Tra-vel

Destination

Damascus

Country: Syria Updated:

As of 7 October 2026, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to this destination. This page introduces culture and history; we do not currently recommend tourist travel. Damascus is an ancient city with a multilayered architectural heritage. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

AI illustration of the destination Damascus
Image: AI illustration · Rights: no public licence for reuse has been specified.

When to go

Weather conditions do not override the current advice against all travel.

Things to see and do

UNESCO materials provide a remote introduction to the history of the old town, mosques, markets and traditional houses.

Practical tips

Old photographs and reports of individual places being open do not confirm a safe tourist route.

Getting there and getting around

Ordinary tourist entry, a flight or transit through Syria is not currently recommended.

Where to stay

Postpone tourist hotel bookings; this page provides cultural information.

What to try

Meze, bread, vegetable dishes and sweets characterise Syrian cuisine, which can also be discovered outside the country.

Official sources

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