SYRIA (continued)
Terrorism
Travel Warnings and Advisories
Safety and Security
Women
Medical Facilities and Health
Traffic Safety
Syria is generally a very safe country, and Syrians are famous for their hospitality and friendliness. Indeed, you can walk and drive in most places without fear of encountering difficulties. While there is little theft in Syria, it's always good to take sensible precautions with your valuables, especially in the crowded souks (marketplaces) of Damascus and Aleppo where some tourists have encountered pickpockets who are deft at extracting passports from unwitting sightseers.
Travelers should always remember that safety begins at home - you must take responsibility for your own personal safety. In other words, don't tempt others to take advantage of you.
Like many other countries, in Syria the biggest danger is being involved in an automobile accident. So watch where you walk, drive defensively, wear seatbelts, and be very observant of your surroundings.
TERRORISM FOR FEARFUL TOURISTS
While the U.S. Embassy in Damascus was attacked on September 12, 2006, by four individuals using improvised explosives, gunfire, and two vehicles laden with explosives, the embassy perimeter was not breached, and the four gunmen were killed by Syrian security forces. Most observers considered this to be an isolated incident aimed at U.S. government involvement in Israel and Iraq.
Understandably, U.S. travel warnings were issued indicating there was evidence of terrorism in Syria. However, the only people affected by such warnings were U.S. diplomatic personnel - not tourists.
No tourists have been targeted with violence in Syria. Indeed, this is a very civil society where visitors feel extremely safe and secure wherever they go. Isolated incidents should not deter you from visiting what is generally one of the safest and most secure Middle Eastern countries for foreign travelers.
TRAVEL WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES
So, just how safe is it to travel in Syria these days? Statistically it's a very safe place to visit. But psychologically it may seem unsettling for some travelers who may think too much about safety issues to the detriment of enjoying life.
In the end, it depends on how fearful you are of the unknown and how unlucky you think you might be, given various stories and travel warnings. What, for example, are your chances of being struck by lightning? Probably much better than being a subject of a terrorist incident or a criminal act in Syria.
Several countries issue useful travel warnings and advisors:
Australia: www.smarttraveller.gov.au
Canada: www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp
New Zealand: www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom: www.fco.gov.uk/travel
United States: http://travel.state.gov Most government-sponsored travel warnings on Syria for 2007 agree on the cautionary notes below.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
There is a potential for isolated terrorist incidents in Syria, as elsewhere in many other parts of the world. However, there is little evidence that such incidents are on the increase or that they constitute a pattern.
Tourists have reported having their passports stolen in the Old City in Damascus, an area where pickpockets are known to frequent. Indeed, Western embassies report replacing lost or stolen passports to be one of their major functions in assisting nationals vacationing in Syria. Consequently, be sure to secure your passport and other valuables you might ordinarily carry in a wallet or purse.
WOMEN
Women generally feel safe traveling in Syria. However, they should be sensitive to local customs by doing the following: - dress conservatively - bare shoulders, midriffs, and shorts (exposing legs) should be avoided.
- Avoid eye contact with staring males - many interpret eye contact with a Western female as an invitation to make sexual advances with what is obviously a "loose" woman.
- Avoid traveling alone; a male companion often deters unwelcome encounters.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH
Syria has a well-developed health care system, which includes public and private hospitals as well as health clinics and pharmacies. The best facilities will be found in the major cities. The system is under stress given the influx of 1.4 million Iraqi refugees who are given free medical care by the government.
You are well advised to travel with evacuation insurance should you encounter a serious medical problem.
For information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water and insect bite protection, call the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-394-8747 or visit their website: www.cdc.gov/travel.
Travelers should avoid tap water and ice as well as uncooked vegetables, especially salads. Stay with bottled water and other bottled drinks, which are readily available throughout Syria.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
Traffic safety is an important issue in Syria, which has a high accident rate. If you decide to rent a car, be sure to drive defensively and avoid driving outside cities at night.
Taxis are inexpensive both inside and outside cities. Check to make sure seatbelts work properly, since many locals do not use them.
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