Syria Travel Safety

Road safety

Aggressive drivers and poor driving standards make road travel hazardous. Avoid driving outside of major cities after dark. Pedestrians should remain vigilant. Roadblocks and checkpoints have been set up on roads, including major roads and highways in and around Damascus, Aleppo and other major cities, as well as along the Damascus-Aleppo, Damascus-Jordan and Damascus-Beirut highways. Road travel restrictions may be imposed without notice, making travel slow and dangerous. Some border crossings are no longer under the control of Syrian authorities, instead, they are in the hands of opposition groups, including extremists. Use only officially marked taxis.

Regional travel

Westerns have been denied entry into Syria because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate that the traveller entered from Israel). If you are travelling from Syria to Lebanon, you must present the same document to enter and leave the country.

Women's safety

There have been incidents of women being harassed. Women in Daesh-controlled territory, such as Raqqah, are at extreme risk of being physically harmed.

Crime

The crime rate has increased in Syria. Exercise a high degree of caution. Ensure personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are in a secure place.

Kidnapping

Although kidnappings had already increased throughout Syria, since the beginning of civil unrest in March 2011, 2014 saw a sharp increase in the kidnapping of non-government organization workers and journalists. Kidnappings are common in various parts of the country, including in parts of Aleppo and Damascus. Kidnapping for ransom is common, as are politically motivated kidnappings by armed and terrorist groups that often result in execution. If you remain in Syria despite this warning, you should be extremely vigilant when travelling, especially after dark.

Terrorism

The security situation in Syria is very volatile, and violence associated with the conflict is ongoing. The threat of terrorism in Syria from extremist groups such as Daesh and Jabat Al Nusra is generalized. Car bombings and other violent incidents occur regularly, killing and injuring many civilians. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, as terrorist incidents occur with no warning. Exercise appropriate caution in crowded places, including pedestrian promenades, shopping malls, open markets and restaurants. Monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Religion

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country's customs, laws and regulations. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities, particularly when visiting religious sites. During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

The laws of Syria prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and promoting homosexuality. Those convicted can face the death penalty. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Syria.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect severe penalties, which may include the death penalty. Photography of military or government installations is prohibited. Mobile phone use at checkpoints is prohibited. There are restrictions on unlicensed political and religious activity, particularly political Islam.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required.