Passport Change and UK ETA – What You Must Do in 2026

Your passport is the backbone of international travel. However, when your passport changes—whether through renewal, loss, theft, or even a name change following marriage or divorce—your UK ETA situation becomes far more complex than most travellers realise. Here’s the critical rule you must understand: an ETA passport change is not simply a matter of updating your existing authorisation. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is legally bound to your passport number, not to your identity as a person. This means that any new passport, regardless of why you needed it, requires a fresh ETA application costing £20 and clears within three working days. Remember this one: you cannot use a lapsed ETA with a cancelled or replaced passport at UK borders, even if you physically hold both documents. Understanding these rules now prevents costly mistakes and border delays when you need them least.

TL;DR: The UK ETA is a digital travel authorisation costing £20 (up from £16 on 8 April 2026), valid for 2 years and multiple visits up to 6 months each. Apply online via the official UK ETA app — most decisions land in three working days. Required before boarding any flight to the UK from a visa-exempt nationality.

The Golden Rule: ETA and Passport Are Forever Linked

The fundamental principle governing ETA passport change situations is straightforward yet often misunderstood: your UK ETA is tied exclusively to that passport number. Consequently, the moment you receive a replacement passport for any reason—renewal, loss, or a temporary travel document—that ETA becomes invalid. There is no way to edit or swap the passport number inside an existing ETA. Instead, you must submit an entirely new application with your replacement passport details. This rigid system exists because UK immigration authorities use that passport number as the primary verification point at entry. Therefore, border officers will reject the old ETA when scanning your replacement passport into their systems. The upshot is clear: anticipate needing a fresh ETA whenever you obtain a new travel document.

Pro tip: Apply for your UK ETA a good week before you travel. Even though most are approved inside three working days, some applications take up to 14 days for additional checks — especially for first-time applicants or those with prior immigration history.

Passport Renewal: The Most Common Trigger

Routine renewal is by far the most frequent reason travellers face this problem. Many countries renew passports every 5 to 10 years, and renewal dates rarely align with travel plans. When your passport reaches expiry and you apply for a replacement, you will receive a document carrying an entirely new number. Processing times vary by country. Some nations deliver renewals in 4 weeks; others take 8–12 weeks. Therefore, you must sort out your new UK ETA before travel if your renewed passport has already arrived. Indeed, you cannot legally cross the UK border on a prior ETA that was issued under your former passport number. The cost of this new application is £20, identical to the original fee. Processing usually runs three working days, though approvals often land within hours during off-peak periods.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports: Urgent Replacement

If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged while you hold a valid UK ETA, you face a time-sensitive dilemma. Consequently, you must immediately report the loss to your home country’s passport authority and apply for an emergency replacement. However, the moment a replacement passport is issued—whether it’s a full reissue or a temporary travel document—your original ETA becomes void. If you were travelling to the UK or already in the country, you have two choices. First, you may request a visitor visa at a British embassy or consulate if time permits. Second, you can request a fresh UK ETA using your replacement passport before boarding your return flight. Therefore, if you lose your passport whilst on UK holiday, you must contact your nearest British immigration office to discuss your options. Most importantly, never attempt to arrive in the UK using a cancelled passport, even with a valid ETA issued for that document.

Name Changes: Marriage, Divorce, and Legal Amendments

A name change through marriage, divorce, or legal deed poll creates its own special case. When you update your passport to reflect a new name, you receive a fresh passport number (in most countries). Therefore, your existing UK ETA becomes invalid even though you are the same person. You also have to give your passport authority supporting paperwork—typically a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Processing a name-change passport replacement often takes 4–8 weeks. Then submit a brand-new authorisation under your updated name and new booklet number before you travel. Importantly, the new ETA application asks for your current legal name, so you cannot apply until the new passport has been issued. When applying, you may be asked to explain the gap between your old and new names; having your supporting documents (marriage certificate, etc.) ready streamlines this. Plan ahead. Apply for your new ETA a good week before departure.

Emergency Travel Documents: A Special Case

Emergency travel documents (ETDs) are issued by foreign embassies when your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged whilst abroad. These temporary documents differ fundamentally from standard passports—they typically have restricted validity (30–90 days) and are not recognised by all countries. Consequently, you cannot use an old UK ETA with an ETD. You face two pathways, depending on where you are and when you need to travel. First, if you are still overseas and need to reach the UK, you must instead obtain a visitor visa at a British embassy rather than an ETA, as ETDs are not eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorisation. Second, if you are in the UK, you should contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office to discuss your options. Once your permanent replacement passport arrives, apply for the full UK ETA before re-entering the country. In short, these stopgap documents complicate ETA eligibility significantly.

Application Process for Your New ETA

Applying for your new UK ETA after a passport change follows the same straightforward process as your original application. Therefore, visit the official UK ETA application portal and select ‘Apply for a new ETA’—do not attempt to modify an existing application, as this will fail. You will need your new passport number, issue date, and expiry date. Check each one against the booklet before you submit. The form asks standard questions about your personal details, travel history, and any criminal convictions. Consequently, ensure your answers match the details in your new booklet exactly. Upload a recent passport-style photograph (35 × 45 millimetres) if digital verification fails. The application fee of £20 must be paid by debit or credit card; most payments process instantly. Finally, keep your application confirmation number safe and check your ETA status online after submission. Processing usually runs about three days, but most approvals arrive within 24 hours.

At the Border: Managing Multiple Passports

Arriving at a UK border with both an old and new passport can cause confusion if you don’t know the rules. Therefore, always present your new booklet alongside your newly issued UK ETA to border agents. Don’t bring up the old passport or old ETA unless staff specifically ask—raising it can trigger needless delays or questions. Border officers can see UK immigration records showing the old ETA is now void. They will not accept it, even if it has not ‘expired’ on the calendar. Consequently, if your old passport is still valid (not yet expired), you may keep it for sentimental or backup reasons, but it cannot be used for UK entry. Travelling with a child whose passport was upgraded from an infant or emergency document? Same rule—a fresh passport always needs a fresh ETA. Therefore, present only your new travel document at border checkpoints and allow staff to scan your ETA against that new document number.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many travellers make preventable errors when their passport changes, often at real cost. First, some try to cross the border using an old passport with its now-void ETA, not realising the combination fails; border systems instantly flag this as non-compliant. Second, others submit a fresh ETA using old passport details, creating a mismatch between their travel document and their authorisation. Consequently, they are refused entry and must purchase a last-minute visa. Third, travellers occasionally delay their reapplication until days before departure, risking rejection if processing takes longer than anticipated. Fourth, some fail to pay the correct £20 fee, assuming their old application still covers them. Another costly blunder: applying for a visitor visa instead of an ETA after getting a replacement passport, and burning £100+ on visa fees when ETA eligibility is still intact. So check that your new passport number matches your ETA application exactly, apply a week ahead of departure, and confirm approval before you book flights.

Cost, Timeline, and Appeal Rights

Knowing the money and the process behind a passport-triggered ETA reapplication helps you plan properly. The cost is fixed at £20 per new ETA application; there is no discount if you were previously approved, nor any refund if your application is rejected. Processing time is generally 3 working days from submission, though many decisions arrive within 24 hours. Apply a week before travel to leave room for processing delays or unexpected questions. If your reapplication is rejected despite previous approval under the old passport, you have the right to appeal—though appeals are usually reserved for cases where new information contradicts your earlier acceptance. Appeals must be filed within 10 working days of the rejection notice. Importantly, if you were refused on your new application, you may instead seek a visitor visa (£100 standard fee, £3,000 priority fast-track option). So budget for the new ETA well in advance and keep your document number details accurate to maximise the chance of immediate approval.

At a Glance: Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old ETA if my new passport hasn't arrived yet?

No. If your replacement passport has been issued (even if not yet received), your old ETA becomes immediately void upon issue. Use your former passport and its ETA only until the replacement arrives. Once you receive the new passport, you cannot use the old ETA, regardless of its remaining validity. Sort out a new ETA as soon as the fresh passport is in hand.

What if my old passport is still 'valid' but I have a new one?

Passport validity and ETA validity are separate. A new passport automatically invalidates your previous ETA, even if your old passport technically has years remaining. Border systems recognise only the relationship between your current passport and your current ETA. Old passports cannot be used for UK entry.

Can I appeal if my new ETA is rejected despite previous approval?

Yes. Rejections can be appealed within 10 working days of the decision notice. However, appeals rarely succeed unless new evidence proves the rejection was in error. Alternatively, you may apply for a visitor visa if ETA eligibility is genuinely in question.

Do I need a new ETA if I only changed my middle name?

If your passport was reissued with a fresh document number, yes—a new ETA is required. However, if your passport authority issued a simple name-change addendum without reissuing the passport itself (rare), confirm with them that your passport number remains unchanged. Most name changes trigger new passport issuance.

How long does a new ETA take if I'm leaving the UK?

Standard processing is three working days, though approvals often arrive in 24 hours. If you’re already in the UK and need to leave urgently, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to discuss grace periods or visitor visa alternatives, as a rejected ETA does not automatically grant overstay permission.

Can I apply for a new ETA with my old passport while waiting for the new one to arrive?

No. ETA applications require your current, valid passport number and must match your physical travel document. Once your passport authority issues a new document, you cannot legally use the old one for UK travel, even with a valid ETA.

What happens if I enter the UK with an old ETA on my new passport?

Border officers will scan the new booklet and discover that your old ETA is no longer linked to it. You will be refused entry and may face questions about your immigration compliance. Always ensure your ETA number matches your current passport number before arrival.

For official guidance and to apply, see gov.uk — Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation.

For our flagship UK ETA resource hub, visit visaeta.uk — official UK ETA guide.

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