New dress code in Syria, mandatory for foreign tourists

Syria issued a new clothing code on Tuesday. Women need to wear burkini or full swimsuits on all public beaches.

The measures mark a new cultural change after the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime by the Islamist rebels in December last year, according to CNN.

The Ministry of Tourism says that the new orientations have been made in the « requirements of public interest ».

« Visitors of beaches and public pools, whether they are tourists or locals, must wear adequate swimsuits, taking into account the taste of the public and the sensitivity of the different segments of society, » said the Minister of Tourism, Mazen al-Salhani, in a Directive posted on Facebook.

« Public beaches and pools are needed more modest swimsuits (burkins or swimsuits that cover more of the body), » it is shown in the directive, which adds: « When you go between the beach and other places, you need to wear a beach suit or a wide robe (for women) over bathing suits. »

And men must follow new rules, being forced to wear shirts.

« In public areas outside the beaches and swimming pools, it is preferable to wear wide clothes, to cover the shoulders and knees, and to avoid transparent or too tight clothes, » according to the directive.

However, the ministry said that in the resorts and hotels « classified as international and premium (4 stars) » and on the beaches and private pools « typical Western swimsuits are allowed.

The ministry also says that « rescuers and beaches » will monitor the people to ensure their respect, but it is not very clear what are the consequences of not observing the new measures.

The interim president of Syria, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, who signed the Directive on the dress code, led HTS to the lightning offensive that led to the fall of Assad, whose regime has been in power for several decades.