Syria Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Syria.
Healthcare System
Syria's healthcare system has been devastated by the conflict. An estimated 50% of hospitals and healthcare facilities are non-functional or only partially operational. Medical supplies, equipment, and trained personnel are severely limited. Healthcare infrastructure that remains operational is concentrated in government-controlled urban centers, primarily Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia.
Hospitals
Damascus has the most functional hospitals including Al-Mouwasat University Hospital and Damascus Hospital. Aleppo University Hospital operates in Aleppo. However, even these facilities face significant resource constraints. Private hospitals exist but may not accept foreign insurance. Many areas have no functioning hospitals within safe traveling distance.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies operate in major cities but face severe medication shortages. Many essential medicines are unavailable or extremely expensive. Counterfeit medications are a significant problem. Bring all necessary medications with you in sufficient quantities, plus extras in case of delays. Keep medications in original packaging with prescriptions.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage up to $500,000+ is absolutely essential. Most standard policies exclude war zones; you must obtain specialized conflict zone insurance. Verify coverage explicitly includes Syria and conflict-related injuries. Medical evacuation may require transport to Turkey, Lebanon, or Jordan.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics, pain medication, wound care supplies, and any prescription medications
- Carry at least 3 months supply of any essential medications plus copies of prescriptions
- Know the location of functional hospitals in your area before arrival and have multiple evacuation routes planned
- Water-borne diseases are common; drink only bottled or purified water
- Obtain all recommended vaccinations before travel including Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and ensure routine vaccinations are current
- Blood supply may not be screened adequately; avoid procedures requiring transfusions if possible
- Dental care is limited; address all dental issues before traveling
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Active fighting, shelling, airstrikes, and military operations occur across much of Syria. Front lines shift unpredictably. Unexploded ordnance and landmines contaminate large areas.
Foreigners face high risk of kidnapping by armed groups for ransom or political purposes. Arbitrary detention by government forces or armed groups is common, particularly for journalists, aid workers, and those perceived as opposition supporters.
Various armed groups including ISIS remnants operate in Syria. Terrorist attacks including suicide bombings, vehicle-borne IEDs, and armed assaults occur. Foreigners are often targeted.
Numerous checkpoints operated by various groups throughout Syria. Encounters can be unpredictable and dangerous. Harassment, extortion, detention, and violence can occur.
Electricity, water, telecommunications, and road infrastructure are unreliable or non-functional in many areas. Buildings may be structurally unsound due to damage.
Economic collapse and conflict have increased crime. Armed robbery, theft, and violent crime occur. Law enforcement is minimal in many areas.
Cholera, typhoid, and other water-borne diseases occur due to damaged water infrastructure. Vaccine-preventable diseases have resurged. COVID-19 and other infectious diseases spread easily in crowded conditions.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals claiming to be security personnel or government officials demand payments, confiscate items, or detain travelers. May be actual officials engaging in corruption or criminals impersonating authorities.
Individuals offering services as fixers or guides may overcharge, provide false information, lead travelers into dangerous areas, or collaborate with armed groups.
Use only established exchange offices with references. Count money carefully. Bring USD or EUR in good condition. Be aware of current rates. Never exchange large amounts at once.
Hotels or apartments may be misrepresented, overpriced, or unsafe. Some may report guests to authorities or armed groups.
Groups claiming to be humanitarian organizations may solicit donations, charge for services, or gather intelligence.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Pre-Departure Preparation
- Obtain specialized conflict zone insurance with minimum $500,000 medical evacuation coverage
- Complete hostile environment awareness training (HEAT) from accredited provider
- Register with your embassy (though consular assistance may be unavailable)
- Prepare detailed risk assessment and security plan with local partners
- Arrange secure communication systems including satellite phone
- Establish check-in protocols with contacts outside Syria
- Prepare will and power of attorney documents
- Get all vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus, Rabies (consider), Meningitis
- Bring 3+ months of all medications in original packaging with prescriptions
Documentation
- Carry multiple copies of passport, visa, and identification stored separately
- Have digital copies stored securely in cloud accessible offline
- Carry letter of invitation/authorization if traveling for work
- Document all permissions and authorizations from relevant authorities
- Keep emergency contact information in multiple locations
- Carry proof of insurance and emergency assistance numbers
- Have local contact information written in Arabic
- Do not carry documents that could be misinterpreted (Israeli stamps, certain press credentials)
Communication
- Bring satellite phone and spare batteries; cellular networks are unreliable
- Download offline maps and essential information before arrival
- Establish daily check-in schedule with contacts outside Syria
- Learn basic Arabic phrases, especially security-related terms
- Have code words for emergency situations with your contacts
- Be aware all communications may be monitored
- Do not discuss sensitive topics on phones or internet
- Have multiple communication methods as backup
Movement and Transportation
- Use armored vehicles when possible, especially for longer journeys
- Travel only during daylight hours
- Vary routes and timing to avoid predictability
- Have local driver/guide familiar with checkpoints and current situation
- Know which groups control which areas along your route
- Plan routes with multiple alternatives and safe havens identified
- Avoid travel during prayer times when streets are emptier
- Never travel alone; use convoy system when possible
- Keep vehicle fueled; fuel shortages are common
- Carry emergency supplies in vehicle including water, food, first aid
Accommodation Security
- Choose accommodations with security features: guards, secure perimeter, safe room
- Stay in buildings with multiple exits and away from street level
- Know evacuation routes from your room and building
- Keep emergency bag packed and accessible
- Vary departure and arrival times
- Do not share accommodation details publicly or on social media
- Check room for surveillance devices if concerned
- Keep door locked and use additional security devices
Personal Security
- Maintain low profile; dress conservatively and avoid attention
- Do not display wealth: no expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics visible
- Carry minimal cash distributed in different locations
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Be aware of surroundings constantly; trust instincts
- Avoid crowds, demonstrations, and government buildings
- Do not photograph military, security, or government installations
- Do not discuss politics or express opinions on the conflict
- Avoid alcohol consumption which impairs judgment
- Have emergency extraction plan and funds
Health and Hygiene
- Drink only bottled water; bring purification tablets as backup
- Avoid raw foods, salads, and unpeeled fruits
- Wash hands frequently; bring hand sanitizer
- Bring comprehensive medical kit and know how to use contents
- Avoid medical procedures unless absolutely necessary
- Be cautious of disease outbreaks; monitor health advisories
- Protect against insect bites; bring repellent and net
- Maintain personal hygiene despite limited facilities
Information Security
- Assume all devices may be compromised or searched
- Use encrypted communication apps (though these may draw suspicion)
- Clear sensitive data from devices before crossing checkpoints
- Back up data securely outside Syria
- Do not take photos of sensitive locations or people without permission
- Be careful what you post on social media; assume monitoring
- Do not carry information that could endanger you or others
- Have cover story for your presence that is verifiable and consistent
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women face all the extreme security risks present in Syria plus additional gender-specific concerns. Sexual violence has been documented as a weapon of war. Women are at particular risk of harassment, assault, and detention. Cultural expectations regarding women's behavior and dress are conservative and strictly enforced in many areas. Women traveling alone are extremely rare and will attract unwanted attention. Female humanitarian workers and journalists should take additional precautions.
- Travel with male colleagues when possible; solo female travel is strongly inadvisable
- Dress very conservatively: loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs, headscarf strongly recommended
- Avoid eye contact with men and minimize interactions
- Stay in accommodations with female staff if possible
- Have female local contacts who can assist and advise
- Be aware that women may face additional scrutiny at checkpoints
- Sexual harassment and assault are serious risks; have security protocols
- In conservative areas, women's movements may be restricted
- Carry emergency contraception and sanitary supplies; not readily available
- Know location of safe spaces and female-friendly facilities
- Document any harassment or assault if safe to do so
- Some armed groups have particularly strict rules regarding women
- Female journalists may face additional targeting or restrictions
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Syria under Article 520 of the Penal Code, punishable by up to three years in prison. Same-sex relationships are not recognized. There are no legal protections against discrimination. In areas controlled by extremist groups, punishments are far more severe and can include death.
- Do not disclose LGBTQ+ identity under any circumstances
- Avoid any behavior that could be interpreted as indicating LGBTQ+ identity
- Remove any LGBTQ+ related content from devices and social media before travel
- Be aware that LGBTQ+ individuals have been specifically targeted by various armed groups
- Do not attempt to meet other LGBTQ+ individuals; no safe way to do so
- Understand that legal and social penalties are severe and enforced
- Have cover story regarding relationships and personal life
- In extremist-controlled areas, even suspicion can result in execution
- No consular protection available for LGBTQ+-related issues
- Consider whether travel to Syria is absolutely necessary given extreme risks
Travel Insurance
Standard travel insurance explicitly excludes war zones and conflict areas. Syria requires specialized hostile environment/conflict zone insurance, which is expensive but absolutely essential. Without proper insurance, medical evacuation alone could cost $100,000-500,000+ and may not be possible to arrange. Most travelers will be unable to obtain adequate insurance, which is a strong indicator that travel should not proceed. Medical care in Syria is inadequate for serious injuries or illnesses; evacuation to Turkey, Lebanon, or Jordan may be necessary.
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