Syria, home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, offers extraordinary historical treasures from ancient Damascus and Aleppo to the spectacular Roman ruins of Palmyra. Despite recent challenges, the country's rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and diverse landscapes continue to captivate adventurous travelers.
Syria remains one of the world's most significant safety challenges for travelers, with most Western governments advising against all travel due to ongoing conflict in some regions and unstable security conditions. However, Damascus and certain other areas have been functioning as tourist destinations with a small number of adventurous travelers visiting successfully. Any visit requires exceptional preparation, up-to-date security briefings, reputable local contacts, and comprehensive emergency planning.
Current safety advisory
High
Most Western governments (US, UK, Australia, Canada, EU countries) advise Do Not Travel or Reconsider Travel to Syria due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorism risk, civil unrest, and the risk of arbitrary detention. The security situation varies by region - Damascus has been relatively stable while other areas remain dangerous. Travelers must obtain visas in advance (most embassies overseas handle this as Syrian embassies abroad may not be operational in all countries), carry sufficient USD cash, and maintain reliable local contacts and emergency plans.
Last updated: 2026-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Do Not Travel
Do not travel to Syria due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. No US Embassy operational in Syria.
Advise Against All Travel
The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria. No British Embassy operational in Damascus.
Advise Against All Travel
Exercise a high degree of caution / Do not travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and dangerous security environment.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Register your trip with your government's travel advisory service before departure; most Western embassies have suspended operations in Syria
Carry sufficient USD cash - international ATMs do not function and credit/debit cards are not accepted; exchange on the official market only
Avoid all areas near active conflict zones, military checkpoints, and restricted military installations - zones shift without notice
Monitor daily security updates from UN OCHA, Reuters, and your government's foreign affairs portal; conditions change rapidly
Hire only licensed, reputable local guides or tour operators with established track records for post-conflict Syria tourism
Purchase comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance before departure - emergency medical facilities are limited outside Damascus
Dress modestly at all times: women should cover hair, arms, and legs in public spaces and at all religious sites; men should avoid shorts
Photographing military installations, checkpoints, soldiers, or government buildings is strictly prohibited and can lead to detention
Keep a low profile online; avoid posting real-time location data on social media; use a VPN for internet access
Always carry multiple copies of your passport and visa - keep originals secure and present photocopies at checkpoints
Carry a printed list of key contacts: your embassy emergency line, hotel address in Arabic, and the local tour operator number
Do not bring items featuring Israeli branding, Hebrew text, or Star of David symbols - entry may be refused and items confiscated
Inform a trusted contact of your daily itinerary; check in regularly and establish a communication protocol
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed or unofficial taxis (especially near tourist sites) quote prices many times the real rate to foreigners unfamiliar with Syrian pound values
How to avoid: Always agree on price in advance; ask hotel staff for approximate fare before entering a taxi; prefer hotel-arranged taxis
Money exchange scams
Unofficial money changers offer favorable rates but may shortchange on the count or provide counterfeit bills
How to avoid: Exchange currency only at hotel front desks or licensed exchange offices; always count money in front of the exchanger
Souvenir overpricing
Tourist areas have vendors who quote vastly inflated prices for souvenirs to foreign visitors unfamiliar with local values
How to avoid: Research prices beforehand; bargain firmly starting at 50% of asking price; walk away if price seems too high
Fake guide offerings
Unofficial 'guides' offer services near major sites, then demand large payments or take visitors to specific shops for commissions
How to avoid: Arrange guides through your hotel or reputable operators only; politely decline unexpected offers of guidance
Antiquities sales
Sellers offer supposedly 'ancient' artifacts and coins - exporting genuine antiquities is illegal and items may be stolen heritage objects
How to avoid: Never purchase items claimed to be ancient artifacts - it is illegal to export them and may result in arrest
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio booster. Consider: Rabies (if going to rural areas), Meningitis. Consult travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure. Routine vaccinations must be fully up to date.
- Water
- Tap water NOT safe to drink anywhere in Syria. Use bottled water only including for brushing teeth. Bottled water widely available and very cheap ($0.05-0.10 per liter).
- Food
- Eat cooked food from reputable establishments; avoid raw salads from unknown sources initially. Bring anti-diarrheal medication (Imodium) and oral rehydration salts. Sun exposure severe in summer - minimum SPF 30 and hat essential. Dust and pollution significant in major cities.
- Facilities
- Damascus has functioning hospitals including Al-Mouwassat University Hospital and Al-Assad University Hospital with emergency services. Outside Damascus, medical facilities are severely limited. Comprehensive medical evacuation insurance is ESSENTIAL - evacuation to neighboring country may be necessary for serious illness.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Damascus is feasible with careful preparation. Syrians are genuinely hospitable and lone travelers often receive invitations for tea and conversation. Stay in well-reviewed guesthouses in the Old City, establish daily check-ins with people back home, and use hotel-arranged transport rather than flagging taxis alone. Join group tours for excursions outside the city. Keep a low profile and avoid discussing your solo status widely.
Female travellers
Solo female travel in Syria requires extra caution and preparation. Damascus Old City can be navigated safely when dressed modestly (hair, arms, and legs covered) - Syrian culture generally respects modesty. Verbal harassment is less common than in some neighboring countries. Avoid walking alone after dark; use hotel taxis. Some travelers stay in female-only accommodations or join group tours. The guesthouse community is small and staff are generally protective of female guests.
Families
Syria is not typically recommended for family travel with young children given current conditions. However, for families with older children (12+) who have significant travel experience and understand the context, Damascus is a profoundly educational experience. Syrian culture is very child-friendly - families with children are welcomed everywhere. Ensure robust medical evacuation coverage, bring all medications from home, use only bottled water, and arrange experienced local guide for the trip.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relations are illegal in Syria under Article 520 of the Penal Code, with potential prison sentences. LGBTQ+ travelers face significant legal risk and should exercise extreme discretion. Public displays of affection between any couples are inadvisable. There is no visible LGBTQ+ scene. LGBTQ+ travelers should carefully consider whether travel to Syria is appropriate given the current legal status and associated risks.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 110 (ambulance) / Al-Mouwassat Hospital Damascus: +963 11 331 1873
- Embassy
- Most Western embassies suspended operations in Syria. Contact your nearest embassy in Beirut (Lebanon) or Amman (Jordan) for consular emergencies. Register with your embassy's travel registration system before entering Syria.
- Tourist Police
- Contact local police on 112; tourist police units operate in Damascus Old City near major attractions