Syria

Get in

thumb|450px|Visa policy of Syria. Countries in mint can receive visas on arrival. Gray countries require advanced permission; Israeli passport holders cannot enter.

See

thumb|Krak des Chevaliers

Ancient cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra, Crac des Chevaliers and Bosra including Medieval souqs. In Hama there are the Al Aasi Water Wheels in a river (نواعير نهر العاصي). Al Hosn Castle in Homs. Qala'at Samaan (Basilica of St Simeon Stylites) about 30 km (19 mi) northwest of Aleppo and the oldest surviving Byzantine church, dating back to the 5th century. This church is popularly known as either Qalaat Semaan (Arabic: ‏قلعة سمعان‎ Qalʿat Simʿān), the 'Fortress of Simeon', or Deir Semaan (Arabic: ‏دير سمعان‎ Dayr Simʿān), the 'Monastery of Simeon' . Tartous with its Crusader-era Templar fortress The Yarmouk Valley Endless desert and countryside in much of the country Mountain ranges in the west of the country

Eat

thumb|Fatoush

Falafel, deep-fried chickpea patties, are available. Another popular vegetarian meal is Foul. Don't let the name put you off. It's pronounced "fool," and this fava bean paste – topped with cumin, paprika, and olive oil and served with flatbread, fresh mint, and onion – is tasty, satisfying, and filling.

You may also order a salad of Fatoush with your soup. Chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and herbs are mixed in a dressing and finished with a sprinkling of fried bread resembling croutons. Cheese may also be grated on top.

Syrians also have a well-honed sweet tooth, with its desserts being largely similar to that of Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinians. Syria is particularly known for its local style of ice cream, with Damascus ice cream shop Bakdash having been continuously in business for over a century. Other Syrian desserts to try include baklava, a pastry made of filo dough, nuts and syrup, and knafeh, made of kataifi and cheese.

Drink

Fresh fruit juices are available from street stalls in most towns, such as mixed juice (usually banana, orange juice, and a few exotic fruits like pomegranate).

Beer is cheap. Syrian wine can be found, and Lebanese and French wines are also available in a higher price bracket.

Tea is served in a little glass without milk, sweetened with sugar. Add the sugar yourself, as the Syrians have a collective sweet tooth and will heap it in.

Sleep

A double room in a three-star hotel costs about US$50, US$80 for four stars, and can reach US$250 in a five-star hotel.

Stay safe

As of March 2026, travelers are advised to avoid majority-Kurdish areas in northern Syria, particularly around Kobane (Ayn al-Arab) in northeastern Aleppo Governorate and the Hasakah-Qamishli area. These areas remain politically sensitive, with periodic tensions between local Kurdish people and Syrian government institutions, including security forces.

Most of Suwayda Governorate, including its capital, is not under the effective control of the Syrian government but is instead held by local militias. Ongoing clashes between these groups and Syrian government forces occur regularly, creating a highly unstable security situation. Travelers should avoid the area entirely due to the risk of active conflict.

Travelers should avoid all large gatherings as they may turn violent.

You could find yourself in trouble if you engage in open criticism or appraisal of whatever opinions or political measure. Your best bet is to avoid political conversations altogether to avoid any possible problems. If you engage in political discussions with Syrians, be aware that they might face intense questioning by the secret police (mukhabarat) or whatever local equivalent if you are overheard. As a general rule, always assume that you are watched. This may change as the new government starts reforms of the system – for the better or for the worse.

Since begging is common in some parts of Syria, particularly outside tourist attractions, mosques, and churches, it has been known that beggars occasion…

Stay healthy

Healthcare in Syria is well below Western standards, and essential medication is not always available.

If you have a treatment, take it with you. Only expect to find some medicines in Syria. Ask for a "foreign" EU or US brand if you have to buy something from a pharmacy. You will have to pay a premium for that, but at least you will increase the chances of having actual medicine. According to certain local pharmacists, some products come from uncertain origins and are ineffective. Pharmacists often speak a little bit of English.

You can ask your hotel to call a doctor to visit your hotel room.

Of course, the best treatment is to stay healthy in the first place. When eating, pick busy restaurants.

Generally you can drink water from the tap. It should be safe, but ask the locals first. Tap water is free.

Respect

thumb|Old Damascus as of early 2011

Syria is a majority Muslim country with long-established Christian, Jewish and Yazidi minorities. However, the Jewish community is down to only a handful of individuals in Damascus, with the vast majority having immigrated to Israel. Historically, religious groups lived in harmony, and religion was primarily considered personal. It was inappropriate to ask someone about their faith unless you knew them well. However, this has changed since the start of the Syrian Civil War.