Syrian Tourist Police: Safety, Assistance, and Emergency Contacts

The Syrian Tourist Police Department is a newly established service and security branch formed by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism. This specialized department aims to support the country's growing tourism sector by offering a safe, organized, and friendly environment for both local and international visitors, presenting a modern and professional face for Syria.

This detailed guide outlines everything you need to know about the Syrian Tourist Police, their daily operations, and how they assist in making your travels safe and stress-free.

Establishment and Milestones

The Tourist Police division was officially incorporated into the Ministry of Interior's organizational framework. The department has crossed several key milestones to train its personnel to the highest international standards:

• Preparatory Operations: Initial cohorts were trained and deployed to manage coordination and logistics during major national events such as the Damascus International Fair.
• Widespread Recruitment: The ministry opened enlistment for both male and female recruits, creating a highly diverse and capable task force.
• Inaugural Graduation Ceremony: Damascus hosted the official graduation ceremony for the first official class of male and female tourist police officers. Attended by the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Tourism, and the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, the ceremony showcased a highly skilled force ready to assist travelers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Unlike traditional civil law enforcement, the Syrian Tourist Police department operates primarily as a service-oriented and navigational agency:

1. Site Security: Guarding and securing archaeological ruins, national museums, hotels, and key tourist attractions to ensure a peaceful visiting environment.
2. Visitor Escorts: Accompanying foreign travel groups and securing their transit between provinces and historic sites to ensure smooth road journeys.
3. Quality & Fair Price Control: Monitoring tourist establishments, restaurants, and hotels to ensure compliance with Ministry of Tourism regulations and prevent commercial exploitation or price manipulation.
4. Navigational Support: Providing foreign travelers with maps, travel logistics, and advice to facilitate seamless exploration of Syrian cities.

Strict Recruitment Standards for High E-E-A-T Quality

To project a welcoming and professional image, the Ministry of Interior enforces strict criteria for all tourist police applicants:

• Education: Candidates must possess a high school diploma at minimum, with highest priority given to graduates of tourism, hotel management, and archaeology colleges.
• Multilingual Skills: Fluency in at least one foreign language (such as English, French, German, Turkish, Spanish, Italian, or Japanese) is a mandatory requirement to guarantee clear communication with international tourists.
• Technical & Physical Skills: Recruits must demonstrate proficiency in using smartphones, GPS systems, and digital navigation apps to assist travelers on the ground.
• Female Representation: The department places a strong emphasis on enlisting female officers. Female patrols are actively deployed in old towns and historical sites to project an inclusive, modern, and welcoming atmosphere.

Current Areas of Deployment

Tourist Police units are actively patrolling the most popular tourist hubs in Syria:

• Old Damascus & Landmarks: Officers are permanently stationed around the National Museum, Al-Hamidiyah Souq, and the historic Umayyad Mosque.
• Coastal Destinations: Patrols are highly active along the beaches, resorts, and tourism facilities of Lattakia and Tartous.
• Central & Northern Regions: Stations are established in Hama and Homs, protecting tour groups visiting sites like the Crac des Chevaliers and Palmyra.

Direct Emergency Contact for Tourists

If you encounter any issues, wish to make an inquiry, or believe you are experiencing commercial exploitation, you can reach the Tourist Police department directly via their dedicated helpline:

• Syrian Tourist Police Hotline: +963 991 914 345

The existence of a dedicated, multilingual tourist police force makes it incredibly easy for international visitors to explore Syria safely and confidently, removing language barriers and ensuring a high-quality travel experience.