Syria
About Syria
| Currency | Syrian pound (SYP) |
| Language | Arabic |
| Capital | Damascus |
The Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) is located in the Middle East, between Lebanon and Turkey. The country also borders the Mediterranean Sea, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel. The population of Syria is about 22.5 million people.
The government of Syria is a republic with an authoritarian regime. A president is chief of state and a prime minister is head of government.
Modern Syria gained independence from France in 1946. From 1946 to 1970, there was a lack of political stability and numerous military coups. Syria was under Emergency Law from 1962 until 2011, effectively suspending most constitutional protections for citizens. In March 2011, anti-government protests demanded repeal of the Emergency Law. The government reacted by repealing the aw and making some concessions but also responding with force. As of April 2011, the protests continued. Unfortunately, the entire country has entered a civil war with thousands of deaths in the past 3 years.
Syria has played a major regional role, particularly through its central role in the Arab conflict with Israel and by active involvement in Lebanese and Palestinian affairs.
Syria retains a rich ancient history and many significant historical sites. Damascus is known as one of the oldest living cities in the world. The ancient cities of Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra and Bosra are all listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Recommended Vaccinations For Syria
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Cholera Vaccine
There are no specific recommendations by CDC or NaTHNac for the cholera vaccine for travel to Syria. However, generally the oral cholera vaccine is recommended for some travellers, ages 18-64, whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Syria
There are no recommendations for Syria at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Syria
For Most Travellers
Cholera
Cholera has occurred in Syria
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Syria through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Syria.
For Some Travellers
Measles
There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever
There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to Syria are at risk for tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.
MERS
There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.
Schistosomiasis
The parasite that causes schistosomiasis may found in Syria, however, there are no current data for risk.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Syria, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis occurs in Syria, particularly in the northern region. It is usually more common in rural than urban areas, and the risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night, when sand flies typically feed.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Syria
Personal Safety
Syria is currently a war zone and personal safety is non-existent.
Extreme Violence
Since March 2011, Syrian has been enveloped in armed conflict between government forces and the Free Syrian Army. In effect, there is an on-going undeclared civil war in which over hundreds of thousands have died. At this time, travellers should not travel to Syria.
Areas To Avoid
Avoid travel near the borders with Israel.
