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Before you go to Syria: what to know

Must know

  • FCDO advises against all travel; conflict, kidnapping and unexploded weapons remain major risks.
  • Obtain the correct visa before travel; border rules and routes can change.
  • Cash, water, electricity and communications can be difficult to obtain.

Entry and visas

British citizens need a visa before travel and can apply through the Syrian eVisa portal. FCDO reports typical processing of five to seven days, but timing varies. Israeli and Iranian citizens cannot enter according to current FCDO advice; evidence of travel to Israel may also cause refusal. Other passport groups must check with the Syrian authorities.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • Syria eVisa ↗ optional
    Before departure; FCDO reports about five to seven days, subject to variation · Travellers eligible to apply online; nationality restrictions apply

Passport validity: British passports: at least three months after arrival; confirm with the issuing authority.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

Where to exchange money

  • Banks or official exchange counters; retain exchange receipts.

Where not to exchange

  • Street exchange, which is illegal.
  • International cards and electronic payments cannot be relied on.
  • Bring sufficient lawfully permitted cash; check current sanctions and banking restrictions.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, gov.uk ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Illegal drugs; trafficking can carry the death penalty.
  • Unlicensed political activity.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Carry copies of your passport photo page and visa.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Multi-faith society, including Sunni, Shia, Christian, Druze and Alawite communities.

Clothing: Follow local dress expectations, especially at religious sites and during Ramadan; ask a local host.

Etiquette

  • Respect local religious observance and check Ramadan opening hours.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Conditions are generally hot and dry from May to October; summer dust storms can disrupt roads and affect breathing. Winter conditions vary by altitude. Seasonal descriptions are not forecasts.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Winter; conditions vary by altitude
  • February: Feb: Winter; conditions vary by altitude
  • March: Mar: Spring transition; check forecast
  • April: Apr: Spring transition; check forecast
  • May: May: Hot, dry period begins
  • June: Jun: Hot, dry; dust storms possible
  • July: Jul: Hot, dry; dust storms possible
  • August: Aug: Hot, dry; dust storms possible
  • September: Sep: Hot, dry period
  • October: Oct: Dry period can persist
  • November: Nov: Autumn transition; check forecast
  • December: Dec: Winter; conditions vary by altitude

Best season: No tourism recommendation while official advice is against all travel.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Passport and visa copies
  • Essential medicines in original packaging
  • Drinking-water contingency supplies
  • Power bank

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Illegal drugs

Practical

Plugs: Types C, E and L; 220V, 50Hz.

Water: Use sealed bottled or properly treated water; tap water is unsafe in many areas.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: Electricity, internet and mobile services are intermittent in many areas.

Health: Medical facilities and supplies vary sharply by location; emergency evacuation may be necessary.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, airuniversity.af.edu ↗, electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.