Britain Tells Citizens to Leave Syria due to Violence

[sharon sanders]

<table class="Country" width="463"><tbody><tr><td width="450">Syria

</td> <td rowspan="2">
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="Smallgrey">Still current at: 25 April 2011
Updated: 25 April 2011 </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Travel Summary and the Safety and Security – Regional Developments section (British Embassy highly unlikely to be able to provide a normal consular service if there is a further breakdown in law and order; road networks may become blocked. The overall level of the advice has not changed. We advise against all travel to the whole of Syria; British Nationals in Syria who have no pressing need to remain should leave now by commercial means.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General

Travel Summary

• We advise against all travel to the Syrian Arab Republic. This is because of increasingly violent disturbances in urban centres across the country, including the capital Damascus, and reports of live gunfire by security forces resulting in an increasing number of deaths. In light of the deteriorating security situation, British nationals in Syria who have no pressing need to remain should leave now by commercial means.
  
  
• British Nationals who choose to remain in Syria or visit against our advice should be aware that it is highly unlikely that the British Embassy will be able to provide a normal consular service in the event of a further breakdown in law and order and increased violent civil disorder. British nationals should therefore plan accordingly.
  
• It is likely that road networks may be blocked during disturbances or demonstrations. In recent days several major highways including Tartous-Latakia, Latakia-Aleppo, Homs-Aleppo and Damascus-Jordan have been temporarily closed because of demonstrations or disturbances. There has also been an increase in the number of security force checkpoints on major road routes.
  
• We have opened a 24 hour telephone helpline for British Nationals. In Syria you should dial 011 373 8299, or from the UK +44 (0)207 008 6900. If you are calling from Syria and encountering problems getting through, please call the UK number. British nationals resident in or visiting Syria are strongly encouraged to register with us. You can do this on our LOCATE service, by telephone to the helpline or by e-mail (British.EmbassyDamascus-ConsularEnquiries@fco.gov.uk).
• There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• You should not attempt to enter Iraq via the Syrian border, which is subject to restrictions on both sides.
  
  
• 35 British nationals required consular assistance in Syria in the period 01 April 2009 – 31 March 2010. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  
• The British Embassy in Damascus currently offers a full consular service, but by appointment only. See the General (Consular and Public Services) section of this advice, or the British Embassy website.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Syria. See General - Insurance.

more.....

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and...ice-by-country/middle-east-north-africa/syria