+1 h (during Swiss summer time), +2 h (during Swiss winter time)

Damascus (Dimashq)

Official language

Arabic

Language capabilities

English and French

220 volt / adapter recommended

Banks

8.00 am–2.00 pm (Sun–Thu)

Shops

9.00 am–1.00 pm and 4.00 pm–9.00 pm (Sat–Thu)
Opening hours may vary. On Fridays, the religious day of rest, many shops do not open until the afternoon or remain closed.

• 1 January: New Year's Day
• 18 March: Syrian Revolution Day
• 21 March: Mother's Day and Nowruz (spring and New Year festival)
• Variable date in March or April: Easter for Western Christian denominations
• Variable date*: Eid al-Fitr
• 17 April: Independence Day
• 1 May: Labour Day
• Variable date in April or May: Orthodox Easter Sunday
• Variable date*: Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
• Variable date*: Islamic New Year (1 Muharram)
• Variable date*: Mawlid an-Nabi
• 8 December: Liberation Day
• 25 December: Christmas

* Islamic holiday dates change each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) advises against all travel to and stays of any kind in this country.

The following information is intended for Swiss citizens resident in Switzerland. The following documents are required for entry into Syria:

• Swiss passport: A Swiss passport valid for at least another 6 months on arrival.
• Visa: Swiss citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days.
• Return or onward ticket: Entry may be refused without a return or onward ticket.
• Journalistic activities: Journalists require prior authorisation from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate: Required if you have stayed in one of the countries listed by the TCS during the 6 days preceding entry.

Competent authorities providing information on entry requirements for Syria:
Consulate General of the Syrian Arab Republic
Route de Pré-Bois 20, Bloc C
1215 Geneva 15 Airport
Tel.: +41 22 732 56 58
Email: consulatsyriegeneve@gmail.com

– Information last updated in October 2026 –

Coastal region

• Summer (June to August): Temperatures range from 25 to 35 °C, with high humidity due to the proximity of the Mediterranean. The summer months are sunny and dry.
• Winter (December to February): Average temperatures range from 10 to 15 °C, with occasional rainfall. Winters are mild but wet.
• Spring/autumn (March to May and September to November): Temperatures range from 15 to 25 °C, with pleasant weather and little rainfall. Spring in particular is characterised by landscapes in bloom.

Inland areas and Damascus

• Summer (June to August): Temperatures reach 30 to 40 °C, sometimes even higher. The air is dry and there is hardly any rain. Summers are particularly hot in the capital, Damascus.
• Winter (December to February): Temperatures range from 0 to 10 °C. Snow may fall at higher elevations, and nights are often frosty.
• Spring/autumn (March to May and September to November): Pleasant temperatures range from 15 to 25 °C. These are the best seasons for travelling in the region, as it is neither too hot nor too cold.

Desert region (e.g. Palmyra)

• Summer (June to August): Extremely hot temperatures range from 35 to 45 °C. The dry conditions make the climate particularly demanding.
• Winter (December to February): Average temperatures range from 5 to 15 °C. Nights are very cold, with temperatures close to 0 °C or below.
• Spring/autumn (March to May and September to November): Daytime temperatures range from 20 to 30 °C, with cool nights. These seasons offer more comfortable conditions for travelling in the desert region.

Mountain region (e.g. the Anti-Lebanon Mountains)

• Summer (June to August): Temperatures range from 20 to 30 °C, with cooler nights. The climate is less hot than in lower-lying regions.
• Winter (December to February): Average temperatures range from -5 to 10 °C. Snow falls at higher elevations, and skiing is possible in some areas.
• Spring/autumn (March to May and September to November): Temperatures range from 10 to 20 °C, with fresh mountain air. In spring in particular, the mountains are green and attractive for hiking.

The ideal time to visit Syria:

• Beach holidays: June to September. During these months, the coastal region offers warm temperatures and pleasant water temperatures, ideal for beach holidays.
• City breaks: March to May and September to November. These months offer mild, pleasant weather that is particularly suitable for sightseeing in cities such as Damascus or Aleppo.

• Mobile phone use: Using your mobile phone in Syria incurs roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming charges before travelling and, if appropriate, purchase special roaming packages to reduce costs. Mobile networks and internet access may be restricted in some regions or temporarily unavailable.
• Wi-Fi: In large cities such as Damascus, Aleppo or Latakia, Wi-Fi is often available in hotels and cafés, although it is frequently slow and unreliable. Wi-Fi is less widespread in rural areas.
• Prepaid SIM cards: You can buy a prepaid SIM card locally to make local calls and use mobile data.

• Old City of Damascus, Damascus: One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with narrow alleyways, historic buildings and the famous Umayyad Mosque.
• Umayyad Mosque, Damascus: One of the most impressive Islamic buildings, known for its magnificent mosaics and historical significance.
• Krak des Chevaliers, near Homs: One of the world's best-preserved Crusader castles, standing majestically on a hill.
• Old City of Aleppo, Aleppo: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history, including the historic souk and citadel.
• Citadel of Aleppo, Aleppo: An imposing fortress on a hill in the heart of the city, offering impressive views.
• Ruins of Palmyra, Tadmur: A UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising an ancient caravan city with remains of colonnaded streets, temples and a theatre. Important structures were severely damaged or destroyed during the war.
• Bosra, south of Damascus: Famous for its well-preserved Roman theatre and ancient ruins built from black basalt.
• Maaloula, near Damascus: A picturesque Christian village where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken.
• Apamea, Hama Governorate: An ancient Roman city with an impressive colonnaded street and remains of temples and theatres.
• Euphrates Valley, Deir ez-Zor: A region of striking scenery with archaeological sites and historic ruins along the river.
• Saladin's Castle, Latakia: An imposing castle from the Crusader era, surrounded by lush forests.
• Mar Musa Monastery, near Nabek: A secluded monastery in the mountains, known for its spiritual atmosphere and ancient frescoes.
• Old Town of Tartus, Tartus: A charming old town with narrow streets and historic buildings from the Crusader period.
• Qalat Jabar, near Raqqa: A historic fortress on a hill overlooking Lake Assad, offering breathtaking views.

• Mezze: A variety of small dishes often served as starters, including hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh.
• Kibbeh: A traditional dish made from bulgur, minced meat and spices, served in various forms, including baked, fried or raw.
• Fattoush: A refreshing salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs and fried flatbread, seasoned with sumac.
• Shawarma: Spiced, thinly sliced meat from a rotating spit, usually served in flatbread with vegetables and sauces.
• Baklava: A popular sweet pastry made from wafer-thin layers of filo pastry, filled with nuts and soaked in syrup or honey.
• Maqluba: A hearty dish of rice, meat and vegetables, served upside down to create an impressive presentation.
• Manakish: A Syrian flatbread often topped with zaatar, cheese or minced meat, ideal as a snack or for breakfast.
• Arabic coffee: Strongly spiced coffee, often flavoured with cardamom and served in small cups, an important part of local hospitality.
• Aleppine cuisine: Known for its sophisticated spice blends and dishes such as Aleppo kebab or muhammara, a spicy pepper paste.
• Fresh fruit and juices: Syria offers an abundance of fresh fruit, such as pomegranates, figs and citrus fruit, often made into refreshing juices.

• Greetings: A handshake or a slight bow of the head is customary when greeting someone. Suitable expressions include “Marhaba” (hello) or “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you).
• Saying please and thank you: “Please” is “Min fadlak” when addressing a man, or “Min fadlik” when addressing a woman. “Thank you” is “Shukran”, or the more polite “Shukran jazeelan” (thank you very much).
• Clothing: Clothing should be conservative and respectful. Men are best advised to wear long trousers, and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Particular attention should be paid to appropriate clothing in mosques, where women should also wear a headscarf.
• Dining customs: Meals are often served communally. It is polite to accept food offered to you. Eating with the right hand is preferred, as the left hand is considered unclean.
• Smoking: Since 2010, smoking in public places such as restaurants, cafés and public buildings has officially been prohibited. However, the law is not strictly enforced everywhere, and smoking water pipes (shisha) remains common in many establishments. It is advisable to respect local rules and be considerate of your surroundings.
• Tipping: Tips are expected, especially in restaurants, for taxi journeys and by hotel staff. Around 10% of the bill or a small amount depending on the service is customary.
• Other advice: Photographing people, especially women, is only permitted with their express consent. Political discussions or criticism of the state should be avoided. Hospitality is highly valued in Syria, and it is polite to accept invitations.

• Drinking water quality: Do not drink tap water. For drinking and brushing your teeth, use commercially bottled water from factory-sealed bottles wherever possible. Avoid ice cubes of unknown origin.

• Vaccinations: As a rule, no specific vaccinations are required for travellers entering Syria. However, travellers are advised to keep their routine vaccinations up to date, particularly against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles. Hepatitis A vaccination is also recommended. Other vaccinations, such as those against hepatitis B, typhoid or rabies, should be discussed with a travel medicine professional depending on the length of stay, activities and exposure risk. Yellow fever vaccination is required when arriving from affected areas visited within the preceding 6 days.
• Malaria risk: A low to very low risk is reported, particularly in remote areas of Al-Hasakah Governorate in the north-east. Up-to-date data are only available to a limited extent. Seek travel medicine advice before a stay.
• Schistosomiasis: Avoid swimming or wading in inland waters, as there may be a risk of infection.
• Mosquito protection: To prevent mosquito-borne diseases, travellers should always take protective measures, such as wearing long clothing, using insect repellent (e.g. DEET) and sleeping under mosquito nets, particularly in rural areas or areas with abundant water.

• Medical care in Syria is severely limited in many regions due to the ongoing conflict. Some hospitals and medical facilities are damaged or poorly equipped, and there are shortages of medicines and qualified staff. Emergency services are also severely limited and may be unreachable. Explicitly check in advance whether your insurance covers treatment in Syria and medically necessary repatriation.

– Information last updated in October 2026 –

• All travel to Syria and stays of any kind are discouraged.

• Keep informed about the current situation through the media before and during your trip, and stay in contact with your tour operator.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• Swiss citizens who stay in or travel to Syria against the FDFA's advice must be aware that Switzerland has only very limited means of providing help in emergencies, or, depending on the situation, may be unable to provide any assistance at all.
• The situation remains unstable and dangerous. Tensions in the region remain high.
• Following the fall of long-standing ruler Bashar al-Assad, a transitional government has been in place since 10 December 2024.
• The risk of terrorist attacks is high. Several terrorist groups are active. They carry out attacks throughout Syria, including in the capital, Damascus, causing civilian and military casualties.
• Shootings, roadblocks and looting may occur. Border crossings may be temporarily closed and curfews imposed.
• Fighting continues between the different parties to the conflict, particularly in the north and south of the country.
• Air strikes against targets in various parts of the country continue, including in and around Damascus and near the Lebanese border. These attacks mainly target certain armed groups and military installations, but also cause civilian casualties.
• The risk of kidnapping by criminal and terrorist groups is very high for both local residents and foreign nationals. In the past, abducted persons have repeatedly been killed.
• The crime rate is high.

– Information last updated in October 2026 –

Road traffic in Syria is affected by the aftermath of the conflict. Many roads are damaged and traffic rules are not always consistently observed. Careful planning and extra caution are therefore essential.

• Driving licence: Check the required driving licence documents in advance with the Syrian consulate and, if applicable, the car hire company. An international driving permit is only valid together with the national driving licence.
• Car hire: Hire cars are available, but are often in poor condition. The minimum age for hiring a vehicle is generally between 21 and 25, depending on the company. Many travellers prefer hiring a car with a driver, as road conditions can be challenging and local drivers are more familiar with local traffic.
• Traffic rules: Traffic drives on the right in Syria. Road signs are often in Arabic and less frequently in English, and compliance with the rules varies.

Public transport in Syria is affected by war damage and the continuing instability. Roadblocks, checkpoints and short-notice route disruptions can make journeys difficult or prevent them altogether. Information about connections, departure points and journey times must be checked locally immediately before travelling.

• Rail transport: The rail network was severely damaged during the war. Whether passenger services are available must be checked locally immediately before travelling.
• Buses and minibuses: Buses and shared taxis account for a large proportion of public passenger transport. Availability, vehicle condition and reliability vary considerably by region and route. A consistently functioning transport network cannot be assumed.
• Taxis: Taxis are available in cities. Agree on the fare and destination before the journey begins. Availability may be limited depending on the region and current situation.

Damascus and Aleppo airports are served by international airlines, for example with connections via Istanbul. Flight availability and airport operations may change at short notice. Check the current status of your flight directly with the airline.

– Information last updated in October 2026 –

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

• Police: 112
• Ambulance: 110
• Fire service: 113

There is no Swiss representation in Syria. The Swiss Embassy in Beirut (Lebanon) is responsible for consular services.

Embassy of Switzerland
Imm. Bourj Al-Ghazal
Avenue Fouad Chéhab
Achrafié / Beirut
Lebanon

Tel.: +961 1 324 129
Email: beirut@eda.admin.ch

• Travel to this country is discouraged due to internal conflicts.

– Information last updated in October 2026 –