What To Do In Syria

Syria is one of the larger states of the Middle East and has its capital in Damascus. Syria is bordered to the north by Turkey, to the east by Iraq, by Jordan and Israel to the south, and by Lebanon to the south-west. In addition, the country has a short coastline on the east Mediterranean Sea.

Entry will be refused to citizens of Israel and travelers with any evidence of having visited Israel (which includes stamps of Egyptian/Jordanian neighboring land borders with Israel in addition to Israeli visas and entry stamps), any products with Hebrew labeling, etc. Passports are slavishly checked for Israeli stamps page-by-page at the border, so you if you have an Israeli stamp, then you will need to get a new passport.

Syria is generally safe for travelers, partly because crime is considered shameful and is heavily punished. However, the renewed conflict between Israel and Lebanon in 2006 prompted large demonstrations throughout the Middle East. Travelers are advised to avoid all large gatherings as they may turn violent. Late in 2006 gunmen attacked the US Embassy in Damascus. Occasionally foreign travelers have been targeted by political groups, especially in the south of the country.