Travel and Tourism

Travel and Tourism in Syria

Travel alerts, currency, climate, transit, health, and safety information for visitors to Syria.

Practical Information

Travel alert status, currency, climate, and transit details.

Travel Alert Status: Level 4: Do Not Travel
Time Difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Currency: Syrian pound (SYP)
Climate: The Syrian Arab Republic comprises several distinct climatic conditions. The western coastal plain is the most humid area of the country, with milder winters and summers than the rest of the country. East of the Orontes Valley begins the desert region. In general the climate is mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along the coast There are four seasons in Damascus, with spring, winter, and fall generally lasting 8 to 12 weeks apiece. Summers can be long, dry, and hot. Short winters can be cold and rainy, with occasional snow. Annual rainfall in Damascus averages 81.6 millimeters (3.21 inches.) Temperatures in Damascus range from lows 0 °C (32 °F) at night to highs of 20 °C (68 °F during the day in the winter, and in the summer from 16 °C (60 °F) to 38 °C (100 °F). Though snow falls infrequently in Damascus, it does snow in the mountains near the city, and some roads are impassible during these storms.
Ethnic Groups: Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%
National Holiday: Independence Day (Evacuation Day), 17 April (1946); note - celebrates the leaving of the last French troops and the proclamation of full independence
Geographic Coordinates: 35 00 N, 38 00 E
Location: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon and Turkey
Airports: 93

Health and Safety

Medical facilities, vaccinations, disease risk, and sanitation conditions.

Medical Facilities and Care

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Basic medical care and medicines are available in Syria’s principal cities, but not necessarily in outlying areas. Serious illnesses and emergencies may require evacuation to a Western medical facility.
Accessibility: While in Syria, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Syrian law protects persons with disabilities from discrimination in education, access to health, or provision of other state services; but the government has not effectively enforced these provisions. Sidewalks are generally unevenly paved and often blocked by parked cars. Stairs must be used to access many public buildings, restaurants, cafes and other tourist spots.

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