ancient structures, such as Palmyra and Krak des Chevaliers. So, whether you believe it or not, Syria once had a booming tourism industry. This is understandable because Syria has some of the richest histories and ancient sites in the world!

This personal insight is not a suggestion that Syria is ready for mass tourism yet. After all, for any open-hearted individual who is willing to cross the Syrian border and especially for the vast population of Syria, I can only have hope and faith that they will be able to host larger numbers again someday soon. Inshallah!

Is It Safe to Travel to Syria?

During the time this blog was written (July 2022) , it would be against foreign advice to travel to Syria. It’s also near impossible to find travel insurance that will cover your visit, due to the economic sanctions that multiple nations have placed on the country.

The intention of this blog is not to inform travellers that visiting Syria is completely safe –  it’s not. In fact, there are many areas of the country that are still active conflict zones and undisputed territories. Nevertheless, the complete war zone that mainstream media outlets portray the entire country to be in, is simply misleading.

In fact, most curious locals generally point out their own personal concerns about how their country is perceived by other nations through the mainstream media. Therefore, I personally feel a duty to share their strong message of humankind, that the overwhelming majority of Syrians are not dangerous and are instead, very peaceful and loving people. By spending time with these local people from various areas of Syria, I was one thousand per cent assured by their heartwarming smiles that would grant peace to anyone with compassion that was blessed to be around them.

Of course, like in many other countries, things can change quickly. Therefore, I would urge everyone to do research and their own risk assessment before travelling. There are plenty of governments advising against travel to Syria, but similarly, a great amount of positive trip reports from western travellers on Facebook groups, forums and YouTube vlogs. All in all, it’s important that you travel to Syria with a trustworthy local contact in case the situation on the ground changes in an instant. If you are planning to travel with a reputable tour company, then keep in contact with their employees. They will be able to better advise you on the current security situation.

In all honesty, my experience in Syria as a female foreigner (with a local guide) felt very safe. From the countless welcoming encounters at the military checkpoints to the interactions with boys, guys and other women on the streets, I personally had zero threatening experiences.

Talking about what still stands in Syria today is almost unavoidable without also mentioning what has been lost, destroyed or taken over the years. It’s heartbreaking to hear and painful to see the devastation in any guide’s face whilst they tell the stories of destruction in what once stood before them. This is massively overwhelming to make sense of as a visitor.

How to Get a Tourist Visa to Enter Syria

It’s important to note that foreigners cannot explore Syria 100% independently. Visitors need to obtain a visa with security clearance beforehand. This can be organised through a travel agency within the country. Once you arrive, the travel agency will provide you with a local guide that should accompany you over the entirety of your stay.

Gaining your security clearance through a local tour company is straightforward; the process will usually take less than 2 weeks, or in my case, 10 days. Normally, all that should be required is an image of your passport, employment status and occupation. This paperwork is important as it will be shown multiple times a day as you pass the many roadside checkpoints.

At the time of writing this (July 2022) , visas are not permitted for those with an Israeli stamp on their current passport.

I, and two other Brits, were driven across the border between Lebanon and Syria by an employee of the tour company we were in contact with beforehand. Overall, the border crossing was surprisingly smooth. We did not encounter any issues and were pleasantly startled by the extremely warm welcome and plentiful smiles from both the immigration officers and military staff on guard. In addition to our payment to the tour agency for a visa, we also paid $140 at a border office to enter the country. Our driver was very organised as he ushered us around the necessary desks on foot. There were some for our passports, a check of vaccine certificates, visas and what seemed to be another for his vehicle. Before we drove away, some uniformed officers briefly, but respectfully, checked the contents of our luggage too.

Exchanging Money in Syria

The currency in Syria is the Syrian Pound (SYP). You should bring either Euros or US Dollars to exchange in the country because, due to European and American economic sanctions against Syria, you will not be able to use any card to withdraw or spend money.

It is unlikely that you will be able to exchange Syrian Pounds back to US Dollars or Euros. Therefore, you should be sure not to exchange too much during your stay.

As a point of reference, I exchanged 100 USD to spend across seven full days in Syria. This is doable if you just need to pay for dinner, and you are not including alcohol or souvenirs. However, I’d recommend exchanging about 120-150 USD to be more comfortable. The exchange rate was approximately 3400 SYP to the dollar, but this figure is extremely volatile.

Small tips are welcome in Syria, but they are by no means mandatory. If you appreciate the time any local has spent with you at sites, telling you stories or taking your photograph, then I would suggest leaving a tip or small donation to contribute towards any restoration, rebuilding or loss of income.

Places to Visit When You Travel to Syria

Syria isn’t too geographically widespread. This means that you will not have to travel far to pack plenty into your itinerary. The typical Syrian road trip route is from the south (Damascus) to the north (Aleppo) with a day trip slightly to the east (Palmyra). If you would like to deviate from this common route, then you should arrange this with your tour operator beforehand. Once you arrive, the security clearance for each location cannot be changed.

If you have any doubt about your travels to Syria, the Old City of Damascus will immediately reassure you that your venture will be worth any initial anxieties. This will likely be your first destination, and I personally, have no doubt that you will be greeted with ear-to-ear smiles and warm hospitality.

Thankfully, much of the Old City of Damascus still remains today. So as you arrive, you’ll quite naturally be eager to explore the lively and narrow cobblestoned streets that lead towards the hustle and bustle. I wouldn’t blame you! The journey is inviting, exciting and very tasty!

Krak des Chevaliers is one of the most famous castles in the world! It’s reasonably easy to visit considering the site is a 45-minute drive from the city of Homs. In English, ‘Krak des Chevaliers’ translates to ‘Castle of the Knights’ which is incredibly fitting considering that this is one of the greatest fortresses built by European crusaders. In addition, it’s almost certainly one of the better preserved too. Without the distractions of information boards, unsightly barriers, excessive lights and shuffling crowds, it’s so much easier to try visualising what life could have been like in the confines of these walls.

The population of Aleppo are bound to sing to you!… If not directly, then you’ll hear the melodic local songs as you explore the citadel and souks. They’re beautiful!

Aleppo’s Old City is one of the oldest in the world. This faced a severe amount of destruction during the conflict. For instance, the Great Mosque was completely destroyed. But fortunately, there are visible signs of the most restoration you are likely to witness in Syria. Nevertheless, a day of exploration in Aleppo can be very emotional as it will take years for the city to return to a similar condition it once was.

This historical site was once among Syria’s top attractions. Now, a visit to Palmyra comes with great sadness as considerable damage was inflicted by ISIS in 2016. The destruction is vast, though there are signs of reorganisation and restoration.

Maaloula is an ancient Christain town, hidden in the mountains of Syria. It’s one of the few places remaining in the world where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, has survived as a spoken dialect. The entire language is being kept alive by the parents of Maaloula who continue to use the language around their children every day.

Hama is a popular place to stretch off the car journey between Damascus and Aleppo. Plus, the numerous waterwheels in Hama are famous in Syria. Fortunately, they have managed to remain intact.

Bosra is approximately a 2-hour drive from Damascus. The area is an anomaly to the other cities as there aren’t constant photographs of the president scattered around the streets. Instead, you’ll find green Syrian flags draped across the ruins or painted on walls. Needless to say, there is still no visible animosity from either side in the area, and tourists are able to visit with the appropriate paperwork.

Bosra was once a major stopover along the ancient caravan route to Mecca. Now, it’s a major archaeological site that includes monuments, churches, mosques and a magnificent Roman theatre. Fortunately, the theatre escaped too much damage from the recent conflicts. In fact, just before the war, events were still being held inside.

There are many amazing hotels in Syria; some that could even tell a thousand stories! It is likely that you’ll begin your Syrian adventure at the Beit Al Wali Hotel in Damascus. Three traditional 18th-century houses were renovated and combined to create a grand space with a warm atmosphere for visitors to relax after exploring the nearby chaos of Damascus’ Old City.

The Laures Hotel is another example of accommodation in Syria.

You may want to consider visiting Syria for the food alone! Syrian cuisine is fresh, healthy and extremely tasty. You aren’t going to want to skip any meal here, no matter where you are in the country.

Syria is also an easy destination for vegetarians or vegans as there are always plenty of salads, bread, falafel and hummus. Popular dishes include tabouleh, fatoush, shwarma and baklava.

Syrians typically eat a variety of foods for breakfast. This was clear to see during the very colourful spreads we would be presented with every morning. Platters normally include pitas, a variety of cheeses, eggs, olives, hummus, vegetables and labneh. The food would come accompanied by either coffee or tea (and even a shisha – if you’d prefer) .

Most hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and bars in Syria have free wifi. The connection may not be the fastest, but it’s certainly enough to check your socials and emails or to message home.

If you require a constant connection, ask your tour operator for a local SIM card. They tend to have a reasonably reliable connection and signal strength.

The most ideal time to visit Syria would be between March and May when the temperature is around 20°C. Similarly, but without as many blossoming flowers, between September and October is also a reasonable period to visit Syria.

Summer temperatures can reach 45°C whilst winter can be wet, cold and with the possibility of snowfall. Yes, snow!.. It might be hard to imagine, with Syria being in the Middle East, but snow can cause the road between Beirut and Damascus to be closed from time to time.

It is recommended that women dress modestly in Syria. Loose-fitting clothes would ideally cover your shoulders and knees. However, it is also likely that you’ll notice local Syrians not following this custom, especially in Damascus.

You could also take a scarf to cover your hair or body parts in any mosque, but alternatives are often provided upon entering. Hence the cloak that can be pictured below…

Let’s go! @katie.maree

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Hello, i want to go to Syria which company you chose? I am in a tight budget. Please tell me, i go in January!!

Really interesting post, would you recommend the tour agency you went with? If so would you be able to share their name please?

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Tensions Rise as US Restricts Diplomatic Travel in Israel Amid Fears of Iranian Attack

T he United States has banned its embassy staff in Israel from traveling amid rising tension in the Middle East, as it believes Iran may launch an attack. This comes at a time when Iran has promised to avenge an attack on its consulate in Syria that went down in flames and accused Israel of mounting the assault. This also happens when the conflict between Israel and Hamas never really ends.

The US embassy has forbidden its staff from traveling outside the greater Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Beersheba areas “out of an abundance of caution.” It’s been 11 days since an attack on Iran’s consulate in Syria that left 13 people dead, including a senior commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon.

While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack on the consulate, it is believed to have been behind the assault. Iran, for its part, backs Hamas, the armed Palestinian group fighting Israel in Gaza, and a plethora of proxy groups across the region, from Hezbollah in Lebanon, which regularly attacks Israel.

Some U.S. officials said that an attack by Iran could come soon, while one official said that an assault would involve over 100 drones, several dozen cruise missiles, and possibly ballistic missiles, all against military targets in Israel.

U.S. President Joe Biden warned of Iran’s threats to launch a “significant attack” against his country amid “ironclad” support for Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the warning, stressing that Israel has to be ready for any security challenge and will retaliate against any country threatening its safety.

The top commander overseeing U.S. operations in the Middle East, Erik Kurilla, arrived in Israel Sunday to discuss security threats with officials there. The Pentagon said the visit had been planned but was hastened because of recent developments.

International calls for restraint have been issued, with the UK Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron warning that Iran should not be dragged into a wider conflict across the Middle East. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to his counterparts in China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to argue that an escalation is in nobody’s interest.

Things are still pretty fluid, with the form of any potential reprisal attack from Iran not clear. It is not clear whether such an attack would come directly from Iran or via one of its proxies. The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Israel amid the tensions, warning of the possibility of an attack from Iran that could trigger wider escalation.

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