Assessment
What changed since late 2024
After the fall of the Assad government in December 2024, the sanctions position on Syria changed fundamentally. That matters for money transfers — but it is less clear-cut than it first sounds.
This page is an assessment, not legal advice. The sanctions position continues to move, and what is permitted in an individual case depends on circumstances we do not know. Check the current position with the relevant authorities before transferring larger amounts.
What changed
A large part of Western sanctions against Syria was lifted or suspended after the change of government. Among other steps, the US withdrew the designation of HTS as a foreign terrorist organisation. Restrictions were also eased at the European level, while Germany pledged additional humanitarian aid.
At the same time, targeted sanctions remain in place against individuals associated with the former government. The lifting was broad, but not complete.
What that (still) does not mean in practice
The decisive point for transfers: legal permission and actual availability are two different things. Banks and payment providers do not rebuild correspondent relationships overnight, and many institutions did not adjust their internal rules immediately after the sanctions were eased.
In practice, that means your bank can still decline a transfer even when it would be lawful. That is frustrating, but it is not a sign you are doing anything wrong — it reflects the institutions' caution.
What you can do now
- 1.Ask your bank specifically about your case, rather than inferring it from the general sanctions position.
- 2.Check whether the provider you have chosen currently serves the corridor — see our comparison.
- 3.For larger amounts, expect additional documentation requirements on the origin of the money.