Tartus Syria Travel Guide
Tartus enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This pattern shapes weather conditions significantly throughout the year.
Summers (June-September) bring hot and dry weather, having temperatures often above 30°C. Humidity near the coast is medium to high. Winters (December-March) are mild and wet, with average temperatures between 10°C plus ONE5°C. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November) offer the most pleasant weather, having temperatures typically 18°C to 25°C.
Tartus does not experience monsoons or hurricanes. Heatwaves can bring extreme temperatures, sometimes exceeding 35°C. Stay hydrated and seek shade.
Winter sometimes features strong coastal winds and occasional storms. Earthquakes can occur, as Syria is in an active seismic zone. Familiarize yourself with basic earthquake safety procedures.
Intense heat, higher humidity.
Beach activities, swimming.
Heat can make outdoor exploration uncomfortable.
Milder temperatures, lower humidity.
Sightseeing, historical sites, walking.
Occasional rain showers, cooler sea.
Fewer local visitors, quiet experience.
Quiet exploration.
Cooler temperatures, frequent rainfall.
Coastal activities like swimming and beach relaxation suit summer (June-September). The sea is warm and alluring during these months.
Sightseeing and delving into the past (Old City, Amrit, Safita, Krak des Chevaliers) are most comfortable in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). These months offer agreeable weather for walking.
Best for relaxing on the beach and swimming.
Excellent for historical tours and strolls through the city.
Good for deep cultural experience and outdoor cafes.
Quieter visits, colder temperatures for interior attractions.
Shoulder seasons suit engaging with local life and markets.
Travel to Syria for foreign nationals is not straightforward. Tight rules are in place.
Tourist visas generally are for most foreign nationalities. How to apply is complex. It typically calls for a sponsor or an approved tour operator in Syria. This tour operator acts as a official contact. They facilitate the necessary approvals from Syrian authorities.
Upon arrival, typically at Damascus International Airport (DAM), expect passport control, visa verification, and security checks. Extensive questioning by immigration and security officials is common. A polite and patient demeanor is good. Your tour guide will assist through this process.
Gather all documents meticulously for your trip. They are essential for smooth travel.
Budgeting to cover a trip to Tartus, and Syria in general, differs significantly from typical travel planning. Due to international sanctions and the native economy's conditions, traditional payment methods are largely unusable. Cash is king. Costs are often managed through pre-arranged tour packages.
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Exchange rates for the SYP are highly volatile due to economic sanctions. The official exchange rate often differs significantly from black market rates.
International credit or debit cards are generally not valid for transactions due to sanctions. Carrying sufficient money in US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR) for your entire trip is absolutely necessary. You can exchange USD or EUR into SYP at official banks or through your tour operator. The black market usually has better rates, but this carries risks. Your tour guide offers advice on safe and practical options. Exchange money in smaller increments as needed.
Traditional budget categories not applicable for foreign tourists. Most foreign tourists are part of organized tours.
Packages from $200-$500+ USD a day per person.
Independent traveling often more expensive prices and risks.
Even within a guided tour, understanding individual price ranges is helpful.
Hotels: $50-$150+ USD per night for mid-range.
Basic meal: 10,000-30,000 SYP (highly volatile).
Local transportation is inexpensive in SYP, but tourist transport differs.
Area cabs are cheap in SYP.
Tourist transport often quoted in USD by operator.
| Service | Expected Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 5-10% of bill | For good service. |
| Drivers/Porters | Few thousand SYP or small USD | For good service. |
| Guides | $10-$20 USD per person/day | Reflects service and trip duration. |
Travel to Tartus calls for a heightened awareness of health and safety. Tartus is one of Syria's more stable areas. Medical infrastructure is strained and security concerns exist. Careful preparation protects your well-being.
Visit a travel doctor FOR-6 weeks before your trip.
Vaccinations FOR HEPATITIS A & b, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria, MMR, Polio booster.
For longer stays, animal contact, or rural visits.
Traveler's diarrhea is common.
Only drink bottled or purified water. Stick to bottled water. Avoid uncooked food unless confident in its preparation. Peel fruits and vegetables. Ensure every food item is hot and made fresh. Choose busy eateries.
Mosquitoes can transmit diseases; use Insect repellent. Summer heat means staying hydrated with Bottled water, avoiding strenuous activity midday, wearing a Wide-brimmed hat, and using sunscreen.
Frequently wash your hands or use Hand sanitizer.
Access to advanced medical attention, specialized treatments, and reliable emergency services is limited. Hospitals face shortages of staff, medicine, and equipment.
Police: 112, Ambulance: 110, Fire: 113. Reliability and response times can be affected by local conditions.
Extremely difficult, complex, and costly. Standard travel insurance usually excludes coverage for conflict zones.
General crime statistics for foreign visitors are unreliable. Minor crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Tartus is generally one of Syria's more stable areas. However, security risks remain throughout the country.
Comprehensive travel insurance is necessary. Most standard policies exclude coverage for travel to conflict zones. You will likely need specialized "war zone" insurance or high-risk travel insurance. Verify policy details carefully for coverage on medical emergencies and emergency evacuation.
Standard policies exclude conflict zones; seek specialized coverage.
Verify medical emergencies and emergency evacuation.
Medical evacuation faces severe logistical hurdles.
