π₯ Healthcare Overview
System: Healthcare infrastructure severely damaged by over a decade of civil war. Estimated 50% of hospitals are non-functional or partially functional. WHO and international NGOs operate many remaining clinics. Government and opposition areas have separate healthcare systems.
Quality: β ββββ (1/5)
Healthcare has been devastated by conflict. Damascus has some functioning private hospitals. Aleppo and other major cities have partially rebuilt capacity. Rural and previously besieged areas have minimal healthcare. Many doctors have fled the country.
π‘ Medical Tourism
Syria is not a medical tourism destination. Before the war, Syria had capable hospitals. Syrians now travel to Lebanon, Jordan, or Turkey for medical care.
π¨ Hospitals & Clinics Near Tourist Areas
Recommended facilities for travelers β English-speaking staff available at most listed locations.
Al-Mouwasat University Hospital π£οΈ English spoken
π Near: Damascus
π +963-11-612-6000
One of the better-functioning hospitals in Damascus. University teaching hospital with some specialist capabilities. English-speaking doctors available.
Aleppo University Hospital π£οΈ English spoken
π Near: Aleppo
π +963-21-267-8000
Partially rebuilt after extensive war damage. Basic emergency and surgical services. Operating capacity is limited.
Syria General Hospital β οΈ Limited English
π Near: Capital city area
π 110
Government facility. Limited English. Bring a translator app.
π Pharmacy Guide
Access: limited
Hours: Irregular in most areas. Some pharmacies in Damascus operate 9am-7pm. Look for 'Ψ΅ΩΨ―ΩΩΨ©' (Saydaliyya).
Prescription rules: No reliable prescription enforcement system. Medications are sold based on availability. Quality cannot be guaranteed for any locally obtained medications.
Available Over-the-Counter
- paracetamol (limited, verify authenticity)
- oral rehydration salts
- basic antibiotics (verify authenticity)
π£οΈ Useful Pharmacy Phrases
π‘ Handy phrases at the pharmacy
- :
- :
- :
- :
- :
π‘ Tips
Syria once had a strong pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, but production has been severely impacted. Counterfeit and expired medications are a serious risk. Bring all necessary medications from home.
πͺ Pharmacy Chains You’ll See
Look for these storefronts:
- Private pharmacies — Look for 'Ψ΅ΩΨ―ΩΩΨ©' sign or green cross. Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia
π Common OTC Medications by Local Brand
Knowing the local brand name makes asking for common over-the-counter medications much easier.
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Ψ¨Ψ§Ψ±Ψ§Ψ³ΩΨͺΨ§Ω
ΩΩ (Paracetamol) / Ψ¨ΩΨ§Ψ―ΩΩ (Panadol)
Most commonly found when available. Pre-war Syrian pharmaceutical brands may still exist. - ibuprofen → Ψ₯ΩΨ¨ΩΨ¨Ψ±ΩΩΩΩ (Ibuprofen) / Ψ¨Ψ±ΩΩΩΩ (Brufen)
Limited availability. Bring from home. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → ΩΩΨ¨ΩΨ±Ψ§Ω
ΩΨ― (Loperamide) / Ψ₯ΩΩ
ΩΨ―ΩΩΩ
(Imodium)
Very limited availability. Bring your own supply.
π Medications & Restrictions
Carry a doctor's letter in English and Arabic listing all medications with generic names. Keep medications in original packaging. Bring comprehensive supplies β local availability is extremely unreliable.
Controlled / Restricted Substances
π« Watch out for these
- π« Narcotic substances β Strictly prohibited. Severe legal penalties. Carry thorough documentation for any controlled medications.
- β οΈ Psychotropic medications β Carry original prescriptions and doctor's letters in English and Arabic.
- π« Captagon (fenethylline) β Heavily associated with the Syrian conflict. Possession carries extreme legal consequences.
π¦· Dental Care
Availability: Some private dental clinics operating in Damascus. Very limited elsewhere.
Typical cost range: $10-50 for basic procedures
Dental care quality varies dramatically. Damascus has some capable private practices. Equipment sterilization may not meet international standards in many areas.
π¦· Dental emergency?
For dental emergencies in Damascus, seek private clinics. Outside the capital, evacuation to Lebanon or Jordan may be necessary.
π‘οΈ Travel Insurance
β οΈ Strongly recommended
Average cost: $100-200/week
π‘ Tip
Most standard travel insurance policies exclude Syria. Specialist conflict-zone coverage is required. Medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential. Verify coverage for both medical and security evacuation to Lebanon, Turkey, or Jordan.
π How to File an Insurance Claim
Cash payment required. Documentation may be difficult to obtain. Damascus private hospitals can provide some English-language documentation. Keep all receipts. File claims with your insurer after departure.
π΅ Typical Out-of-Pocket Costs
Estimated cash prices (SYP):
- Doctor visit (private clinic): $5-25
- ER visit (no admission): $15-75
- Overnight hospital stay: $20-100
- Ambulance call-out: $20-80 (if available)
Costs are very low by international standards but healthcare quality is severely compromised. USD widely preferred. Currency situation is extremely volatile.
π Medical Evacuation
Medical evacuation is essential for any serious condition. Damascus International Airport is the primary exit point. Overland to Lebanon or Jordan may be necessary. Active conflict and airspace restrictions may complicate evacuations.
Primary destination: Beirut, Lebanon
Secondary destination: Amman, Jordan or Istanbul, Turkey
Typical cost band: $15,000-60,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, International SOS, MedJet β compare current quotes and policy terms before relying on any single provider.
π Vaccinations
Recommended
- π‘ Hepatitis A
- π‘ Hepatitis B
- π‘ Typhoid
- π‘ Rabies
- π‘ Polio (booster)
- π‘ Cholera
No mandatory vaccinations for entry. Polio has re-emerged during the conflict β ensure booster is current. Cholera outbreaks have occurred. Routine vaccinations must be up to date. Consult a travel medicine specialist.
π° Water & Food Safety
β Tap water is NOT safe β drink bottled water only
Tap water is unsafe in most areas. Water infrastructure has been heavily damaged by conflict. Drink only bottled or purified water. Carry water purification equipment.
Food Safety Tips
Eat only thoroughly cooked foods served hot. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits. Food safety infrastructure has been compromised by conflict. Carry emergency food supplies.
π§ Mental Health Resources
π Crisis Line: No functioning national crisis line
International crisis support: Contact your embassy, UNHCR, or International SOS
English-speaking therapists: Very limited β some through international organizations in Damascus
Mental health services are extremely limited. Widespread conflict-related trauma. International organizations provide some psychosocial support. Pre-arrange remote therapy options.
βΏ Accessibility
No accessibility infrastructure. Widespread conflict damage has made movement extremely difficult throughout the country.
Hospital accessibility: Major Damascus hospitals have basic access. Most facilities elsewhere are not accessible.
Accessible transport: No accessible transportation. Roads are damaged throughout much of the country.
π‘ Accessibility tips
Syria is not accessible for travelers with physical limitations under current conditions. Most governments advise against all travel to Syria.
π« COVID & Respiratory Illness
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask mandates in effect.
Testing availability: Very limited COVID testing in Damascus.
Healthcare system cannot adequately respond to any disease outbreak. Bring personal protective supplies.
π¨ Emergency Contacts
π Emergency: 110 (ambulance), 112 (police), 113 (fire) β service unreliable in many areas
π Sources & References
Data compiled from official government health sources, WHO, and traveler-reported information.
- CDC Travelers' Health
- WHO International Travel and Health
- WHO Syria Health Cluster Reports
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
β οΈ This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before traveling and verify current entry requirements with official sources.