Syria, Syria - Travel Guide

Syria was once one of the world's most extraordinary destinations - Damascus (oldest continuously inhabited city), Aleppo (legendary souks), Palmyra (desert ruins), and Crusader castles. The ongoing conflict has devastated tourism, but some areas are slowly reopening. Check current advisories carefully - travel is extremely restricted and risky.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$60/day

Luxury$120/day

Known For

syriadamascusaleppopalmyraancient_citysilk_roadumayyad_mosquecrusader_castleskrak_des_chevaliersmiddle_eastconflict_zonehistoricalreconstruction

🇸🇾 Country Information: Syria

CapitalDamascus

CurrencySyrian pound (LS)

LanguageArabic, Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian

Phone Code+963

Electricity220V (Type C, E, L)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common in restaurants and for services; 10
15% in restaurants is appreciated
For taxi drivers, round up the fare
Small tips for hotel staff are customary

Money & Payments

ATMs are very limited and unreliable due to sanctions and conflict
Credit cards are generally not accepted; cash is essential
Bringing cash (USD) is highly recommended
There is a black market for foreign currency, but it's risky and illegal

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees for both men and women, especially when visiting religious sites
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
It is customary to remove shoes before entering mosques and some homes
Hospitality is highly valued; accepting tea or coffee when offered is a sign of respect
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by law. There is no legal recognition for LGBTQ+ relationships.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Alcohol consumption is generally allowed but not openly displayed due to conservative cultural norms
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties including imprisonment for possession, use, or trafficking

Special Laws

Photography of military installations or checkpoints is strictly forbidden
Dress modestly, especially in religious areas
Avoid public displays of affection
Be aware of the ongoing conflict and security situation, and always follow local advice and government warnings

Common Phrases

NoLa' (lah) لا

YesNa'am (na'am) نعم

HelloMarhaba (mar-hah-ba) مرحبا

PleaseMin fadlak (min fad-lak) من فضلك

Thank youShukran (shook-ran) شكراً

Climate

Mediterranean climate in coast, semi-arid inland, desert in east. Damascus has hot dry summers (35°C+) and mild winters. Spring and autumn most pleasant. Note: Climate considerations secondary to security situation.

Best Time to Visit

Spring: March
May (traditionally best time)
Summer: June
August (very hot inland)
Autumn: September
November (pleasant)
Winter: December
February (cool, rain on coast)
IMPORTANT: Security situation, not weather, should determine travel decisions

Getting There

EXTREMELY LIMITED
Damascus International Airport has some regional flights
Most Western countries advise against all travel
Those who visit typically enter via Lebanon (Beirut) with proper documentation
Visas extremely difficult
usually requires Syrian sponsor
Not a normal tourist destination currently

Getting Around

Within government
controlled areas: shared taxis, buses, and private cars
Much infrastructure damaged
Movement between areas severely restricted
Those visiting use private guides with vehicles
Not advisable to travel independently

Health & Vaccinations

All routine vaccinations essential
Hepatitis A and B strongly recommended
Typhoid recommended
Medical facilities severely damaged
Bring all necessary medications
Evacuation insurance CRITICAL
Medical tourism not possible

Staying Connected

MTN Syria coverage in some areas
Infrastructure damaged
Internet heavily restricted/monitored
VPN may be needed
Don't rely on connectivity
Very limited options

Local Cuisine

Kibbeh must_try

Syria's national dish - croquettes of bulgur wheat, minced meat, onions, and spices. Can be fried, baked, or served raw. Aleppo version particularly f

Fattoush must_try

Levantine bread salad with toasted pita, fresh vegetables, sumac, and pomegranate molasses dressing. Refreshing and tangy. A Syrian staple.

Muhammara must_try

Aleppo specialty - red pepper and walnut dip with pomegranate molasses. Sweet, spicy, and nutty. Distinctive Syrian flavor profile.

Shawarma must_try

Syrian shawarma is legendary - meat carved from rotating spit, wrapped with garlic sauce and pickles. Damascus and Aleppo both claim superiority.

Syrian Sweets must_try

Damascus and Aleppo were famous for sweets - baklava, halawet el jibn (cheese pastry), mabruma. If accessible, the tradition continues.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Security Assessment permit_or_pass

Plan months in advance if at all

Travel requires careful security planning, visa arrangements, and local contacts.

Fun Facts

1. Damascus is widely considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with evidence of habitation dating back 11,000 years.
2. The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world, containing a shrine believed to hold the head of John the Baptist (revered by both Christians and Muslims).
3. Syria was the heart of the Umayyad Caliphate, the first great Islamic empire, when Damascus was the capital of a realm stretching from Spain to India (661-750 CE).
4. Palmyra's ruins (badly damaged in conflict) were once a wealthy caravan city on the Silk Road, ruled by the legendary warrior queen Zenobia who defied Rome.

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