Syria’s Sharaa Makes First Visa Payment After US Sanctions End

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara marked a historic financial milestone by paying a Damascus restaurant bill with a Visa card. This symbolic transaction follows the United States’ decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending decades of strict economic isolation. Visa confirmed the successful testing of its network alongside the Syrian Central Bank, stating this breakthrough “supports broader efforts to expand digital payment capabilities.” The return of international credit cards signals a major first step in seamlessly reintegrating Syria into the global economy.