| Syria travel tips: |
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Area |
185,180 sq km
(71,498 sq miles). |
|
Population |
18.6 million (UN,
2005). |
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Population Density |
100.4 per sq km. |
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Capital |
Damascus. |
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Population: 3.5
million (official
estimate 2003). |
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| Government |
Republic since 1973. Gained
independence in 1946.
Head of State: President Bashar al-Assad
since 2000.
Head of Government: Prime Minister
Muhammad Naji al-Otari since 2003.
Recent history: In June 2000,
after years of failing health, President
Assad died. Having fallen out with his
brother, Rifaat, some years earlier, and
with the accidental death of his eldest
son, Basil, in 1994, Assad had selected
his second son, Bashar, as heir. While
domestic policy has seen something of a
relaxation under Bashar, Western hopes
that the Syrian Arab Republic would
pursue a more pro-Western line have
proved misguided – in the vocabulary of
the US Bush administration, the Syrian
Arab Republic is a ‘state of concern’
(one level below the ‘axis of evil’).
The Syrians have provided some
assistance to the Western ‘War Against
Terror’ but were strongly opposed to the
Anglo-American invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Syria pulled its forces out of Lebanon
in 2005, after coming under intense
international pressure following a UN
report that implicated the Syrian Arab
Republic in the assassination of former
Premier of Lebanon, Rafik Hariri. Both
Syria and pro-Syria Lebanese officials
were thought to be involved, although
this has been strongly denied by
Damascus.
The 1973 constitution allows for a
single-chamber legislature, the
250-member People’s Assembly. Executive
power is vested in the President who is
directly elected for a seven-year term.
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| Language |
Arabic, French and English. Kurdish is
spoken by a small minority.
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| Religion |
Over 80 per cent Muslim (mostly
Sunni), with sizeable Christian (mostly
Orthodox and Catholic) groups and Jewish
minorities.
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| Electricity |
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style
two-pin plugs.
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| Telephone |
IDD is available. Country code: 963.
Public telephones are available.
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| Mobile telephone |
International roaming agreements
have been established. Coverage is good,
covering 95 per cent of the populated
areas.
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| Internet |
Access to Internet services is available
in universities and public offices.
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| Post |
Airmail to Western Europe takes up
to 10 days. Parcels sent from the Syrian
Arab Republic should be packed at the
post office. There are post offices in
virtually all towns. Post office hours:
Mon-Fri 0800-1400; larger branches are
open longer.
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| MEDIA |
The Government and Baath Party own
and control much of the Syrian media.
Criticism of the President and his
family is not permitted and the domestic
and foreign press are censored. Press
freedom swelled after Bashar al-Assad
became President in 2000, overseeing the
licensing of the first private
publications in almost 40 years.
However, a subsequent press law imposed
a range of restrictions. Publications
had to obtain licenses from the Prime
Minister and could be suspended for
violating content bans. Websites deemed
to be offensive or anti-Syrian are
banned by the Government.
Press: The Syria Times is
published daily in English. All other
newspapers are in Arabic (the most
important ones being Al-Baath, Al-Thawra
and Tishrin). International papers are
also widely available.
TV: Many viewers have access to
foreign TV broadcasts, as well as the
three state-run networks. The use of
satellite receivers is permitted. Syrian
TV is state-run and operates domestic
channels, plus a satellite service,
broadcasting in Arabic, English and
French.
Radio: Private, commercial FM
broadcasters are currently being
developed, but will be unable to
transmit news or political content. The
first of these private FM stations has
already emerged: Al-Madina FM,
launched in March 2005. Syrian Arab
Republic Radio is a state-run service,
as is Radio Damascus, although this is
an external service (broadcasting in
several languages, including English).
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| Public Holidays |
Below are listed Publich Holidays
for the January 2006-June 2007 period.
Jan 1 2006: New Year’s Day.
Jan 10: Eid al-Adha (Feast of the
Sacrifice).
Jan 31: Islamic New Year.
Mar 8: Revolution Day.
Mar 21: Mothers Day.
Apr 11: Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
Apr 17: Independence Day.
May 1: Labor Day.
May 6: Martyrs’ Day.
Oct 6: October Liberation War.
Oct 23: Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
Dec 25: Christmas Day.
Dec 31: Eid al-Adha (Feast of the
Sacrifice).
Jan 1 2007: New Year’s Day.
Jan 20: Islamic New Year.
Mar 8: Revolution Day.
Mar 21: Mothers Day.
Mar 31: Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
Apr 17: Independence Day.
May 1: Labor Day.
May 6: Martyrs’ Day.
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| Note |
| Muslim festivals are timed according
to local sightings of various phases of
the moon and the dates given above are
approximations. During the lunar month
of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr,
Muslims fast during the day and feast at
night and working hours are 0900-1400.
Many restaurants are closed during the
day and there may be restrictions on
smoking and drinking. |
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Contact Information:
|
| Location |
Middle East.
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| Time |
GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from 1 April to 1
October).
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| Ministry of Tourism |
| Shukry El-Qutly Street, Damascus,
Syrian Arab Republic |
| Tel: (11) 221 0122 or 221
5916. |
| Website:
www.syriatourism.org |
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| Embassy of the Syrian
Arab Republic in the UK |
| 8 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PH,
UK |
| Tel: (020) 7245 9012 or 7201
8830/8831 (consular). |
| Opening hours: Mon- Fri
1000-1200 (visa applications); 1400-
1500 (visa collection). |
| Website:
www.syrianembassy.co.uk |
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| Embassy of the Syrian
Arab Republic in the USA |
| 2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20008, USA |
| Tel: (202) 232 6313. |
| Website: www.syrianembassy.us |
Opening hours: Mon-Fri
0900-1530.
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Passport Required? |
Visa Required? |
Return Ticket
Required? |
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British |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Australian |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Canadian |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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USA |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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OtherEU |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Japanese |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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| Restricted entry and
transit |
The Government of Syria refuses
entry and transit to holders of Israeli
passports, any passenger holding a
passport containing a visa (valid or
expired) for Israel and those holding a
stamp indicating an Israel-Jordan border
crossing; nationals of Yemen Republic
who hold a passport issued by the
Democratic Republic of Yemen; refused
entry to to all female nationals of
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Mauritius, The
Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand,
unless they can show approval from
immigration head office; females aged
between 14 and 35 years refused entry
unless accompanied by a father, husband
or brother (and with proof of such
status); and refused entry to holders of
passports bearing evidence of entry at
Sharm El Sheikh, Rafha, Gaza or Nablus.
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| Passports |
Passport valid for at least six
months required by all except nationals
of Lebanon holding valid national ID
cards.
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| Visas |
Required by all except the
following:
(a) nationals of Algeria, Bahrain,
Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya,
Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab
Emirates and Yemen Republic;
(b) nationals of Morocco, except females
aged 18 to 25 who require special
permission from the Syrian Chief of
Immigration, unless married to a
national of Syria and having proof of
marriage;
(c) transit passengers continuing their
journey by the same or first connecting
aircraft within 24 hours provided
holding onward or return documentation
and not leaving the airport.
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| Types of visa and
cost |
Single-entry: US$55 Multiple-entry:
US$86 Transit. Payable in cash or by
postal order only. These fees are only
for nationals of the UK. The cost of
visas for other nationalities varies;
consult the Embassy for further
information.
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| Validity |
Single-entry (three months from date
of issue). Multiple-entry (six months
from date of issue). Transit (three
months from date of issue). Entry visas
initially allow stays of up to 14 days.
Extensions for up to three months are
possible; apply at the Department of
Immigration.
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| Application to |
Consulate (or Consular section at
the Embassy); see Passport/Visa
Information. In countries where the
Syrian Arab Republic does not have
diplomatic representation, visitors
should apply by post to the nearest
Syrian Embassy.
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| Application
requirements |
(a) Two completed application forms.
(b) Valid passport with at least one
blank page. (c) Two passport-size
photos. (d) Fee. (e) A stamped,
self-addressed envelope for postal
applications. (f) For a Business visa, a
company letter on headed paper stating
the nature of the business.
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| Working days required |
Four.
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| Temporary residence |
Applications to the Department of
Immigration in Damascus.
Note: Those wishing to stay in the
Syrian Arab Republic for a period
exceeding one year must submit an AIDS
test certificate.
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| Passport/Visa
Information |
| Embassy of the Syrian Arab
Republic in the UK |
| 8 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PH,
UK |
| Tel: (020) 7245 9012 or 7201
8830/8831 (Consular section). |
| Opening hours: Mon- Fri
1000-1200 (visa applications); 1400-
1500 (visa collection). |
| Website:
www.syrianembassy.co.uk |
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| Embassy of the Syrian Arab
Republic in the USA |
| 2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20008, USA |
| Tel: (202) 232 6313. |
Website:
www.syrianembassy.us
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Developments in the region may
trigger public unrest. Travelers should
be particularly vigilant in public
places.
There is a continuing threat from
terrorism in Syria.
Travelers should not attempt to enter
Iraq via the Syrian border, which is
subject to restrictions on both sides.
This advice is based on information
provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office in the UK. It is correct at time
of publishing. As the situation can
change rapidly, visitors are advised to
contact the following organizations for
the latest travel advice:
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| British Foreign and Commonwealth
Office |
| Tel: (0845) 850 2829. |
| Website:
www.fco.gov.uk |
US Department of State |
| Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel |
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| Health |
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Special Precautions |
Certificate
Required? |
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Yellow Fever |
No |
1 |
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Cholera |
2 |
No |
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Typhoid and Polio |
3 |
N/A |
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Malaria |
4 |
N/A |
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| 1 |
A yellow fever vaccination
certificate is required from travelers
coming within six days from infected
areas.
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| 2 |
Following WHO guidelines issued in
1973, a cholera vaccination certificate
is not a condition of entry to the
Syrian Arab Republic. Up-to-date advice
should be sought before deciding whether
precautions should include vaccination,
as medical opinion is divided over its
effectiveness.
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| 3 |
Vaccination against typhoid is
advised.
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| 4 |
Malaria risk, exclusively in the
benign vivax form, exists along the
northern border, in the El Hassaka
province, from May through October.
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| Food & drink |
Mains water is normally chlorinated
and relatively safe. Bottled water is
available and is advised for the first
few weeks of the stay. Drinking water
outside main cities and towns is likely
to be contaminated and sterilization is
considered essential. Milk is
unpasteurized and should be boiled.
Powdered or tinned milk is available and
is advised but make sure that it is
reconstituted with pure water. Only eat
well-cooked meat and fish, preferably
served hot. Vegetables should be cooked
and fruit peeled.
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| Other risks |
Hepatitis A is common vaccination is
recommended and Hepatitis B is endemic
vaccination is recommended for those at
high risk. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
is present. Avoid swimming and paddling
in fresh water; swimming pools which are
well chlorinated and maintained are
safe. Visceral leishmaniasis occurs in
the north and there is increasing
incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Rabies is present. For those at high
risk, vaccination before arrival should
be considered. If you are bitten, seek
medical advice without delay.
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| Health care |
Health insurance is recommended.
There is no reciprocal health agreement
with the UK. Basic medical facilities
exist in main cities but there are few
outside them. Medical care is provided
free of charge to those who cannot
afford to pay.
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| Syria Weather |
The Syrian Arab Republic’s climate
is characterized by hot, dry summers and
fairly cold winters. Nights are often
cool.
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| Required clothing |
Lightweights are essential in summer
with protective headwear. Heavy winter
clothing is advisable from November to
March
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| Syria Dinning |
There are numerous restaurants in
Aleppo and Damascus serving a variety of
Oriental and European dishes.
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| Things to know: |
Table service is the norm and a meal
is paid for afterwards. There are bars
serving a wide range of alcoholic
drinks. Alcohol is permitted but
restrictions are imposed during Ramadan
when it is illegal to drink in public
from dawn to dusk, even for non-Muslims
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| National specialties: |
- Kubbeh (minced semolina and meat
formed in balls and stuffed with
minced meat, onion and nuts).
- Yabrak (vine leaves stuffed with
rice and minced meat), ouzi (pastry
stuffed with rice and minced meat)
and a variety of vegetables cooked
with meat and tomato sauce, usually
presented on separate plates and
eaten by mixing it with cooked rice.
- Mensaf (pieces of lamb on rice
and pine nuts).
- Main vegetables are okra, French
beans and malukhiyya.
- Baklava is a favorite dessert
made from flaky pastry filled with
honey and nuts.
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| National drinks: |
- Tea and coffee.
- Local beers include Al-Sharq,
brewed in Aleppo, and Barada, from
Damascus.
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Tipping: Often expected,
especially in more expensive
establishments; 10 per cent is generally
acceptable.
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| Shopping |
Souks (markets) are the best places
for shopping, notably those in Aleppo.
Local handicrafts in the Syrian Arab
Republic are numerous and precious,
including mother-of-pearl items (such as
backgammon boards), olive-wood carvings,
weaving and embroidery, leather goods
and gold and silver jewelry.
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| Shopping hours |
| Sat-Thurs 0930-1400 and 1630-2200
(summer); Sat-Thurs 0930-1400 and
1600-2000 (winter). |
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| Currency Information: |
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| Currency |
Syrian Pound (SYP; symbol S£) = 100
piastres. Notes are in denominations of
S£1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and
1. Coins are in denominations of S£25,
10, 5, 2 and 1.
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| Currency exchange |
Syrian currency cannot generally be
reconverted to hard currency. The
country’s banking system is state-owned,
and there is at least one branch of the
Commercial Bank of Syria in every main
town. Hard currency can be exchanged for
local currency in these branches.
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| Credit & debit cards |
American Express and Diners Club are
most readily accepted; some hotels will
accept MasterCard. Tickets may be bought
with credit cards. Check with your
credit or debit card company for
merchant acceptability and for other
services which may be available.
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| Traveller's cheques |
Can be difficult to exchange and are
not generally recommended
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| Currency restrictions |
The export of local currency is
limited to S£5000 by residents of Syria
and US$5000 by foreigners. The amount of
local currency imported is unlimited for
residents of Syria and limited to
US$5000 by foreigners.
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| Exchange rate
indicators |
|
Date |
At time of
publishing |
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£1.00= |
SYP92.81 |
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$1.00= |
SYP52.51 |
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| Banking hours |
| Normally Sat-Thurs 0800-1400 (banks
tend to close early on Thursdays). |
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