Visa offers International Card Payment in Syria
Visa has successfully tested its first international card transaction in Syria, marking a potential shift in the country's financial integration. The initiative aims to facilitate tourism and commerce while adhering to international compliance and regulatory standards.
Why it matters
This represents a significant step in re-integrating Syria into the global financial system, which has been heavily restricted by sanctions.
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, announced they have tested the first live international transaction in Syria, marking an important milestone in supporting the country’s financial services sector.
Working with Fransabank Lebanon as the acquiring financial institution and Paymera, the test is the start of a historic step toward expanding digital payment capabilities in the market and providing international visitors with a familiar, secure, and convenient way to make payments.
H.E. Mohammed Safwat Raslan, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria , said: “The Central Bank of Syria views the modernization of the national payments ecosystem and its greater integration with international payment systems as an important part of the broader modernization of Syria’s financial infrastructure. Today’s test paves the way for international card acceptance in Syria and represents a practical milestone in expanding payment options and facilitating transactions for international visitors.
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