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Syria

Same-sex relations have been criminalized since 1949 under Article 520 of the Syrian Penal Code, which prohibits 'carnal relations against the order of nature' with up to three years' imprisonment. In December 2024, the fall of the Assad regime and the rise of HTS-led forces marked a radical political shift; Article 520 remains formally in force and, per 2025 documentation, violations against LGBTQI+ persons have increased by 70% compared to the prior period, with arbitrary arrests, raids, and violence. There is no legal recognition of same-sex unions. Several foreign affairs ministries advise against all travel to Syria. We recommend consulting official sources before planning any travel.

Population 26,0M Capital Damasco Language Arabic Currency Syrian Pound (SYP)

Legal framework · Syria

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LGBT identity
Criminalized · up to 3 years
1949 Penal Code, Article 520 · prohibits 'carnal relations against the order of nature' · up to three years prison
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Partnership recognition
Not recognized
No same-sex marriage or civil union

Official sources
check before traveling to Syria

Foreign affairs ministries publish updated travel advisories. For destinations with restrictive legal frameworks we recommend consulting several official sources before planning.

U.S. State Department

Level 4 (Do Not Travel) due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, and armed conflict.

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UK FCDO

Advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks.

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