Syria

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Syria due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and risk of unjust detention. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[963] (11) 3391-4444; US Embassy in Damascus, Abou Roumaneh, 2 Al Mansour Street, Damascus, Syria; USIS_damascus@embassy.mzv.cz; https://sy.usembassy.gov/

Telephone Code

963

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 110; Fire 113; Police: 112

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather with snow or sleet periodically in Damascus

Currency (Code)

Syrian pounds (SYP)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E, L

Plug Type CPlug Type EPlug Type L

Major Languages

Arabic, Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, French, English

Major Religions

Muslim 87% (includes Sunni 74% and Alawi, Ismaili, and Shia 13%), Christian 10% (includes Orthodox, Uniate, and Nestorian), Druze 3%

Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins midnight on the last Friday in March, ends at midnight on the last Friday in October

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Palmyra & Valley of The Tombs; Damascus (includes Historic Center, Souq al-Hamidiyya, Umayyad Mosque); Ancient City of Aleppo; Krak des Chevaliers; Bosra

Major Sports

Soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming

Cultural Practices

Displaying the soles of one’s feet to another person is improper. Similarly, placing one’s feet on top of a table is not acceptable.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is a common way of showing appreciation, but the amount is left to the discretion of the giver; 10 % is standard in larger restaurants.

Souvenirs

Rosewood, ebony, and olive wood carvings; embroidery, woven items, and hand-loomed brocade fabric; leather goods; gold and silver jewelry; mother-of-pearl items; inlaid steel and copper items; pottery

Traditional Cuisine

Kibbeh — ground lamb, bulgur, and seasonings baked, fried, stuffed or served raw; often served with tabbouleh (a salad made with tomatoes, parsley, bulgur, and onions mixed in a sauce of lemon juice, olive oil, and salt)


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, October 19, 2022