From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Syria
Date: 12 Jan 1993 17:57:11 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Syria
============================================================
Syria - Consular Information Sheet
 January 8, 1993

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria, is located 
in Abu Roumaneh, Al-Mansur St. No. 2; P.O. Box 29.  Telephone 
numbers are (963-11) 33-3052, 33-2557, 33-0416, 33-2814, 33-2315, 
71-4108, 33-7178, or 33-3232.

Country Description:  The Syrian Arab Republic in practice has a 
developing, mixed-sector economy.  The ruling Ba'th party espouses a 
largely secular ideology, but Islamic traditions and beliefs provide 
a conservative foundation for the country's customs and practices.  
The constitution refers to Islamic jurisprudence as a principal 
source of legislation, but the legal system remains influenced by 
French practice.  Tourist facilities are widely available, but 
limited according to area and price.

Entry Requirements:  Passports and visas are required.  Visas must 
be obtained in advance.  According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, 
an AIDS test is not required for foreigners prior to arrival in 
Syria.  However, tests are mandatory for foreigners wishing to 
reside in Syria for work or study or any other reason.  A residence 
permit will not be issued until the absence of the virus has been 
determined.  Foreigners wishing to marry Syrian nationals must also 
be tested.  Entry to Syria is not granted to persons with passports 
showing an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamps.  For further entry 
information, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Syrian Arab 
Republic, 2215 Wyoming Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 
232-6313.

Medical Facilities:  Basic modern medical care and medicines are 
available in the principal cities of Syria, but not necessarily in 
outlying areas.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash 
payment for health care services.  U.S. medical insurance is not 
always valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical 
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  The 
international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, 
telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.

Information on Crime:  Crime is generally not a serious problem for 
travelers in Syria.  Useful information on safeguarding valuables 
and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided 
in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  It is 
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Tips For Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa" contains general 
information on travel in the area.  It is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security within Syria.

 No. 93-024

Newsgroups: rec.travel