Information for Travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(For the most recent information and further information, please refer to the current Country Specific Information and warden messages which are available at http://syria.usembassy.gov or http://travel.state.gov.)
1. Is it safe for Americans to travel to Syria?
The U.S. government has not barred US citizens from travel to Syria. You will have to make that decision on your own in light of your personal circumstances and the current Country Specific Information for Syria that you will find on the State Department’s website.
In terms of crime, Syria is considered a safe country. Both violent and street crimes are rare. However, instances of petty theft and ATM/Credit Card fraud are on the rise.
On September 12, 2006, the U.S. Embassy in Damascus was attacked by assailants using improvised explosives, gunfire, and two vehicles laden with explosives. Two destructive attacks against U.S. Embassy facilities occured in 1998 and 2000. The vast majority of Syrians are very warm and hospitable towards individual Americans, who are generally welcomed and treated with respect by everyday people. However, during periods of increased tension in the region incidents of harassment may occur. Women may also be subject to mostly verbal forms of harassment.
Syria is governed by an authoritarian regime dominated by the Ba'ath Party, and therefore, is a police state that is very tightly controlled and monitored. Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors, including Americans, under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities.
3. Do acts of terrorism and kidnappings occur in Syria?
There are no known kidnappings or attempted kidnappings of American citizens in Syria. Last year, there was one known case of assault against an American, but it was not a result of the person's American citizenship.
Acts of terrorism are not common in Syria. However, Syria is included on the Department of State's List of State Sponsors of Terrorism. A number of the terrorist organizations who have offices in Syria oppose U.S. policies in the Middle East. On February 4, 2006, mobs protesting caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed destroyed the Norwegian and Chilean embassies and severely damaged the Danish and Swedish diplomatic missions. On April 27, 2004, there was a violent clash, in which three people died, in an area of Damascus where many foreign citizens reside. In 1998 and 2000, mobs attacked and damaged the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence and the U.S. Embassy, respectively. In 1997, twenty-two people were killed when a public bus was bombed in downtown Damascus. All of these attacks serve as reminders that Syria is not immune from political violence. Americans traveling through the area should remain aware that U.S. interests and citizens might be targeted.
4. Are there particular areas in Syria that I should avoid?
American citizens should maintain a heightened awareness of their surroundings and should not linger among large groups of people in public areas. Any suspicious behavior targeting Americans should be reported to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Damascus.
5. Is there a travel warning for Americans traveling to Syria?
There is no specific travel warning for Syria at this time. Currently, the U.S. Government warned Americans from traveling to certain countries; however, Syria is not among these countries. Please check the U.S. State Department's web site http://travel.state.gov for consular information on Syria and other countries.
6. What measures should I take to enhance my security while in Syria?
The Embassy urges Americans to be vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. In the event that there are demonstrations or angry crowds, it is advisable to avoid them.
7. What do you mean by "vigilant?"
By "vigilant" we mean: First, make yourself aware of the security risks. Second, make yourself aware of what behavior reduces your vulnerability, such as reducing the predictability of your actions. Third, regularly practice behavior that reduces your vulnerability.
8. Are the roads safe in Syria? Are taxis safe?
The roads in Syria are hazardous, particularly at night outside the major cities. Cars and trucks frequently travel at a high rate of speed and without headlights at night. There are few, if any, areas for a vehicle with mechanical problems to pull off the paved surface, and no system for warning other motorists. Animals can regularly be found on the roads at night. Fatal accidents have occurred.
Taxis are generally old, small, and in need of repair. They may not afford as much protection as the larger and newer models used in the United States. Outside of possible arguments over fares, reports of assaults by taxi drivers are uncommon.
On May 1, 2008 the Syrian government implemented new driving regulations and a list of fines and penalties for those disregarding the new rules. Full details are available on our "Driving Regulations" page.
9. Are adequate medical facilities available in Syria?
Basic medical care and medicines are available in Syria's principal cities, but not necessarily in outlying areas. A number of privately-owned facilities in major cities are more than adequate in treating non-emergency illnesses and medical matters. Serious illnesses and emergencies may require evacuation to a Western medical facility. Facilities outside of the major cities fall short of U.S. standards. Please call the consular section for a selected list of medical facilities and physicians in Syria. Additional information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's International Travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559 or via the CDC home page on the internet at http://www.cdc.gov.
10. Are there certain behaviors that Syrians find offensive in Westerners?
Although it is difficult to list all behavior that could be offensive to all people, the following may be considered particularly offensive to Syrians: immodestly dressed men and women, wearing shoes inside mosques, exposing the soles of one's feet towards a person, women entering mosques without covering their hair, and expressing disrespect for Islam.
11. What do I do if I have a problem on weekends or after normal working hours?
In an emergency, call the Embassy at 011-3391-4444 and ask to speak to the Embassy duty officer.