Consular notices

Owing to the clement climatic conditions of the country, the optimal time for Europeans to visit Syria is the period from September till November, and from March till June. Because of the nature of the political system, foreigners being here on temporary residence are, to a certain extent, under supervision and surveillance.

The authorities take a particularly rigid attitude towards the export of antiquities and ancient objects (forgeries are abundantly offered in the countryside). In the case of taking ancient objects and antiquities out of the country, besides confiscation, a fine, an arrest and a 30 day imprisonment may be due, before the offender is expelled from the country. The export of ancient objects and antiquities from the country requires an official permit. In the case of purchasing antiquities or their imitations (sculptures, metal, wooden and earthware objects, icons, etc.) we should act with caution and had better ascertain beforehand that the purchased souvenirs and presents are not on prohibited lists.

In order to avoid situations which may be risky for Hungarians and foreigners in general, let us attract your attention to the following:

• Syrian law imposes life imprisonment for the possession of drugs, and death penalty for drug trade.
• It is prohibited to take photographs of military and certain governmental and state institutions, as well as their surroundings.
• In mosques and Islamic memorial places, even if no warning notice is exhibited, it is advisable to ask for permission before taking photographs.
• It is recommended to change money only in legal changing places (in hotels or in banks). Changing money on the “black exchange rate” is treated by Syrian law as a crime!)
• You can pay with credit cards only in a few hotels and shops.
• You may stay in the country without the compulsory registration procedure only for 10-15 days. (The authorities stamp into the passport a reminder in French at the entry point.) In the case of multiple entries, the time frame is registered from the date of the last entry.
• Those who arrive by car must sign a compulsory insurance form at the Syrian border station. In the case of diesel cars a special fee must be paid.
• In the case of an accident involving human casualties, irrespective of who is responsible for the accident, in accordance with the valid decrees, the Syrian authorities automatically arrest the parties involved in the accident until the beginning of the investigation procedure. The length of detainment ranges from 3 to 30 days. (In such a situation it is particularly important for the involved Hungarian citizen to contact the Hungarian Embassy in Damascus as soon as possible!)
• Vaccination is not obligatory, but in the case of a longer stay in Syria vaccination against typhus-tetanus and hepatitis A-B is recommended.
• It is recommended to pay particular attention to general hygienic regulations. (You are advised to eat only washed and disinfected fruits and vegetables, and seek medical help when feeling sick).
• Hospitals and medical care in general are satisfactory; there are many practicing doctors who graduated in Hungary, and the Embassy is prepared to give tourists in distress their addresses and telephone numbers.
• Public safety is good; visitors need not worry about atrocities or car thefts. Nevertheless, it is advisable to be careful with valuables.
• Although Syrian people are very tolerant towards clothing, ladies are recommended to avoid wearing uncommon, indecent clothes.
• Before visiting a Muslim mosque, you are advised to make inquiries. Some mosques allow veiled women to enter, while in others (especially in Shiite mosques) women must use a separate entrance.
• During the holy month of Islam, the Ramadan, alcoholic drinks are not served, and it is inconvenient to smoke in the street or in public places during daytime. In 2007 the Ramadan is likely to begin on September 12 and end on October 11.
• The mobile phones beginning with codes 20 and 30 operate in Syria, while those beginning with 70 may be used only for receiving calls and for SMS service.
• On Fridays state institutions, banks and the majority of shops are closed (with the exception of the Christian district).
• The Malév-agency is situated in the centre of Damascus, in Fardoss Street, tel: 00-963-(11)222-7944.
• Concerning public safety no risky areas or regions may be highlighted, but the town of Quneitra and the surrounding area (the Golan Heights) may not be visited without an official permit from the Syrian security authorities.
• April 17 is Syria’s national day. The new lunar year always begins in the middle of January.