Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks.
\n\nConsular support is not available from the British government from within Syria. The FCDO may become aware of support provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. If you need help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
\n\nThe US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.
\n\nBritish nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:
\n\nread If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
\nsign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
\nfollow advice from the local authorities
\nmonitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
\nstay away from areas around security or military facilities
\nkeep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
\nif advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects
\nIf you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. Have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow and contact FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance "},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe Syrian government or relevant authorities relevant authorities in Syria set and enforce entry rules.
\n\nTo enter Syria, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nIf you hold Israeli or Iranian citizenship you cannot enter Syria. Those with Lebanese citizenship should check entry restrictions before booking any travel.
\n\nIf your passport shows previous travel to Israel, you may be refused entry into Syria.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to travel to Syria.
\n\nIf you choose to travel to Syria against FCDO advice, ensure you have the right visa or you may be refused entry. You can apply for a visa, and check the status of your visa application via this website.
\n\nIt currently takes approximately 5-7 days for a visa application to be processed and a decision to be made. Please note these times may vary. Contact the relevant interim Syrian authorities for further information.
\n\nIf you enter Syria illegally, you could be fined or given a a prison sentence.
\n\nForeign journalists entering Syria should check with the Syrian authorities to ensure adherence to relevant regulations and requirements.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Syria guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Syria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Syria.
\nThere are multiple terrorist groups operating in Syria. There have been several terrorist attacks across Syria, including in major cities, resulting in large numbers of casualties. Daesh, also known as ISIL/ISIS, continues to carry out regular attacks all across Syria, including in Damascus. Terrorist groups continue to post a significant threat to civilians in Syria and have shown they can carry out coordinated attacks against civilian targets.
\n\nForeign nationals, including British nationals, and the places they frequently visit could be considered legitimate targets. This includes:
\n\nAttacks could also target:
\n\nTypes of attacks include shootings, large-scale co-ordinated bombings designed to cause mass casualties, suicide bombs, vehicle bombs, rockets and mortars.
\n\nTake particular care during periods of national or religious significance and on public holidays.
\n\nThere is a very high threat of kidnapping from terrorists throughout Syria including from Al-Qaeda (AQ) affiliated groups and Daesh, formerly known as ISIL/ISIS. Terrorist groups operating in Syria routinely use kidnapping as a tactic for financial or political gain. There have been a number of kidnappings, including of British nationals and other westerners. Some hostages have been killed.
\n\nBritish nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including British officials, tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists, students and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
\n\nThe long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
\n\nThe situation in Syria remains volatile. Fighting and violence may occur around the country and is highly unpredictable. This includes artillery and airstrikes. Some areas within Syria are controlled by local armed groups, and are not under control of the Syrian government, particularly in Suwayda province in southern Syria.
\n\nFighting has, at various times, led to the temporary suspension of commercial flights, road closures, and the closure of some border crossings. Curfews may be imposed across the country.
\n\nThe political situation in Syria can be volatile. Political demonstrations may escalate into violent protests and fighting. Monitor the media for information about possible demonstrations and be alert to local and regional developments, which may trigger public disturbances.
\n\nThere may be risks to your safety, including detention, if you take part in political activity in Syria.
\n\nJournalists and other foreign nationals may be at increased risk of detention, mistreatment, or harassment by armed groups and security forces. Security forces may also confiscate phones, cameras and other recording equipment.
\n\nLandmines and other unexploded weapons remain from the Syrian conflict. While highly populated areas and major routes are largely clear, there remains a risk in less populated and rural areas. Do not step off roads and paved areas without an experienced guide. Take care near:
\n\nThere is a humanitarian crisis in Syria. Public infrastructure and services have been seriously affected by the conflict including lack of water, sanitation and health services. Electricity, internet and cellular services are intermittent in many parts of the country. Food supplies are extremely limited and what is available is often prohibitively expensive. It is often difficult to get or pay for basic goods and services, including food and fuel.
\n\nSince the fall of the Assad regime, the UK has removed sanctions on some sectors, though some remain. See the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, HM Treasury, and UK sanctions on Syria for more information.
\n\nThe humanitarian crisis and instability has led to a rise in crime in most areas in the country, including petty crime, violent robbery, carjacking and kidnapping.
\n\nThere continues to be a risk of criminal kidnap for ransom. Foreign nationals, including Westerners, may be considered lucrative targets.
\n\nSyria is a multi-faith country. Alongside the majority Sunni population, there are large practising Shia, Christian, Druze and Alawite communities, as well as other smaller sects and religions. Divisions along sectarian lines continue and flashes of sectarian violence are likely. Communities have been displaced and levels of religious tolerance can vary considerably. There are restrictions on unlicensed political activity and political parties are banned under the new authorities in Damascus.
\n\nYou must carry copies of your passport photo page and visa for identification.
\n\nThere are severe penalties for drug offences in Syria. The penalty for drug possession is life imprisonment, and the death penalty applies for drug trafficking.
\n\nAs a result of the 14-year conflict, there are restrictions on financial transactions in Syria and limitations on cash withdrawals in country. Prices for certain items may be listed in US dollar. There is minimal or no use of electronic payment systems to purchase goods.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, you should:
\n\nRoad travel is very dangerous in many parts of the country due to lack of road maintenance, the fragile security situation and unexploded weapons.
\n\nDriving standards and traffic systems are poor, and the accident rate is high. Driving at night is particularly dangerous.
\n\nIf you are driving a car and are involved in an accident with a pedestrian, it is likely you’ll be held legally responsible.
\n\nRoad networks may be blocked without warning. There are security force checkpoints on major road routes.
\n\nThere are a limited number of international flights operating to and from Syria. Fighting has, at various times, led to the temporary suspension of commercial flights and closure of airports. Damascus airport and Aleppo airport are currently operating with some international flights. Other airports remain closed.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nEarthquakes are a risk in Syria. These can be high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure and put lives at risk. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nEmergency services in Syria have been severely impacted due to the 14-year conflict and could be unresponsive.
\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Syria, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Syria. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe quality of healthcare has deteriorated significantly due to conflict. Health facilities have been destroyed or damaged, many hospitals and clinics are no longer operating and there are shortages of even the most basic medicines and medical supplies. There are regular outbreaks of infectious diseases across the country. This is particularly true in rural areas.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nEmergency services may be limited in Syria due to the 14-year conflict that country has gone through.
\nConsular support is not available from the British government from within Syria. The FCDO may become aware of support provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. If you need help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
\n\n\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe including if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack.
\n\nFollow and contact FCDO travel on X, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nYou can also contact FCDO online.
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\n