Safety
Most Western governments currently advise against all travel to Syria. Read your government's advice and take it seriously. The situation post-Assad is genuinely unstable — clashes between armed factions, Israeli airstrikes, and isolated violence against minority communities have all occurred since the transitional government took power. The main cities and the Damascus–Aleppo corridor are calmer than the rural east and south, but nowhere in Syria should be assumed safe without current, on-the-ground information.
Travel with a local guide or a specialist tour operator. They know where things stand today, not six months ago.
Visas
Visas are available on arrival since January 2025 for most nationalities. Requirements may change — check the latest before traveling.
Currency
The Syrian Pound (SYP) is the local currency. It has been severely devalued by the war and its value remains volatile. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist contexts and may be preferred. Bring cash — international banking infrastructure is severely disrupted and cards are not reliably usable.
Health
Medical infrastructure in Syria was badly damaged by the war and has not recovered. Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medicines you need, as availability is unreliable. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential.
Standard vaccinations for the region apply: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus. Check current WHO advice for anything more specific.
Communications
Mobile coverage is available in major cities. Syrian SIM cards are available and cheap. Internet access is intermittent and sometimes censored, though less so under the new government than the old.
Language
Arabic is the official language. English is spoken in tourist contexts in Damascus and Aleppo, and by many educated Syrians. French has some historical presence. Kurdish is widely spoken in the northeast. A few words of Arabic go a long way and are genuinely appreciated.
Religion and customs
Syria is predominantly Muslim. Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites — cover shoulders and legs, and women will be asked to cover their hair. Remove shoes at mosque entrances. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is inappropriate.
Syrians are exceptionally hospitable. Offers of tea or food are genuine. Refusing repeatedly can cause genuine offence — accept, enjoy, and reciprocate with curiosity and respect.
Photography
Be careful about photographing military installations, checkpoints, or anything that could be construed as sensitive. Always ask permission before photographing people.