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Can I send money to someone in Syria?

Can you send money to Syria from the US? Here’s the information you need.

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By

Julia Cameron

Updated

Fact checked

Unfortunately, you can’t send money to Syria. Even if you have a loved one in Syria who needs money desperately, an international money transfer to a sanctioned country is illegal in the US.

Why can’t I send money to Syria?

Due to Syria’s participation in terrorist activities and the ongoing civil war, the US government has placed sanctions on the country. This means you can’t send money or goods to anyone living there. Attempting to get around these sanctions is illegal. If you send money to another country without sanctions against Syria and then pass those funds onto a recipient in Syria, you may face tough legal and financial consequences.

Everything you need to know about sending money to sanctioned countries

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Julia Cameron is a freelance journalist and editor, specializing in personal finance, mergers and acquisitions and immigration law. Her writing and analysis has been featured in TechRadar, MSN, Harper's Bazaar, Time and other top media. She holds a BA in English literature from the University of Central Florida. See full bio

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4 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    FadiOctober 20, 2018

    Hi, I live in Oman and went to Western Union agent that is located in Oman Avenues Mall in Muscat and he didn’t accept to send cash to Syria for no valid reason. Their name is Oman UAE Exchange. Can you please advise why, although they have Western Union service?
    Thanks

      AvatarFinder
      CharisseOctober 20, 2018Finder

      Hi Fadi,

      Thanks for reaching out to finder.

      One possible reason why Oman UAE Exchange refused to accept money transfer transactions to Syria is because it’s prohibited by their local laws. Even though Western Union as a company supports money transfer to Syria, it must still follow and observe the local government laws of the third party agent location like in the case of Oman UAE exchange.

      If you need further assistance on this, you may also contact Western Union directly.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Charisse

    Default Gravatar
    StanleyJuly 16, 2017

    Someone says there is a limit of $700 at a time sent to one person in Syria via Western Union. Is that true? If not, what, if any, is the limit?

      AvatarFinder
      HaroldJuly 16, 2017Finder

      Hi Stanley,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Yes you can transfer money through Western Union. Actually, have two options in sending Money to Syria.

      1. Banks. While finding a U.S. bank to send money to Syria can be a challenge, you can use the services of some Middle Eastern banks. In this case, the bank might require you to be an account holder, and you’ll have to initiate the transfer online. You can also consider sending a money order or international check via mail.
      2. Non-banks. Some money transfer companies such as Western Union let you send money to Syria in person, by visiting a store or kiosk. Some limit their operations to the online world.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

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