Travel Vaccines and Advice for Syria
Syria is known for its mountains, deserts, and diverse ethnic and religious groups.
Due to recent violence, much has changed in Syria. The State Department and other organizations recommend against travel to the region.
Do I Need Vaccines for Syria?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Syria. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Syria: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Pakistan. Multiple polio cases have been reported in the last year. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Syria |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Pakistan. Multiple polio cases have been reported in the last year. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Syria |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Due to the ongoing conflicts in Syria, polio has made a resurgence. Ensure your vaccination is up-to-date.
Previously uncommon infections like measles and tetanus have rising case numbers in the region. Update any routine vaccinations you may need.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa for Syria?
Travellers to Syria must have a valid passport and visa for entry. Visas are not available on-arrival. If you plan to stay in-country for more than 14 days, you must register with immigration authorities.
Individuals with Israeli entry stamps in their passport will be denied entry.
Syria Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Syria? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Syria and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Due to ongoing conflict, entry regulations can change at any time. Be sure to speak with a travel documents specialist before planning your trip.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Syria?
Syria has a Mediterranean influenced climate, characterized by long, hot and dry summers. Winters are wet and mild.
Summers are in the range of 25 to 30 degrees, while Syrian winter temperatures stay from below 10. Due to the desert climate, daily temperatures vary significantly from day to night.
The coastal region of Syria receives limited rainfall. The landlocked, desert regions see much less.
How Safe is Syria?
Due to internal conflict and violent radical groups, Syria is very unsafe. The State Department and other organizations highly recommend against travel to Syria.
Kidnappings, bombings, murder and terrorism are common throughout Syria. Some regions are active conflict zones.
Crime rates vary by regions, but most are generally unsafe.
Canadian Embassy in Syria
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. There are no consular services in Syria. For any consular needs, contact the Canadian Embassy in Lebanon:
Embassy of Canada in Lebanon
First Floor, Coolrite Building,
43 Jal El Dib Highway (seaside),
Beirut, Lebanon
Tel.: 961 (4) 726-700
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Syria
“My nurse was very friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. I also appreciated that she did not pressure me to get all the suggest vaccines, but instead outlined my risk level in Syria and had me assess from there. Great experience overall!”
“This was my first trip and it was great. The nurse was very knowledgeable and nice, she answered all my questions, provided me with significant info for Syria and I never felt rushed. I will definitely return.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Syria?
Do I Need a Visa for Syria?
What is the Climate Like in Syria?
How Safe is Syria?
Canadian Embassy in Syria
