Syria: Women should wear burkinis, 'appropriate' swimsuits on beaches
The Syrian Tourism Ministry on Tuesday said women should wear burkinis or "appropriate" swimsuits at public beaches.
"People are asked to wear conservative swimsuits at public beaches and shores (burkinis or swimsuits which cover the whole body," a ministry statement said.
"Swimmers and general beach visitors in general are required to wear appropriate swimming attire and behave in a manner that respects public taste," the statement added.
The decision came six months after an Islamist coalition seized power and overthrew longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Outside public swimming areas, women should wear loose-fitting clothing, and men must not walk around bare-chested even in hotel lobbies and restaurant areas, the statement said.
During al-Assad's rule, women in Syria were not seen wearing swimsuits, especially on public beaches.
But the ministry said the restrictions do not apply to private clubs, pools and luxury hotels.
"It is allowed to wear regular Western swimsuits provided that appropriate behavior is adhered to," the statement said.
Syria is currently led by a transitional government. It is largely comprised of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
Since the takeover, the rights of minorities and women have been under particular scrutiny.
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