Viral Video Shows Syria President Ahmed Al-Sharaa Making 1st Visa Card Payment After US Terror List Removal
A viral video shows Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa making a Visa card payment at a Damascus café, presented as Syria’s first international card payment in the capital after the country’s removal from the US state sponsors of terrorism list. The move signals a potential new phase for Syria’s banking sector as global payment networks return.
A viral video shows Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa making a Visa card payment at a café in central Damascus, in a moment presented by the Central Bank of Syria as the country's first international card payment in the heart of the capital. The transaction came a day after Syria was removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The payment was personally documented by Central Bank Governor Mohammad Safwat Raslan, who posted footage of the transaction on X. Raslan described it as a new beginning for Syria's financial system after years of international sanctions and restrictions on its banking sector. Donald Trump Confirms Xi Jinping Will Visit US, Leaders Set for High-Stakes Summit.
Al-Sharaa Making 1st Visa Card Payment After US Terror List Removal
سنواصل العمل بلا توقف لبناء نظام مالي حديث موثوق ومنفتح يواكب تطلعات السوريين ويفتح أمامهم فرصاً جديدة.
اليوم نفتح باباً جديداً وغداً بإذن الله نكتب فصلاً أجمل لسورية
— Safwat Raslan (صفوت رسلان) (@SafwatRaslan) August 26, 2026
Mohammad Safwat Raslan Documents First Payment
Raslan wrote on his 'X' platform account, accompanied by a video clip of the payment process: "Witnessing this moment with His Excellency President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, and executing the first payment using a Visa card in the heart of Damascus the day after Syria's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, is a feeling that words can hardly capture... A new beginning filled with hope and responsibility."
The scene highlights the gradual return of international payment networks to Syria as the country seeks to reconnect its financial system with global institutions.
From Testing To Everyday Payments
The process began in May, when the Central Bank of Syria allowed banks and electronic payment companies to engage with global payment networks. Mastercard completed its technical integration on May 8, followed by a launch event and trial payments at the Four Seasons Hotel Damascus the next day, Sabq Newspaper reported.
Qatar National Bank began accepting cards on May 10, marking the return of international payment networks after a 15-year hiatus following the sanctions imposed after the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011.
Leila Sarhan, Vice President and Regional Manager for North Africa, Levant, and Pakistan at 'Visa', stated that the company sees "strong long-term potential to build a modern digital payments ecosystem in Syria that aligns with global standards."
Removal From US Terror List Removes Key Barrier
The expansion of international card payments had remained subject to restrictions while Syria was on the U.S. state sponsors of terrorism list. Experts had pointed to several obstacles, including restrictions on processing transactions in dollars and euros, limited public confidence in banks, a shortage of point-of-sale devices, exchange-rate fluctuations and recurring power and internet outages.
The challenges are particularly significant in an economy where an estimated 80–90% of the population operates outside the formal banking system. With the classification removed last Monday, Damascus has described the development as the "final obstacle" for banks and international companies seeking to operate through official financial channels.
The change could facilitate the return of correspondent banking relationships, improve formal remittance channels for Syrians abroad and support reconstruction financing through the banking system.
Saudi Arabia Takes Early Role
Saudi Arabia has also emerged as an early participant in Syria's financial reintegration. The Governor of the Saudi Central Bank 'SAMA', Ayman Al-Sayari, met his Syrian counterpart in September 2025 on the sidelines of the 'Money 20/20' conference in Riyadh to discuss cooperation in financial services.
The engagement was followed by meetings between Syrian officials and representatives of Saudi banks. Riyadh had already played a role in Syria's wider diplomatic and economic opening, hosting the Trump-Al-Sharaa meeting in May 2025 and the subsequent announcement concerning the lifting of sanctions.
Who Is Mohammad Safwat Raslan?
The Central Bank Governor who documented the payment, Mohammad Safwat Raslan, is an economics graduate from the University of Aleppo. He has more than 20 years of experience in credit risk management and digital transformation, including positions at 'Deutsche Bank' and 'Targobank' in Germany and consulting roles at 'EY' and 'Capco'.
Before taking charge of the Central Bank, Raslan headed the Syrian Development Fund. He assumed his current position last May.
The payment by President Al-Sharaa therefore comes as Syria attempts to rebuild links with the international financial system, although the broader transition will depend on the removal of remaining practical and compliance-related barriers and the ability of domestic banks to expand access to digital payments.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2026 06:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
