The governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Mohammed Safwat Raslan, confirmed the replacement of about 80% of the old Syrian currency as part of a "successful national operation", in a move he said contributed to boosting confidence in the monetary system.

Raslan stressed that the next phase will witness the issuance of the regulatory framework for the licensing of electronic wallets and electronic payment services in accordance with the latest international standards.

Raslan explained that the bank is working to provide a monetary and financial environment that enhances investor confidence, within the framework of a government vision based on reform and economic openness and transforming it into a sustainable economic reality.

Damascus has regained the trust of the international community, he said, announcing the beginning of a new phase of the economic partnership between Syria and France, which reflects a shift in foreign economic relations.

In his statements, the governor did not address the deadline for the circulation of the old currency, at a time when follow-up sources expected the extension of the replacement period for the last time for a month to make way for the replacement of as much of the remaining 20% announced by the governor.

The old currency is trading until July 30

The Central Bank of Syria had set July 30, 2026 as the last day for normal trading in the old Syrian currency in the markets, indicating that after this date, the old notes lose their legal exemption force and cannot be used for purchasing or settling financial obligations.

Until this date, the old currency remains fully valid for daily transactions and can be exchanged through branches of operating banks and licensed exchange and remittance companies.

In previous statements, Governor Raslan reassured citizens that the expiration of the July deadline does not mean the loss of savings, as the law grants a period of time that extends until 2031, during which holders of old papers have the right to deliver them exclusively at the Central Bank of Syria and its main branches to receive their equivalent in the new currency.

National Anti-Money Laundering Strategy

The Governor of the Bank noted that work is underway to launch the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Strategy.

Fulfilling the requirements to remove Syria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list is a national priority to enhance the integrity of the financial system and the attractiveness of the investment environment, he said.

Customs warns travelers not to carry old currency

The General Authority for Ports and Customs in Syria warned all travelers through land, sea and air ports not to take old coins, antiques or any belongings that may be suspected of being artifacts, stressing that this may lead to delays in travel procedures and subject their owners to legal accountability.

The Director of Relations at the General Authority for Ports and Customs, Mazen Alloush, said in a post on his Facebook page that this alert comes within the framework of the keenness to facilitate travel procedures and avoid any delays that travelers may face when crossing border crossings.

Alloush explained that in the event of the seizure of any of these collectibles, customs controls will be organized in accordance with the rules, and the suspicious items will be referred to the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums to conduct a technical inspection and determine their nature and value, in preparation for completing the legal and customs procedures.

Delay of travel until official response

He added that the traveler will not be able to follow up on his travel procedures until the official response is received from the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums and the completion of the legal procedures, noting that this process may take about 10 days or more, depending on the nature of each case.

The Authority called on all travelers to make sure in advance that they do not carry any items that may raise suspicion, in order to preserve their time and avoid delaying their travel or exposing them to the stipulated legal procedures.