You can usually travel to the UK after changing your passport, but you may need to take action before you leave. The correct step depends on whether you have a UK eVisa, a physical visa vignette in an old passport, settled or pre-settled status, indefinite leave to remain, or a UK electronic travel authorisation. The key point is simple: your current passport must match the permission or status you are relying on to travel.
A passport change does not automatically cancel your UK immigration permission. However, it can create practical problems if the airline or UK Border Force cannot connect your new passport with your visa, eVisa or travel authorisation. In many cases, the issue arises at check-in rather than at the UK border, so it is much better to fix the details before you get to the airport.
If you are unsure which immigration record applies to you, or your circumstances are more complicated because your name, nationality or immigration status has changed, Immigration UK can help you understand what needs to be checked before you travel.
Last checked: 8 November 2026. UK immigration procedures can change, especially around eVisas and electronic travel authorisations, so always check the latest official guidance before travelling.
How to Travel to the UK After Changing Your Passport
Changing your passport usually changes the passport number, issue date and expiry date. It may also change your name, nationality, or the type of passport you hold. UK immigration systems use these details to identify you, so even a straightforward renewal can affect how your permission is checked by an airline or ferry operator.
Your passport and your immigration permission are not the same thing. The passport proves your identity and nationality. Your visa, eVisa, ETA or immigration status is the permission that allows you to enter or live in the UK. When the passport changes, the immigration permission may still exist, but it must be usable with the document you are presenting for travel.
Before making any journey, identify what you are relying on. A person with an eVisa normally needs to update their UKVI account. A person with a valid visa vignette in an expired passport may be able to carry both passports. A person travelling with an ETA will usually need a new ETA because it is linked to the passport used in the application.
What to Do Based on Your UK Immigration Document
The safest approach is to start with the document or status you hold, rather than assuming that every passport change requires a new visa. The rules are different for digital status, physical visa stickers and ETAs.
- UK eVisa: Add your new passport or travel document to your UKVI account and check that your eVisa details are correct before travel.
- Valid visa vignette in an expired passport: You may generally travel with the old passport containing the valid vignette and your new valid passport.
- UK ETA: Apply for a new ETA if your passport has changed, because the ETA is linked to the passport used when applying.
- Settled or pre-settled status: Update your UKVI account with the new passport or identity document and check that your digital status is visible.
- Indefinite leave to remain: Your status is not cancelled just because you renewed your passport, but your current passport should be linked to your UKVI account where relevant.
- Lost or stolen passport containing a visa: Do not simply travel with the new passport and hope for the best. Check the appropriate replacement or eVisa process before departure.
If You Have a UK eVisa
If you have a UK eVisa, your immigration permission is held digitally. This applies to many people with work visas, student visas, family visas, settled or pre-settled status, and some people with indefinite leave to remain. After receiving a new passport, you should sign in to your UKVI account and add the new passport before you travel.
The details in your UKVI account should match the passport you will use for the journey and the information given to the airline or other carrier. If your passport details do not match, the carrier may not be able to verify your immigration status automatically. This can lead to delays at check-in or, in some cases, refusal of boarding.
After updating your account, check that your eVisa still shows the correct status and conditions. You may also generate a travel share code if needed. A share code can help a carrier confirm your status, but it does not replace the need to travel with a valid passport. For further background on digital status, see Immigration UK's guide to linking a UK eVisa to your UKVI account online.
How to Update Your Passport on Your UKVI Account
To update your UKVI account, you will normally need access to your account sign-in method, such as the email address or phone number used when the account was created. You may also need your identity document details or UKVI customer number, depending on how your account is set up.
- Sign in to your UKVI account.
- Choose the option to update your personal details or identity document details.
- Add the new passport or travel document information carefully.
- Check whether UKVI asks you to confirm the change or provide evidence.
- View your eVisa after the update to make sure the correct status appears.
- Generate a travel share code if you think the carrier may need extra confirmation.
If you are already outside the UK, do not leave this until you are at the airport. Some updates can be made online, but changes involving name, nationality or a non-biometric document may require extra checks or assistance. Official GOV.UK guidance on travelling with a UK eVisa explains that your current passport should be linked to your account before travelling.
If Your Visa Is in Your Old Passport
Some travellers still have a physical UK visa vignette, sticker or endorsement in an old passport. If that vignette is still valid, and the old passport is expired rather than lost, you may generally be able to travel by carrying both passports: the old passport containing the visa and the new valid passport used for travel.
This is most likely to help where the visa vignette is still readable, the personal details remain consistent, and the old passport has not been damaged. Keep both documents together in your hand luggage and present them together if asked. It is not enough to pack the old passport in checked luggage, where it cannot help you at check-in.
However, carrying both passports will not solve every problem. If the visa has expired, the old passport was lost or stolen, the vignette is damaged, or your name or nationality has changed, you may need further action before travel. Visitor visas also need careful checking, because an expired visitor visa in an old passport cannot simply be revived by carrying a new passport.
If You Travel With a UK ETA
An ETA is not the same as an eVisa. An ETA is advance permission to travel to the UK for certain people who do not need a visa. It is linked to the passport used in the ETA application. If that passport expires or is replaced, the ETA does not normally transfer to the new passport.
If you changed your passport after obtaining an ETA, you should apply for a new ETA using the new passport before travelling. You should not rely on an ETA connected to an old passport, even if your name and nationality stayed the same. When travelling, use the passport that was approved for the ETA.
This is one of the most common areas of confusion. With an eVisa, the usual step is to update the UKVI account. With an ETA, the usual step after a passport change is to apply again.
Settled Status, Pre-Settled Status and Indefinite Leave to Remain
If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you should update your UKVI account with your new passport or identity document. Your status does not disappear just because you renewed your passport, but it needs to be connected to the document you use for travel.
The same practical point applies to many people with indefinite leave to remain. ILR is an important long-term immigration status, but if your current passport is not linked to your digital record, a carrier may struggle to confirm your right to travel. If you are checking your position more generally, Immigration UK has a useful page explaining what indefinite leave to remain means in the UK.
If you still have physical evidence of ILR in an old passport, it may be sensible to carry it as additional evidence, especially while digital records are being checked or updated. Even so, where a UKVI account is available, keeping the current passport linked is the cleaner and more reliable approach.
What If Your Name or Nationality Changed?
A simple passport renewal is usually easier to deal with than a change of personal details. If your new passport has a different name because of marriage, divorce, deed poll or another reason, you should make sure your UKVI account and immigration record are updated correctly. The airline booking, passport and immigration record should be consistent wherever possible.
A nationality change or dual nationality can also affect your travel position. You may be able to add more than one passport to your UKVI account, but you should be clear which passport you will use for travel. If your new nationality changes whether you need a visa or ETA, check the position before booking.
British and Irish citizens are in a different position from people travelling under visas or eVisas. They should generally travel using the appropriate British or Irish passport, subject to any specific official guidance that applies to their circumstances.
Documents to Take to the Airport
Good preparation can prevent a stressful conversation at check-in. Before travelling to the UK after changing your passport, put together the documents that match your status and route.
- Your new valid passport or travel document.
- Your old passport if it contains a valid UK visa vignette, endorsement or useful evidence of status.
- A travel share code if you have an eVisa and want to help the carrier verify your status.
- ETA approval confirmation if you are travelling under ETA arrangements.
- Any visa decision letter, certificate of application or relevant confirmation message, if applicable.
- Evidence explaining a name change, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll, where relevant.
Do not rely only on screenshots if your status is digital. Screenshots can be useful backup, but carriers and border officials may need to verify your status through the official system.
If the Airline Cannot Verify Your Status
If the airline or carrier cannot confirm your immigration permission, first check that the passport details have been entered correctly. A single incorrect digit in the passport number can cause unnecessary panic.
If you have an eVisa, provide a travel share code if you can. If you have a physical visa, present the old passport containing the vignette together with the new valid passport. If the carrier still cannot verify your status, ask whether they can use their official support channel for UK travel checks.
Airline approval is not a guarantee of UK entry. UK Border Force may still ask questions on arrival, especially if your documents do not clearly match. That said, most avoidable problems arise because the traveller did not update the relevant account or did not carry the old passport containing the visa.
Do You Need a New UK Visa After Changing Your Passport?
You do not always need a new UK visa after changing your passport. If your underlying permission remains valid, the next step may simply be updating your UKVI account or carrying both passports. This is common for eVisas and valid vignettes in expired passports.
You may need further action if your visa has expired, the passport containing the visa was lost or stolen, your personal details changed, or you cannot access your UKVI account. If your immigration position is connected to long-term residence or settlement, reviewing your documents before travel is especially important. Immigration UK provides guidance on the wider UK settlement application process for those planning their next stage in the UK.
Pre-Travel Checklist
Use this checklist before booking or departing, particularly if you recently renewed or replaced your passport.
- Confirm whether you hold an eVisa, physical vignette, ETA, settled status, pre-settled status or ILR.
- Check that your new passport is valid for your journey and intended stay.
- Update your UKVI account if you have digital immigration status.
- Apply for a new ETA if your ETA was linked to your old passport.
- Carry your old passport if it contains a valid UK visa or immigration endorsement.
- Make sure your ticket booking matches the name in your passport.
- Generate a travel share code if it may help with carrier checks.
- Allow extra time at the airport if your documents have recently changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to the UK with a new passport if my visa is in my old passport?
You may generally travel with both passports if the UK visa vignette in the old passport is still valid and readable. Carry the old passport containing the visa and your new valid passport together.
Do I need to update my UKVI account after renewing my passport?
Yes, if you have an eVisa or digital immigration status and you intend to travel using the new passport. The current passport should be linked to your UKVI account before travel.
Do I need a new ETA after changing my passport?
Yes, you should normally apply for a new ETA because an ETA is linked to the passport used in the application. Do not assume it transfers automatically to your new passport.
What if my name changed on my new passport?
You should update your UKVI account and check that your immigration record, passport and travel booking are consistent. Carry evidence of the name change if it may help explain the difference.
Does changing my passport cancel indefinite leave to remain?
No, changing your passport does not itself cancel indefinite leave to remain. However, your current passport should be linked to your UKVI account where relevant, and old physical evidence may be useful to carry as backup.
