Syria Travel Risk

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

Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.

Unrest

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 hostage taking by armed groups, injury, or death.

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

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 context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.

British nationals in, or planning to travel through, the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. You 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

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Syria

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Syria.

There are multiple terrorist groups operating in Syria. There have been several terrorist attacks across Syria, including in major cities, resulting in large numbers of casualties. Daesh, also known as ISIL/ISIS, continues to carry out regular attacks all across Syria, including in Damascus. Terrorist groups continue to post a significant threat to civilians in Syria and have shown they can carry out coordinated attacks against civilian targets.

Examples of previous significant attacks include:

• on 7 July 2026, two improvised explosive devices detonated outside the Four Seasons hotel and Ministry for Tourism in Damascus, killing at least one person and injuring 36 others
• on 2 July 2026, an improvised explosive device detonated inside a crowded café in central Damascus, killing at least nine people and injuring 22 others
• on 2 June 2025, an attack in the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias, Damascus, killed at least 30 people

Foreign nationals, including British nationals, and the places they frequently visit could be considered legitimate targets. This includes:

• military sites, security forces and institutions
• government buildings and embassies
• public transport and transport hubs, such as airports
• border crossings
• public squares and other crowded places
• religious sites and ceremonies, and places of worship
• hotels, cafes and restaurants
• commercial venues, including markets and stores
• residential buildings and compounds
• sports venues and stadiums

Attacks could also target:

• oil facilities
• political offices and events
• police stations
• maritime facilities
• hospitals, schools and universities

Types of attacks include shootings, large-scale co-ordinated bombings designed to cause mass casualties, suicide bombs, vehicle bombs, rockets and mortars.

Take particular care during periods of national or religious significance and on public holidays.

Terrorist kidnap

There is a very high threat of kidnapping from terrorists throughout Syria including from Al-Qaeda (AQ) affiliated groups and Daesh, formerly known as ISIL/ISIS. Terrorist groups operating in Syria routinely use kidnapping as a tactic for financial or political gain. There have been a number of kidnappings, including of British nationals and other westerners. Some hostages have been killed.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including British officials, tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists, students and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Risk level

SYRIA - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to Syria due to the volatile security situation in the region, armed clashes and airstrikes, criminality, kidnappings and the threat of terrorism.

If you’re in Syria, you should leave.

Tensions in the Middle East

The security situation remains volatile due to ongoing military activity in the region.

Missile and drone attacks have resumed and struck targets in Syria. Military activity in the region could resume on short notice and cause travel disruptions including flight cancellations.

Filming, taking photos and online sharing of images of military installations, activity or damage could lead to severe penalties pursuant to the enforcement of local laws and regulations across the region.

You should:

• be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times
• be prepared to shelter in place if instructed to do so
• ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up to date
• monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
• sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important additional information, specific to your location

Situation in the Middle East: Information for Canadians in the region

叙利亚风险等级为红色（极高风险）。

外交部提醒中国公民近期暂勿前往叙利亚，已在当地的人员和机构尽快撤离或转移至安全地区。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全风险形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。