Visa successfully tests first international transaction in Syria with local partners.
Damascus: Visa has conducted its first live international card transaction in Syria, a development that could eventually allow international visitors to use Visa cards in the country. The move marks a significant milestone in Syria’s efforts to reconnect with the global financial system.
The payments company carried out the test in partnership with Fransabank Lebanon, which served as the acquiring financial institution, and Paymera.
Visa said the successful transaction represents an important first step towards expanding digital payment infrastructure in Syria, potentially giving international visitors access to a familiar, secure and convenient way to make payments.
The announcement refers to the successful transaction test and plans to enable international Visa card usage in Syria. It does not mean that Visa cards are already accepted nationwide across the country.
First transaction
Visa described the successful test as an important milestone for Syria’s financial services sector, marking progress towards reconnecting the country with international payment networks.
Mohammed Safwat Raslan, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, said modernising the country’s payment infrastructure and strengthening its links with international payment networks are key steps towards upgrading the financial system.
He said the successful test could pave the way for international card acceptance in Syria, expanding payment options and making transactions more convenient for international visitors.
Raslan stressed that strong compliance measures, risk management and operational controls would remain essential as the payment system develops.
He added that Syria aims to further expand secure and efficient payment solutions to support trade and tourism while improving the overall payment experience.
Visa expansion
Visa said the latest transaction test builds on efforts launched under a strategic roadmap announced in December 2025 in partnership with the Central Bank of Syria and other financial institutions.
Leila Serhan, Visa’s Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for North Africa, the Levant and Pakistan, said the company had spent several months working to support the reintroduction of digital payment services in Syria.
She said Visa’s goal is to connect people worldwide through a payment network that is innovative, reliable and secure.
Serhan added that Visa has been collaborating with local partners and stakeholders to establish the foundations for a more integrated digital economy, while ensuring compliance with applicable legal, regulatory and financial requirements.
She said Visa was pleased to have successfully completed live transaction testing, marking progress towards enabling international visitors to use their Visa cards in Syria.
She described the development as an important milestone in the continued development of Syria’s payments ecosystem.
Wider reopening
The latest payments development comes as Syria takes steps towards deeper integration with the global financial and economic system, reflecting broader efforts to reconnect with international markets and services.
The announcement said Syria authorised local banks in May to work with Visa and Mastercard, as part of broader efforts to reconnect the country with the global economy.
It also noted that the United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, following a 45-day congressional review. The decision came after the US administration moved to deepen engagement with Syria’s new government.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move reflected actions and commitments by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to distance the country from international terrorism.
The change is particularly significant for banks and financial institutions, as the previous designation had created major legal and compliance barriers for institutions and investors considering business activities in Syria.
The Visa transaction test forms part of a broader effort to reconnect Syria with international payment networks and restore access to global card services.
Nadim Moujaes, CEO of a Fransabank Group subsidiary, described the development as an initial step towards the wider reintroduction of international card acceptance in Syria.
He said Fransabank views the move as part of a carefully managed process aimed at enabling international card payments while operating within the approved regulatory framework.
Moujaes also stressed the bank’s commitment to maintaining strong governance, compliance and operational standards as the payment system develops.
Paymera CEO Michel Kattouah said the return of international card acceptance represents an important step in Syria’s digital transformation.
He said Paymera was pleased to work with Visa, Fransabank Lebanon and other partners to help connect visitors and businesses with secure digital payment services.
Digital infrastructure
Visa’s long-term plans for Syria extend beyond enabling international card payments. Under the strategic roadmap announced in December 2025, the company said it would work with licensed financial institutions to develop payment cards and digital wallets supported by technologies such as EMV chip technology and tokenisation.
Visa also plans to support merchants through its Visa Acceptance Platform, offering lower-cost payment solutions such as Tap to Phone and QR codes.
The company said these technologies could help smaller businesses access and participate in the digital economy. Its wider plans also include initiatives focused on building local capabilities, developing talent and supporting entrepreneurs working on innovative payment solutions.
