Tailor this guide:
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On the ground
The practical layer
Transport, connectivity, health, conduct. The things that make the difference between a smooth trip and a tense one.
Health
No vaccinations are mandatory for entry, but the health system was badly damaged and quality varies sharply by region. The single most important preparation is insurance that genuinely covers Syria including medical evacuation.
- Keep routine vaccinations current; hepatitis A and B and typhoid are commonly recommended
- Drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap, everywhere
- Pharmacies are well stocked in Damascus and Aleppo and much thinner elsewhere
- Private clinics in Damascus are the realistic option for anything serious; public hospitals are stretched
- Confirm in writing that your policy covers Syria — most standard policies exclude it outright
- Bring any prescription medication in original packaging with a copy of the prescription
Insurance that covers Syria
Standard travel policies exclude countries under a do-not-travel advisory. Specialist high-risk insurers underwrite Syria including medical evacuation, typically at several times ordinary premiums. We list vetted providers rather than the cheapest.
Compare specialist insurersVerified 10 Oct 2026