If you’re planning to visit Syria, staying safe and healthy should be your priority. While the country has stabilized in some areas, there are still risks you need to be aware of. The following guide will help you get all the essential information on health and safety during your trip.
Stay Healthy During Your Trip
Maintaining your health while traveling in Syria is crucial. Here’s how to make sure you stay healthy throughout your trip:
Recommended Vaccinations
Before visiting Syria, consult your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date on routine vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus. Additionally, the following vaccinations are recommended:
- Hepatitis A: Transmitted through contaminated food and water. This vaccine is essential for travelers.
- Typhoid: Also transmitted through contaminated food and water, especially if you’re traveling outside of main cities.
- Hepatitis B: This is recommended if you plan to get tattoos, engage in sexual activities, or seek medical treatment where needle use might occur.
- Rabies: Not required for all travelers, but consider it if you are going to be working with animals or spending a lot of time outdoors.
- Polio: Syria has had outbreaks in the past. A polio booster can offer additional protection.
Make sure to get these vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before departing to allow your body enough time to develop immunity.
Tap Water Safety
Avoid drinking tap water in Syria. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available. Use bottled or boiled water for brushing your teeth as well. If bottled water is not available, use water purification tablets or a portable water filter.
To be extra safe, avoid ice in your drinks unless you know it’s made from purified water.
Food Safety
Syria has a rich food culture, and trying local dishes can be a highlight of your trip. However, keep these tips in mind:
- Eat only fully cooked meals. Avoid raw or undercooked meats.
- Stick to fruits and vegetables you can peel yourself, like bananas or oranges, to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Avoid street food unless it’s from a vendor that looks clean and popular with locals.
- If you’re unsure about the cleanliness of a restaurant, choose food that is still piping hot.
Sun Protection
The Syrian climate can get hot, especially in the summer months. To protect yourself from the sun:
- Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
- Find shade whenever possible.
- Hydrate often, especially if you are walking around a lot.
- Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.
Medical Facilities and Emergencies
Emergency Contact Numbers
If you need assistance while in Syria, the following emergency numbers can save you valuable time:
- Medical Emergencies: 110
- Police: 112
- Fire Department: 113
It may be helpful to keep these numbers saved on your phone and written down in case it runs out of battery. Most people in Syria speak Arabic, so having a translation app could also help in an emergency.
Hospital Availability
Health care facilities in larger cities like Damascus are better equipped than in rural areas. However, even in major cities, medical supplies and services can be limited given the country’s recent conflicts. If you require medical attention, head to larger hospitals in the city. It may be useful to carry a first-aid kit with basic medical supplies like painkillers, bandages, and antiseptic wipes.
If you’re in a rural area, medical help may be scarce, so plan accordingly. If you need serious medical treatment while in a rural area, you will likely need to travel to a larger city for adequate care.
Medical Insurance
Make sure to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses including evacuation in case of emergency. This is highly recommended as medical facilities in Syria may not meet international standards. If you get seriously ill or injured, you may want to be medically evacuated to a country with better healthcare.
Safety Precautions
Safety in Urban Areas
Though some parts of Syria are relatively safe, many areas still experience conflict-related risks. Large cities have increased security, but you should still be cautious. Avoid political gatherings or protests, as these can turn violent quickly. Here are some additional tips for staying safe:
- Register with your embassy before your trip and let them know your travel plans.
- Avoid discussing politics with locals as this can get sensitive.
- Dress modestly in public to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
- Stick to well-populated and guarded areas like hotels, malls, and restaurants.
- Always carry copies of your travel documents and identification with you.
Safety in Rural Areas
Rural areas may present more risks than urban centers, mainly due to a lack of infrastructure and medical facilities. Check the current situation before traveling to any remote area, and consider traveling with a guide familiar with the local terrain. Here are additional tips for rural areas:
- Don’t venture too far from main roads or populated areas without a guide.
- Be extra cautious with water and food safety, as access to clean resources may be limited.
- Keep in touch with people back home; let them know when you expect to return from any rural adventures.
- If you’re hiking or exploring countryside areas, ensure you have a working cell phone with GPS or a satellite phone.
- Be cautious of landmines if you are traveling near conflict areas or former frontlines. Always follow guide recommendations and stay on marked paths.
Transportation Safety
Traveling around Syria requires careful planning. Public buses and taxis are available but may not always be the safest option. Here’s how to stay secure when moving around:
Taxis
Stick to official taxis from taxi ranks or have your hotel call one for you. Always agree on the fare before starting the journey to avoid being overcharged. It’s a good idea to keep small amounts of local currency on hand for taxi rides, as drivers may not be able to give back change for larger bills.
Public Transportation
Buses are a common mode of transportation within Syria, but they may be overcrowded and uncomfortable. When using public transportation, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid traveling during the night. In certain areas, it may be better to hire a private driver instead of using public buses.
Crime and Scams
While petty crime like pickpocketing is not widespread in Syria, it can happen, especially in crowded places like markets. Here’s how to keep your belongings safe:
- Keep valuable items like your phone and money in a secure pouch or money belt.
- Don’t display expensive items like jewelry or electronics in public.
- Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited assistance. While many Syrians are hospitable, some may take advantage of tourists.
Preparing for Your Trip
Before heading to Syria, do your research. Check current travel advisories and talk to embassies or fellow travelers for the most up-to-date safety information. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re well-prepared:
- Make several copies of your travel documents.
- Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
- Have an emergency contact back home. Share detailed travel plans with them.
- Check for any travel advisories or restrictions in the areas you plan to visit.
Traveling to Syria can be an exciting but complex endeavor. Stay informed, take the necessary safety precautions, and you’ll be able to experience the beauty and culture of the country safely.
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