Syria

It should be noted that the Syrian Company for Oil Transport (“SCOT”) is the main operator of the pipeline networks which serve ships discharging at Banias. SCOT is a designated entity under both EU and US sanctions and any payments to SCOT would potentially be a breach of those sanctions. Members are advised to ensure when using Banias that no payments to SCOT are made by them, either by way of a specific charge or inclusion in general port dues.

In addition, on 12 December 2014 the EU issued Regulation 1323/2014, prohibiting the sale, supply, transfer or export of jet fuel and fuel additives to any Syrian entity or for use in Syria and the insurance and re-insurance of those activities. There are very limited exceptions.

Although the US sanctions are not designed to have extraterritorial effect on non-US persons, E.O.13582 provides for the blocking of property located in the US of any person (including non-US persons) who is determined to: ``…have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material or technological support for, or goods and services in support of, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order. The term ‘materially’ is not defined and will be determined in each case.

During 2015 the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) designated a number of Syrian entities involved in maritime commerce and US persons are consequently prohibited from undertaking trade with these entities. These were:

In addition OFAC designated eight other (non-US) entities and seven vessels because they had been determined to be materially assisting the Syrian Government by the delivery to them of LPG and gas oil cargoes. These were delivered via the port of Banias, which OFAC described as a “government-controlled port”. In light of these designations it is clear that LPG and gas oil cargoes being carried to Syria will be subject to close scrutiny by the sanctions regulators because of their concerns that these cargoes often end up with the Syrian Government. Vessel operators are therefore strongly advised to conduct appropriate due diligence when offered such cargoes to satisfy themselves over the true identity of the intended receiver and user of the cargo.

US banks and US dollar cannot be used to process any payments relating to Syria.

Vessels calling at Syrian ports should also contact the appropriate pilot station or signal tower when entering Syrian territorial waters stating:

If travelling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Syria to ensure that the medication is legal in Syria. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Outbreaks of measles, chickenpox, pertussis and mumps are common in Syria and children and adults travelling should ensure that they have adequate immunisation. In recent years, there have been multiple reports of polio and measles outbreaks in Syria. The ongoing conflict has reduced the ability to contain and control the spread of such infectious diseases.

Vaccine-derived polio outbreaks are occurring. Polio immunisation should be up to date for children, and adults should have a documented adult dose of polio vaccine. Meningococcal vaccination is also recommended for children over 6 years of age who will be staying in Syria.

Four and five star hotels and high-end stores in Syria generally accept credit cards, although most restaurants, stores and shops operate exclusively in cash.

Foreigners visiting Syria are required to pay hotel bills in US dollars, Euros or other non-Syrian hard currency. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted in Syria and banks will not cash them unless the traveller has an account at the bank in question.

There are fourteen private banks operating in Syria, with branches and ATMs in most major cities. These ATMs usually honour major debit/credit systems.