Travel document changes before a UK visit

A passport change before UK travel should trigger a check of the document details held in any relevant authorisation or digital immigration account. Do not assume an ETA or eVisa travel record automatically follows a replacement passport.

Keep the old and new document information available for the legitimate update process. Check application-specific restrictions before sending documents or travelling.

Identify every record connected to the old passport

A replacement passport can affect an ETA, an eVisa account, a pending application and travel bookings in different ways. Start by listing the relevant records and whether the old document is expired, lost, cancelled or still available. Do not assume that updating an airline booking also updates Home Office records. The correct action depends on the type of authorisation or permission and the stage of any application.

Check the new passport's name, nationality, date of birth, number and validity against the old details. A renewal may coincide with a name change or correction, which can require additional evidence. Keep appropriate copies and official replacement information securely where available. Do not continue using a cancelled passport as though it remains a valid travel document merely because an earlier authorisation refers to it.

Apply the ETA passport link correctly

An ETA is linked to the passport used in its application and lasts only until the earlier of its normal expiry or that passport's expiry. The application guidance requires the passport intended for travel. A new passport should therefore trigger a check of the need for a new ETA rather than an assumption that the old approval email transfers automatically. Review the traveller's current eligibility as well as the document number. ^[1]

If nationality or status has changed, the appropriate process may also have changed. A person who is now British or Irish, including a dual citizen, should not simply obtain another ETA on a foreign passport without checking the exemption guidance. Use Electronic Travel Authorisation: checking eligibility for the eligibility distinction. Keep each family member's passport and authorisation paired correctly, particularly where several documents have been renewed together.

Update an eVisa account through the proper service

The UKVI account guidance says passport and travel-document information should be kept current so the holder can travel and prove status. The account-update process can also cover specified personal and contact changes. Sign in through the official service and follow the evidence instructions for the particular change. Do not create a second account simply because the original sign-in details refer to an older passport. ^[2]

Account updates do not themselves change the underlying immigration permission or amend a visa or citizenship application. If the displayed immigration status is wrong, a different error-reporting process may be relevant. Distinguish a new passport from a mistake in the grant, and keep the confirmation of the update. A new identity document does not extend the existing visa's expiry or remove its work and residence conditions. ^[2]

Take extra care where an application is pending

The published account guidance says the holder cannot change their name or passport or travel document through the ordinary update process while waiting for a visa decision. If a passport must be replaced during that period, obtain the appropriate instructions for the pending application rather than assuming a routine account change is available. Explain whether the document was lost, renewed or corrected and retain the relevant application reference. ^[2]

Separately assess whether travel is permitted while that application is pending. Even a correctly updated passport does not remove withdrawal or status consequences associated with departure. Use Planning travel during a family application for an in-country family application and obtain route-specific advice for other cases. The document update and the decision to travel are connected practical tasks but answer different immigration questions.

Verify the position before the journey

After completing the required process, check the actual record and any confirmation rather than relying only on a submitted request. Make sure bookings use the correct current details and that the traveller can access the relevant account or approval information. If the account cannot be accessed, use the official recovery or support route. A helper should not need unrestricted access to passwords and one-time codes merely to explain the process.

Through UK visitor application coordination, request an appropriately regulated or otherwise legally authorised adviser if a pending application, status issue or urgent journey requires immigration assessment, subject to confirmed scope. Provide the old and new document details through a secure channel and explain the travel deadline. The preparation should establish the correct ETA or account action and any remaining travel restriction. It should not promise that carrying both passports or showing an old email will automatically resolve every airline or border check.

Illustrative scenario

A visitor renews a passport after obtaining an ETA. They check the requirement for the new passport before arriving at the departure airport.

Preparation checklist

• Identify affected authorisations
• Check new passport details
• Use the official update or application route
• Verify travel readiness before departure