Does my visa transfer to my new passport?

Passport Renewal and Your Existing Visa: What You Need to Know

Renewing your passport is a common occurrence, but it often raises questions about the status of existing visas. The short answer is: no, your visa does not automatically transfer to your new passport. This means that simply replacing your old passport with a new one doesn’t magically update your visa.

Think of your visa as a separate legal document, linked to the specific passport number and details it was issued to. When you get a new passport, you’re essentially creating a new travel document with a different passport number. Your visa, attached to your old passport number, remains tied to that document.

What happens if you try to travel with only your new passport and a visa in your old one? You’ll likely encounter problems at immigration. Border control officers are unlikely to accept a visa from a passport that’s no longer valid for travel. This can result in delays, denied entry, or even deportation.

What you absolutely MUST do:

• Keep both passports: Maintain your old passport with the valid visa in it. It’s crucial for travel until the visa expires. Discarding your old passport is a major mistake.
• Do not tamper with the visa: Under no circumstances should you try to remove the visa from your old passport and attach it to your new one. This is considered visa tampering and will invalidate your visa entirely, rendering it useless.

What to do if your visa expires before your passport does:

You’ll need to apply for a new visa in your new passport well in advance of the old visa’s expiry date. Contact the relevant embassy or consulate of the country that issued the visa to determine the application process and any required documentation.

In summary: A visa is not transferable. Renewing your passport doesn’t affect the validity of your visa as long as you keep both passports and follow the proper procedures. Ignoring this crucial detail could significantly impact your travel plans. Always prioritize responsible visa management and maintain both your old and new passports to avoid unexpected complications.