Obtaining a Visa - All non Arab visitors to Syria are required to obtain an entry visa to Syria from the Syrian Diplomatic missions in their countries of residence. If there are no Syrian diplomatic missions in your home country or nearby, ICARDA will assist you in obtaining a visa. In that case, you should complete the visa application form and send it to the local organizing committee (please see the visa application form - pdf format 13.2kb, MS Word Format 39kb).

Flight Reservation - Flights to Damascus and Aleppo international airports are usually fully booked, so it is recommended that you make your reservations as early as possible. Damascus International Airport is served by most major international carriers (KLM, Alitalia, British Air, Austrian Air, Air France, Lufthansa, Egypt Air, Royal Jordanian Air, Emirates Air, Gulf Air, etc). We however recommend that the participants use direct flights to Aleppo International Airport or a flight to Damascus International Airport that would allow onward flight connections or road transportation to Aleppo on the same day. Please note that the timing could change and therefore, it is advisable that you check with your travel agent.

Health Precautions
Syria is a clean country, but some people take longer to adjust to the local environment than others. With proper precautions, one can avoid inconvenience and discomfort. Once in Syria, avoid salads from public places, unwashed fruit, ice cream and any food you feel may have been prepared under unsanitary conditions. While the tap water is considered safe, those with sensitive constitutions should drink only bottled water at the beginning.
   If you have a medical condition that requires special medication, make sure to bring an adequate supply. Just to be on the safe side, keep such medications in your hand luggage.
   It is advisable that one be vaccinated against the following diseases: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, and typhoid. A gamma globulin shot is also recommended. A health certificate against cholera or smallpox is usually not required, but should preferably be carried. Visitors are advised to check with their physicians prior to travelling to Syria.