| Syria overall | This Advice is current for Saturday, 20 December 2008. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Summary and Safety and Security: Terrorism (car bomb). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Syria because of the high threat of terrorism and unpredictable security environment in the region. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media and other local information sources for possible new safety and security risks.
Media reports indicate that at least 17 people were killed and 14 injured by a car bomb in Damascus on 27 September. The number of casualties is expected to rise. Australians in Damascus should monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local authorities.
In September 2006, gunmen launched an attack on the US Embassy in Damascus. At least four people, including three of the attackers, were reportedly killed.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as key transport installations including airports and public transport, premises and buildings associated with foreign governments and companies, hotels, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events, markets and shopping areas, promenades and tourist areas.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Syria because of the unpredictable security environment in the region.
You should also closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Political developments in the region and international events may prompt large demonstrations. You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations as they may turn violent. You should also read our travel bulletin entitled Re-publication of cartoons.
Syria has a relatively low incidence of crime.
Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching, is rare but does occur. There are also incidents of credit card and ATM fraud.
Unaccompanied women can be vulnerable to harassment.
Border crossings between Lebanon and Syria may close temporarily at short notice. Entry visas for Syria may be granted to Australians leaving Lebanon due to the security environment. You should also read our travel advice for Lebanon.
Road travel can be dangerous because of local driving practices and excessive speed. Outside major cities, some motorists drive without headlights illuminated at night.
We strongly recommend Australians do not travel to Iraq due to the extremely dangerous security situation and very high threat of terrorist attack. If you plan to go to Iraq, you should first read our travel advisory for Iraq.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Syria is located in an active seismic zone.
Dust and sand storms also occur.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
It is illegal to change money on the streets. Money can be changed in government banks or recognised exchange shops. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are not widely accepted, but can be used at international hotels and local banks. Syrian pounds cannot be converted into US dollars on departure.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Syria, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. See also Information for Dual Nationals below.
Serious crimes, such as murder, may attract the death penalty.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.
Homosexuality is illegal and laws are strictly enforced.
Photography of military or government installations and other sensitive infrastructure is strictly prohibited.
Under Syrian law, travellers are required to carry identification documents at all times.
Anyone considering preaching a religion other than Islam should seek local advice.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Syria, particularly around religious sites. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.
Unmarried couples of Syrian or Arab decent may face difficulties securing shared accommodation.
Syria recognises dual nationality, but Syrian citizenship takes primacy over the second nationality. If you are an Australian/Syrian dual national and you travel to Syria on your Syrian passport, you will be treated as a Syrian national by government authorities. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Syrian dual nationals who are arrested or detained.
Children of Syrian men acquire Syrian citizenship at birth.
Australian citizens who also hold Syrian citizenship will be regarded by Syrian authorities as Syrian citizens while in Syria. Syria may allow dual nationals who have been resident in Australia to enter and stay for up to 3 months before becoming liable for military service, but dual nationals should seek this advice in writing from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Syria before departing Australia. Payment of fines in lieu of military service is possible in certain circumstances.
Children under 18 must have their father's permission to leave Syria, irrespective of the status of their parents' marriage or if the mother has been granted full custody by a Syrian court.
Women in Syria can be subject to strict family controls and may be prevented from leaving the country. A Syrian husband may legally prevent his wife from leaving the country, regardless of her nationality.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Syria for the most up-to-date information.
Australians require visas to enter Syria and you must also have a passport which is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their expected departure from Syria. Long delays can be experienced, particularly if crossing at a land border, if visas are not in order. Syrian authorities advise it can take up to 30 days to resolve visa irregularities.
If a traveller's passport contains evidence of entry to Israel, or another country's border crossing points with Israel, entry to Syria will be denied.
Travellers visiting for more than 14 days must register with Syrian immigration authorities before their 15th day in Syria.
Australians of Arab origin have been detained by Syrian authorities for long periods without charge on arrival.
Failure to declare all foreign currency and electronic equipment on arrival in Syria may result in delays on departure.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The standard of medical facilities in Syria's major cities is adequate for routine procedures. Most hospitals are well equipped and medicines are available. However, facilities and medicines may not be readily available in smaller towns or in outlying areas of the country. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation out of Syria to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Costs for a medical evacuation could be considerable.
Insect-borne diseases (such as leishmaniasis) are prevalent in Syria. Malaria occurs in the northern border region, particularly Al Hasakah Province. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling, taking prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and using an insect repellent.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including brucellosis, typhoid, hepatitis and tuberculosis) are prevalent, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes, unpasteurised dairy foods and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Avian Influenza: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including several in the Middle East. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Syria. By agreement between the Canadian and Australian governments, the local Canadian Embassy provides consular assistance to Australians in Syria. This service does not include the issue of Australian passports. The address is:
Canadian Embassy
Autostrade Mezze
Damascus, SYRIA
Telephone: (963 11) 611 6692
Facsimile: (963 11) 611 4000
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/syria/
You can also obtain consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Egypt:
Australian Embassy
11th floor, World Trade Centre
1191 Corniche el Nil
Boulac
Cairo, EGYPT
Telephone: (20 2) 2575 0444
Facsimile: (20 2) 2578 1638
Website: www.egypt.embassy.gov.au
If you are travelling to Syria, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the missions, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.