Summary
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Syria. British nationals in Syria should leave now by any practical means. The FCO is not able to provide consular services, and won’t be able to help your evacuation from the country.
The situation remains extremely volatile and dangerous. There is widespread fighting throughout Syria, including in Damascus and its suburbs. Full scale military operations involving the use of small arms, tanks, artillery and aircraft are ongoing. The Syrian government no longer exercises control of large parts of Syria, notably the north, south and east of the country. Areas of eastern Syria are under the effective control of the Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), which is fiercely hostile to the United Kingdom. Beginning on 30 September, Russia has also embarked on a wave of air strikes in Syria backing an offensive launched by troops loyal to the Assad regime. From 3 December, UK has extended British military action against Daesh into Syria.
In Aleppo and elsewhere, the regime has been undertaking an indiscriminate campaign of aerial bombardment since mid-December 2013, using so called ‘barrel’ bombs – huge containers packed with explosives and shards of metal dropped by helicopter – against largely civilian targets. A number of chemical weapons attacks have taken place across Syria, most notably on 21 August 2013, where a major attack took place in the suburbs of Damascus. Latest estimates are of over 250,000 dead, including well over 10,000 children.
Fighting has caused the temporary suspension of commercial flights, closed roads, impeded access to land border crossing points and led to the closure of some border crossings.
There is a high threat from terrorism. There are continued attacks across Syria including in major cities, leaving large numbers of people dead or injured.
There is a very high threat of kidnapping throughout Syria. There have been a number of kidnappings, including of British nationals and other Westerners, including by Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL).
If you choose to travel to Syria against FCO advice, you should make sure you and your family have valid exit stamps on your travel documents if you need one and take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
As a result of the ongoing political and security instability and the implementation of sanctions against some Syrian institutions, financial transactions have become significantly more difficult. See Money.
Safety and security
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
The situation remains extremely volatile and dangerous. There is widespread fighting throughout Syria, including in Damascus and its suburbs. Full scale military operations involving the use of small arms, tanks, artillery and aircraft are ongoing. The Syrian government no longer exercises control of large parts of Syria, notably in the north, south and east of the country. Areas of eastern Syria are under effective control of the Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), which is fiercely hostile to the United Kingdom. Russia has also embarked on a wave of air strikes in Syria backing an offensive launched by troops loyal to the Assad regime. From 3 December, UK has extended British military action against Daesh into Syria.There is a reduced number commercial flights due to the implementation of sanctions, the security situation and the high level of violence. This severely limits options for air travel and seat availability. Fighting in the vicinity of airports has caused the temporary suspension of flights. Road networks have been blocked without warning. Several major highways including Tartous-Latakia, Tartous-Homs, Latakia-Aleppo, Homs-Hama, Homs-Damascus and Damascus-Jordan continue to be intermittently closed. There are security force checkpoints on major road routes.
Fighting and road closures have affected access to some land border crossing points. Some border crossings are in the hands of opposition groups, vulnerable to attack, and/or closed. You should check the status of all routes before travelling. Don’t attempt to enter Iraq via the Syrian border, which is subject to restrictions on both sides.
Be particularly vigilant in public places and keep a low profile. Don’t film or take photographs of public gatherings, military activity or any other sensitive matter.
All foreign journalists entering Syria need special permission from the Syrian authorities. Those journalists and other foreigners in opposition-held areas are vulnerable to mistreatment by the armed groups there. A number of foreign journalists have been killed. Others have been detained by the Syrian security forces or other armed groups during the crisis. The security forces have confiscated phones, cameras and video cameras.
There are severe restrictions on unlicensed political and religious activity in Syria. The Syrian authorities have detained and deported several British nationals for unauthorised activity. Activity in opposition-held areas will also attract attention. If you are deported by the local authorities, you will not be able to return to Syria.
Crime
The escalating conflict has led to a rise in crime in some areas, including violent robbery, carjacking and kidnapping.Road travel
Road travel remains very dangerous in many parts of the country due to fighting. Driving standards and traffic systems are poor, and the accident rate is high. When there is a car accident with a pedestrian, the car driver is always legally responsible. You should avoid driving at night.Humanitarian crisis
Humanitarian needs in Syria have increased significantly since the beginning of the crisis with over 13.5 million people in dire need of humanitarian aid and 4.9 million refugees in the region. The ongoing conflict has seriously affected public infrastructure and services. This widespread destruction has led to high unemployment, scarcity/prohibitive cost of food, lack of water, sanitation, health services and fuel.Travel Summary
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase remains at Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information.
- There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. On 27 September 2008 a car bomb exploded on a main road outside a military facility in Damascus. Seventeen people were killed and many injured.
- Developments in the region may trigger public unrest. You should take care to avoid demonstrations, which can turn hostile, and be particularly vigilant in public places.
- You should not attempt to enter Iraq via the Syrian border, which is subject to restrictions on both sides.
- 28 British nationals required consular assistance in Syria in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; hospitalisations (3 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (10 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (9 cases) and for child abduction cases.
- The British Embassy in Damascus offers a full consular service, but by appointment only. See the General (Consular and Public Services) section of this advice, or the British Embassy website for more details.
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Syria. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
On 27 September a car bomb exploded outside a military facility at the intersection of the Airport Road and Damascus South Circular Road in Damascus. Seventeen people were killed and many injured.
On 12 February 2008 an explosion in a car in the Damascus neighbourhood of Kaffr Sousseh killed one person and injured several others. The target of the attack was Imad Mughniyeh, Head of Lebanese Hizballah's military wing.
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Personal crime levels are low. But care should be taken in the choice of accommodation - reputable hotels are safer than guesthouses. - You should also take care downtown, where there have been cases of pickpocketing. There has been an increase in the number of passports being reported stolen within the Old City you are advised to leave your passport somewhere secure and carry a photocopy with you.
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
On 27 September a car bomb exploded outside a military facility at the intersection of the Airport Road and Damascus South Circular Road in Damascus. Seventeen people were killed and many injured.
On 12 February 2008 an explosion in a car in the Damascus neighbourhood of Kaffr Sousseh killed one person and injured several others. The target of the attack was Imad Mughniyeh, Head of Lebanese Hizballah's military wing.
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Personal crime levels are low. But care should be taken in the choice of accommodation - reputable hotels are safer than guesthouses. - You should also take care downtown, where there have been cases of pickpocketing. There has been an increase in the number of passports being reported stolen within the Old City you are advised to leave your passport somewhere secure and carry a photocopy with you.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Syria Country Profile
Tensions between Israel, Lebanon and Syria, or between Israelis and Palestinians, or developments in Iraq, can have an effect on public opinion in the whole of the region, including Syria.
You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.
Political Situation
Syria Country Profile
Tensions between Israel, Lebanon and Syria, or between Israelis and Palestinians, or developments in Iraq, can have an effect on public opinion in the whole of the region, including Syria.
You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.
You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public political gatherings and demonstrations, which can turn hostile, and be particularly vigilant in public places.
You should be aware that there are restrictions on unlicensed political and religious activity in Syria. The Syrian authorities have recently detained and deported several British nationals for unauthorised activity. If you are deported by the local authorities, you will not be able to return to Syria.
You should be aware that there are restrictions on unlicensed political and religious activity in Syria. The Syrian authorities have recently detained and deported several British nationals for unauthorised activity. If you are deported by the local authorities, you will not be able to return to Syria.
Local Travel
The situation on the Syria/Iraq border is unclear. Traffic across is restricted to certain categories of individuals (businessmen amongst others, but not tourists). You should not attempt to enter Iraq via Syria.
Road Travel
Buses/coaches are available between the major cities and tourist sites, but you should check timetables on arrival. Taxis are cheap and widely used.
Driving standards and traffic systems are poor and the accident rate is high. Self-drive hire is best left to the experienced. Driving at night outside main cities is unsafe and should be avoided when possible.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Local laws and customs
You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.
Syria is a multi-faith country with a long history of religious tolerance. Alongside the majority Sunni population, there are large practising Shia, Christian, Druze and Alawite communities, as well as other smaller sects and religions. However, you should be aware of restrictions on unlicensed political and religious activity, particularly political Islam. Please see the Political Situation section for more details.
You should exercise discretion in behaviour and dress, especially when visiting religious sites.
You should exercise discretion in behaviour and dress, especially when visiting religious sites.
The punishment for possession of drugs is life imprisonment. For drug trafficking, the death penalty applies.
You are advised to carry a photocopy of the information page and the page displaying your visa and entry stamp of your passport, as proof of identity at all times.
Homosexuality is illegal.
Photography near military and many other government installations is prohibited. These zones are not always marked; you should exercise common sense and limit photography to traditional tourist sites.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.
Entry requirements
VisasYou require a visa for Syria. Whether or not you have a visa you should be aware that if your passport contains an Israeli stamp or stamps from other countries’ border crossing points with Israel, you will be refused entry to Syria.
If you are planning to add in side-trips to Lebanon or Jordan, you should apply for a double or multiple entry visa for Syria, as these are otherwise difficult to obtain after arrival.
If you intend staying for more than fifteen days you will need to have your visa extended at the immigration office, otherwise you may face difficulties when trying to leave the country. For further information contact the Syrian Embassy in London.
Passport validity
Passports should have a minimum of six months remaining validity on entry.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that Syria requires documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
Health
Medical treatment is inexpensive but standards vary from one hospital to another, although most are well equipped. Doctors are generally well qualified though nursing standards vary. Many medical staff speak French or English.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Syria and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
General
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Consular registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Consular services
The British Embassy in Damascus operates a full consular service, but by appointment only. The Public Consular Office is only open one day a week. This is due to security constraints at our current location. A new secure Embassy building is currently under construction. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
The Consular Section is open for telephone and written enquiries 0800-1530 (Sunday-Wednesday) and 0800-1400 (Thursday); we are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. You can contact us directly on +963 (0) 11 339 1541 or +963 (0) 933 315 948 or write to us by post at British Embassy Consular Section, Kotob Building, 11 Mohd Kurd Ali Street, Malki, PO Box 37, Damascus.
Consular appointments
Customers requiring passport or notarial services need to book an appointment before coming to the Embassy; for other services, please speak to the Consular Section. The current waiting time for an appointment is 1-2 weeks. You can either book an appointment through the British Embassy website – http://ukinsyria.fco.gov.uk – or contact the Consular Section directly on +963 (0) 11 339 1541 or +963 (0) 933 315 948.
Consular emergencies
In case of genuine emergency outside of normal working hours, for example the death or detention of a British national, you can contact the Embassy Duty Officer on +963 (0) 933 214 342.
Consular appointments
Customers requiring passport or notarial services need to book an appointment before coming to the Embassy; for other services, please speak to the Consular Section. The current waiting time for an appointment is 1-2 weeks. You can either book an appointment through the British Embassy website – http://ukinsyria.fco.gov.uk – or contact the Consular Section directly on +963 (0) 11 339 1541 or +963 (0) 933 315 948.
Consular emergencies
In case of genuine emergency outside of normal working hours, for example the death or detention of a British national, you can contact the Embassy Duty Officer on +963 (0) 933 214 342.
See the British Embassy website for more details.
Money
Cash can be obtained from cash points (ATMs) in Damascus and Aleppo, but not easily elsewhere in Syria Most shops and restaurants do not take any bank cards. Even those that do may not recognise cards issued outside Syria. Travellers’ cheques are not accepted at most banks in Syria. In the rare cases where they are accepted, the handling process is complicated and time-consuming.
It is illegal to change money on the street. You should only change money in recognised exchange shops, banks and hotels.
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