The European Union has recently adopted a new sanctions package. As a result, we’ve had to temporarily block Wise cards for our Russian and Belarusian customers. In order for us to unblock these cards, we need to verify citizenship or residency in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
How can I use my card again?
We informed affected customers about this change. If you received an email, please reply to this email by 30 January 2026 attaching one of the following valid documents:
a passport or national ID card confirming your European nationality or citizenship, or
a residence permit or visa document confirming your temporary or permanent residency status in the EEA or Switzerland
If you have questions or need help, please reply to the email we sent you.
I have provided a document. How long will it take to use my card again?
It may take up to 5 business days for us to review your documents.
How will I know that my card works again?
We’ll email you as soon as we have reviewed your submitted documents or if we require more information.
I can’t provide any of these documents
This means that you unfortunately can no longer use our card. But nothing else about your account is changing. You can still send, hold, receive, and convert money.
Does this impact physical and digital cards?
Yes, this impacts both physical and digital cards issued by Wise.
I have submitted a document, but my card still doesn’t work. Why?
We can’t unblock your Wise card until we’ve successfully reviewed the requested documents.
Until then, you won’t be able to:
use your physical and digital cards for online or in-store purchases,
withdraw money from ATMs, or
pay for recurring subscriptions using your card details.
Which sanctions package do you refer to?
This change relates to the 19th sanctions package adopted by the European Union. The new regulation specifically prohibits providing, directly or indirectly, payment services to Russian/Belarussian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia, or to legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia.