Syrian President Gets First Visa in the Country in Exchange for a Cup of Coffee

Visa and Mastercard announced in separate statements that they had facilitated, through their partners, the first international card-based electronic payment in Syria, ending a service suspension that had lasted for more than 15 years following the outbreak of war in the country.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa conducted the first electronic payment using a Visa card at a shop in Old Damascus, one day after Syria was removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The move coincided with a statement by Safwat Rusal, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, who accompanied the president during the visit, confirming that efforts are underway to build a modern and reliable financial system that aligns with the aspirations of Syrians and opens up new investment horizons and opportunities.

A specialized company released a video showing the direct electronic payment processed through the Visa network, a scene observers described as far more significant than simply paying for a cup of coffee, given its profound implications for Syria’s return to international financial transactions.

With this development, a chapter lasting more than 15 years—during which even the simplest global financial transactions were nearly impossible—has come to an end, making the integration of the historic capital into the international financial system a tangible reality.