Do Not Travel
“Do not travelto Syria for any reason due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict. Do not travel to Syria for any reason.”
Updated Fri, 07 Aug 2026
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Is Damascus safe? 🇸🇾
Syria · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Damascus scores 20/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: elevated risk — reconsider. No. Damascus remains extremely unsafe for travelers due to ongoing security threats and government Do Not Travel advisories. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Damascus 🇸🇾
Syria · Assessed 10 October 2026
20
/ 100
Elevated risk — reconsider
Safer than ~7% of countries
Score capped at 20 — Level 4 advisory — "Do Not Travel". No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
Crime43/100CautionCrime index 68.6 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment48/100CautionMostly negative
Advisories0Elevated
Stability28Elevated
Health62Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Elevated
Advises against all travel
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to Syria FCDO advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks.”
Updated 2026-10-07T11:07:50Z
Full advisory →Avoid all travel
“Canada's official risk level for Syria: avoid all travel.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:35.4600894-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Urban scale factor
1.6M residents
63
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
2.1 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
86
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed robbery and mugging occur, particularly after dark in less-patrolled outskirts and refugee-heavy districts like Yarmouk and Tadamon.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded areas such as Al-Hamidiyah Souq and near the Umayyad Mosque.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Elevated
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Caution
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly negative
48/100
Reported feel25Mostly negative
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Visitors report feeling unsafe, especially at night, due to frequent military checkpoints, volatility, and past bombings; daytime movement in central zones is cautiously tolerated by some.
No. Damascus remains extremely unsafe for travelers due to ongoing security threats and government Do Not Travel advisories.
Syria is under Level 4 advisories from the U.S., UK, and Canada citing terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Recent bombings in July 2026 near the Tourism Ministry injured 18 people, highlighting persistent risks. While daytime walking in central areas may feel relatively stable, crime and insecurity remain elevated, especially after dark and in less-patrolled districts.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Twin explosions near Syria's Tourism Ministry in Damascus injured 18 people— Anadolu Ajansı
- Jul 2026Explosions in Damascus during Macron's visit to Syria reported by Al Jazeera— Al Jazeera
- Jun 2026Syrian authorities’ new limits on alcohol sales in Damascus sparked backlash and protests— AP News
- Mar 2026Syrians protested curbs on alcohol sales in Damascus— DW.com
Common scams
- Fake UNHCR representatives offering cash assistance for personal information
- Marriage scammers posing as doctors in Damascus or Aleppo on dating platforms
- Currency exchange fraud and fake visa agents targeting tourists
Full briefing
Damascus remains under strict government Do Not Travel advisories due to persistent threats of terrorism, unrest, and armed conflict. The city experienced twin bombings near the Tourism Ministry in July 2026 that injured 18 people, underscoring that violence can erupt suddenly even in central areas. While Damascus has not been an active frontline for years, security volatility persists, with frequent military checkpoints disrupting movement and contributing to an atmosphere of unpredictability.
Pickpocketing is a high risk in crowded tourist zones like Al-Hamidiyah Souq and around the Umayyad Mosque, where visitors should keep valuables secure and remain vigilant. Armed robbery and mugging are assessed as moderate, primarily occurring after dark in less-patrolled outskirts and refugee-heavy districts such as Yarmouk and Tadamon. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid walking alone at night and to use only pre-arranged transport, as street taxis may face lengthy delays at checkpoints and are not recommended for unsolicited hailing.
Scams targeting visitors include fraudsters impersonating UNHCR staff offering fake cash assistance in exchange for personal data, marriage scams where individuals pose as doctors in Damascus or Aleppo on dating platforms, and currency exchange fraud or fake visa agents operating near tourist areas. Official sources warn against taking advice on lodging, medical care, or drivers from taxi drivers, who may have ulterior motives. Given the ongoing risks and the consensus of major governments against travel, visiting Damascus is not advisable for safety reasons.
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06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Damascus districts for visitors: 2 safer, 4 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Damascus safety map.
YarmoukavoidPalestinian refugee camp; high poverty, sporadic armed clashes, and robbery risks, especially after dark.
TadamonavoidPoor southern district; frequent reports of mugging and armed robbery, limited police presence after sunset.
Old CitycautionHistoric core with Umayyad Mosque and souks; petty theft common in crowds, but military presence deters serious violence.
Al-MidancautionTraditional quarter near Old City; pickpocketing in markets, occasional protests, avoid isolated streets at night.
QanawatcautionHistoric Christian quarter; generally calm but vulnerable to petty scams near churches and cafes, stay alert after dark.
BarzehcautionNorthern residential area; checkpoint congestion and occasional unrest, avoid protests and night travel through industrial zones.
Al-MuhajireensaferAffluent residential area with embassies and hotels; lower crime, well-patrolled, popular with expats and visitors.
ShaalansaferUpscale northern neighborhood; modern villas, low street crime, frequented by diplomats and business travelers.
07 · After Dark
Is Damascus safe at night?
Armed robbery and mugging occur, particularly after dark in less-patrolled outskirts and refugee-heavy districts like Yarmouk and Tadamon.
After dark, be most careful around Yarmouk, Tadamon, Old City, Al-Midan. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Damascus safety FAQ (2026)
Is Damascus safe right now (2026)?
No. Damascus remains extremely unsafe for travelers due to ongoing security threats and government Do Not Travel advisories. Syria is under Level 4 advisories from the U.S., UK, and Canada citing terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Recent bombings in July 2026 near the Tourism Ministry injured 18 people, highlighting persistent risks. While daytime walking in central areas may feel relatively stable, crime and insecurity remain elevated, especially after dark and in less-patrolled districts. (Assessed 10 October 2026.)
Is Damascus safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Damascus report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Damascus should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Yarmouk, Tadamon as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Damascus (2026)?
- Fake UNHCR representatives offering cash assistance for personal information
- Marriage scammers posing as doctors in Damascus or Aleppo on dating platforms
- Currency exchange fraud and fake visa agents targeting tourists
How does Damascus compare with other places in Syria (2026)?
Damascus ranks #1 of 3 Syria destinations we've assessed, scoring 20/100. See the Syria safety overview for the full list.
How is this damascus safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: damascus.json (CC BY 4.0).