Best time to visit

The best time to visit Syria, under normal circumstances, would be in the spring (April to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, particularly in the inland desert areas, while winters can be cold, especially in the mountains. However, due to the ongoing conflict and instability, it is not currently safe or advisable to visit Syria. Travelers should wait until the situation improves and international travel advisories indicate it is safe to visit.

What to expect

Language: The official language of Syria is Arabic, with the majority of the population speaking Syrian Arabic dialects. Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, and Circassian are also spoken by various ethnic communities.

Currency: The official currency of Syria is the Syrian Pound (SYP).

Safety: Traveling to Syria is currently highly discouraged due to ongoing conflict, political instability, and security concerns. The country has been experiencing severe unrest and violence since 2011, making many areas unsafe for visitors. There are risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and military operations. Travelers should stay informed through their government’s travel advisories and avoid all travel to Syria until the security situation improves significantly.

Cuisine: Syrian cuisine is rich and diverse, reflecting the country's long history and cultural influences. Key dishes include: Mezze: A variety of small dishes served as appetizers, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and muhammara. Kibbeh: A dish made from bulgur wheat and minced meat, often shaped into balls or patties and fried or baked. Shawarma: Marinated meat (usually lamb, chicken, or beef) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in a flatbread with vegetables and sauces. Fatteh: A layered dish made with pieces of flatbread, yogurt, chickpeas, and sometimes meat or eggplant. Ma’amoul: Shortbread pastries filled with dates, nuts, or figs.