← Discover Sham
Everything you need before arriving
Practical guidance written for international visitors. Every guide lists the sources behind it and the date it was last checked.
Before anything else: the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Syria, and the US State Department rates it Level 4 — Do Not Travel. Neither government can offer consular help inside the country. Read Before You Travel first.
- Before You TravelEntry rules, official advisories, insurance and money — the things worth settling weeks before you fly.
- Local EtiquetteHow to dress, how to behave in mosques, and when not to take the photograph.
- Getting AroundBuses, shared taxis and checkpoints — moving within Damascus and between cities.
- AccommodationRestored courtyard houses in the Old City, and why you may not be able to book online.
- Frequently Asked QuestionsShort answers to what visitors ask most, with links to the full guides.
Travel conditions and entry requirements may change without notice. These guides are a starting point, not a substitute for official advice — always confirm current information through your own government's travel advisory and a Syrian diplomatic mission before travelling.