Syria Travel Tips

The currency of Syria is the Syrian pound (SYP). One Syrian pound is equivalent to 100 piastres. Notes come in denominations of SYP1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins can be found in denominations of SYP25, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Foreign currency can be exchanged in the Commercial Bank of Syria, which you will find in every manor town. Syrian currency cannot however easily be reconverted back. Major purchases can be paid for by credit card, with American Express and Diners Club being the most widely accepted. MasterCard and Visa are also accepted, but not as readily. Traveller’s cheques can be difficult to exchange and are not recommended. ATMs can be found in most towns and accept credit cards as well as Cirrus.

Banks are usually open from 08:00 until 14:00 Saturday to Thursday, although many establishments close early on Thursdays.

The export of local currency is limited to SYP5,000 for Syrian residents and US$5,000 for foreign travellers. Syrian residents can import an unlimited quantity of local currency, while it is limited to US$5,000 for foreigners.

The following items may be imported into Syria without incurring any customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco; 30g perfume; 570ml of spirits and gifts worth up to SYP250.

Firearms and ammunition; live, frozen or stuffed birds, or any bird-derived products are strictly forbidden.

220 volts AC/ 50Hz, European-style two-pin plugs.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers who arrive within six months of being in an infected area. Having a vaccination against typhoid is advised, as is a vaccine against hepatitis A and B as both are endemic.

Visceral leishmaniasis occurs in the north and there are an increasing number of cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Rabies is present and if you are bitten by an animal, you must seek attention straight away. Malaria exists along the northern border from May through October.

Mains water is normally chlorinated and relatively safe, but bottled water is available and advised for the first few weeks of your stay. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Only eat well-cooked meat, fish and vegetables.

Health insurance is strongly recommended as there is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Basic medical facilities are available in the main cities, but there are few facilities outside of urban areas. Limited medical care is offered free of charge to those who cannot afford to pay.

Medical emergency number: 110

In the current climate, certain situations in Syria can lead to unrest and riots so news coverage of the area should be followed carefully before booking a holiday. If you do travel to Syria, you should be especially vigilant in public places and always avoid demonstrations, which often turn hostile.

There is a continuing threat from terrorism throughout the country. On 12 September 2006, suspected terrorists launched an attack on the US embassy in Damascus which involved grenades and small firearms. While no personnel were injured, some bystanders were and there was significant damage to the building.

You should not attempt to enter Iraq via the Syrian border as there are restrictions on both sides.

Police: 112

The Syrians take as much pride in their modern and thriving country as they do in their rich heritage and traditions. It is important to treat everyone with respect. Visitors will undoubtedly enjoy the hospitality that is an innate Arab tradition as well as experiencing a somewhat Oriental way of life.

It is customary to shake hands on meeting and on departure, regardless of how long you have known the acquaintance. If you are a guest in somebody’s home, you will be treated with immense courtesy and will frequently be offered refreshment, which is usually coffee.

You should be sure to respect Arab customs and traditions. Conservative and casual wear is suitable, with beachwear not being worn away from the beach or poolside. Never photograph anything remotely connected with the armed forces or defence fixings, including radio transmission aerials. It is adviseable to always take a good look at what will be appearing in the background before pointing your camera. Smoking is banned in public from dawn to dusk during Ramadan.

Tipping is widely expected throughout the country, with 10 per cent accepted at restaurants and small change for porters in hotels. Taxi drivers should have their fare rounded up if a meter is used. Tax-free shopping can be enjoyed at all three international airports.

The country code for Syria is: +963. Internet cafés can be found in the larger towns as well as in universities and public offices.

GMT + 2

Passports for all visitors must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Visas are required by everyone apart from transit passengers who are connecting to another aircraft within 24 hours and not leaving the airport.

Syria refuses entry and transit to any passenger who holds a passport containing a visa (valid or expired) for Israel as well as those who hold a stamp showing an Israel-Jordan border crossing. Females aged between 14 and 35 years, unless accompanied by a father, husband or brother, are also refused entry along with any persons with passports which show entry to Sharm El Sheikh, Rafha, Gaza or Nablus.