Is it safe for a female british passport holder to go to Syria to visit friends?

Answer 1

I travelled to Syria a few times in 2003-2004 without a single problem. I am a female American and sometimes I was with another female or male. My longest trip was 10 days. If your friend has friends there, she shouldn't have any problem. Of course, there's the usual traveller's common sense about pickpockets or paying too much for a taxi but that's worldwide. It's a bit more conservative, so she shouldn't dress in super skimpy clothing.

Syria is a beautiful place and the people are very friendly. The souks, the ruins, etc., are amazing...and there's so few tourists that you can sometimes have places almost to yourself. Syrians are able to differentiate between world politics and individuals travelling to their country. I never felt threatened or claimed to be any other nationality and I'd go back in a heartbeat to Syria.

During our 10-day trip, we got two flat tires. In one town, the mayor came over on his bike and invited us to his home while they fixed the tire. They fed us and half the village it seemed showed up to say hello to the foreigners. With the other flat, we were in a more rural area but three nomadic women showed up carrying baskets of figs on their heads. They gave us some and sat with me until the tire was fixed.

Answer 2

The link below has the official Foreign Office advice about entering Syria. If you read it it's not too bad. Hundreds of British people arrive in Syria every day visiting friends, for tourism, or on business. If you're simply flying to the airport, being picked up / getting a taxi to a friend's house in Damascus or another large city then there's no reason why it should be any more dangerous than other destinations.

As with any holiday destination, take sensible precautions. Don't let your possessions be easily stolen or pickpocketed. Only get into taxis which are clearly marked as such, from proper ranks at the airports. Don't walk alone in empty or remote areas, or at night. Have contact details for your friends and the local emergency services in case there's an emergency.

Also my tip for women visiting any Muslim country is dress modestly. Consider wearing a shawl over your head too - this isn't vital, and nothing bad will necessarily happen to you if you don't, but it'll make you stand out a little less and draw less stares. You'll also be respected more by anyone you ask for help.

Answer 3

Syria is perfectly safe at the moment and if you are visiting friends as well that is even better.
You will have a great time. I went to Syria last year and believe me they are not affected by anything that is going on in Iraq!
Please dont think that all middle eastern countries are going to be unsafe because of what is going on in Iraq as this is just not true.

Answer 4

You should be welcomed with your British Passport. Visitor Visa Exemptions Many people do not require a visa to visit Canada. These include: [snip] * British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who are re-admissible to the United Kingdom; * citizens of British dependent territories who derive their citizenship through birth, descent, registration or naturalization in one of the British dependent territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena or the Turks and Caicos Islands; * persons holding a British National (Overseas) Passport issued by the Government of the United Kingdom to persons born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong;

Answer 5

With friends there to look out for you, providing you take sensible precautions there is no reason not to travel there.

I visited Syria with a fellow traveller some years ago when fewer foreigners travelled there but prior to the current problems in Iraq.

Here's the current advice from the foreign office:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386478

Answer 6

I would not travel to Syria on my own especially with what is going on in Iraq.Please stay at home or if you have to go get some one to go with you.Good Luck

Answer 7

as long as you bring a man, or have a male friend waiting for you on the airport you wont have any problem, don't travel without a man or people could think that you are a prostitute!

Answer 8

Yes i guess ..

Answer 9

IF YOU WERE MINE I WOULD WORRY ABOUT YOUR TRIP

BUT AS LONG AS THEY MEET YOU AND TOOK CARE OF YOU , WELL THINK ABOUT IT

Answer 10

don't do it............