An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for those arriving from infected areas. The incidence of malaria is low, but you may want to consider taking preventive medication. Health concerns are hepatitis A and B, schistosomiasis (bilharziasis), and typhoid.

Clean drinking water is available in cities and many villages and bottled water is always available. Wash all vegetables and fruits, and avoid uncooked food.  Take precautions against dehydration and overexposure to sun. Wear loose, natural-fiber clothing. Basic medical care and medicines are available in Syria's larger cities, and most doctors speak English.

Syria is relatively safe and the police are extremely efficient. But take basic precautions against crime (as you do in your country). Avoid conspicuous displays of wealth and behave conservatively. Women should dress modestly, especially in small villages.

Leave most of your cash, traveler's checks, jewelry, and your camera in the hotel safe. Carry your passport at all times. Carry cash in a money belt and use traveler's checks whenever possible. Carry your bag on the side away from the street to thwart drive-by motorcycle thieves. Never carry a stranger's baggage.

Passport/Visa Requirements

These requirements are subject to change. Check with the embassy or consulate in your home country before you depart.

Visitors are allowed to import, duty-free, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco; 1 liter of spirits; 1 liter of eau de cologne; and gifts to a value of P250. The import of firearms, narcotics and drugs, and pornography is prohibited.