Visa has announced the completion of its first live test of a payment transaction using one of its international cards in Syria, in collaboration with Fransabank Lebanon as the acquiring financial institution and Bemira, an electronic payment company. The move marks a significant development in the modernization of the country’s digital payment infrastructure.
First Live Transaction in Damascus
The test, which took place in Damascus, is intended to pave the way for expanding digital payment capabilities in Syria and enabling international visitors to use their cards while in the country. According to Visa, this will provide visitors with a familiar and secure payment method for their transactions during their stay.
Central Bank Governor Welcomes the Step
Mohammad Safwat Raslan, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, said that modernizing the national payment system and enhancing its integration with international payment networks is a key part of developing Syria’s financial infrastructure. He described the Visa test as a practical step that prepares the ground for accepting international cards, broadening payment options, and facilitating transactions for international visitors. He also stressed the importance of maintaining strong compliance, risk management, and operational controls to ensure the integrity of payment and settlement operations and to build trust in the payment system.
Visa's Regional Leadership Comments
Laila Sarhan, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Visa’s business in North Africa, the Levant, and Pakistan, noted that the company has taken several steps over the past months to support the reintroduction of digital payments in Syria and to strengthen its integration into the global digital economy, while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements and compliance standards. She described the successful test of the first actual payment transaction in Syria as an important achievement within these efforts, supporting Visa’s plans to enable international visitors to use their cards while in the country.
Fransabank and Bemira Executives on the Collaboration
Nadim Maajess, CEO of Fransabank’s international branch, said the cooperation with Visa represents a significant milestone that culminates ongoing efforts to reconnect Syria with international payment networks. He affirmed that this step is the beginning of a broader path toward enabling the acceptance of international cards in Syria, with commitment to the approved framework and the highest standards of governance, compliance, and operational integrity.
Michel Kattoua, Executive Director of Bemira, described the reintroduction of payments using Visa international cards as a notable achievement in Syria’s digital transformation journey. He reiterated the company’s commitment to cooperating with Visa, Fransabank Lebanon, and other system partners to provide secure and reliable payment operations and to connect visitors and businesses with the digital financial system.
Broader Efforts and Previous Milestones
The test is part of wider efforts led by Visa in cooperation with the Central Bank of Syria and various stakeholders in the financial sector to support the country’s digital economy. In December 2025, Visa announced a strategic roadmap to support Syria’s integration into the global digital economy. In February 2026, the company hosted a specialized forum in Damascus that brought together banks, payment system partners, and policymakers. Additionally, a memorandum of cooperation was signed with Syria’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in San Francisco during the same month.
The successful test of the first international payment transaction is a preparatory step toward expanding the acceptance of international cards in Syria, with continued work on completing the necessary regulatory and operational requirements for a broader rollout of the service.
