Prioritise your safety. Monitor developments closely and follow local authorities’ advice. Stay aware of your environment and avoid government, military or energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities. Avoid locations associated with US interests. Follow local warning systems and, if warned of an imminent attack, move to an enclosed hardened shelter, ideally underground or close to ground level if available. If these are not available, seek an inner room without windows.
A limited number of commercial airlines fly to Syria. If you can secure a flight and it’s safe to travel to the airport, you should do so. Flight schedules may change at short notice. Airports and airlines may suspend operations without notice. Before travelling by air, land or sea, verify the status of all border crossings. Consider recent attacks in your area and that airports are more vulnerable to strikes. Ensure you have access to food, water and essential medicines.
Terrorism is a threat, including in Syria. Terrorist attacks could happen at any time or anywhere. Maintain a high level of security awareness. If there’s a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities.
The political and security situation in Syria remains fragile. Armed clashes are ongoing in parts of Syria and have resulted in many civilian casualties. Israeli air strikes may continue to occur throughout the country, including in Damascus.
US Embassies in the Middle East are issuing local security alerts. We encourage you to monitor US security alerts in your location and follow this advice.
Land border crossings between Syria and Lebanon have been the target of border clashes and bombings and could close without notice. If you’re planning to cross a land border from Syria, contact the relevant authorities in your destination country for entry requirements. Entry and exit requirements for Syria may change without notice (see ‘Travel’ for further information on borders).
Australia doesn’t have an embassy or consulate in Syria. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular help is extremely limited.
If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).
We advise:
Do not travel to Syria due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, air strikes, terrorism, arbitrary detention and kidnapping.
