The Central Bank of Syria announced that it has begun accepting online applications for the withdrawal of old Syrian currency, while in-person withdrawals continue in all Syrian governorates through Syrian Postal Corporation outlets under the specified mechanism.
In the governorates of Deir Ezzor, Raqqa and Hasakah, in eastern and northeastern Syria, the withdrawal of old Syrian currency continues in person through Central Bank of Syria branches and approved Syrian Postal Corporation outlets. Applications may also be submitted through the online platform under the approved procedures and regulations.
The bank explained in a statement published on Thursday, August 13, that the website designated for the withdrawal process allows applicants to request an appointment in advance. Appointment details will be sent by SMS to the phone number listed in the application when appointments become available.
At the scheduled appointment, the applicant completes the withdrawal procedures and submits the required documents and information, along with the old Syrian currency, at the Central Bank of Syria branch selected when submitting the application.
After the withdrawal procedures are completed, the amount due in new Syrian currency is transferred to the bank account specified by the applicant at the bank where the account is held. No commissions, fees, taxes or expenses are charged, according to the Central Bank.
On August 9, the Central Bank of Syria set a new five-year period for withdrawing old currency through all Syrian Postal Corporation outlets in the governorates, according to the bank’s Media and Communications Department, which told Enab Baladi.
No Limit on the Number of Banknotes
The Central Bank confirmed that Syrian citizens and those legally treated as such, limited exclusively to natural persons and excluding legal entities, may apply to withdraw the value of the old Syrian currency they hold. Withdrawal applications are not limited to a specific number of banknotes or to particular denominations.
Applicants may list the old Syrian currency they hold based on the actual details of the currency submitted for withdrawal. Each applicant may submit only one withdrawal request during the withdrawal phase, under the approved regulations.
The Central Bank urged applicants to use the official website designated for the withdrawal process and not to deal with any other party or intermediary. It said all data and information submitted by applicants are confidential and protected and will be used only for purposes related to carrying out the withdrawal procedures, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Central Bank: No Need to Visit Its Damascus Headquarters
The Central Bank of Syria had previously said that the withdrawal of old Syrian currency remains ongoing through approved Syrian Postal Corporation outlets in all Syrian governorates, in accordance with the procedures and regulations governing the process.
In a statement published on its official Facebook page, the bank confirmed that completing the withdrawal process does not require citizens to visit the Central Bank building in Damascus directly. Instead, they can go to approved Syrian Postal Corporation outlets in their governorates under the specified mechanism.
According to the statement, the Central Bank said the arrangement is intended to:
- Make the process easier for citizens and reduce the burden of travel.
- Ensure that the service is available across different governorates.
- Complete withdrawal procedures in accordance with the approved rules.
The Central Bank of Syria is also working in coordination with the Syrian Postal Corporation to increase the number of withdrawal counters at its outlets and enhance their readiness, helping speed up citizens’ access to the service and make the process easier.