Syria decrees full body swimwear for women on public beaches
Syrian authorities on Tuesday announced new regulations governing dress codes at public beaches and swimming pools, urging people to wear 'more modest' clothing. The move was framed as being in the interest of 'public interest.'
Under the new directives, women are required to wear burkinis or full-body swimwear, and must don loose-fitting clothing when walking outside designated swimming areas.
Men, meanwhile, are prohibited from appearing shirtless in public spaces such as hotel lobbies or restaurants.
The Ministry of Tourism published the guidelines on its official platforms, asking tourists and beachgoers to dress in a manner that 'respects public decency and the sentiments of all segments of society.'
The instructions also emphasize respect for Syria's cultural and religious diversity.
The directive begins with general safety guidelines, before detailing what types of swimwear are deemed appropriate in public recreational spaces.
The new rules mandate that shoulders and knees must be covered, and ban tight or transparent clothing.
However, lighter restrictions apply to international-standard resorts rated four stars and above, and private clubs, where 'Western-style swimwear' is allowed, provided it aligns with 'civilized behavior and public morals.'
Hotels and resorts rated below four stars must still adhere to the stricter dress code.
The decision also requires owners and operators of tourism facilities to clearly post the dress code rules at beaches and pools, and to monitor compliance, including during designated swimming hours.
While the ministry did not specify how the rules will be enforced or what penalties violators may face, the announcement comes amid broader signs of a rising religious and moral tone in Syria's public policy following the political transition that removed former President Bashar al-Assad.
The transitional government, in place since December, has repeatedly vowed to restore 'social values' and 'moral identity' across various sectors, including education, media, and tourism.
Syria's 180-kilometer Mediterranean coastline has long been a popular destination for domestic tourists and a modest number of regional visitors.
In the past, revealing swimwear like bikinis was typically seen only in private resorts or five-star hotels, while more conservative dress remained the norm at public beaches, largely due to social customs rather than formal regulations.
Reaction on social media was mixed. Some users hailed the move as a necessary reflection of Syrian values, while others criticized it as an encroachment on personal freedoms.
'Syria is a moderate and open country,' wrote one user, Shatha, on the Ministry of Tourism's Facebook page. 'It should accommodate everyone without restrictions... the ministry should reconsider this decision.'
Another commenter, Yahya Qubaysho, praised the regulation, writing, 'Respecting Syrian cultural values is essential. Thank you to the minister of tourism and everyone supporting our heritage.'
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