Syria SKETCH SCORE: 20/100Syria moved -1 this weekNo major changes since yesterday.Syria SKETCH SCORE: 20/100Syria moved -1 this weekNo major changes since yesterday.
Syria

Nope.

No major changes since yesterday.

Verified Sep 9, 2026Confidence high▼ -1 this week
20Sketch Score
90-day trend

Governments, one trip

What they're telling their own citizens about Syria

The real score

The breakdown

0advisoryConsensus
3Political Stability
14Police Trust
76Health
20Road Safety
50Natural Disaster
20LGBTQ+

See it from your perspective

20

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

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.

Source: Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA) →

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)
Printable pre-trip checklist for Syria →