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Visa and Mastercard process first international card payments in Syria
The tests followed Washington’s removal of Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list, but nationwide service has not yet begun.
Visa and Mastercard processed their first international card transactions in Syria on Wednesday, marking a step toward reconnecting the country with global payment networks after years of sanctions and isolation.
Qatar’s QNB Group said it completed an end-to-end international Mastercard payment in Syria. Visa separately tested a live transaction with Lebanon-based Fransabank.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa took part in Visa’s test by making a restaurant payment in Damascus, according to a video published by Syria’s state-run Syrian Response. The central bank said the transactions followed months of technical preparation and testing.
The services do not yet have nationwide coverage. QNB said hotels, restaurants and government entities could gradually begin accepting international Mastercard cards through its point-of-sale terminals, subject to regulatory approvals.
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The transactions came two days after the United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. The designation had restricted financial transactions and created legal and compliance risks for international banks.
Visa said it plans to enable international visitors to use their cards in Syria. The central bank said it is working to rebuild correspondent banking relationships and expand official channels for cross-border payments.