Retaliatory strikes are occurring in several countries across the Middle East region, following military strikes on Iran. There is a risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region. Local security situations could deteriorate. Airspace closures and flight disruptions are already occurring across the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations. Contact your airline to confirm your flights. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. See our general advice on protecting your safety during an armed conflict (see ‘Safety’).

We continue to advise do not travel to Syria due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, air strikes, terrorism, arbitrary detention and kidnapping.

Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice, including shelter in place instructions. Sheltering in place remains your safest option at this time. Sheltering in place means stay indoors as far as possible. Be aware of your environment and avoid government, military or energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities, and US diplomatic locations. Monitor 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.

Consider a commercial option to depart if you can secure one and it is safe to do so. You should consider recent attacks in your area and that airports and aircraft are more vulnerable to these strikes. You should verify the status of any border crossing before you travel by air, land or sea. Make sure you have access to food, water and essential medicines. Consider that airlines may cease operating at short notice and you may need to find accommodation. Availability of accommodation may be limited.

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 (see ‘Safety’).

The security situation 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. Airports and airlines may suspend operations without notice.

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’).

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.