Nope.
No major changes since yesterday.
Governments, one trip
What they're telling their own citizens about Syria
The real score
The breakdown
See it from your perspective
Nope.
The general Sketch Score, unweighted for any specific traveler.
Don't fall for it
Scams to know
Aggressive begging
Beggars may demand money and follow you until you pay, sometimes physically attacking for money or food. Keep money in your front pockets and wear local clothing to blend in.
Fake beggars
Healthy individuals in rural and modern Damascus imitate beggars to solicit money through various tricks. Exercise caution when approached.
Taxi driver recommendations
Taxi drivers provide unreliable advice and recommendations regarding accommodation, doctors, and dentists. Do not follow their suggestions.
Don't do this
Laws that jail tourists
Political speech
Open criticism or appraisal of political measures can lead to trouble. Avoid political conversations entirely to prevent problems for yourself and those who might be overheard by secret police.
Staying healthy
What to watch out for, health-wise
Active notices
- • Global Measles
Vaccines
Required: Yellow Fever
Recommended: Cholera, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid
Source: CDC Travelers' Health →Getting in
What you'll need at the border
Syria imposes entry visa fees (visa on arrival or e-visa) on its visitors based on a "principle of reciprocity" – as of April 2026 the situation at the land border is still unclear – Israeli citizens are banned from entering or transiting through the country, Iranian citizens are required to obtain a prior authorization, and Lebanese citizens who do not hold a valid residence permit in another country or do not have at least one family member who is a Syrian citizen are required to obtain a prio
Source: Wikipedia →Real, not invented
Terrorism
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Syria. There are multiple terrorist groups operating in Syria. There have been a number of terrorist attacks across Syria, including in major cities, resulting in large numbers of casualties. Daesh, formerly known as ISIL/ISIS, continues to carry out regular attacks, especially in, but not limited to, northeast Syria and Damascus. Terrorist groups continue to pose a significant threat to civilians in Syria and have shown they can carry out coordinated attacks against civilian targets. On 2 June 2025, an attack in the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias, Damascus, killed at least 30 people. Foreign nationals, including British nationals, and the places they frequently visit could be considered legitimate targets. This includes: public transport and transport hubs, such as airports border crossings public squares and other crowded places religious sites and ceremonies, and places of worship hotels, cafes and restaurants commercial venues, including markets and stores residential buildings and compounds sports venues and stadiums Attacks could also target: military sites, security forces and institutions oil facilities government buildings and embassies political offices and events police stations maritime facilities hospitals, schools and universities Types of attacks include shootings, large-scale co-ordinated bombings designed to cause mass casualties, suicide bombs, vehicle bombs, rockets and mortars. Take particul
Source: UK FCDO →Right now
In the news the last few days
- Fourth northern Israel resident charged over ISIS ties in under two weeks2026-09-07
- Fourth time in mere days : 19 - year - old indicted for joining ISIS terror group2026-09-07
- Is China gutting Germany car industry while Trump grades NATO on loyalty ? 2026-09-07
- Turkey and Pakistan are growing closer , but where does China fit in ? 2026-09-06
Real talk
What travelers actually say
Travelers report feeling generally safe and welcomed by locals throughout Syria, noting that the population is curious and generous. While the country is stable enough for tourism, infrastructure is minimal and the political climate remains tense, with some minority groups expressing caution regarding the current government. Travelers should be prepared for frequent military checkpoints, which can be an uncomfortable experience for foreigners. Women may face pressure to dress conservatively, and men are advised to avoid shorts outside of Damascus or Lattakia to prevent unwanted attention. Scams involving exchange rates and poor accommodation conditions exist, so travelers should verify lodging quality. Tourism is largely unorganized, and visitors should expect limited amenities like unreliable electricity and internet.
“The only one time I felt uncomfortable was during the minibus ride from Homs to Palmyra. There are many checkpoints, and I have a look that often makes people question me as a foreigner (many piercings, my style, etc). That being said, I never had any problems.
— r/travel
“Many Alawite families forbid their children from being out past 6:00. Additionally, many women have began covering up or staying home in a way not seen in Syrian society before.
— r/travel
“Throughout the trip in cities, at checkpoints, and in the countryside I felt safe and welcomed. People were open, curious, and incredibly kind.
— r/travel
Pack this, know this
The little things that trip people up
Plug & voltage
C / E / L · 220V
Driving side
right
Emergency
police: 112 / ambulance: 110 / fire: 113
Cash vs. Card
Syria's currency unit is the Syrian pound or 'lira (Arabic: الليرة السورية al-Līra as-Sūriyya'). You will see a variety of notations used locally: LS, SP, or ل.س are used. You may also see £S or S£. Wikivoyage uses the ISO currency code SYP. The pound's subdivision 'piastre' is obsolete.
Zoom in
One Syria city on SKETCH.WORLD
Real, resident-submitted Numbeo crime data at the city level — the same national picture above, with crime swapped for what people who actually live there report.
Show the receipts (9 sources)
- us-state — observed 2026-09-09
- uk-fcdo — observed 2026-09-09
- ca-gac — observed 2026-09-09
- worldbank-political — observed 2026-09-09
- worldbank-policeTrust — observed 2026-09-09
- cdc-health — observed 2026-09-09
- gdelt — observed 2026-09-06
- reddit — observed 2026-09-09
- lgbtq-legal-wikipedia — observed 2026-09-09