Hotel in Damascus resumes accepting international credit card payments prior to the lifting of sanctions

In a significant development, Beit Al Wali Hotel in Damascus has become the first hotel in Syria to accept Visa and Mastercard payments. This pioneering move, made in 2025 before the official lifting of U.S. sanctions, scheduled for July 1, 2025, could serve as a roadmap for other local businesses.

The hotel's management, in collaboration with regional financial institutions, spearheaded this initiative. The early adoption of international card payments is a positive sign for the future, demonstrating the feasibility of broader acceptance of electronic payments in Syria.

With the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) reissuing General License 25 (GL 25) to allow some transactions, the logistics of restoring Visa and Mastercard services in Syria are gradually being addressed. However, the reconnection of Syrian banks to global networks remains crucial for the successful restoration of these services.

The resumption of international card payments could make Syria a more attractive destination for tourists. Easier transactions are likely to help tourism come back, as major travel agencies like Booking.com and Airbnb may soon start accepting payments from all over the world again.

This development could lead to increased foreign investment and economic growth. With sanctions lifted and foreign investment returning, actions like these could stimulate economic growth in Syria after years of stagnation. The successful implementation of international card payments in Syria could serve as a roadmap for other local businesses, potentially leading to a more vibrant and connected economy.

Moreover, the ease of transactions at Beit Al Wali Hotel makes it easier for international guests who previously faced cash-only conditions. This move could help Syria regain its position on the world tourism map, attracting more visitors and boosting the local economy.

In conclusion, the early adoption of international card payments by Beit Al Wali Hotel is a significant step towards Syria's economic recovery and reintegration into the global economy. As more businesses follow suit, Syria could see a resurgence in tourism and economic growth.

Hotel in Damascus resumes accepting international credit card payments prior to the lifting of sanctions