Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time. Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
In some areas in Western Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya , dengue fever , leishmaniasis , malaria , Rift Valley fever , and West Nile virus. Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites. Cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres.
There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis. Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Western Asia, like avian influenza and rabies , can be shared between humans and animals.
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays. 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. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. 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. If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Syria, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. General information for travellers with dual citizenship. More about the International Driving Permit. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect severe penalties, which may include the death penalty.
Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities, particularly when visiting religious sites. Carry identification documents at all times. Carry a photocopy of your passport and leave another copy with a relative or friend at home. The currency is the Syrian pound SYP. The economy is primarily cash-based. Credit cards are not widely accepted. ATMs are available in major cities, such as Damascus and Aleppo, but are not always reliable.
Due to international sanctions, several foreign credit institutions and banks have suspended their transactions with Syria. This list is not exhaustive. Check with your financial service provider before travelling to Syria. It is illegal to exchange currency on the street. You must exchange foreign currency in banks or at official exchange counters.
Keep all official exchange receipts, as you will need to present them to exchange Syrian pounds into foreign currency before departure. The Syrian pound cannot be exchanged outside the country. Regulations regarding financial transactions, financial sanctions and currency exchange can change without notice.
It is a very good article filled with important inforamtion. Hi Joan, I sent a whatapp message to the lady you talked about who could maybe help with getting the secuity clearance-Sawswan. I asked her if if she could help with getting the clearance if I booked a tour with her around Damascus and maybe Palmeyria.
I mentioned that I had got her number from you and that you had travelled to Damascus in few months ago. It looks like she got my message but no reply. Is there any other way to contact her , has she got a travel company or tour guide company?
If I draw a blank with her is there another reputable guide or company I could try? Thank you very much for the beautiful blog. Thank you for visiting Syria and I hope you had fun! We Syrians have always been happy to find tourists visiting our humble country, and I myself have always dreamed about helping tourists discover Syria given the fact that I am one of the rare Syrians who actually speak English properly , but alas the war took away the tourists from me and I had to leave Syria to study abroad in them American University of Beirut.
I am happy that things are becoming more organized now as evidenced by the fact that you could enter the country without any complications. I do hope to one day return to Syria and meet the nice folk like yourself who have come to visit our country from overseas. Thank you again for writing this blog. I will forward it to all of my foreign friends here in Lebanon who have expressed their desire to visit Syria.
Thank you, Joan, and thank you to everyone who is standing by Syria and the Syrian people through these troubled times. I loved Syria and trust me when I say that nobody tried to ever rip me off. Everybody was always so kind and trying to be overprotective with me, and I am sure that anyone should have a very similar experience. Hope you can travel to your beautiful country and the situation will normalize even more in the upcoming months and years.
Hi Joan, Saludos de Portugal! Thanks for sharing your experience. I will be in Lebanon during May 9 to 17 , and really wanted to take this opportunity to visit Damascus. I really wanted to do it independently, and, of course, much cheaply.
Any recommendations? Hi Rodrigo, It is quite a standard price. It is a reasonable price especially since it includes a visa to transfer to and from Beirut and a guide to the Damascus tour. Hi Joan, First of all, great article, thanx a lot! I want to visit on my own. In any case, I hold a U. Saw your post about a week ago and wrote to the Embassy of Syria in Madrid, but have not yet received a response. How long was the process?
My plans are using my Georgian passport, obvious reason, and try and go get the visa either in Madrid or Brussels. Do you mind explaining a bit the process? Thank you very much! George G. Even most embassies will require you to get an LOI from a valid tour operator, which you will only get if you book a tour. This is kind of contradictory because then you can move around Syria independently.
That sounds feasible. I know you went in independent, but does anybody here knows of a reliable and easy local tour operator then? Thank you Joan and all participants! I tried with the Syrian embassy in Brussels as its the nearest one to me. I emailed them but they never even replied. I think the tour agents are the only way. Just choose carefully! Very interesting post, thanks for the info! Those visa regulations suck though… Hopefully come across some local reliable tour operator somewhere.
Given your contacts, do you perhaps know if there are different regulations for journalists, holding international press card? I think you should contact the embassy! Iobtained a journalist visa through the consulate in Geneva. A few days ago I tried to Rentner the Country again, this time as a Tourist — and promptly was denied entry on the grounds of — well — being seen as a journalist. And yes, you should definitely contact your embassy.
Understandable after all the lies that have Bern Publisher about this Great country over the last decade by Western media. Best, Jan. Hi Joan, First of all, thank you for the great guide.
I was so excited after reading your text, but then I looked at some comments and got pretty confused. So, to be clear: you have to get security clearance and visa to cross the border. You can ask for visa in local embassy, is that right? And after incident with German tourist, visas are now available only if you have booked tour? And there is currently no way for getting the clearance and visa without having to book the trip with travel agency? Once again, thank you for this brilliant site!
I wrote this post 2 months ago and the visa part already seems sort of outdated. Tomorrow will update it. Joan, thank you for quick reply. I contacted Syrian embassy in Poland and they informed me that currently tourist visas are not issued at all. They told me to contact them again in two months. To Joan: Great article. I strongly appreciate that three are such people in Europe who can go to Syria, enjoy it and respect its law and fantastic people regardless of western media and western politicians WHO are responsible for syrian crisis.
Hello everybody. I have just updated the visa section of the article. Hi Joan There are a number of signs that a campaign against the rebels in Idlib is starting, which could explain the clamping down on visas and having to go on a tour. If so , Aleppo will be much more risky and there would be the risk of suicide bombings or attacks elsewhere.
Amazing Article! I want to visit Damascus, Homs, Hama, and Aleppo from Jordan do any of you guys now any buses that go from amman to damascus? Once again thank you! Hi there is a company called jett which has buses from amman to damascus and if you are jordinian i dont think you need a visa. It is not the right time to cross Syria on a bicycle. Hello and thanks for the very informative article. Did you have or foresee any difficulties visiting other countries now that you have a Syrian stamp on your passport?
Israel is now definitively a No-Go but I was wondering if other countries like the US might be difficult to visit afterwards. Thanks a lot! Hi Nicola, my Algerian visa was rejected.
I liked your suggestion about the Green hotel. Do they have a website? Would you still recommmend Mohammed so that I can get in touch about a reservation? Or any other hotels I can call or write them? Hi Guilherme, yes, try to contact Mohammed, he is working there still. I required a visa at the Syrian embassy in Sao Paulo, by filling an one-page form. It took less than a month and around USD 15 to get my day visa.
I booked a 5-night tour with The Golden Target tour company — recommended by Eva, von evazubeck. It was simply amazing. I had a driver and an outstanding guide Tayseer with me, full time. The driver pick me up at my hostel in Beirut and drove me straight to Damascus. Border crossing was wasy and everyone was very friendly.
I paid around USD , all included. Hotel rooms were amazing, including my 2-night stay at a five-star ottoman-damacean mansion in old the town in Damascus Beit Mamelouk Hotel.
We normally started our day at AM and finished at PM. We saw a lot, no hurry. The agency provided all permits and it was very easy to get through. Everywhere was safe. Although it sounds a fancy trip for backpackers like me, it was worth it and I had a fantastic genuine experience. I met hundreds of locals in the streets, cafes, road sides etc. It was beautiful.
I have been to almost 70 countries, but Syria , blew me away. Thank you so much for writing this article. I would love to travel to Damascus; I contacted Mr. Ayoub like you suggested. Is there any way you could give him a heads up so he knows to look out for my message? Also, another question—will it be hard getting into Israel if I have a Syrian stamp on my passport?
I travelled to Syria many times before the war — as a lone woman. And I never had any problems. To the contrary I was treated like a princess, with a huge amount of respect. Hi i am syrian it doesnt matter how you dress we are very open here but dont wear very short or exposing cloths.
Hi joan i am a mexican citizen who looks to travel to syria in the future, what are the thing i need to do before i travel there to syria??? Its a relief to know that and for me its amazing the idea to travel there, i really pray for the conflict to end and peace shall return to all syria.
When you add unbelievable views, delicious food and talented people you meet around here that what makes Syria just amazing. Hi Joan, thanks for putting all this super helpful information together. Best regards from Germany, Karoline. I would definitely do more research about it if I was you. Please make a detailed Lebanon and Syria border crossing guide!
And explain how you get the visa at the border! Keep the amazing work up! During that time,I want to visit Syria to visit Damascus and Aleppo. Do you think that I will get the visa in that short time period of three months. Regards, Ahsan. Hi Joan, I just got back from a few days in Damascus through Marrota tourism.
These guys were awesome from transport from Beirut to visa clearances to everything. Through your blog I found out how this was all possible so thank you.. We booked with Marrota too. Did you see many non arab tourists there? Is the city ok to be visited? Thank you sooooo much! My husband and I booked a 3 day Damascus tour with Marrota for the next montb and I can confirm they are super professional.
Clearance has just arrived and all was pretty smooth. Details will follow… stay tuned. Could we connect via email for instance to share experiences?
Sure, with pleasure. Mail me to sherazad1 libero. Great info, thank you. I only carry a US passport, but have family in Lebanon, not far from Anjar. I also have family in Sweida Druze. Many years ago, I took a train from Damascus to Amman, which was amazing. If a Thanks again. Hi there, the situation is getting more and more complicated for American citizens. I suggest you contact the person mentioned in this article to assist you with it.
I sent Mr. Yes he told me the same for US Citizens. Can anyone give advice on perhaps any other options to crossing the border from Lebanon into Syria as a US passport holder only? Or entering from another direction or country perhaps? I have just returned from a trip to Syria, it has been an unforgettable experience, very enriching. Without a doubt, the best and most interesting of all my trips until now. Many thanks to Joan and his website for recommending Ayoub Smadi from Marrota Tours: Excellent prices, very good guides, everything very serious, efficient and well organized.
Ayoub and his colleagues are great professionals and very kind, always ready to help the traveler. When you write to Marrota, they offer you some organized tours. As Joan points out in his post, this is the most effective, quickest, easiest and cheapest way to visit Syria and make the most of your stay in this wonderful country. Of course, it is cheaper to take care of everything yourself, applying for a visa at the nearest Syrian embassy; but being granted a visa can take several months.
Therefore, hiring the services of a tourist agency is the best option at least for the moment , and Marrota is really worth it.
Luckily, the war is almost over: The cities are crowded with people at all times. Shops, restaurants, souks and markets vibrate with life and activity both in Damascus and Aleppo. It cannot be denied, however, that the cruel war has left its mark: Of the cities I saw, especially in Homs we drove there from Damascus to Aleppo and vice versa and in Aleppo where the old town near the citadel has been practically destroyed by bombs and missiles.
But the Syrians are rebuilding their country. I saw many volunteers working on the removal of rubble. Many refugees have returned to the country, which is excellent news. With the exception apart from Idlib of some areas in the north, of the border with Turkey, where there are sporadically collusions between Kurdish armed groups, illegal incursions from Turkey and Islamist gangs.
It is very similar to the situation in Yugoslavia in the s history repeats itself. Ananias converted St. The Crac des Chevaliers is a huge fortress on a hill close to Homs, where the Crusaders where among others. In Aleppo, the archaeological museum is still being restored, but I visited the citadel built by Saladin , from which there are spectacular views of the entire city. Hama is famous for its norias waterwheels , which supply water to the region.
Maalula is a beautiful mountainous village not far from Damascus, where most of the inhabitants are Christians and still speak Aramaic. Seydnaya is very close to Maalula, also in a mountainous area, and there are very old monasteries and churches, from the time of the first Christians. In Syria people are very nice and open, very kind and hospitable. The Syrians are happy to see tourists again. So it is useful to learn a few words of Arabic, the most basic will do.
So, shukran ktir thank you very much to Joan and to this page, as well as to Ayoub and Marrota tours! And tahya Suria! Long live Syria. Thanks you so much for taking your time in writing this awesome review and glad you had an awesome time! I am hoping to go on a tour in Syria with Mr Ayoub. I was just wondered if you could allay any safety concerns — was there anything concerning at all you experienced during your trip or with Marrota Tours?
I am a female UK citizen and I would be travelling with one other female. Thank you so much for any insights. From your comment and those of others it appears that it should all be safe but I just wanted to ask to confirm. Thank you for such a fantastic article.. Thanks so much, Mel. Please reply if you would be interested to talk. Many thanks! Hi everyone, Thank you very much Joan for this amazing information!
I want to visit a Syrian friend, but I do not want to ask her to provide a LOI, to avoid that her details are put under audit or anything. My question is: can I have any problem if I buy the minimum tour one day I guess and then I spend 5 or 6 days in Syria with my friend? I could even pay for 1 day tour and not use it at all or use it only to go from Beirut to Aleppo.
Would that be okay or do you think Ayoub Smadi from Marrota Tours would refuse? Hi Alberto, this is a concern Ayoub should answer but in any case, I think it is a bit unlikely, basically because the agency you go with is fully responsible for you, so I doubt they will let you roam around freely because if anything happened to you, they would be fucked as well.
I have 3 questions. How are American Tourists treated? My second question is how are black people treated in Syria Damascus specifically? Any special advice for entry for Nigerian passport holder? Ayoub to ask about the current situation, as well as what are the requirements for Nigerians. Just saw a girl on YouTube make a visit into Syria from Lebanon and I must admit it has given me itchy feet to visit Syria. You and your blog also.
Maybe at the start of next year, need to earn and save some money. Hopefully no issues travelling on British passport. Read all the comments and no mention of Canadian passport… how is it treated? Same as Australia and New Zealand is my thinking, but if someone could clarify? I was quite impressed by the volume of information shared on this website.
I am of Syrian decent. My father was part of the first born generation in America. HIs parents were born in Homs and remained there until they came through Ellis Island in Now my generation is all who is left in the family and I would love to make the journey. I may be traveling alone-not sure I feel comfortable bringing my adult children with me.
Visit our website on Travel to High Risk Areas. Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs, if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them. Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization, or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Travel Advisory Levels. Assistance for U. Embassy Amman. AmmanACS state. Syria Map. View Larger Map. Search for Travel Advisories. If you want to drive:. Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged.
Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.
Syria is a conservative society, and you should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Avoid public displays of affection, dress conservatively women's clothes should cover their legs and upper arms , be aware of your actions and take care not to offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or other religious festivals, or if you intend to visit religious areas.
During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. In the current environment, foreigners as well as Syrians may be subject to arbitrary arrest and detention by the Syrian authorities. Getting information or providing consular assistance in these cases is extremely difficult. Parents in particular should be aware that local laws regarding custody, etc of children are significantly different to those in force in Ireland.
If you are involved in any local legal matters, particularly family law, we strongly advise you to get professional advice. The punishment for possession of drugs is life imprisonment. For drug trafficking, the death penalty applies. Photography near military and many other government installations is prohibited.
0コメント