BUSINESS TRAVEL ADVISORY
Syrian Arab Republic
Issue Date: 20 January 2026 | Valid Until: Next Update
RISK LEVEL: HIGHTravel with Enhanced Controls
Aligned with ISO 31030:2021 Travel Risk Management
Last updated: 20 January 2026 at 09:00 UTC
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Syria is undergoing a significant political transition following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The new transitional government under Ahmed al-Sharaa (HTS) is working to establish stability, but the security environment remains volatile and unpredictable. Business travel to Damascus is operationally feasible with proper planning and risk controls. Travel outside Damascus carries significantly elevated risk.
| Current Government | Transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa (former HTS); declared president 29 January 2025 |
| Sanctions Status | Caesar Act repealed (Dec 2025); EU economic sanctions lifted (May 2025); US State Terrorism Designation remains; targeted restrictions apply |
| Damascus Status | Relatively stable for managed business travel; 90%+ hotel occupancy; multiple international clients operating weekly; diplomatic missions operating from major hotels |
| Primary Threats | Terrorism (IS remnants); kidnapping; unexploded ordnance; sectarian tensions; Israeli airstrikes; SDF-government clashes (northern regions) |
| Consular Support | US Embassy suspended (2012); UK Embassy suspended (2012); Canada via Beirut; Czechia serves as US protecting power |
Damascus: The security situation inside Damascus is relatively benign for managed travel. Police and military checkpoints are routine but generally passable. International consulting firms, EPCs, financial services companies, and FMCG multinationals are conducting regular business travel, including day trips and week-long visits.
Beyond Damascus: Risk escalates significantly outside the capital. The northeastern regions (Al-Hasakah, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor) experience ongoing clashes between government forces and SDF, with curfews and military zones declared. As of 15 January 2026, SDF closed crossings with government-controlled areas in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates.
| Threat | Level | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Terrorism | HIGH | IS remnants active in NE Syria; June 2025 church bombing in Damascus killed 22+; targets include transport hubs, religious sites, foreigners |
| Kidnapping | CRITICAL | Foreigners are major targets; ransom demands typically hundreds of thousands USD; establish proof-of-life protocols before travel |
| Armed Conflict | HIGH | Government-SDF clashes (Aleppo, NE regions); Israeli airstrikes continue; Alawite militia activity in Latakia/Tartus; curfews imposed without notice |
| Crime | HIGH | Carjacking, armed robbery, extortion at checkpoints; security services still reorganizing; weak law enforcement response |
| UXO/Mines | MEDIUM | 100,000-300,000 undetonated munitions estimated; 208 incidents since Dec 2024 (157 deaths); stay on paved roads; Golan Heights heavily mined |
| Visa on Arrival | Most European and regional nationalities (cash payment only); eligibility can change without warning |
| Pre-Approved Visa | Egyptian nationals and some others require advance visa approval |
| Lebanese Nationals | No visa required but must have business invitation OR dual citizenship/residency outside Lebanon |
| ENTRY DENIED | Israeli passport holders; Iranian nationals (require permit); passports with Israeli stamps or adjacent border crossing stamps |
Operational with limited domestic and international flights. FlyDubai and Qatar Airways operate daily with minimal disruption. Early arrival recommended due to multiple security screening points.
⚠️ Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
Operations suspended until further notice due to Government-SDF clashes (as of 10 January 2026).
Often preferred for schedule certainty. Travel time 3-3.5 hours including border processing (30 min to 1 hour at crossing).
Damascus hotel availability remains constrained with 90%+ occupancy. Book well in advance. Note that several properties retain international brand names but are now locally managed and no longer affiliated with the global chains.
| Property | Security | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Damascus | HIGHEST | Most secure hotel in Damascus. Locally managed; no longer affiliated with Four Seasons (branding retained after operator withdrew). Located inside a secure compound. Qatar and Saudi embassies currently operating from this property; frequented by diplomats. Fire suppression systems in place. High demand – book weeks in advance. Accepts USD. |
| Sheraton Damascus (Seven Gates) | MODERATE | Locally managed; not a Sheraton franchise. Very large compound with two entry points (separate ingress/egress). UN occupies entire floor; German embassy also operates from this hotel with dedicated floor. Adjacent event hall creates additional access considerations. Rear gate security observed as less rigorous than main entrance. Fire suppression systems in place. |
| Golden Mezzeh | MODERATE | Clean, modern property with excellent English-speaking staff and good services. Not a compound – direct street access to parking and hotel entrance. Underground parking with gate bar. Security posture is relaxed compared to compound hotels. Fire suppression systems in place. Good alternative when Four Seasons unavailable. |
| Jasmin Hotel | BASIC | Lower-profile property – reduced visibility may suit some operational requirements. Two entry points with vehicle mirror search. No fire suppression systems observed in guest rooms. Consider only if compound hotels fully booked and low-profile positioning is prioritized. |
⚠️ Hotel Selection Considerations
Compound vs. non-compound: Compound hotels (Four Seasons, Sheraton) provide controlled perimeter access. Non-compound properties (Golden Mezzeh, Jasmin) have direct street access which increases exposure but may offer lower profile. Power outages: Rolling blackouts affect all properties – confirm backup generator capacity. Payment: Major hotels accept USD; smaller venues require Syrian pounds.
ℹ️ Cash-Only Economy
Credit cards rarely accepted. ATMs not widely available. Only two banks currently operational for cross-border transactions.
| United States | Caesar Act REPEALED (Dec 2025); however, Syria remains designated as State Sponsor of Terrorism (since 1979); targeted restrictions, export controls, and AML/CTF requirements still apply |
| European Union | Economic sanctions LIFTED (May 2025); some sector-specific restrictions remain; Syrian carriers banned due to safety standards |
| United Kingdom | Some sanctions removed since regime change; check OFSI and HM Treasury for current status; varies by sector |
🚨 Critical Risk Rating
Syria's healthcare system collapsed during the civil war. Medical facilities lack supplies, staff, and training. Emergency services operate on shoestring budgets with volunteer reliance. Medical evacuation will be required for serious illness or injury.
HIGH RISK Traffic moves on the RIGHT. Driving habits are erratic. Roads range from excellent highways (Jordanian border to Damascus) to poorly maintained rural roads. Self-driving is not recommended.
MEDIUM RISK Emergency response services are severely limited and cannot be relied upon.
| Medical Emergency | 110 |
| Police | 112 |
| Fire | 113 |
Note: Most Western embassies suspended operations in Syria in 2012. Consular services are typically provided from neighboring countries (primarily Beirut or Amman) or via protecting powers.
| Nationality | Primary Contact | Emergency Number |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Via Czech Embassy (Protecting Power) | +1-202-501-4444 (24h) |
| United Kingdom | FCDO Crisis Centre / Consular via Beirut | +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (24h) |
| Canada | Embassy in Beirut | +961 4 726 700 |
| Germany | Auswärtiges Amt Crisis Centre / Beirut | +49 30 1817 0 (24h) |
| France | Centre de Crise et de Soutien / Beirut | +33 1 43 17 53 53 (24h) |
| Netherlands | Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Beirut/Amman | +31 247 247 247 (24h) |
| Australia | DFAT Consular Emergency / Beirut | +61 2 6261 3305 (24h) |
| Italy | Unità di Crisi – Farnesina / Beirut | +39 06 3691 8899 (24h) |
| Spain | MAEC Emergency Centre / Beirut/Amman | +34 91 379 1610 (24h) |
| Switzerland | EDA Helpline / Beirut | +41 800 24 7 365 (24h) |
| EU Citizens | Any EU Member State embassy present in-country can assist under EU Consular Protection Directive | |
Register with your government's travel registration service before departure:
✓ Confirm traveler nationalities and visa requirements early
✓ Verify passport does not contain Israeli stamps or adjacent border crossing evidence
✓ Engage sanctions counsel to validate travel and transaction compliance
✓ Arrange ground transportation with vetted provider (two-vehicle convoy recommended)
✓ Book accommodation well in advance; prioritize compound hotels (Four Seasons, Sheraton) for enhanced security; confirm fire suppression and backup power
✓ Establish proof-of-life protocols with travelers and family contacts
✓ Ensure medical evacuation coverage in travel insurance
✓ Pre-position cash requirements; arrange pre-payment for hotel where possible
✓ Brief travelers on checkpoint procedures, photography restrictions, cultural norms
✓ Register with relevant government traveler registration programs (STEP, etc.)
✓ Establish 24/7 monitoring and check-in protocols
✓ Define clear go/no-go triggers and evacuation scenarios
✓ Maintain emergency fund contingency for extended stays
This travel advisory is structured in alignment with ISO 31030:2021 (Travel Risk Management – Guidance for Organizations). The following table maps advisory content to ISO 31030 requirements to support your organization's duty of care obligations.
| ISO 31030 Requirement | Advisory Section | Organizational Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Threat & Hazard Identification | Section 1, 5, 6, 7 | Review threat matrix; validate against organizational risk appetite |
| Risk Assessment | Executive Summary, Section 1.2 | Conduct trip-specific risk assessment; document approval decisions |
| Prevention & Mitigation | Section 1.3, Section 9 | Implement recommended controls; brief travelers; establish monitoring |
| Pre-Travel Preparation | Section 2, 3, 4, 5.1 | Complete pre-departure requirements; obtain necessary approvals |
| Traveler Information | All sections | Provide advisory to travelers; conduct pre-travel briefing |
| Traveler Tracking & Monitoring | Section 1.3, Section 8.3 | Implement tracking solution; establish check-in protocols |
| Emergency Response | Section 8, Section 9 | Establish crisis management protocols; confirm medevac coverage |
| Duty of Care Documentation | This advisory | Retain records of risk assessment, traveler briefing, approval chain |
ℹ️ Organizational Responsibilities
ISO 31030:2021 establishes that employers have a duty of care to protect employee health, safety, and well-being during work-related travel. This advisory provides destination intelligence to inform your travel risk management program but does not replace organization-specific policies, trip-specific risk assessments, or legal/compliance review.
DISCLAIMER: This report is intended for informational purposes only. Sicuro Group makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose of the information provided. The use of this report is at the recipient's sole risk. Sicuro Group disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or harm arising from reliance on this material or actions taken based on its content. Always seek professional, in-country advice before making operational decisions.
Sources: US State Department, UK FCDO, Government of Canada, UN OCHA, IATA, Sicuro Group field intelligence
