Event: The security situation in Syria continues to be volatile and unpredictable with armed conflict and terrorism throughout the country. U.S. citizens should depart Syria if possible. U.S. citizens who are unable to depart should prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods.
The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in 2012. The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria. U.S. citizens in Syria who are in need of emergency assistance to depart should contact the U.S. Embassy in the country they plan to enter.
For U.S. citizens departing Syria through the Turkish border:
- U.S. citizens need approval from the Turkish government before going to the border. The U.S. Embassy must facilitate this. U.S. citizens who plan to request entry into Türkiye should send personal details (name, date of birth, passport information) to the U.S. Embassy Ankara American Citizen Services Unit at Ankara-ACS@state.gov.
- Do not approach the border until notified the Turkish government has issued permission.
- U.S. citizens can expect to pass through a thorough security screening process at the border that could take hours to complete.
- If admitted, U.S. citizens will have to cross the Turkish border on foot. No vehicles are allowed to cross.
- If admitted into Türkiye, you will have to depart Türkiye within 72 hours.
- The Turkish government may immediately transport you from the border to an accommodation center in Adana where you may have to stay until you go to the Çukurova airport to depart Türkiye.
For U.S. citizens seeking to depart Syria through the Jordanian border:
- The land crossing from Syria to Jordan is currently closed.
The Czech Protecting Power is currently unable to assist U.S. citizens in Syria at this time. U.S. citizens may reach the Department of State directly by:
- Emailing the U.S. Embassy in Jordan at Amman-ACS@state.gov or by calling 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S.) or +1 202-501-4444 (from overseas).
Actions to Take:
- If you are in Syria, be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate.
- Ensure you and your family have your travel documents (unexpired U.S. passport) in order and are prepared to travel.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency.
- Exercise caution, monitor the news closely for breaking developments that could affect internal security, and factor updated information into your travel plans and activities.
- Have a contingency plan for emergencies and review the Traveler’s Checklist .
- Enroll and encourage other U.S. citizens in Syria to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts.
U.S. citizens in Syria and around the world can now receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs via WhatsApp , or by email via enrollment in STEP . To follow the U.S. Department of State – Crisis Updates for U.S. Citizens WhatsApp Channel, use the QR code below or click here using your device with WhatsApp installed. We suggest you click the bell button in the upper-right corner of the channel to turn on notifications. You can unfollow the channel at any time.
