Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Syria due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and risk of unjust detention. Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detention.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
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/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
963
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 110; Fire 113; Police: 112
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Syria: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
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
Major Languages
Arabic, Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, French, English
Major Religions
Muslim (includes Sunni and Alawi, Ismaili, and Shia), Christian (includes Orthodox, Uniate, and Nestorian), Druze
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
Stand up when someone older than you enters the room and offer them your seat if there are none available. Men also stand for women, especially those with children. Syrian men rarely swear in the presence of women. Spitting in one's face or in front of them is a sign of disrespect.
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: Thursday, July 11, 2024
