Syrian president makes landmark Visa payment

Landmark payment in Damascus

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday completed an electronic payment using a Visa card at a restaurant in Old Damascus, marking a symbolic step toward the war-torn nation's reintegration into the global financial system following the recent lifting of international sanctions. Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan accompanied the president during the transaction, which Syria TV documented in video footage published shortly after the event.

Visa announced on Thursday that it had successfully tested a live international card transaction in Syria alongside the Central Bank, Fransabank and payment processor Paymera. The company described the development as an important step toward enabling international visitors to use their cards in the country, adding that the milestone supports broader efforts to expand digital payment capabilities and strengthen Syria’s connection to the global digital economy.

End of isolation

The payment comes as Damascus seeks to rebuild its economy and reconnect with international markets after the US Treasury Department removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday. The designation had been in place since 1979, effectively cutting the country off from global banking networks and international commerce for decades.

Speaking at the opening of the 63rd Damascus International Fair on Wednesday, Sharaa stated that Syria had entered a new phase of reconstruction and development. He expressed hope that the country could regain its role as a bridge between markets, a trade corridor and an economic hub linking East and West.