Syria

We continue to advise do not travel to Syria due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, air strikes, terrorism, arbitrary detention and kidnapping. We have advised do not travel to Syria since 2011.

If you're in Syria despite this advice, prepare to leave when it is safe to do so.

Armed clashes are ongoing in parts of Syria and have resulted in many civilian casualties. Additional road closures and checkpoints may be established. Shelter in place and leave when it’s safe to do so.  

The security situation is dangerous due to:

• ongoing military conflict, including air strikes
• high levels of violence
• civil unrest and political tensions
• terrorist attacks
• kidnappings involving foreigners

Land border crossings may be closed without notice. Airports and airlines may suspend operations without notice.

Australians should read our general advice about terrorism risks and protecting your safety during an armed conflict.

While you're in Syria you should:

• seek professional security advice
• adopt effective personal security measures
• stay in a safe place and limit your movements
• always be alert
• keep a low profile
• vary your routines so your movements don't become obvious to others
• avoid possible targets for a terrorist or military attack
• have a clear exit plan in case there's a security incident

If there's an attack:

• leave the area as soon as it's safe
• avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks
• monitor the media for any new or emerging threats

The security situation means access to food, water and fuel can be difficult. You should stockpile essential goods, including toiletries and prescription medication.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism
• Armed conflict

There is a very serious threat of kidnapping throughout Syria. Kidnappings can occur for political or financial gain. Criminal and terrorist kidnappings are also a significant risk in Syria. There have been multiple cases of kidnappings in Syria, including of foreign nationals. 

The situation in Syria remains fragile and there are numerous terrorist and militant groups operating throughout the country. Islamic State is still active in Syria and known to use kidnapping of foreigners as a tactic. This includes targeting aid workers, journalists and those working in the tourism and business sectors. Foreigners have been assassinated by terrorist and criminal groups.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
 
More information:

• Kidnapping

The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

Public protests and events with large groups of people can turn violent.

Syrian authorities have arrested people near demonstrations, regardless of their citizenship.

Civil unrest may limit your ability to travel by road.

If you're in Syria despite our advice:

• avoid rallies, demonstrations and crowds
• avoid funerals and mourning processions
• avoid areas where people congregate after Friday midday prayers
• monitor the media for new safety and security risks, including political events that could increase tensions

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

The breakdown in law and order has led to an increase in crime, including:

• violent robberies
• kidnappings
• carjackings

If you're in Syria despite our advice:

• avoid showing signs of wealth
• drive with your doors locked and windows up
• secure your accommodation
• stay alert to your surroundings

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Syria is subject to earthquakes. Dust storms and sandstorms also happen, especially during the summer months when there have been long periods of dry weather.

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

If, despite our advice, you choose to travel to Syria:

There is a shortage of medicine due to conflict and degradation of the Syrian healthcare system. 

Polio

Syria is exposed to the international spread of polio.

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases, such as leishmaniasis, are common.

Malaria occurs in the northern border region, particularly in Al Hasakah Province.

To protect yourself from disease:​ ​

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking malaria prevention medication

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• brucellosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• cholera

Serious outbreaks could happen.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea. 

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Access to hospitals is limited due to Syria’s seriously degraded healthcare system. The quality of healthcare is low. 

There’s no agreement between Australia and Syria for free healthcare. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll need to be evacuated if you get seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation may not be possible and can be very expensive. Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Syria. The Australian Government won't organise evacuation or pay for these costs.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

If you're involved in local legal matters, get professional advice. Know your rights and responsibilities, especially in family law matters like:

• divorce
• child custody
• child support

Serious crime such as murder carry the death penalty.

These activities are illegal:

• same-sex relationships
• taking photos of military or government buildings or other sensitive infrastructure
• not carrying ID
• failing to have the right entry visa

If you wish to preach a religion other than Islam, get local advice. Restrictions can apply.

More information:

• Staying within the law
• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

It's illegal under Australian law for Australian nationals, including dual nationals, to support any armed groups. This includes:

• joining the conflict
• funding, training or recruiting someone to fight
• supplying or funding weapons

Australia has imposed sanctions on Syria, including restrictions on the export and supply of certain goods and services.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Syria recognises dual nationality. 

If you're an Australian-Syrian dual national, Syrian authorities will treat you as Syrian. This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Children of Syrian men obtain Syrian citizenship automatically at birth.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative, particularly around religious sites.

If you're female, wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs. Wear a headscarf.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Ramadan

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time. 

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. If you travel to Syria despite our advice and don't have Syrian identity documents, you'll need a visa.

You can apply for a Syrian eVisa online. 

You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Syria for the latest requirements before you go to Syria. 

Parts of Syria are controlled by groups that may issue local travel permits. 

Border measures

Land border crossings between Syria and Lebanon have been the target of border clashes and bombings and could close without notice.

For measures regarding travel between Syria and Lebanon, contact Syrian and Lebanese authorities. 

Due to the ongoing unpredictable security situation, Lebanese General Security have advised they will no longer allow dual Australian/Syrian nationals entry into Lebanon to renew expired Australian passports. Only holders of valid Australian passports can enter Lebanon. Contact the Australian Embassy in Beirut for further details on applying for an Australian passport from Syria. 

If you have a residence permit, check with Syrian Immigration regarding the 'exit and return' requirements. 

Be aware that:

• children born in Syria must have their father's permission to leave Syria
• a Syrian husband can stop his wife from leaving the country, regardless of her nationality
• unmarried women can be prevented from leaving Syria due to strict family controls

Travel to Israel

If there's evidence that you've travelled to Israel, authorities will refuse your entry to Syria or deport you. Evidence includes:

• Israeli exit or entry stamps in your passport
• Egyptian or Jordanian stamps from border crossings with Israel
• travel itineraries or tickets that include Israel as a destination
• souvenirs from Israel
• airline tags on your bags
• SIM cards, literature, or other items with obvious links to Israel 

Leaving Syria

Contact local authorities for the latest information on travelling between Syria and bordering countries. Entry and exit requirements may change without notice. A limited number of commercial airlines fly to Syria. Other commercial air services and airports could stop operating without notice.

Civilian airports could come under attack at any time, including in Damascus and Aleppo. 

Telecommunication and travel restrictions may limit your exit options:

• transport options to airports and seats on flights may be limited
• roads may close or be blocked without warning, affecting access to border crossings
• major highways may be blocked
• border crossings can be closed with little or no warning
• conflict can limit access to all border crossings

To minimise risks to your safety:

• seek local and expert advice
• make contingency plans
• check the status of routes to airports and borders
• always carry your passport and travel documents

Check with your nearest Syrian Embassy or Consulate for regulations regarding bringing in electronic devices such as standalone GPS, handheld radio equipment and drones to Syria. 

Do not use mobile phones at check points.

The Syrian Government enforces restrictions on prior travel to Israel.

Authorities can hold anyone, regardless of their nationality, for questioning for several days and then deport them.

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP).

You can change money in government banks or at recognised exchange bureaus. 

Credit cards may not be accepted. You may not be able to access your money via ATMs.

Local restrictions

Travel within some parts of Syria can be particularly dangerous.

If you're in Syria despite our advice, consider the security environment before travelling within the country. 

Road travel

Access to international border crossings may be limited due to roadblocks, road closures and fighting. This can happen with little to no warning.

Major highways may become or are already blocked, due to conflict. These include:

• Tartous-Latakia
• Tartous-Homs
• Latakia-Aleppo
• Homs-Hama
• Homs-Damascus
• Damascus-Jordan
• Damascus-Beirut

If you need to travel by road, first:

• get local information on possible routes
• seek professional security advice
• adopt effective personal security measures
• make contingency plans

More information:

• Driving or riding

Sea travel

Don't travel to Syria by sea due to the dangerous security situation.

Air travel

Ongoing conflict in Syria may increase risks to civil aviation in the region. Civil aviation authorities in several countries do not allow their airlines to fly in Syrian airspace. If you travel to Syria despite our advice, refer to the Smartraveller page on air travel and check with airlines before booking. Flight paths are subject to change. Check with your airline for updates and departure options. 

DFAT doesn’t give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are. Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.

Check Syria's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire services

Call 113.

Medical emergencies

Call 110 or go direct to a hospital.

Police

Call 112 or visit the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

There are limits to what consular assistance we can provide in high-risk locations. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Syria. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular help is severely limited.

The Romanian Embassy in Damascus may be able to provide limited emergency consular services to Australians in Syria. They provide these services under a consular assistance arrangement in conjunction with the Australian Embassy in Beirut. Contact the Australian Embassy in Beirut in the first instance.

Romanian Embassy, Damascus

8, Rue Ibrahim Hanano,
PO Box 4454, Damascus, Syria

Phone: +963 11 332 75 72 
Email: damasc.consul@mae.ro or damasc@mae.ro

Australian Embassy, Beirut

Embassy Complex, Serail Hill 
Downtown Beirut, Lebanon 

Phone: +961 1 960 600 
Consular email: consular.beirut@dfat.gov.au
Passport email: birt.passports@dfat.gov.au 
Website: lebanon.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy - Beirut, Lebanon
X: @SafirAustralia
Instagram: @ausemblb

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia