Al Qāmishlī

Passport validity requirements

To enter Syria, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Entry restrictions 

If you hold Israeli or Iranian citizenship you cannot enter Syria. Those with Lebanese citizenship should check entry restrictions before booking any travel.

If your passport shows previous travel to Israel, you may be refused entry into Syria.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to travel to Syria.

If you choose to travel to Syria against FCDO advice, ensure you have the right visa or you may be refused entry. You can apply for a visa, and check the status of your visa application via this website.

It currently takes approximately 5-7 days for a visa application to be processed and a decision to be made. Please note these times may vary. Contact the relevant interim Syrian authorities for further information.

Penalties for illegal entry

If you enter Syria illegally, you could be fined or given a  a prison sentence.

Journalists travelling to Syria

Foreign journalists entering Syria should check with the Syrian authorities to ensure adherence to relevant regulations and requirements.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Syria guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Syria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Syria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Emergency services in Syria

Emergency services may be limited in Syria due to the 14-year conflict that country has gone through.

Help abroad in an emergency

Consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria. The FCDO may become aware of support provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. If you need help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Find out about call charges

FCDO has guidance on staying safe including if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on X, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

FCDO advises against all travel to Syria

FCDO advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks.

UK government support

Consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria. The FCDO may become aware of support provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. If you need help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Regional tensions

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June  in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.  

British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should: 

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”  

• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts

• follow advice from the local authorities 

• monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice 

• stay away from areas around security or military facilities  

• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date 

• if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. Have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow and contact FCDO:   

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook
• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Religion

Syria is a multi-faith country. Alongside the majority Sunni population, there are large practising Shia, Christian, Druze and Alawite communities, as well as other smaller sects and religions. Divisions along sectarian lines continue and flashes of sectarian violence are likely. Communities have been displaced and levels of religious tolerance can vary considerably. There are restrictions on unlicensed political activity and political parties are banned under the new authorities in Damascus.

Personal ID

You must carry copies of your passport photo page and visa for identification.

Illegal drugs penalties

There are severe penalties for drug offences in Syria. The penalty for drug possession is life imprisonment, and the death penalty applies for drug trafficking.

Money

As a result of the 14-year  conflict, there are restrictions on financial transactions in Syria and limitations on cash withdrawals in country. Prices for certain items may be listed in US dollar. There is minimal or no use of electronic payment systems to purchase goods.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, you should:           

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Muslim  guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
• be patient and show tolerance