The United Nations Framework Convention on the Rights of the Child (FCDO) has issued a warning against travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions. The country is considered extremely dangerous for everyone, with high risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, and armed conflict. If a British national is in Syria, they should leave the country by any practical means.
The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria due to the risk of wrongful detention, arbitrary detention, torture, and forced disappearance. Most governments advise against travel to Syria, but locals, scholars, business owners, and international organizations have advised against it.
The current security situation in Syria is dangerous due to military conflict, air strikes, high levels of violence, terrorism, and kidnapping. If you have to travel to Syria, exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detention. The situation in areas controlled by the Syrian Government is not entirely safe, but relatively safe, so always pay attention to the safety measures in place.
If you are a British national in Syria, you should contact the nearest embassy or consulate for advice on safety, security, insurance, entry requirements, and legal differences. The death toll from the devastating earthquakes has been high, and there are many places would-be helpers can donate to help those affected.
📹 TRAVELING TO SYRIA IN 2023… (intense!)
Traveling in to Syria in 2023 is not easy. The country is in the midst of recovering from a 12 year civil war, and entry is restricted, …
Is there still tourism in Syria?
Syria is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture, offering a variety of attractions for visitors. The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus is a legendary city with impressive Islamic architecture. Roman remains in Bosra and Palmyra are some of the best preserved in the world. Sednaya and Ezra are home to churches and monasteries from the earliest years of Christianity. In Maalula, people still speak Aramaic, the language that Jesus spoke. The locals are friendly and welcoming, generating genuine interest among tourists. The delicious local cuisine, including salads, appetizers, kebabs, and desserts, is also a must-try.
Syria is generally safe to visit, with most of the country under government control. Local partners monitor security in the areas and promptly notify us of any changes. Over the past two years, our program has been conducted without issues.
To reach Syria, our tour starts and ends in Beirut, Lebanon. Although there aren’t many direct flights, Beirut is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Turkish Airlines offers the most convenient flights via Istanbul for travelers from Europe or Asia. The group travels together, crossing the Syrian border by land, providing additional assurance of a smooth crossing.
What parts of Syria are safe?
Syria, located in the Middle East, offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Its rich history, vibrant cultures, bustling markets, awe-inspiring places of worship, biblical cities, ancient castles, breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisine, and friendly people make it a destination that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. The country has been inhabited for thousands of years and has been a crossroads of civilizations since ancient times.
The historical sites of Palmyra, Aleppo, and Damascus showcase the legacy of numerous empires and civilizations. Syria also showcases diversity stemming from its varied ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. The majority of Syrians identify as Arabs, but the country is home to a tapestry of other ethnic groups, such as Kurds, Armenians, Turkmen, Assyrians, and Circassians.
Which part of Syria is safe?
Government-controlled territories in west Syria, including popular cities like Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Krak de Chevaliers, and Palmyra, are now safe for travelers with a valid visa. The situation in the Middle East was unstable and uncertain in October 2023, as the war in Gaza began.
Is Syria free now?
The Syrian conflict has reached an uncomfortable stalemate, with hopes for regime change dying out and peace talks being fruitless. In 2023, the main military conflict was between Turkish forces and factions within Syria, with Turkish forces continuing to attack Kurdish forces in Rojava. The Turkish Armed Forces launched air and ground strikes targeting the Syrian Democratic Forces in Northeastern Syria in response to the 2023 Ankara bombing.
The non-religious Ba’ath Syrian Regional Branch government came to power through a coup d’état in 1963. The regime began with the domination of personality cults and systematic suppression of civil and political freedoms. Authority in Ba’athist Syria is monopolized by three power-centres: Alawite loyalist clans, Ba’ath party, and armed forces, tied together by unwavering allegiance towards the Assad dynasty.
The Syrian Regional Branch remained the dominant political authority until the first multi-party election to the People’s Council of Syria was held in 2012. In 1973, Hafez al-Assad implemented a new constitution, leading to a national crisis. The constitution entrusted the Arab Socialist Baath party with the distinctive role as the “leader of the state and society”, empowering it to mobilize civilians for party programs, issue decrees to ascertain loyalty, and supervise all legal trade unions. Ba’athist ideology was imposed on children as compulsory part of school curriculum, and Syrian Armed Forces were tightly controlled by the Party.
The Assad regime violently crushed the Islamic revolts from 1976-1982, waged by revolutionaries from the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood.
What happens if you travel to Syria?
The current security situation in Syria is dire due to military conflict, air strikes, violence, terrorism, and kidnapping. Travelers should seek professional advice or contact their local Syrian embassy. This travel guide provides security tips, visa information, and practical information about the country, but travel at this time is not advised.
Can tourists visit Damascus?
Travel to Syria is advised due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The U. S. Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in February 2012, and the U. S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services. Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011, with hostage taking, wrongful detentions, chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardment of civilian centers. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has further exacerbated hardships within the country.
Is Damascus safe in 2024?
Travel to Syria is generally safe, with government-controlled parts like Damascus and Aleppo being the safest. However, rebel-controlled or war-torn areas are not. It is advisable to check government recommendations and travel advisories. Despite the war, the government with Russia’s backing defeated Islamic State and Al Qaida-linked Al Nusra in 2018. It is essential to check the ethical aspects of travel to Syria, as it has experienced significant changes since the war.
Is Russia safe to visit?
Russian security services have arrested US citizens on false charges, denied fair treatment, and convicted them without credible evidence. They have also opened questionable investigations against US citizens engaged in religious activities. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destabilized southwestern Russia, leading to martial law in border areas with Ukraine. Under martial law, authorities can set curfews, seize property, and restrict movement. U. S. citizens should avoid travel to these areas.
Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested people for “acting against Russia’s interests”, targeting individuals for posting on social media or supporting anti-Russian groups. The current “LGBT propaganda” law bans discussion of LGBTQI+ related topics, and the Supreme Court labeled the “international LGBT movement” as extremist in November 2023.
Terrorists continue to plan attacks in Russia, targeting tourist areas, transport hubs, markets, government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, events, schools, and airports. U. S. government employees under Embassy security responsibility are not permitted to travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus.
Is Damascus, Syria safe to visit?
Travel to Syria is advised due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The U. S. Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in February 2012, and the U. S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services. Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011, with hostage taking, wrongful detentions, chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardment of civilian centers. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has further exacerbated hardships within the country.
Is Syria safe for girl?
Women in Syria face harassment, verbal abuse, and physical assault in areas controlled by terrorist groups. Regular power outages and supply shortages are caused by infrastructure damage and mismanagement, with some areas receiving 2-3 hours of electricity daily. Access to fuel is rare and inconsistent. Severe water and food shortages have been caused by drought, with safe running water sometimes unavailable.
📹 Is It Safe: To Live In Syria?
Is it safe to live in Syria? Should you travel to Syria? Do tourists go to Syria? SUBSCRIBE TO US …
As a person living in Syria I can say its safe especially with the army entering the dangerous area around the city and before you say I probably have the shittest life: I can speak up to 4 languages, I’m in a school and well educated, I have multiple talents and I do multiple activities including horse riding. The Assad regime was never a threat to its people, its what protected us. I have lived the whole war since it started and I am still healthy and living I am happy to answer any questions. And ready to give proof that I still live in Syria
Oh yea and by the way i haven’t seen a chemical attack in syria and i live next to douma which is supposed to be attacked by chemical weapons And why did you show syrians as wearing saudi clothes or something Here most of the women i know work and very very few men wear such things in damascus and a lot of women don’t wear the hijab
ok first of all thank you for doing a article about my country first of all men don’t wear the had turban or whatever it’s called in english most arab countries second of all now it’s much safer and a lot of people are coming back to visit and hopefully it gets back to where it was we’re a country full of culture and history and our hospitality is amazing last point is Syria with the new generations are very open minded and it’s exposed to a lot of other cultures so we don’t discriminate women who choose to show more of their body even if it’s against our customes but we’re in the 21st century so it’s not as bad as you think! women get harrased anywhere in the world if they choose to expose more of their bodies so it’s not an “arab thing” I hope whoever reads this comment honor us with a visit to Syria for an expeirence to remember much love <3
I live in syria let me save you time I live In damascus and yes its safe there is some specific danger zones but they are far away from safe zones i still have relatives coming from other countries to give us a visit The article isnt completely wrong tho the part of women abuse is wrong not everyone here is muslim and women are free to wear what they like Feel free to ask me anything
Hi ! Well I’m from Syria! Lattakia ! It is very safe here 🖤 thanks to god .. and we also have everything we want ! Even after 8 years of war we can do anything we want 2 .. like travelling from place to place..and living our lives like anyone else in the world.. Hope we could be better in the next few years..then you can get your tickets to come here !!💙💙💙
i live and study in syria and have done so for the past 20 years, if you want to come this summer do it, you’ll be disappointed by how normal things are around here. it’s actually very safe nowadays . even rebel areas aren’t getting bombed as often, you should be just fine wherever you go. oh and wear what ever you like if you’re in a city no one will give a shit, tons of syrian women are comfortable showing skin these days, just absolutely NEVER start a political argument or ask anything to do with politics cuz that will get you fucked up, other than that you should be fine doing what ever you want.
I went touring in Syria last year and wasn’t going to let any war zone or ISIS keep me from going where I wanted to go and I wound up getting shot at or attacked several times and one time the village I was staying at even got bombed! Stay away from Syria, my vacation was ruined… Syria really needs to work on their safety!
Syrian commenter here. If you want to visit syria the coast is relatively unharmed by the war and is as safe as syria was before the war. If you want to go anywhere else (inside government held terrirotires of course which is just about all the important places in syria) then crime won’t be a problem but there is always a chance of the casual shell or missile hitting somewhere near you. Other than that it’s relatively safe. As said in the vedio before the war syria was one of the safest countries in the world.
I’m a Syrian and i can tell you that Syria was one of the safest countries in 2009-2010 and it was great with all friends and people you know, but as you can see now, Syria is no longer a country and it’s going down instead of stopping the war. but i agree with what you said about the city Latakia, it’s actually a safe place and that’s not because of the war can’t go there, but it’s because the government is protecting it and destroying the other cities. that’s because many people who follow and support the government live there. and the other cities are just a normal people ( not attackers ) but they just don’t agree with the government. i hope some day we can stop the war and go back to our country, to our home and to our life
Most of the information is true. However, it’s really funny that you put Syrians in this vid as wearing so classically Arabian. We don’t dress this way, hahaha. Moreover, I can say it’s relatively safe now. Definitely safer than Mexico or Venezuela but I don’t know about Russia and China. Cool vid btw. 😁😊
It isn’t considered rude at all if you show too much skin as a woman in Syria. There will always be bad people out there and yes they will harass you because some people are disgusting but in general normally, no Muslims don’t care what you wear because you’re free to wear whatever you want just like in America. I’m a Muslim from Syria and people always have told me “Wear the hijab because it’s a part of your religion, you have to at least try it.” And so I tried the hijab trying to like it just how you would be shopping for clothes with different styles, colors, etc. I ended up not liking the hijab and I am very lucky be living with very respectful and understanding parents from Aleppo and Idlib. They accept my choice and everybody in my family is happy the way things are. This would have been a great article but some statements said in the article are false and I don’t want others to get the wrong idea of us causing more backlash. Thanks anyways, much love!❤️
I am a Syrian citizen and I live in Damascus the capital. Although everything is getting better and it’s much safe this year comparing to the one before I still wouldn’t recommend visting Syria for the mean time. It’s safe but not safe safe, I liked the article in general but there is a small misconception you got about how Syrian people dress, we really don’t dress like that in fact If I see someone walking the streets wearing that I would be surprised and confused. Another small detail is that women are not obligated to wear the head scarf its up to you and there are no restrictions on women in general. Men and women are treated the same in socitey and have all the rights any man has, those misperceptions that women are not treated fair and well are wrong, it’s just some of the elders that still think women shouldn’t work and stay in their houses.but still a thumbs up for this article.
I am Syrian, currently in Damascus and I agree with almost everything in this article. People are friendly, the coastal region is very safe and lively. However, the hazards about rockets falling don’t exist anymore, at least at the time of writing this comment. Damascus has just been declared terrorism free. Same with Homs. I can guarantee the safety of any tourist. You can come and live my life. Study or work at day and hangout at night. I really don’t believe that a girl dressed in revealing clothes would be harassed. But I guarantee alot of staring LOL. Everybody is most welcome in Syria.
I thank you for your honesty, i am a syrian citizen living in Damascus, and your website is one of a few websites to tell the truth, it is safe in most major cities such as Damascus and Latakia, also the road to Allepo is safer and and the shelling of most of those cities has declined a lot, thank you for this article!
The Syrian coastal cities Latakia and Tartous are very safe cities with very limited incidences, so is the capital Damascus now. Police forces are always on high alert to protect every individual from any harm. Also, the Syrian society is so diverse and women can wear whatever they want and take jobs that once were only for men.
I’m a half Syrian half Romanian who has left Syria just when the war ended and ever since then I’ve been living in this gap of what the media is showing and what the few friends and family members which are left there are telling me. So I decided it’s best to go and experience myself as seeing that actually all my friends are living happy there, so this summer I’m going on the most unexpected journey. I honestly don’t know what to expect as I left when I was just a kid. Who knows maybe I’ll document the whole thing somehow 🙂
I am a American Citizen I have Been living in Syria For about 7 years now it doesn’t treat women like s**t alot of women drive and work. I have still not had any Bad days maybe some traffic but no fights with locals I suggest Visiting when the war ends since its a very beautiful city but be carful when Going out late since most crime happens between 1am to 6am when Cop Patrol is less. At day its okay cops and locals are friendly and will help and a small amount of People talk English So it Maybe scary but ITS NOT A TERRORIST STATE BUILD ON FEAR AND DEATH LIKE MANY PEOPLE PUT IT. I hope you find this helpful. P.S not all Arabians are terrorists.
Hi…So I’m Syrian I live In syria and really so much of what you have said is wrong and just stereotype…there is no violence against women and even we study in school that women equal men and the two have the same rights and you can freely wear whatever you want even my sister wears shorts and tank top and not all ppl are Muslims there are many Christian and we all live together peacefully really life is not so bad just there are some hard things we face bc of America and other countries and these countries spread lies like the lie about chemical weapons we don’t have any chemical weapons and just if these countries allow the companies to come to syria(like There are many companies don’t work with syria) life in syria would be like life in Any other country…..and btw we don’t wear that clothes you have showed in your article😑 I’m really upset…and women here in Trartous don’t even wear hijab😑
Syria was already sabotaged by its merciless regime way before 2011. The Syrian people suffered oppression and worst kinds of human rights deprivation way before the start of this war. Had it not been controlled by this filthy regime for over 40 years, it would have been a paradise by now. Lebanon suffered from the same regime for years, and is still suffering due to the presence of this regime’s allies in Lebanon.
I live in Latakia, Syria. And as mentioned, life here is pretty regular, and the only effect war had here was the dramatic increase in population and poverty, which probably unnoticeable as a tourist. And yes, going anywhere under the governments control is always safe, the soldiers will even be happy to see foreigners and be like “ayyyy welcam welcam”, you might even get a salute if you have a Russian passport.
I’m from Syria and I live in Tartous I’m not saying you have to go visit Syria because 60% of the country is not safe at all But as you said the costal area is very safe and not a danger to tourists or inhibitors And it has a very beautiful viewing and many tourist attractions especially at summer Additional note in your vedio you always symbolizes as men wearing (ejal) the red thing on the head And the women wearing (hijab) This is not the situation here maybe majority or like 45% of the country but men do not dress like gulf people as much sd you showed Hope the situation got better and you and your crew be able to come to our country and enjoy its beautiful nature and kind people
God, people in the comments should stop making things up, I live in Syria, Nearly 35 % of the country is a safe zone But it depends how you take it, If you live by the sea area,, you will be fine,, it’s safe here life is normal and everything is accessible, But ofc if you are gonna like to go to the Turkish borders, or The North East,, you are gonna have trouble So short answer is : Is it safe, Mostly yes is it safer than most countries,, well no, but it is not neaaarly as bad as other people make it to be So if you are coming for a visit in the near future,, jsut stay Near the Coast Line,, and you are good
A lot of the comments here portrait a very negative view on life and safety in Syria. However, one never fears for their own safety in Syria if they stay within the governomnet controlled regions. I would also like to add that the conflicts are restricted to certain parts of some cities. Nevertheless, I do not encourage that you visit the country because if you are not familiar with the situation there you might end up in a dangerous zone.
We don’t wear those on top of our heads 😂 Gulf countries do It’s a great article btw thank you We do like foreigners from all over the world whenever we see them, even outside Syria Our country was extremely safe before war but it’s too complicated right now, there is still safe places like you mention and things getting better I hope
I find it so sad about what is happening in Syria. I still remember about that bombing which hurt that little 5 year old boy. That image forever haunts me. I wonder if this war will ever stop so the citizens can live in peace and harmony. But of course who will believe that it is a safe country when there is a civil war? I would rather go elsewhere.
Is it safe to live on Earth? Well, it depends. If people use their intelligence and avoid risky places and behaviors, they can manage to raise their chances of survival to a “good enough” level. Even in Syria, the majority lives safely and manages to stay away from risks. Nonetheless, there is the very unfortunate 0.0000001 % of the population who might be caught in a very unlikely wrong place at the wrong time. And that happens everywhere, it’s just that in Syria this tiny portion (of unfortunate people) was multiplied several times due to war.