Syria

Armed groups have taken control of the capital city of Damascus. Armed clashes are ongoing throughout north-west Syria, including the governorates of Damascus, Aleppo, Idlib Hama and Homs. Additional road closures and checkpoints may be established. Shelter in place and leave when it’s safe to do so.  

The security situation in Syria is dangerous due to:

• ongoing military conflict, including air strikes
• high levels of violence
• civil unrest and political tensions
• terrorist attacks
• kidnappings involving foreigners

Chemical weapons have been used during the conflict in Syria. These weapons could be used again.

If you're in Syria despite this advice, prepare to leave as soon as possible. Get a valid exit visa in your passport in case you need to depart quickly.

While you're in Syria you should:

• seek professional security advice
• adopt effective personal security measures
• stay in a safe place and limit your movements
• always be alert
• keep a low profile
• vary your routines so your movements don't become obvious to others

Take safety precautions, including: 

• avoiding possible targets for a terrorist or military attack
• having a clear exit plan in case there's a security incident

If there's an attack:

• leave the area as soon as it's safe
• avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks
• monitor the media for any new or emerging threats

The security situation means access to food, water and fuel can be difficult. You should stockpile essential goods, including toiletries and prescription medication.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

There is a very serious threat of kidnapping throughout Syria. Kidnappings can occur for political or financial gain. Criminal and terrorist kidnappings are also a significant risk in Syria. There have been multiple cases of kidnappings in Syria, including of foreign nationals. 

Syria remains at war and there are numerous terrorist and militant groups operating throughout the country. Among the terrorist groups are Islamic State (IS) and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). These terrorist groups are known to use the kidnapping of foreigners as a tactic. This includes targeting aid workers, journalists and those working in the tourism and business sectors. Foreigners have been assassinated by these terrorist groups.

If despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is limited. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• vary your movements so you don't set predictable patterns
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location 
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
 
Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
 
More information:

• Kidnapping

The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

Public protests and events with large groups of people can turn violent.

Syrian authorities have arrested people near demonstrations, regardless of their citizenship.

Civil unrest may limit your ability to travel by road.

If you're in Syria despite our advice:

• avoid rallies, demonstrations and crowds
• avoid funerals and mourning processions
• avoid areas where people congregate after Friday midday prayers
• monitor the media for new safety and security risks, including political events that could increase tensions

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

The breakdown in law and order has led to an increase in crime, including:

• violent robberies
• kidnappings
• carjackings

If you're in Syria despite our advice:

• drive with your doors locked and windows up
• secure your accommodation
• stay alert to your surroundings

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Syria is subject to earthquakes. Dust storms and sandstorms also happen, especially during the summer months when there have been long periods of dry weather.

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Syria.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Australian Government)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Due to the ongoing conflict, there is a shortage of medicine. 

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Syria. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Polio

Syria is exposed to the international spread of polio.

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases, such as leishmaniasis, are common.

Malaria occurs in the northern border region, particularly in Al Hasakah Province.

To protect yourself from disease:​ ​

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking malaria prevention medication

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• brucellosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• cholera

Serious outbreaks could happen.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Access to hospitals is limited due to the ongoing conflict. The quality of healthcare in Syria is low. 

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation is expensive and hard to organise. The Australian Government won't organise evacuation or pay for these costs.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

If you're involved in local legal matters, get professional advice. Know your rights and responsibilities, especially in family law matters like:

• divorce
• child custody
• child support

Serious crime such as murder have the death penalty.

These activities are illegal in Syria:

• same-sex relationships
• taking photos of military or government buildings or other sensitive infrastructure
• not carrying ID
• failing to have the right entry visa

If you wish to preach a religion other than Islam, get local advice. Restrictions can apply.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

It's illegal under Australian law for Australian citizens, including dual citizens, to support any armed groups in Syria. This includes:

• joining the conflict
• funding, training or recruiting someone to fight
• supplying or funding weapons

Australia has imposed sanctions on Syria, including a ban on weapons.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Syria recognises dual nationality. 

If you're an Australian-Syrian dual national, Syrian authorities will treat you as Syrian. This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Children of Syrian men obtain Syrian citizenship automatically at birth.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Syria has compulsory military service.

If you're a male dual national, you may have to do military service if you go to Syria. Having an Australian passport won't get you out of military service.

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative, particularly around religious sites.

If you're female, wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs. Wear a headscarf.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Ramadan

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Syria. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time. 

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas

If you travel to Syria despite our advice and don't have Syrian identity documents, you'll need a visa.

You can apply for a visa at the nearest Syrian embassy or consulate before you go to Syria. You can't get a visa on arrival.

You must inform Syrian Immigration if you intend to stay in Syria longer than 15 days from the date of entry. This applies to residence permits and visa extensions. 

Parts of Syria, including north-east Syria, are controlled by groups that may issue local travel permits. But you'll still need a visa issued by the Syrian Government if travelling to Syria.

Border measures

Land border crossings between Syria and Lebanon have been targeted by Israel in the past and could close without notice.

For measures regarding travel between Syria and Lebanon, contact Syrian and Lebanese authorities. 

You must declare all foreign currency and electronic equipment when you arrive in Syria, or else you could face delays when you leave. You may need to declare how much currency you're carrying when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not just cash.

Due to the ongoing unpredictable security situation, Lebanese General Security have advised they will no longer allow dual Australian/Syrian nationals entry into Lebanon to renew expired Australian passports. Only holders of valid Australian passports can enter Lebanon. 

Syrian border authorities have held Australians of Arab origin for long periods without charge.

If you've overstayed your visa, you'll need an exit visa for you and your children before leaving.

If you have a residence permit, check with Syrian Immigration regarding the 'exit and return' requirements. 

Be aware that:

• children born in Syria must have their father's permission to leave Syria
• a Syrian husband can stop his wife from leaving the country, regardless of her nationality
• unmarried women can be prevented from leaving Syria due to strict family controls

Travel to Israel

If there's evidence that you've travelled to Israel, authorities will refuse your entry to Syria or deport you. Evidence includes:

• Israeli exit or entry stamps in your passport
• Egyptian or Jordanian stamps from border crossings with Israel
• travel itineraries or tickets that include Israel as a destination
• souvenirs from Israel
• airline tags on your bags
• SIM cards, literature, or other items with obvious links to Israel 

Leaving Syria

Leave Syria immediately by commercial means.

Contact Lebanese and Syrian authorities for the latest information on travelling between Syria and Lebanon. Entry and exit requirements may change without notice. Few commercial airlines fly to Syria. Other commercial air services and airports could stop operating without notice.

Civilian airports could come under attack at any time, including in Damascus and Aleppo. 

Telecommunication and travel restrictions may limit your exit options:

• transport options to airports and seats on flights may be limited
• roads may close or be blocked without warning, affecting access to border crossings
• major highways may be blocked
• border crossings can be closed with little or no warning
• conflict can limit access to all border crossings

To minimise risks to your safety:

• seek local and expert advice
• make contingency plans
• check the status of routes to airports and borders
• always carry your passport and travel documents

Do not carry electronic devices such as standalone GPS or hand-held radio equipment. These are illegal in Syria.

Do not use mobile phones at check points.

The Syrian Government enforces restrictions on prior travel to Israel.

Authorities can hold anyone, regardless of their nationality, for questioning for several days and then deport them.

Validity

If you travel to Syria despite our advice, note that some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply this rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You may end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure if it will be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP).

You can change money in government banks or at recognised exchange bureaus. However, many exchange bureaus can no longer exchange foreign currency. There are severe penalties for carrying or using currencies other than SYP.

You can't convert Syrian pounds into other currencies when you leave.

International sanctions mean financial organisations in several countries have stopped doing business with Syrian companies.

Credit cards may not be accepted in Syria. You may not be able to access your money via ATMs.

Local restrictions

Travel within some parts of Syria can be particularly dangerous.

If you're in Syria despite our advice, consider the security environment before travelling within the country. See Safety

Road travel

Access to international border crossings may be limited due to roadblocks, road closures and fighting. This can happen with little to no warning.

Major highways may become or are already blocked, due to conflict. These include:

• Tartous-Latakia
• Tartous-Homs
• Latakia-Aleppo
• Homs-Hama
• Homs-Damascus
• Damascus-Jordan
• Damascus-Beirut

If you need to travel by road, first:

• get local information on possible routes
• seek professional security advice
• adopt effective personal security measures
• make contingency plans

More information:

• Driving or riding

Sea travel

Don't travel to Syria by sea due to the dangerous security situation.

Air travel

Ongoing conflict in Syria may increase risks to civil aviation in the region. Civil aviation authorities in a number of countries do not allow airlines from those countries to fly in Syrian airspace. If you travel to Syria despite our advice, refer to the Smartraveller page on air travel and check with airlines before booking.  Flight paths are subject to change.  Check with your airline for updates and departure options. 

DFAT does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire services

Call 113.

Medical emergencies

Call 110 or go direct to a hospital.

Police

Call 112 or visit the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Syria. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular help in Syria is severely limited.

The Romanian Embassy in Damascus may be able to provide limited emergency consular services to Australians in Syria. They provide these services under a consular assistance arrangement in conjunction with the Australian Embassy in Beirut.

Romanian Embassy, Damascus

8, Rue Ibrahim Hanano,
PO Box 4454, Damascus, Syria

Phone: (+963 11) 332 75 72 
Email: damasc.consul@mae.ro or damasc@mae.ro

Australian Embassy, Beirut

Embassy Complex, Serail Hill 
Downtown Beirut, Lebanon 

Phone: +961 1 960 600 
Email: consular.beirut@dfat.gov.au
Website: lebanon.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy - Beirut, Lebanon
X: @SafirAustralia
Instagram: @ausemblb

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia