Can I travel with new passport and visa on old passport to USA?

New Passport, Old Visa? No Problem for US Travel (Mostly!)

Getting a new passport is exciting, but it can also raise questions, especially if you have a valid visa in your old one. Don’t worry, traveling to the USA with a new passport and a visa in your old passport is generally perfectly acceptable. Here’s what you need to know:

The Two Passport Rule:

The US, like many countries, allows travelers to enter with a valid visa in an expired passport, as long as they also carry their new, valid passport. Think of it as two halves of a whole:

• Your new passport proves your identity and citizenship.
• Your old passport holds the valid US visa, granting you entry.

What to Expect at the Airport:

1. Carry Both Passports: Always travel with both your old and new passports.
2. Possible Passport Notation: Your new passport might contain a notation indicating a valid visa in a previous document. This isn’t always present, so don’t panic if you don’t see it.
3. Supplementary Document: In some cases, immigration officials might place a separate document in your new passport confirming the valid visa in your old one. This serves as additional verification.

Important Considerations:

• Damaged Passports: If your old passport with the visa is damaged (torn pages, water damage), it’s best to contact the US embassy or consulate in your home country for guidance before traveling.
• Visa Type: While this “two passport” rule generally applies to various visa types, it’s always wise to double-check specific requirements with the US embassy or consulate if you’re unsure.

Bottom line: Don’t let a new passport and an old visa cause unnecessary travel stress. As long as you have both documents, you should be good to go for your US adventure.