US Passport for Syria

Make the whole trip on the new passport since the old one will be cancelled anyway, Syria won't let you in with any evidence of Isreal or Hebrew, not matter how long ago.

And Vice-Versa

As Ed said, it won't be a second passport, it will be your only passport. The old one will be canceled.

Thanks, everybody. But I don't think I made myself clear. US citizens are allowed to have 2 passports at a time, without canceling the original passport. One is valid 10 years and "2nd Passport" is good for only 2 years. It is usually given to frequent travelers like journalists who need visas from multiple countries. I did know Syria and Lebanon don't allow anybody whose passport has visa stamp from Israel, no matter how long ago. That's why I ordered "2nd Passport"(costed $200) to hide all the stamps I have on my original passport. And it was recommended by a Lebanese friend living in US that's what people do. Now I wanted to make sure that is the case with Syria, but I can't get the clear answer yet. Obviously, I can't ask Syrian Consulate either.
If anybody had the same experience, please let me know.

But Kyung, why would they even know that you have a "first" passport? Or does the first one have to be presented with the "second" one?

This is a trip report I'd love to see when you get back kyung.

Darcy, That's precisely why I ordered the 2nd one because they don't need to see the original one. But someone told me that Syrian government will see it is 2nd one and will know precisely why I have it unless I can prove some business reasons for having one. So I don't know whom to believe. I'm still researching before I cancel all my reservations
without penalty..... will post when I know more....

Ordinarily, Americans are not allowed two passports. However, in cases like yours, a second one can be issued. As you stated it's only good for two years. You'll first find out whether or not Syria will accept it when you apply for a Syrian visa. Even if it is accepted, you could still be questioned at the border. Getting a visa to any country doesn't automatically let you in. The country still has a right to refuse you entry at the border. What you could have done instead of applying for a "second" passport was to apply for a replacement of your first. Then you'd get a brand new one with no visa stamps in it and no one would know why you have a replacement--the first could have been lost or stolen. I believe a few people are confusing second passports with replacement passports.

Just called the Syrian Consulate in Wash.,DC, asked whether I can get VISA with my 2nd passport. They didn't ask why, just said "No Problem". If any of you're interested, the phone number is 1-202-232-6313 ext 106 (Syrian Embassy) Also got the same answer from "TravelDocument", a company who expedites passport/visa with a fee. Tel: 212-647-1122, NY 202-638-3800, DC US State Dept, Passport Service: 1-877-487-2778 But getting a VISA and crossing border can be two different things in reality. Just wish I can find someone who actually did it.
Kyung

You should head over to Trip Advisor's Syria meesage board. I've seen questions similar to this in the past: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294011-i5846-Damascus.html "...What you could have done instead of applying for a "second" passport was to apply for a replacement of your first. Then you'd get a brand new one with no visa stamps in it and no one would know why you have a replacement--the first could have been lost or stolen...." One of the downsides to this strategy is if you already have an active multiple entry visa for another country on the original passport. Canceling the original passport could also cancel those visas.

I realize now, I should have just renewed it. Funny, the passport agent (post office in NY) said, "You have 5 years left. Why renew it? Just get a 2nd one". I'm a senior, asian-american, solo, female traveler with the hotel confirmation from luxury hotels in Damascus/Palmyra. Will that help for crossing the border? I'm beginning to get
fed up.

Kyung - if I were you I'd contact the U.S. Embassy in Syria. I'm sure they would know the answers to your questions. On their website you'll find an email address where you can contact them with questions. http://damascus.usembassy.gov/

Frank Not true about vice-versa. Israel will allow tourists with a Syrian visa (but not a Syrian passport). Israel will also upon request not stamp your passport put issue the visa on separate piece of paper to facilitate the getting of a Syrian Visa later, and this works fine if you arrive and leave Israel by air. A land crossing to Egypt or Jordan however will have the the stamp indicating that you left or existed via an Israeli border. Kyung - make no mention to any Syrian official either here or in Syria about you having been to Israel.

From 1st hand experience: Both the Israelis and the Syrians are wise to 2nd passports and what they imply. In addition, as a caution: Israelis are very obliging with not stamping your passport, because they know that any land crossing entry stamp going into Jordan or Egypt will give you away, ensuring your refusal at the Syrian border. So that trick isn't worth it, unless your trip into Israel was in/out by air. Ed is correct.

Back to Kyung's problem: entry into Syria. If the Syrian embassy issues you the visa into your 2nd passport, then fly directly into Damascus with a connection in Europe (ie. with Lufthansa, Air France, etc.). You will have a valid passport, a valid visa, and proof that you transited directly into the region to Damascus upon arrival. Keep your e-ticket and boarding passes handy. The airport officers are very savvy and will see that everything is in order. With my first entry into Syria, the officer hand-wrote a small notation in Arabic on the very back page of my passport. This small notation was then checked, along with my visa, at each subsequent entry into Syria that trip. If you have plans to go elsewhere in the region, i.e. Jordan or Lebanon, get a multiple-entry visa. Lebanon by road is easily done, but you will have to return through Syria if you want to then go into Jordan. If you have only Syria and Jordan planned, then arrange to fly out of Amman and get only a single-entry visa. I spent 3 1/2 months bopping between Syria, Jordan and Lebanon (post 9/11) as a solo female traveler, with many entries and exits. Syria was and still is one of my favorite countries - so rich in history! The land border crossings between Amman and Damascus and Beirut and Damascus are well organized, with very courteous service - there was always someone who spoke English each time I went through these (almost weekly between Amman & Damascus). The smaller border crossing at the top of the Bekaa Valley (towards Homs) may be more problematic as a) nobody will speak English and b) your passport will be atypical. I ran into a problem up there, resolved because of the handwritten notation from my first entry, that I was able to point out.

Thanks to you all who tried to help... I finally heard from the American Embassy in Syria. It was a long letter, but I'll quote the main parts. "It sounds like you have had several contradictory messages. Unfortunately, the short answer is that all of them are true (or could be)...... From what we have seen, it is unlikely that you will face problems.... However, Syrian authorities sometimes subject Americans to additional security procedures. I've seen cases where Americans are denied entry despite of having a valid visa or asked to leave after already having entered.....they do not explain their decisions to us....absolutely mystified as to what causes them to admit someone or not....US government doesn't have official guidance on this subject......" So I have decided not to take any chances no matter how small that might be...
Kyung