Syria has reintroduced electronic payments using Visa and Mastercard cards through a new pilot program based in Damascus [1].
This move marks a significant attempt to reconnect the Syrian financial system with global markets. By integrating into the international digital payments network, the government aims to promote financial inclusion, and modernize the way citizens and businesses conduct transactions.
Minister Abdulsalam Haykal and the Syrian Ministry of Communications and Technology are overseeing the initiative [1]. The program represents the first time Visa and Mastercard have been utilized in Syria in more than 15 years [1].
The pilot program was announced in 2024 as part of a broader strategy to update the country's technological infrastructure [1]. Officials said the goal is to transition away from cash-heavy dependencies and align the domestic economy with international standards.
While the current rollout is concentrated in the capital, the ministry intends to evaluate the success of the Damascus pilot before determining if the service will expand to other regions. The reintroduction comes after a long period of isolation from major global payment processors, a gap that has hindered tourism and foreign investment.
By allowing these cards, the ministry seeks to facilitate easier payment processes for international visitors, and provide Syrian entities with tools to engage in global commerce [1].
“Syria has reintroduced electronic payments using Visa and Mastercard cards.”
The return of global payment giants to Syria suggests a strategic effort to bypass financial isolation. If successful, this pilot could lower the barriers for foreign trade and tourism, though the scale of the rollout will likely depend on the government's ability to navigate international sanctions and regulatory hurdles.
