The Department of State warns Americans to defer travel to Syria. There have been numerous demonstrations in which protesters have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and in one case damaged property at another embassy in Damascus. American Embassy dependents in Damascus have been authorized to depart voluntarily as a result of increased tensions.

While Syrian authorities generally have acted to prevent demonstrations from becoming violent, the potential for further protests remains high.

All American citizens in Syria are urged to consider their personal security situations and to take those measures they deem appropriate to ensure their security, including consideration of departure from the country.

Americans who despite this warning remain in or visit Syria should exercise maximum caution and take prudent measures to maintain their security. These measures include maintaining a strong security posture by being aware of their surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel and contacting the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in case of any change in the local security situation. U.S. consular personnel remain available to provide emergency services to American citizens. The American Embassy in Damascus can be reached at 011-963-11-333-1342 or, after hours, 011-963-11-333-3232.

This Travel Warning is being issued to alert Americans to increased security concerns in Syria. For further information on travel to Syria, travelers may consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Syria.

This additional important information is available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at Travel State