Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Syria is not a safe environment for personal travel. Attempting any form of travel in this very hazardous security environment would place you at grave risk. Foreigners may be targets for terrorist attacks, assassination and kidnapping for ransom or political gain. Criminals, taking advantage of the unstable security situation, are also committing violent attacks and kidnapping travellers.

Canadian officials have left Syria. The Embassy of Canada to Syria in Damascus has suspended operations until further notice, and the Embassy of Canada to Lebanon in Beirut’s ability to provide consular and other support throughout the country is very limited. Canadians in Syria and their relatives seeking information should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The security situation has deteriorated into open conflict throughout the country, including in major centres such as Damascus and Aleppo. Fighting is generalized, and involves the use of small arms, tanks, artillery and aircraft. In August 2013, the suburbs of Damascus were the scene of a conventional and chemical weapons attack, and Aleppo has been subjected to a government campaign of aerial bombardment and rebel attacks since December 2013. Since September 2014, the international coalition against Daesh has been carrying out aerial attacks on targets belonging to Daesh and other extremist groups.

Syria’s chemical and biological weapons program also contributes to the volatility of the situation, as do allegations of attacks using chemicals, such as chlorine.

Common war tactics have involved blockading entire cities for months with little or no warning, and denying entry to humanitarian aid workers and supplies.

Security forces and the military are using extensive force to suppress uprisings and demonstrations across the country.

Daesh and other extremist groups control large parts of the country, and pose an exceptional risk to foreigners. Areas under these groups’ control are highly dangerous.

Terrorism

The security situation in Syria is very volatile, and violence associated with the conflict is ongoing. The threat of terrorism in Syria from extremist groups such as Daesh and Jabat Al Nusra is generalized. Car bombings and other violent incidents occur regularly, killing and injuring many civilians.

Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, as terrorist incidents occur with no warning. Exercise appropriate caution in crowded places, including pedestrian promenades, shopping malls, open markets and restaurants. Monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Kidnapping

Although kidnappings had already increased throughout Syria, since the beginning of civil unrest in March 2011, 2014 saw a sharp increase in the kidnapping of non-government organization workers and journalists. Kidnappings are common in various parts of the country, including in parts of Aleppo and Damascus.

Kidnapping for ransom is common, as are politically motivated kidnappings by armed and terrorist groups that often result in execution.

If you remain in Syria despite this warning, you should be extremely vigilant when travelling, especially after dark.

Crime

The crime rate has increased in Syria. Exercise a high degree of caution. Ensure personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are in a secure place.

Women’s safety

There have been incidents of women being harassed. Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information for Canadian women.

Women in Daesh-controlled territory, such as Raqqah, are at extreme risk of being physically harmed.

Transportation

Aggressive drivers and poor driving standards make road travel hazardous. Avoid driving outside of major cities after dark. Pedestrians should remain vigilant.

Roadblocks and checkpoints have been set up on roads, including major roads and highways in and around Damascus, Aleppo and other major cities, as well as along the Damascus-Aleppo, Damascus-Jordan and Damascus-Beirut highways. Road travel restrictions may be imposed without notice, making travel slow and dangerous. Some border crossings are no longer under the control of Syrian authorities; instead, they are in the hands of opposition groups, including extremists.

Use only officially marked taxis.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

General safety information

Telecommunication services and road access to and within some cities may be disrupted due to security operations.

Journalists attempting to operate in Syria without official approval from the Syrian government place themselves at considerable personal risk. Foreign journalists are being particularly scrutinized by Syrian authorities. Journalists and other foreigners in opposition-held areas may be harmed, kidnapped or killed by the armed groups operating there. A number of foreign journalists have already been killed, and others have been detained by Syrian armed forces and by other armed groups.

Syrians and foreigners alike can be arbitrarily arrested and detained, and obtaining consular access or information on these cases is extremely difficult. Foreigners, including Canadians, detained in Syria for any reason, cannot assume that Syrian authorities will help them contact their government.

Carry identification documents at all times. Carry a photocopy of your passport and leave another one with a relative or friend at home.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Syrian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Syria, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Syria.

Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required

Visas for non-Arab nationals cannot be issued at border points of entry and must be obtained from the nearest Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic or one of its consulates prior to departure.

Registration

If you are planning to remain in Syria for more than 14 days, you must register with the Syrian Immigration and Passport Office before the 15th day. If you are a tourist, this requirement is applied each time you enter Syria, whether you have a multiple or a single-entry visa.

Exit permits

One-time visitors on a single-entry visa do not require an exit permit. Business and student visa holders, who are granted a one-year residence permit, require an exit permit to leave the country. Should you wish to return to Syria while your residency is still valid, you must also obtain a return permit prior to departure.

Health entry requirements

You must be tested for HIV if you intend to obtain a residence permit in Syria or marry a Syrian national. A residence permit will not be issued until you have tested HIV negative.

Customs

Declare foreign currency in excess of US$2,000 upon arrival at customs, to avoid problems when leaving Syria.

Regional travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Syria because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate that the traveller entered from Israel).

If you are travelling from Syria to Lebanon, you must present the same document to enter and leave the country.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Adequate medical care is available in major cities but not necessarily in remote areas.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

An international driving permit is required.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect severe penalties, which may include the death penalty.

Photography of military or government installations is prohibited.

Mobile phone use at checkpoints is prohibited.

The laws of Syria prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and promoting homosexuality. Convicted offenders can face the death penalty. See Gay, Lesbian, bisexual and transgender travel for more information.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Syria. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Syrian citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Syrian passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Dual nationals are considered Syrian citizens and are subject to local laws without regard to another nationality.

Religion

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws and regulations. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities, particularly when visiting religious sites.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2017, Ramadan is expected to begin on or around May 27.

Money

The currency is the Syrian pound (SYP). The economy is primarily cash-based. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted. Automated banking machines are available in major cities, such as Damascus and Aleppo, but cannot always be relied upon. Due to international sanctions, several foreign credit institutions and banks have suspended their transactions with Syria. This includes MasterCard and Visa credit cards and bank cards operating under the Cirrus, Maestro and Plus transaction networks; note this list is not exhaustive. Inquire with your financial service provider prior to travelling to Syria.

It is illegal to convert money on the street. Foreign currency must be exchanged in banks or at official exchange counters. Keep all official exchange receipts, as they are required should you want to exchange local currency into foreign currency before departure. The Syrian pound cannot be exchanged outside the country.

In August 2011, the Syrian government established limitations on the withdrawal of foreign currency in Syria. Regulations regarding financial transactions and currency exchange can change without notice.

Natural disasters & climate

Syria is located in an active seismic zone. It also experiences dust sand storms.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Syria. The Embassy of Canada in Beirut, Lebanon has consular responsibility for Syria.

For emergency assistance, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted), by email sos@international.gc.ca or by submitting an on-line form.