Can I transfer my US visa from old passport to new passport?

Navigating the New Passport: What to Do with Your US Visa

Renewing your passport is a significant event, especially if you hold a valuable US visa. The question many travelers face is: Can I simply transfer my US visa from my old passport to my new one? The short answer is no. While you might be tempted to carefully peel off the visa sticker and affix it to your new passport, doing so will invalidate your visa. This seemingly simple act constitutes tampering with official documentation and could lead to serious complications, including denial of entry to the United States.

Your US visa is intrinsically linked to the passport it was issued with. The visa itself contains unique identifiers that are tied to the specific passport number and other details. Detaching and reattaching the visa breaks this crucial link, rendering it useless. The US government’s systems will not recognize a visa that’s been physically moved.

So, what should you do?

The best practice is to retain both your old and new passports. Keep your old passport securely, ensuring the US visa remains intact and undamaged. This is your proof of your visa’s existence and validity. When traveling, carry both passports; the old one with the visa and your new one as your primary travel document. Airline staff and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are aware of this practice and will understand the situation.

While retaining both passports is the immediate solution, you should also contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. They can provide guidance on how to formally update your travel documents with your new passport information. This may involve updating your visa information in their system or, depending on the circumstances and visa type, may require applying for a new visa. Reaching out to the embassy or consulate ensures you’re following the correct procedure and avoids potential future issues.

In conclusion, transferring your US visa sticker is not an option. Keep both passports, and proactively contact the relevant US embassy or consulate for advice. Proactive communication avoids potential delays or complications and ensures a smoother travel experience.