Useful Information for Syria

PASSPORTS

Please ensure that your passport is valid for six months after your return date. Also please note that entry to Syria WILL NOT be permitted if there is an Israeli stamp in your passport.

VISAS FOR SYRIA

British passport holders require a visa when visiting Syria. We will arrange complimentary visa for our clients who are on a guided tour throughout their visit. We will require a clear copy of your passport in order to do so (including passport number, place and date of issue and date of expiry, together with date of birth and nationality). It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival (cost $65 pp), or obtain one yourself from the Embassy in London.

DEPARTURE TAX FOR SYRIA

A departure tax must be paid locally on departing Syria. Currently it is S£1500 (roughly £20 per person). It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival (cost $65 pp), or obtain one yourself from the Embassy in London.

DRIVING IN SYRIA

Those planning to hire a car must obtain an International Driving Licence. This can be obtained from UK Motoring Organisations (AA – 0870 550 0600). Driving is on the right. Please note local drivers do not necessarily follow driving rules and car horns are used more than car signals!

ROAD NETWORK

Syria has an excellent and expanding road network between the main centres. International highways have signs in Arabic and English. Some off road drives should only be taken in a 4-wheel drive vehicle with a driver in attendance, as it is unsafe to travel unaccompanied in those areas.

CLIMATE

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Syria. Summers are hot and can be humid on the coast; temperatures can reach 45C during the day. Winters are cool with occasional rain.

INNOCULATIONS & HEALTH FOR SYRIA

Clients are advised to seek current information from the NHS Direct: Tel No: 0845 4647 or your local GP. Information is also provided online at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk No vaccinations are required although polio, typhoid, hepatitis and diphtheria are recommended. Yellow fever is necessary if travelling in an infected area. Remember not to under-estimate the strength of the Arabian sun – sun cream, a good hat and sunglasses are recommended.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION IN SYRIA

Basic medical care and medicines are available in Syria's principal cities, but not necessarily in outlying areas.

DRESS

Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed during the winter months, especially in the evenings. You should exercise discretion in behaviour and dress though and care should be taken not to offend, particularly when visiting mosques. Women should always carry a scarf with them in case they need to cover up. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Away from the water, a shirt and shorts is the minimum expected.

SAFETY IN SYRIA

For the latest information, the Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit can be found on BBC2 (Ceefax) page 470, under internet address www.fco.gov.uk/ or by calling the ABTA Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p per minute). The Gulf is generally a safe place, however as in any foreign country, hazards exist. Sensible precautions should be taken to protect your belongings. The "Souq" and shops stay open late into the evening and it is perfectly safe to wander around on your own after dark (providing you are sensibly dressed).

ALCOHOL

Alcohol should not be consumed in public places apart from licensed premises. It is illegal to carry liquor in your car.

RAMADAN

During the holy month of Ramadan eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the hours of daylight is strictly forbidden. Some hotel restaurants remain open during this time, but will not serve alcohol. Alcohol though can be served through room service only after sunset. Ramadan’s timing is fixed in terms of the Gregorian calendar and retreats by 11 days every year. The dates for 2009 are 21st August until the 19th September.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING IN SYRIA

Normal tourist photography is acceptable, but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.

CURRENCY FOR SYRIA

Syrian Pound (1 Pound = 100 piastres) Exchange Rate: 1 British Pound = 65.77 Syrian Pounds You cannot get the Syrian Pound before you travel, so it is best to take US Dollar traveller cheques or US Dollar currency so that this can be exchanged locally. You cannot bring the Syrian Pound back to the UK to be exchanged back into the British Pound; you must exchange your currency in Syria. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels. You may have difficulty taking out cash from an ATM in Syria especially if you hold a ‘Maestro/Switch’ debit card. If you intend to withdraw cash in Syria, it is advisable to speak to your bank before you travel

LOCAL TIME IN SYRIA

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to October).

Arabic but English is widely spoken. Road and shop signs are in both Arabic and English.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

220/240 volts AC (50Hz)

European two-pin plugs are the most common used

TIPS IN SYRIA

10% is considered the norm at hotels and restaurants. Fares for taxis should be agreed before you get into the car, if the taxi is not metered. Please remember to carry some small notes/change for incidental tipping. If you are happy with the services of the driver and/or guide who has accompanied you in Syria – a guideline tip of around USD$5-7 per person per day would be appreciated but is completely at your discretion based on the quality of the service.

CONTACTS

Syrian Embassy in London, 8 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PH.

Telephone

020 7245 9012

Fax

020 7235 4621.