Middle East
Syria
Open to visitors since Assad's fall, with Damascus, Aleppo and Palmyra drawing a trickle of travellers. Islamic State bombings, sectarian violence, cash-only money and broken infrastructure make it high-risk; go with a vetted guide.
- US travel advisoryLevel 4Do not travelDetails
- Visa17 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencySYPUS$1 ≈ £S121.81Details
- Price level32%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English2/5Limited
- PlugsType C, E, L220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 110 · Fire 113
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is unsafe and supplies are intermittent; drink sealed bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedNo visible scene; armed factions and sectarian violence add danger.Details
- DrivingOn the rightSelf-driving is unwise: checkpoints, mines off-road and poor roads. Hire a driver; avoid night travel.
Where to go in Syria
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DamascusCapital city | 1/5 | — | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | — |
When to visit Syria
March–May and September–November; summers are hot, and winters are cold and wet, with heating and power shortages.
Good to know
Entry
- Visa required: apply on the e-visa portal; decisions take about 5–7 days.
- Israeli and Iranian citizens are barred; Israeli stamps can mean refusal.
- Only Damascus and Aleppo airports have international flights, and schedules are limited.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Unlicensed political activity is banned; avoid rallies.
- Drug possession can bring life imprisonment.
- Carry copies of your passport and visa at checkpoints.
Etiquette
- Avoid political talk with strangers; sectarian wounds are raw.
- Dress modestly; women cover hair in mosques.
- Ask before photographing people, checkpoints or damaged sites.
Tipping
Rounding up and small tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff are appreciated.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Syria
- Syria e-visa portal
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.