Middle East / N. Africa - Syria
Destination Report: Syria
By JoAnne Green
September 27, 2008

Damascus Bombing

According to a report issued by the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria, an explosion occurred on the morning of September 27, 2008, in the area of south Damascus. According to preliminary reports there were several persons killed and injured as a result of the explosion.

Due to heightened security concerns, the Damascus Community School will be closed starting on the 28th of September until after the end of the Eid al Fitr holidays, with school resuming on October 5.

In addition, the U.S. Embassy Damascus’ consular section will be closed to the public for visa services and routine American citizen services for the same period. The consular section will continue to assist American citizens in case of emergency.

The Embassy of the United States of America in Damascus wishes to inform the American community that while there is no information to suggest today’s local incident was targeted against U.S. interests, the recent terrorist attacks against the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen and the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan are reminders that there is a continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and their interests overseas.

The U.S. Embassy in Damascus can be reached 24 hours a day at 963-11-3391-4444; the fax number is 963-11-3391-3999. The Embassy’s web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Damascus, is at http://damascus.usembassy.gov. 

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in Syria: “Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy.”

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in Syria: “We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.”

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in Syria: “Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage.”

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders “New Zealanders travelling or resident in Syria should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.”

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in Syria: “We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States.” 

How We Can Help

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