Damascus, Syria's ancient capital, offers a rich history and cultural experiences in its UNESCO-listed Old City.
Set your origin to compare Damascus with where you live.
As one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Damascus features historic mosques like the Umayyad Mosque and significant religious sites. Travelers can explore bustling souqs and traditional hammams, but should be aware of checkpoints and currency considerations.
Recent conditions and near-term forecast near Damascus.
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Syria.
Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to Syria due to ongoing tensions in the region, the continued volatile security situation, armed clashes and airstrikes, criminality, kidnappings and the threat of terrorism. If you’re in Syria, you should consider leaving if it’s safe to do so.
FCDO advises against all travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to Syria
Do not travel
Do not travel to Syria for any reason due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict. Do not travel to Syria for any reason. The U.S. government suspended U.S. Embassy operations in 2012. The Czech Republic is the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria due to the safety risks. Armed conflict Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011. No part of Syria is safe from violence. Hostage taking, terrorism, unexploded ordnance, and aerial bombardment pose significant risk of death or serious injury. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has also increased hardships in Syria. The U.S. government strongly warns private U.S. citizens against traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict. The U.S. government does not support this activity. U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including being taken hostage, injury, or death. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence in Syria. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Hostage taking Hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals continues to be a risk throughout the country. Air travel The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Syria. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Choose a scenario to get started: