The first trial of electronic payment through the global Visa and Mastercard networks began on Saturday, May 9, at an official ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, after more than 15 years since the use of the two cards stopped in Syria.
Syria’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology also launched, during the same ceremony, the first Paymera network for local payments linked to global card payment networks, according to Enab Baladi’s correspondent.
Paymera describes itself on its website as “a leading local payment solutions company, designed to simplify and secure everyday transactions,” and as a merchant-focused platform that enables individuals, businesses, and partners through QR code payments, point-of-sale devices, and Paymera cards. The company says these tools are tailored to meet the needs of the local market while remaining fully ready for global integration with Visa and Mastercard.
Haykal: Cooperation With Visa and Mastercard To Develop Digital Infrastructure
Syrian Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Haykal said cooperation with Visa and Mastercard strengthens the development of Syria’s digital financial infrastructure according to global standards.
He said the trial of the first payment transaction marks Syria’s entry into the global digital payments system.
Haykal explained that the trial launch of Mastercard, Visa, and Paymera paves the way for a stage in which:
The Syrian Ministry of Communications and the Central Bank of Syria signed a memorandum of understanding in July 2025 aimed at developing the digital financial services industry in Syria and improving the quality of services provided to citizens.
Paymera: Only 4,200 POS Devices So Far
Paymera Assistant General Manager for Commercial Affairs Giath Alawd told Enab Baladi that the company is Syria’s national infrastructure for electronic payment, and that it will provide banking connectivity for the electronic infrastructure among all banks operating in Syria.
He said the launch required six months of intensive preparations to achieve Syria’s technical connection with global companies, while complying with special standards that took a long time.
Alawd revealed that the company currently has about 4,200 points of sale in Syria, known as POS devices. The plan is to deploy 50,000 devices before the end of 2026, allowing holders of local and international cards to carry out electronic payments easily, while the company works with local banks in an integrated role.
POS devices are essential electronic machines that allow digital payments, including credit cards, Mastercard, and contactless payments, to be accepted quickly and securely. They improve customer experience and reduce cash handling. They operate through the internet or GSM networks, provide accurate financial reports, and include portable types and modern SoftPOS services that turn smartphones into payment machines.
Paymera Executive Official: Visitors to Syria First, Then Citizens
Paymera Executive Technical Officer Mohamad Darkazanli said that, as an initial step, the company will provide connectivity with Mastercard and Visa for visitors coming to Syria who hold cards from the two companies. Cards from the two companies will then be provided to Syrian citizens.
He said the company relied on international standards that enabled it to reach the current stage as a global electronic payment gateway capable of integration and interconnection with Visa and Mastercard. The focus was on attracting qualified competencies and expertise to support electronic payment operations according to the highest security standards, in a way that protects the security and privacy of cardholders.
He added that work is underway to launch the company in Syria based on advanced technologies reached during 2026, and to help bridge the technological gap the country has experienced since 2011.
Visa and Mastercard are two leading US global payment technology companies. They do not issue cards directly, but provide the electronic network that connects banks and merchants to facilitate secure payment, purchase, and cash withdrawal transactions online or in more than 200 countries.
A Preemptive Step by the Central Bank
The Central Bank of Syria issued a decision allowing local banks and electronic payment companies to deal with global payment companies such as Visa and Mastercard.
Central Bank of Syria Governor Abdulkader Husrieh said last May that the decision allows licensed banking financial institutions and electronic payment companies operating inside Syria to deal with global electronic payment companies.
He considered the decision an important step toward modernizing Syria’s financial sector.
In September 2025, the Central Bank of Syria also signed a memorandum of understanding with Mastercard International to cooperate on developing Syria’s digital payments system.
The memorandum aims to develop the infrastructure of digital payment systems in Syria, exchange expertise, strengthen financial inclusion, and explore opportunities to expand access to basic financial services for millions of people. It reflects a shared vision to promote inclusion, flexibility, and equal opportunities through technology.
The Central Bank of Syria announced in December that it had agreed with Visa on a roadmap to build a modern digital payments system and strengthen financial inclusion in Syria.
The first phase of the agreement, according to what the Central Bank published on its Facebook page, will focus on supporting licensed banks in building secure payment infrastructure and enabling merchants to accept payments through low-cost solutions such as QR Codes and Tap to Phone.
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