Syria : Safety by CityOnce a crown jewel of Middle Eastern travel, Syria drew visitors with its ancient cities, vibrant souks, Roman ruins, and layered history that predates most modern nations.
Tucked along the eastern Mediterranean, Syria served for centuries as a cultural and commercial bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Damascus and Aleppo were once thriving hubs of art, religion, and cuisine.
That all changed in 2011 when the Assad regime cracked down violently on peaceful protests.
What followed was over a decade of civil war, displacement, and destruction.
By 2024, the regime collapsed under the weight of international pressure, internal dissent, and economic ruin, but the road to recovery is long and uneven.
As of 2025, Syria is not yet safe for tourism.
Infrastructure is broken, armed groups still operate in many regions, and there’s little to no support system for travelers.
When (if) the country stabilizes, travelers can expect to return to a place rich with archaeological wonders, deep cultural traditions, and warm, resilient people.
Syria has the raw material for incredible travel experiences, but until it gets its political and safety landscape sorted, it remains a wait-and-see destination.
Keep it on your radar, but not yet on your itinerary.
Warnings & Dangers in Syria
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Traveling to Syria comes with high risk across the board. Between armed conflict, poor infrastructure, and the threat of arbitrary detention, it’s not a destination for casual tourism. Even areas that seem calm can turn volatile quickly, and foreign travelers are especially vulnerable to targeted threats.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Getting around can be risky—roads are in rough shape, checkpoints are unpredictable, and taxis aren't always regulated. Foreigners can attract attention, so transport risk leans high, especially outside major cities or near military zones. If you're moving around, do it with someone who knows the local terrain and power dynamics.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Petty theft isn’t the biggest concern here—pickpocketing exists, but the larger safety issues usually overshadow it. That said, in crowded areas or markets, stay aware. The risk is low to medium, especially for foreigners who stand out and might be seen as easy targets for a quick grab. Plus, there are far bigger issues to worry about in Syria.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Syria’s not a hotspot for hurricanes or wildfires, but earthquakes do happen, and the infrastructure is weak, which raises the impact. Flash flooding and landslides are also possible in some regions. Natural disaster risk is medium, not constant, but is made worse by limited emergency response.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Street crime isn’t always organized, but desperation and lawlessness in certain areas mean muggings can and do happen, especially to foreigners walking alone or flashing valuables. The risk is high due to the general state of the country.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
The terrorism risk is high. Groups like ISIS are still active in pockets of the country, and random attacks on military, government targets, or civilians can and do occur. Foreigners can be targeted intentionally or caught in the crossfire, especially near conflict zones or unstable border areas.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Scams happen, but they’re not always elaborate. It’s more about inflated prices, fake permits, or people posing as fixers or officials. The risk is high, especially if you’re relying on strangers for logistics. Be skeptical, pay attention to details, and don’t hand over money without receipts or proof.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Women face a high risk, particularly solo travelers. Beyond conservative cultural norms, there’s the added risk of harassment, unwanted attention, or worse, especially in areas with little law enforcement. Even with modest dress and caution, being a foreign woman traveling alone raises the risk level significantly.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Avoid tap water. It's a high risk. It’s untreated in many areas and can carry bacteria, parasites, or worse. Stick to bottled or purified water only. Don’t even brush your teeth with tap water.
Safest Places to Visit in Syria
Syria does have a Ministry of Tourism, but the official website isn’t secure—don’t access it from your home computer.
Even I used a VPN just to poke around, and that’s not something I say lightly.
It’s a reminder that while the infrastructure technically exists, it’s still miles from reliable or safe.
That said, the list of places worth visiting—someday—is long.
Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is packed with historic mosques, ancient alleyways, and the legendary Umayyad Mosque.
Aleppo, though heavily damaged, once boasted one of the most stunning citadels in the region and a massive medieval souk that was a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palmyra is arguably Syria’s most famous ancient site, a Roman-era city in the desert with towering columns and crumbling temples that rival Petra.
Crac des Chevaliers, a Crusader castle near Homs, is a dream for history buffs.
Then there’s Bosra in the south, known for its black basalt Roman theater.
Coastal cities like Latakia offered beach access and a more Mediterranean vibe, while Maaloula—one of the few places where Aramaic was still spoken—was a cultural gem in the mountains.
When Syria stabilizes, these places could absolutely anchor a travel renaissance.
But not yet.
Places to Avoid in Syria
As of mid-2025, no part of Syria can be considered truly safe for foreign travelers.
Active conflict zones persist in the northwest, especially in Idlib and parts of Aleppo, while the northeast sees ongoing instability involving armed groups and border tensions.
Even Damascus, though quieter, remains unpredictable with government surveillance, risk of arbitrary detention, and sporadic violence.
The security situation is fragile everywhere—no region offers reliable protection, infrastructure, or emergency support.
To make matters worse, since most governments don’t have embassies there, there is little insight as to what to expect in Syria, from crime rates to detention conditions.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Syria
- If you need help in Syria, you’re dialing 112 for police, 110 for an ambulance, and 113 for fire. Will someone show up? Maybe. It depends on where you are. This is one of those places where having a fixer, guide, or solid local contact isn’t optional—it’s essential.
- There’s no official alert system like we’re used to. Instead, people rely on NGO apps, Telegram channels, or local social media groups to track bombings, attacks, or major disruptions. It’s weirdly analog for a country that’s been through so much tech-wise, but if you’re going, stay connected and don’t assume your phone will tell you everything.
- You’ll need more than your basic childhood shots. Add hepatitis A, typhoid, and maybe rabies, depending on your plans. There are outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases, plus sandflies carry leishmaniasis in some parts. Syria’s not the place to skip your travel clinic appointment.
- You can legally drive with your home country’s license as long as you’ve got an International Driving Permit to go with it. That said, traffic laws aren’t always followed, road conditions can be unpredictable, and GPS isn’t always accurate. Driving in Syria is doable, but not for the faint of heart.
- Depending on where you are, the air might be dusty, smoky, or just flat-out polluted. Sites like IQAir can give you real-time data, but honestly, if it looks hazy, mask up or stay indoors. This isn’t vanity pollution—it can genuinely mess with your lungs.
- You’ll probably want a local SIM card, but service can be unreliable depending on the region. Wi-Fi exists but isn’t great. If you care about privacy, use a VPN—yes, even for simple stuff like checking your email. Data monitoring is a thing here.
- Syria bars entry to anyone with Israeli visas or stamps in their passport, and you can’t cross into Syria directly from Israel. Even if there’s no physical stamp, U.S. travelers suspected of visiting Israel have been detained for questioning. If you’ve been to Israel, expect complications.
- There’s no functioning tourism infrastructure in Syria, and travelers are entirely on their own. If something goes wrong, don’t count on emergency services or proper medical care. U.S. visitors are strongly urged to carry medical evacuation insurance—it’s not just smart, it’s necessary.
- Foreign nationals face real risks of abduction or wrongful detention in Syria—not just from armed groups, but also from the Assad regime. Torture and forced disappearances are documented. Conditions in detention—whether official or not—are harsh, unsanitary, and can lead to serious illness quickly. This isn’t a risk to take lightly.
- Land border crossings are hazardous for foreign travelers, particularly non-Arabs and visible Westerners. Armed groups often operate near border zones, and travelers can be mistaken for aid workers, spies, or political pawns. These areas are chaotic, loosely controlled, and prime spots for abduction or detention.
So... How Safe Is Syria Really?
The message is the same across the board from most major governments outside of Syria; it’s far too dangerous to travel here.
The United States, Canada, and Australia list Syria at the highest risk status, which is Level 4.
That means Do Not Travel.
The dangers in Syria go well beyond street crime and burglaries.
Warnings list things like terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, missile strikes, and armed conflict as real possibilities at any time.
Even if you decide to risk it, should you run into trouble, you won’t have any government protection from your homeland to help.
Syria used to have tourist numbers that topped 10 million.
By 2023, that number was down to 750,000.
Even in 2025, the majority of Syrians are Arabs or refugees coming to visit.
In the middle of the doom and gloom, there’s a perceived light at the end of the tunnel.
Many think that now the Assad regime has fallen, tourism numbers will rebound.
“The fact is that tourists who come to Syria can talk and walk freely now.
Syrians are trying to collect themselves, shops and businesses are reopening.
I’m very optimistic the future will be much brighter than the last 53 years of darkness under the Assads,” Adnan Habbab, director of Nawafir Travel and Tours, told CNN in a February 2025 interview.
Before you start planning that trip, it makes most sense to watch the government advisory and wait until better infrastructure and leadership are in place.
How Does Syria Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Syria | 10 |
| Djibouti | 38 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Mexico | 65 |
| France | 64 |
| Puerto Rico | 34 |
| Somalia | 16 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
There’s no straight answer about Syria’s visa rules because the country’s a patchwork of different authorities and shifting policies. Even if there’s an e-visa system, it’s not consistently enforced. Not all countries even have an embassy to help you navigate this. Another reason why it's best not to travel to Syria.
Currency
Syria uses the Syrian Pound (SYP), but don’t expect to use your credit card or find reliable ATMs. Plus, counterfeit currency rings plague the nation.
Weather
Expect extremes. Summers are hot and dry, especially inland, while winters can be surprisingly cold with snow at higher elevations. Coastal areas stay milder year-round. There’s not much middle ground, so pack based on the season and region—layers are your friend.
Airports
Damascus International Airport is technically the main hub, but commercial traffic is minimal and subject to sudden changes. Flights are limited and often rerouted through nearby countries. Don’t assume your flight will run as planned—check with airlines constantly and have a backup plan.
Travel Insurance
Buy it. Seriously. Between potential cancellations, health risks, and regional instability, travel insurance isn’t optional—it’s a survival strategy. Make sure it covers medical evacuation and travel to Syria specifically; many policies exclude it by default. Since most governments advise against traveling here, you'll probably have a hard time finding a company that will issue insurance.
Syria Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
11 | 13 | 17 | 23 | 28 | 33 | 36 | 36 | 33 | 27 | 18 | 13 |
| Low °C |
1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 6 | 2 |
| High °F |
52 | 55 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 91 | 97 | 97 | 91 | 81 | 64 | 55 |
| Low °F |
34 | 36 | 41 | 48 | 55 | 63 | 68 | 68 | 63 | 54 | 43 | 36 |
Syria - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Aleppo | 28 |
| Damascus | 39 |
Not as bad as media suggests
It’s not so dangerous that I wouldn’t consider suggesting a visit. In the past things were worse, but the violence has mostly stopped. Lots of history here make it a great place to check out.
Are you mad ?
Really ?
fdfdfdsf
I wouldn’t say its bad for muslim people, they hate americans so i wouldnt recomend us going
No, we don’t hate Americans, but it’s out of control and extremely dangerous for anybody even us Syrian people.
Yikes
Coming from a person that can’t keep up with the news bc it’s too dependent on drama>facts. But, Knowing my nephew, basically my son and best friend, is currently there… I had zero idea how dangerous it actually is. My heart breaks for the country in general.
No
Muslims do not hate the Americans, but if you want to abuse or for their religion, they will hate you, the Muslims have a bias for their religion ,
Forget the slander!
Agree. Western governments are spouting so much crap about Syria its unreal. Literally ‘unreal’! Visiting Syria is a magnificient experience. Stay away from the border with Iraq, be prepared for a few harmless scams in the popular Palmyra, and you will be fine. Aleppo is hardly unsafe – the trouble is well over for god’s sakes! Damascus and environs are a pleasure to explore and generally the people are fun and friendly. Drinking isnt ilegal, but only establishments in the Christian quarters usually sell it. Ice cream parlours are busier.
Wonderful place to see
I am an American woman and I travel to Damascus Syria every year. I walk the streets to shop at the souk “Shopping malls” Dine in nice restaurants. If people mind their business and respect their culture then they will have no problem.
well you are probably muslim then
Racist reply
That is racist. And the fact you would say that is very offensive
😭😭😭😭😭😭
Get a grip.
There is literally nothing racist about that. It may be off color and presumptuous but it’s not racist. In fact, it was comment about religion….not race. This is the problem in America now. EVERYTHING is racist. People are professional victims who just can’t wait to be offended. They go around looking for it. Moreover, it waters down ACTUAL racism. It’s like the boy who cried wolf. Get a grip.
Syrians are diverse
“You are probably Muslim then” Syria has plenty of non-muslims, and Muslims who aren’t particularly conservative (No Hijab, Bikini at the beaches in Latakia, bars and nightlife in a Damascus, etc).
Humble question
I’d you don’t mind me asking… as a blonde hair, blue eyed, very Caucasian woman… would I be safe to go visit?
(Only asking bc I visited Mexico on a solo trip and evidently where I went is a very high risk area for sex trafficking in my specific genre of Human Being… so I was preached to a lot in my “lack of care for my own safety”. I had no clue – even with research).
No
If you go you are literally begging to get killed.
But what if I want to die
I travel there twice a year to finish getting my degree and here I am typing this comment 💀 I can’t say it’s completely safe you still find people stealing just like other countries, but no, you wont die.
I Just did
Don’t listen to the people telling you it is not dangerous! They are ISIS trying to bring more people to their deaths! DON’T IGNORE THE DANGERS OF THIS COUNTRY. THESE PEOPLE ARE VICIOUS AND KILL ANYONE IN THEIR WAY
It’s not dangerous though all isis women are detained and isis men are in prisoned they are very low on numbers, plus the war ended years ago whats left is just rubbish and broken houses but it’s safe only thing dangerous is Americans, pickpockets and terrorism ACTS ,
Why do you not like us Americans? Not everyone is bad people. I don’t hate anyone and i am American.
I doubt you have even Visited Iraq, Syria, Lybia or even Iran, I’m British but people there were still nice to me and my friend who came with me (my friend was American) they offered us way too much free stuff and I enjoyed it.
Americans have ruined many countries such as Libya and Iraq. And Americans think that the Muslims are the terrorists but Americans are. Plus, why in the Vietnam war did you support the occupying power if you guys want “Freedom for All”
Agree
Yes, thank you! Folks need to take your governments travel warnings and advice very seriously! Don’t put your safety in the hands of strangers who probably have no clue what they’re talking about and most likely don’t give a crap about your safety. You have no idea who these “people” are behind these types of comments. Take them with a grain of salt. Please!
Very good
Its the best place to go they only shot my leg!
Muslims have suffered in this war like everyone else
What on earth is with several of the reviews on here saying along the line of “it’s only safe if you’re Muslim”? You do understand that it’s mainly Muslim people that have been killed in this war?!
Collateral Damage
Isn’t that kind of the point and particularly revealing? Many Syrians themselves can’t survive in their own country with all the threats to their safety. It doesn’t matter whether the threats to their safety are directly from the Assad Regime, or Rebels, or Muslim extremists, or interfering foreign powers; or if the threats to safety are Indirect from the fighting between these forces. It’s not safe for the majority Muslim population that lives there but surely a traveler is more safe as a Muslim than not.
Even Syrian Muslims are killed and tortured every day it’s not safe even for its own people.
Only for Muslim and Mexicans
I’m white blue eyes dirty blonde hair and a god fearing Christian who happens to be gay I was shot in 2 mins exiting the plane in Syria looking for a Starbucks I was mugged 4 times in the hospital 3 times I was wide awake my luggage was gone so I only had my make America great again shirt on literally a block away from the embassy and was shot again by a 6 year old who looked Mexican don’t ever go there
it should be fine if your brown
Syrians are White. As are Lebanese. You’re confusing them with those from the Arabian peninsula.
1945
DO NOT GO IT IS FILLED WITN TANKS AND CONSTANT ARTILLERY BARAGES!!!! LISTEN TO THE GUIDE THEY HUNT AMERICANS AND WILL KIDNAPP YOU!!! SOMEONE STEPPED ON A LANDMINE!!!! go if you want to experince ww2 again *minecraft Hardcore*
Assumptions...
You have no idea what you’re talking about lmao, all these westerners that make assumptions based on dramatical media. I’ve been living here since I was born, never got mugged, threatened, injured by any sort of artillery, or anything you all claim. It’s super peaceful in most of the country, only the electricity is bad, really. Don’t walk around at night, and if you have to, have some people with you, usual advice for literally any other country’s dimly lit streets.
No
You are straight up lying about everything you just said! Except electricity. I honestly don’t believe you’re Syrian. If you are and you haven’t experienced any of the war there then you’re extremely lucky. If you haven’t even heard of any of it, you’re a straight up liar!!!! To try to put others in danger by lying about something this serious is disgusting!
nice
someone held me hostage, free babysitting
4D Game
It’s basically Doom Eternal on Ultra-Nightmare difficulty but instead of being reset when you die, you actually die.
honestly, pretty good! WW2 flashbacks of bombing! tons of napalm and street fighting! they held me hostage, but they fed me good food! 10/10 if you want to make some permanent buddies!
A modern day dystopia
I watched the show ‘’30 Coins”. When Father Vergara travels to Syria he spent just a little bit there and he is captured by terrorists and almost killed. After watching what it was like in Syria I think it’s best to avoid traveling to the country. Truly a modern day dystopia
Damascus is completely safe
Damascus is completely safe, maybe not so much around the Turkish borders.
I think Syria is pretty good, it’s just dangerous
Do not try to come to Syria, please. I am from Syria and I live in it. I tell you that Syria is not a safe country. Crime, drugs, murder, organ trafficking and sex are widespread in the city. If they see any foreigner, they will try to kidnap him.
pretty safe, not too bad
I am a syrian man visiting my home country to see my family, upon landing i was being sniped through the windows, the ISIS then flew up with jetpacks, landed on the plane and stole all of the snacks. We landed with only 24 casualties and I thought it would all be good from there but I was wrong, while travelling to my childhood home I was shot 3 times in the leg, arm and rib cage, I was also attacked by a man wielding a machete and lost my left arm. I left a week later in pieces where I had to be attached back together in America, in total I was mugged 18 times, shot 22 times and got struck by 3 bombs. The people aren’t bad though and the government is the world biggest drug dealer, great experience though overall would go again.
STAY AWAY
Please do not come it is world war III every day, tanks in the street and gunshots everyday outside your door, I tried stepping outside yesterday and stood on a land mine blowing up both my legs and then my arms were shot off by Syrians while I was down just for the fun of it.