Syria

The security situation in Syria is extremely dangerous due to:

• ongoing military conflict, including air strikes
• very high levels of violence
• political issues
• terrorist attacks
• large numbers of kidnappings involving foreigners

Chemical weapons have been used during the conflict in Syria. These weapons could be used again.

If you're in Syria despite this advice, prepare to leave as soon as possible. Get a valid exit visa in your passport in case you need to depart quickly.

For the time you're in Syria:

• 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

If you're out and about: 

• avoid possible targets for a terror 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. Plan ahead by keeping stocks of these basics as well as toiletries and prescription medication.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Many foreigners have been kidnapped in Syria. Kidnappers often kill hostages.

Since 2014, reported kidnappings of aid workers and journalists have risen significantly.

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

More information:

• Kidnapping

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

On January 3, 2020, an Iranian senior commander and Iraqi paramilitary leaders were killed in a US airstrike near Baghdad International Airport. On 8 January, Iran fired missiles against two military bases in Iraq. Iranian authorities have also acknowledged responsibility for the shooting down of a Ukrainian International Airlines flight shortly after take-off from Tehran on 8 January. Be alert and monitor media for the latest update.

Public protests and events that draw 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 may 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:

• drive with your doors locked and windows up
• secure your accommodation
• always be alert to your surroundings

Syria is subject to earthquakes. Dust storms and sandstorms also happen.

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

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Syria.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Due to the ongoing conflict, medications are in short supply in Syria.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Syria. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Polio

Syria is exposed to the international spread of polio.

If you're staying longer than 4 weeks, you'll need to show proof on exit that you've had the polio vaccine or a booster within the past 12 months. If you don't, you may need to be vaccinated before leaving Syria.

Insect-borne diseases

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

Malaria occurs in the northern border region, particularly 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

Serious outbreaks sometimes 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.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Access to hospitals may be limited due to the ongoing conflict. The quality of healthcare in Syria has deteriorated significantly.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. It may be difficult to arrange due to the security situation.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and may 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, can attract the death penalty.

These activities are illegal in Syria:

• same-sex relationships
• taking photos of military or government buildings or other sensitive infrastructure
• not carrying identification
• 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:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

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

• engaging in fighting
• funding, training or recruiting someone to fight
• supplying or funding weapons

Australia has imposed sanctions on Syria, including a ban on weapons.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Syria recognises dual nationality. However, Syrian citizenship ranks over the second nationality.

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

Children of Syrian men get Syrian citizenship at birth.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Syria has compulsory military service.

If you're a male dual national, you may have to do military service if you go to Syria.

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 expected to begin on or around 23 April 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and around people who are fasting.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Don't travel to Syria.

If, despite our advice, you travel to Syria without Syrian identity documents, you'll need a visa.

You can apply for a visa at the nearest Syrian embassy or consulate. You can't get a visa when you arrive.

Parts of Syria, including north-east Syria, are controlled by groups that may issue local travel permits. Even so, you'll still need a visa issued by the Syrian Government if travelling to Syria.

Declare all amounts in excess of $US5000 or equivalent when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Leave Syria immediately by commercial means.

Most commercial airlines have stopped flying 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

If you've overstayed your visa, you'll need an exit visa for you and your children before leaving.

If you have a residence permit, you'll also need an 'exit and return' stamp before you can leave.

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 stopped from leaving due to strict family controls

Entry into Lebanon from Syria is restricted.

To visit the Australian Embassy in Beirut, you may need to prove you have an appointment before entry to Lebanon from Syria is granted. To contact the Australian Embassy in Beirut. See Local contacts.

The Jaber-Nassib border crossing into Jordan reopened on 15 October 2018, after being closed for several years. It may close again at short notice.

Border crossings with Iraq are closed because of military operations. Don't try to enter Iraq from Syria by land.

Syrian border authorities have held Australians of Arab origin for long periods without charge.

You must declare all foreign currency and electronic equipment when you arrive in Syria. If you don't, you could face delays when you leave.

Validity

If you travel to Syria despite our advice, note that some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply this rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You may end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure if it will be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP).

It's illegal to change money on the streets in Syria.

You can change money in government banks or at recognised exchange bureaus. However, many exchange bureaus can no longer exchange foreign currency.

You can't convert Syrian pounds into other currencies when you leave.

International sanctions mean financial organisations in several countries have stopped doing business with Syrian companies.

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

Carry enough cash to cover your needs in either US dollars or euros.

Travel within Syria is dangerous.

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

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

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 extremely dangerous security situation.

Air travel

The international airport in Damascus is the only airport operating international flights in Syria.

Australian officials have been advised against travelling on flights that cross Syrian airspace.

DFAT does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

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

Romanian Embassy, Damascus

8, Rue Ibrahim Hanano,
PO Box 4454, Damascus, Syria
Phone: (+963 11) 332 75 72 
Fax: (+963 11) 332 75 71
Email: consulara@gmail.com or damasc@mae.ro

Australian Embassy, Beirut

Embassy Complex, Serail Hill 
Downtown Beirut, Lebanon 
Phone: +961 1 960 600 
Fax: +961 1 960 601 
Email: consular.beirut@dfat.gov.au

Website: lebanon.embassy.gov.au

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