Syria Travel Health Guide for US Travelers
A physician-reviewed health and safety guide for Americans traveling to the Syrian Arab Republic
As of March 2026, the U.S. Department of State advises Americans to Do Not Travel to Syria due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and risk of unjust detention. No part of Syria is safe from violence. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria as the U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in 2012. Always check the latest advisory at travel.state.gov before departing.
Before You Travel to Syria
Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, resulting in massive destruction of infrastructure including healthcare facilities. Travel to Syria is strongly discouraged. If travel is absolutely unavoidable, extensive preparation is essential. See a travel medicine physician at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
Visit a Travel Clinic
See a travel medicine physician 6-8 weeks before travel. Bring immunization records. Multiple vaccinations are strongly recommended due to compromised healthcare and sanitation infrastructure.
Critical Insurance
Most insurers exclude war zones from coverage. You must obtain specialized war zone/hostile environment insurance that includes security evacuation, medical evacuation, and kidnap & ransom coverage.
No US Consular Services
The US Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in 2012. The US government cannot provide consular assistance in Syria. The Czech Embassy may provide limited emergency services for US citizens.
Extensive Medical Kit
Bring comprehensive medical supplies including all prescription medications, antibiotics, first aid supplies, water purification, and trauma supplies. Medications are often unavailable in Syria.
Water & Food Safety
Water and sanitation infrastructure has been severely damaged. Do not drink tap water. Use only bottled or purified water. Food safety is compromised. Waterborne diseases including cholera have occurred.
Cash Only
Banking infrastructure is largely non-functional. Credit cards do not work. ATMs are unavailable or unreliable. Bring sufficient US dollars or Euros in cash. Syrian pounds have limited value.
Health Risks in Syria
Large cholera outbreaks have occurred due to damaged water infrastructure. Transmitted through contaminated water and food. Causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Oral cholera vaccine recommended. Drink only purified water.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis has increased dramatically due to disrupted vector control. Spread by sandfly bites. Causes skin sores. Use insect repellent, sleep under fine-mesh nets, and wear long clothing.
Polio has re-emerged in Syria after years of eradication due to collapsed vaccination programs. Ensure polio vaccination is current. A one-time adult booster is recommended before travel.
Measles outbreaks have occurred due to disrupted childhood vaccination programs. Highly contagious. Ensure MMR vaccination is complete (2 doses) before travel.
Risk is elevated due to poor sanitation and water quality. Spread through contaminated food and water. Typhoid vaccination is strongly recommended for all travelers.
Trauma & Injury
Active conflict poses extreme risk of injury from airstrikes, artillery, gunfire, landmines, and IEDs. Trauma care is severely limited. Medical evacuation is extremely difficult or impossible from most areas.
Recommended Vaccines for Syria
Transmitted through contaminated food and water. High risk due to damaged infrastructure. Two-dose series recommended.
Spread through contaminated food and water. Essential given poor sanitation conditions.
Critical given potential need for emergency medical procedures with possibly unsterile equipment.
Pre-exposure vaccine strongly recommended. Post-exposure treatment is unavailable in most of Syria.
Polio has re-emerged in Syria. One-time adult booster strongly recommended.
Oral cholera vaccine recommended given ongoing outbreaks related to water contamination.
Healthcare in Syria
Destroyed Infrastructure
Hospitals and clinics have been targeted during the conflict. Many facilities lack electricity, water, medications, and equipment. Even basic care may be unavailable.
Staff Shortages
The majority of doctors and medical professionals have fled Syria. Those remaining are overwhelmed. Specialized care is essentially unavailable.
No Evacuation
Medical evacuation from Syria is extremely difficult or impossible. Airspace is contested. Border crossings are unpredictable. Evacuation services may refuse to operate in Syria.
Emergency Information
Czech Embassy (Protective Power)
The Czech Republic represents US interests in Syria under a protective power agreement. Contact the Czech Embassy in Damascus for limited emergency assistance. Services are extremely limited.
US State Dept 24/7
For US citizens in distress abroad:
From US/Canada: +1-888-407-4747
From abroad: +1-202-501-4444
Security Risks
Active Conflict
Armed conflict continues in various parts of Syria involving multiple armed groups. Airstrikes, artillery, and ground fighting occur with little warning. No area is considered safe.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping for ransom and political purposes is a significant threat. Foreign nationals are high-value targets. Some hostages have been held for years or killed.
Arbitrary Detention
Arbitrary arrest and detention by various parties is common. Detainees have been subjected to torture and enforced disappearance. The US cannot assist detained citizens.
Landmines & UXO
Landmines, IEDs, and unexploded ordnance are widespread. Never walk off paved roads. Do not touch unfamiliar objects. Even areas that appear safe may be contaminated.
If Travel is Unavoidable
- See a travel medicine physician — get all recommended vaccinations
- Obtain specialized war zone insurance with security evacuation and K&R coverage
- Draft a will and designate power of attorney before departure
- Leave detailed itinerary with family and emergency contacts
- Register with your country's foreign ministry (US citizens: note Embassy is closed)
- Pack comprehensive medical kit — medications unavailable in Syria
- Bring sufficient cash in US dollars or Euros
- Establish check-in protocols with contacts outside Syria
- Have evacuation routes and contingency plans
- Consider hostile environment training before travel
- Do not travel at night or to areas of active fighting
- Do not photograph military installations, checkpoints, or security personnel
