How to Send Money to Syria: Methods and Requirements

Sending money internationally involves navigating various financial and regulatory landscapes. For Syria, this process is complex, requiring understanding of established procedures and requirements. This guide clarifies available pathways for those intending to support family or provide humanitarian aid, emphasizing necessary preparation and adherence to regulations.

Navigating Regulatory Compliance

The regulatory environment for financial transactions with Syria has recently changed. As of July 1, 2025, the United States no longer maintains comprehensive sanctions on Syria, following an Executive Order issued on June 30, 2025, which suspended previous broad sanctions programs.

Despite these changes, specific targeted sanctions remain against certain individuals, entities, and actors linked to human rights abuses or terrorism. Financial institutions, including U.S. banks, are still obligated to conduct thorough due diligence to prevent illicit financial activities, such as money laundering and terrorist financing. This involves assessing the identity of all parties involved and the nature of the transaction.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) previously issued General Licenses (GLs) to permit certain transactions, including humanitarian assistance and personal remittances to Syria. For example, General License 25 (GL 25), issued in May 2025, expanded authorizations, effectively suspending broader sanctions that targeted Syria. This license permits transactions previously prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations or involving certain blocked persons.

The lifting of comprehensive sanctions aims to facilitate economic rebuilding and support public services in Syria. It now allows U.S. persons to provide financial services and process payments involving Syrian financial institutions, provided no involved parties are on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. While the overall sanctions program has been suspended, financial institutions will continue to apply enhanced due diligence for transactions that pose a higher risk.

Essential Information for Transfers

Initiating any money transfer requires gathering precise information about both the sender and the recipient. Financial institutions and money transfer services adhere to strict “Know Your Customer” (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, which mandate the collection of this data.

For the sender, preparing your full legal name, current address, and contact information is necessary. A valid government-issued identification document, such as a passport or driver’s license, will be required to verify identity. Additionally, senders should be prepared to provide information regarding the source of the funds being transferred.

The recipient’s information is equally important for successful delivery. This includes their full legal name as it appears on their official identification documents, their complete physical address, and a phone number.

Depending on the chosen transfer method, specific bank account details or a designated pickup location will be needed. If sending to a bank account, this involves the recipient’s bank name, address, International Bank Account Number (IBAN) or account number, and a Bank Identifier Code (BIC) or SWIFT code. Stating a clear and legitimate purpose for the transfer, such as family support or medical expenses, is often required by the service provider.

Using Formal Money Transfer Services

Formal money transfer services offer structured pathways for sending funds internationally, adhering to regulatory standards. Services like Western Union and MoneyGram facilitate transfers to Syria, often primarily through cash pickup options. While online transfers from the U.S. might be limited, in-person agent locations can often process these transactions.

The process begins with locating an authorized agent or branch of the chosen service provider. The sender will complete a send money form, providing all the necessary information about themselves and the recipient. This includes the recipient’s full name, location, and the amount to be sent. Senders must present a valid government-issued identification and submit the funds, along with any applicable transfer fees.

After the transaction is initiated, the sender receives a transaction tracking number, often called a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). This number is crucial for the recipient to claim the funds and for the sender to track the transfer’s status. The recipient needs to present a valid identification document and the tracking number at a designated agent location in Syria to receive the cash.

Transfer limits, processing times, and fee structures vary among service providers. Transfers can range from minutes to several business days, influenced by factors such as the destination, currency, and regulatory checks. Fees may include an upfront charge and an exchange rate markup, which can impact the final amount the recipient receives. Senders should compare these costs across different providers to determine the most cost-effective option.

Investigating Alternative Transfer Methods

Beyond traditional formal services, some specialized online remittance platforms may offer pathways for sending money to Syria. Their legal viability and reputability should be carefully assessed. These platforms typically operate through online accounts, requiring users to set up profiles and link payment methods such as bank accounts or debit cards. Once an account is established, senders input recipient details and initiate the transfer, often with transparent fee and exchange rate disclosures.

Cryptocurrency presents another alternative for international transfers, including to Syria. The process generally involves acquiring cryptocurrency, sending it to a recipient’s digital wallet, and then the recipient converting it into local currency. Cryptocurrency transactions can offer benefits such as faster processing times and potentially lower fees compared to traditional methods.

However, using cryptocurrency for remittances carries risks and complexities. Cryptocurrencies are known for their price volatility, meaning the value of the transferred amount can fluctuate considerably between sending and receipt. Regulatory uncertainty is also a concern, as regulations vary widely across countries and can change quickly, posing legal and compliance challenges for both senders and recipients. Additionally, the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency transactions means there is no central authority to reverse transactions or offer recourse in cases of fraud or error.