Can I transfer my visa to my new passport?

Your Visa, Your Old Passport: Why You Shouldn’t Transfer It

You’ve got a shiny new passport, the crisp pages whispering promises of future adventures. But what about that valid visa stamped in your old, now-expired document? The urge to transfer it to your new passport might be strong, but resist it. Doing so will render your visa completely invalid.

Your visa isn’t a sticker you can peel and re-stick. It’s officially linked to the specific passport in which it was issued. Think of it like a personalized key to a specific lock. Trying to force that key into a different lock, even a similar one, will only break the key.

The solution is simple and straightforward: keep both passports. Your old passport, containing the valid visa, becomes its dedicated carrier. Your new passport will be used for all other travel identification purposes. When you travel to the country requiring the visa, present both documents to immigration officials. They are trained to handle this common situation and will understand the connection between your old passport with the visa and your current passport for identification.

This dual-passport system keeps your visa legitimate and avoids the hassle and expense of reapplying. Trying to shortcut the process by transferring the visa will only lead to headaches, potential travel disruptions, and the need to start the visa application process from scratch. So, embrace the two-passport travel life – it’s the safest and most effective way to ensure smooth travels.