Can I Send Money to Syria? Rules and Requirements

Sending money to Syria has historically involved navigating complex international regulations. Recent changes in the regulatory environment have significantly altered the ability to conduct financial transactions with the country. Understanding the current framework is important for anyone sending funds, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and successfully transferring money to recipients in Syria.

Understanding Restrictions and Permitted Transfers

The regulatory environment governing money transfers to Syria has undergone significant changes, particularly with the recent lifting of comprehensive sanctions. Effective July 1, 2025, the United States no longer maintains broad economic sanctions against Syria, following the issuance of Executive Order of June 30, 2025. This development means that many transactions previously prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations are now generally authorized.

Despite the general lifting of comprehensive sanctions, certain restrictions persist. Transactions with individuals or entities identified on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List remain prohibited. While the Central Bank of Syria and other Syrian financial institutions were removed from the SDN list as of July 1, 2025, allowing for financial services and payment processing, vigilance is still necessary to avoid engaging with any remaining blocked persons. Syria also continues to be designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, which implies ongoing limitations not directly tied to the comprehensive economic sanctions that have been lifted.

Specific general licenses issued by OFAC continue to provide clarity and authorization for particular types of transactions that might otherwise raise concerns. For instance, General License (GL) 24, issued on January 6, 2025, explicitly authorizes transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to processing noncommercial, personal remittances to Syria. This includes transfers through the Central Bank of Syria, provided the recipient is not a blocked person. This authorization complements existing provisions that permit U.S. persons to send noncommercial, personal remittances to friends or family in Syria, as long as the transfer does not involve the Government of Syria or any other blocked person.

Humanitarian aid also remains a significant category of permitted transfers. While specific licenses like GL 23, which authorized earthquake relief efforts, have expired, the broader framework now allows for a wider range of humanitarian activities due to the lifting of comprehensive sanctions. Historically, General License 11 permitted U.S. persons to support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in humanitarian projects, relief assistance, and health services in Syria. Under the current environment, U.S. persons may continue to donate humanitarian goods, such as food and medicine, without requiring a specific license from OFAC.

Financial institutions are encouraged to maintain robust risk-based sanctions compliance programs and adapt them to reflect these recent changes. This ensures they can process authorized transactions while still preventing illicit financial flows to blocked entities.

Preparing for Your Money Transfer

Before initiating a money transfer to Syria, gathering all necessary information and preparing relevant documentation is important. The details required pertain to both the sender and the recipient, as well as the specific purpose of the funds.

For the recipient, the full legal name is important, and it must precisely match the name on their government-issued identification, such as a national ID card or passport. Providing the recipient’s physical address and a reliable contact number is also a standard requirement for most money transfer services. If the transfer involves a bank deposit, the recipient’s bank name, account number, and any other relevant bank identifiers are also necessary.

The sender will also need to provide personal identification and financial information. This includes a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and proof of address, like a utility bill or bank statement. For larger transactions or as part of anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, documentation regarding the source of funds may also be requested.

Clearly stating the legitimate purpose of the transfer is an important step for compliance. This helps financial institutions verify that the transaction aligns with permitted activities, such as noncommercial personal remittances for living expenses or family support. Specific descriptions like “family support,” “medical expenses,” or “humanitarian donation” are often required on transfer forms.

Selecting a money transfer service or financial institution that is experienced and compliant with regulations regarding transfers to Syria is important. While many services offer international transfers, not all may operate in Syria or have the necessary compliance infrastructure. It is advisable to choose providers known for transparent fees, clear exchange rates, and established compliance measures. Some services may offer different funding options, such as bank account debits or cash payments, and understanding these options can also influence the preparation process.

Completing Your Money Transfer

Once all necessary information has been accurately gathered and the appropriate service provider selected, the actual process of completing the money transfer can begin. The method of initiation will vary depending on the chosen service, but common avenues include online platforms, mobile applications, or in-person agent locations.

When initiating the transfer, whether online or in person, you will complete a transfer form. This form will require you to input the prepared sender and recipient details, along with the specified amount and currency. Submitting your identification documents for verification by the service provider is a standard part of this process. The service will then confirm the details, including the exchange rate and any applicable fees, before finalizing the transaction.

Payment for the transfer can be made through various methods, such as direct debit from a bank account, credit card, or cash, depending on the service provider’s offerings.

After the transfer is initiated and paid for, the service provider will issue a confirmation receipt and a unique transaction reference number, often referred to as a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) by some providers. This reference number is important for tracking the status of your transfer and should be securely shared with the recipient. Most reputable money transfer services offer online or app-based tracking tools that allow you to monitor the progress of your funds from submission to payout.

Delivery timelines for money transfers to Syria can vary, ranging from a few minutes for cash pickup services to several business days for bank transfers. Factors such as banking hours, time zone differences, and any compliance reviews by intermediary institutions can influence the total time. It is a good practice to retain all transaction records, including receipts and the tracking number, for your personal financial records.