Syria

The Al-Hamidiyah Souq, Syria’s largest

The Al-Hamidiyah Souq, Syria’s largest.

Following World War I, France took command of the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French administered the area as Syria, until granting it independence in 1946. In February 1958, Syria united with Egypt to form the United Arab Republic. The two entities separated in September 1961, and the Syrian Arab Republic was re-established.

In November 1970, Hafiz al-Assad, a member of both the Socialist Ba’ath Party and the minority Alawite sect, seized power in a bloodless coup, bringing political stability to the country. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel. Throughout the 1990s, Syria and Israel took part in occasional peace talks over its return. Following the death of President Assad, his son Bashar al-Assad was approved as president by popular referendum in July 2000. In May 2007, Bashar al-Assad was elected to his second term as president.

In March 2011, the anti-government protests that began elsewhere in the region reached Syria. Since then, demonstrations and unrest have spread to nearly every city in the country. The government has responded to unrest with a mix of concessions and force, the latter leading to violent clashes. Amid increasing international pressure on the Assad regime, Assad agreed on April 2, 2012 to start implementing a UN-sponsored peace plan. The UN estimates that more than 9,000 people have been killed in Syria since the security crackdown began.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Vaccinations: Yellow fever certificates are required for travelers coming from infected areas.
Foreigners wishing to obtain a residence permit in Syria and/or foreigners wishing to marry Syrian nationals must first be tested for HIV/AIDS. No residence permit is issued until the person has tested HIV negative.

Adequate medical care is available in major cities but not necessarily in remote areas.

Avoid All Travel

Civil unrest and violent demonstrations have been occurring in many Syrian cities since March 2011. Some protests have been repressed by security forces and have led to casualties and fatalities. Police and security forces activity has increased. Further protests are likely to take place.

Local media information on protests is limited. Although the situation has varied from day to day, it has followed an escalatory trend, and this may continue for some time. Travelers may have little notice of violent outbreaks, and risk being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Roadblocks and checkpoints have been set up on major roads and highways in and around Damascus, making travel through the area slow and dangerous.

Travelers should be extremely vigilant, avoid political gatherings, crowds, and demonstrations and stay away from areas where they can occur, as they might turn violent without warning.

Crime

The crime rate is low. Exercise normal precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure.

Demonstrations

The political situation in Lebanon, Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, the instability in Iraq, and recent political developments in Tunisia and Egypt continue to have an impact on public opinion in Syria and may prompt demonstrations. Travelers are advised to avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they might occur. Demonstrations may turn violent without warning. They should also monitor news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

General Safety Information

Visitors must carry identification documents at all times. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport and leave another one with a relative or a friend at home.


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