Syria travel advisory

What the advisory says

Do not travel to Syria for any reason due to the risk of terrorism , unrest , kidnapping , hostage taking, crime , and armed conflict. Do not travel to Syria for any reason. The U.S. government suspended U.S. Embassy operations in 2012. The Czech Republic is the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria due to the safety risks. Unrest Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011. No part of Syria is safe from violence. Hostage taking, terrorism, unexploded ordnance, and aerial bombardment pose significant risk of death or serious injury. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has also increased hardships in Syria. The U.S. government strongly warns private U.S. citizens against traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict. The U.S. government does not support this activity. U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including hostage taking by armed groups, injury, or death. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Syria. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Bombings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and assassinations remain a threat in parts of Syria. Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations, including designated ISIS and al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliates, is a crime under U.S. law. It can result in prison time and large fines. Hostage taking Hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals is a risk throughout the country. Crime There is a risk of violent and non-violent crime throughout the country affecting all residents regardless of nationality. This includes scams, kidnapping, armed robbery, and assault. Police struggle to respond to crime in rural locations due to limited resources. Other Unexploded ordinance Landmines and unexploded ordinance are a hazard in Syria, especially in rural areas. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded ordinance. Air travel The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) advising against travel to Syria due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Syria. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices . Maritime travel The U.S. Coast Guard determined Syrian ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Syrian ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory. Mariners and passengers traveling through Syrian ports should exercise caution and implement enhanced security measures. Czech Protecting Power in Damascus The U.S. government suspended U.S. Embassy operations in 2012. Czechia serves as the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The Czech Protecting Power provides emergency services only to U.S. citizens, including: Acceptance of applications for emergency passports Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRODA) applications Emergency financial assistance Assistance to detained U.S. nationals Welfare and whereabouts checks for U.S. citizens when security conditions permit For routine consular services, including applying for a full-validity U.S. passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and notarial services, U.S. citizens must visit a U.S. embassy or consulate outside Syria or return to the United States.