Syria Travel Tips

Visa

For citizens of most countries, Syrian visa is required. In light of the ongoing civil war in Syria, the visa policy is not certain. Please check the website of the Syrian embassy in your country for up-to-date information and requirement for tourist visa.

Important notice: Syria will not provide visas and entry permits to anyone holding a passport showing that they have visited the occupied territories of Israel.

Expense

1. Local currency: Syrian Pound (SYP)

Exchange rate fluctuates drastically due to the unsettling situation in Syria, be sure to check the up-to-date exchange rate before your trip.

2. Commodity price in Damascus (as of May 2018)

Water (1.5 liters a bottle): 180 SYP
Milk (1 liter): 300 SYP
Lunch in restaurants: 2,750 SYP
Combo meal served in restaurant: 1,200 SYP

Accommodation

You can find double rooms costing nearly US$30, but this price in Damascus may be higher. The price of a double room in a three-star hotel is approximately US$50, four-star is US$80, and the price of a five-star hotel may reach US$250.

Food

Common Syrian dishes on the table are roast lamb, chicken, fried fish, boiled beef, cucumber, pickled olives, cheese, tomato salad, lettuce, onions, and beans. Sweet food is also a Syrian favorite, almost necessary in every meal. In terms of beverages, people often drink black tea and coffee. Black tea is usually sugared. Coffee usually tastes slightly bitter but delicious and refreshing. Syrian cuisine blends the flavors of Arabic cuisine and features its wide usage of spices.

Shopping

There are many open-air markets in the big cities such as Souk Al Hamidiya (probably the most famous one) in Damascus Old Town. You can have a leisure time wandering in these markets and make some purchase as souvenir. The popular Syria’s ancient traditional handmade artwork among tourists include: Damascus silk brocade, wood carvings, glass blowing, hand-dyed clothing and fabrics, brass coins, inlaid pearls and colored wood artwork, embroidery, bronze sculptures, silk carpets, and gold and silver utensils. The quality of these commodities varies greatly, so do check their quality before buying them. Please remember that bargain is allowed and necessary!

Internet

Internet connection in Syria is currently very unstable due to the continuous civil war from 2011.

Electricity

220 Volts AC, rounded two-prong plugs.

Emergency call

110 - Ambulance
112 - Police
113 - Fire Department
115 – Traffic Police

Clothing

Male and female visitors can usually wear any clothing they normally wear in their country. Women can wear T-shirts. Long-sleeved tops are not required except in religious sites. It is advisable to wear a headgear when visiting Muslim religious sites and Christian Orthodox churches. Conventional T-shirts and jeans are completely acceptable garments throughout Damascus.

Religion

In the coastal area and big cities where western tourists are common, religious acceptance is high. In the rural conservative area, it is better to avoid the topic of religious beliefs to evade any unnecessary philosophical discussions or even conflicts.

Warnings

1. Multiple governments have strongly advised their citizens NOT to travel to Syria in light of the ongoing civil war.
2. In Syria, it is unwise and dangerous to discuss Syrian politics or criticize the Syrian government, which can lead to jail time.
3. It is recommended to avoid the topic of Israel.
4. LGBT should avoid traveling to Syria because homosexuality is illegal in Syria.