Visa, Mastercard resume operations in Syria after 15-year hiatus
Crypto Briefing
Visa and Mastercard have resumed operations in Syria, reconnecting the country to the global financial system after 15 years of isolation.Summary
After a 15-year absence due to economic sanctions, Visa and Mastercard have officially resumed payment processing in Syria. The rollout began with technical integration by Mastercard on May 8, 2026, followed by a formal announcement from the Central Bank of Syria and the immediate launch of services by Qatar National Bank on May 10. This development, supported by a 2025 roadmap established by Visa and the Central Bank, allows Syrian-issued cards to be used globally and facilitates international transactions within the country, marking a significant step toward economic reintegration.
(Source：Crypto Briefing)