| Quick Facts \u2014 UK ETA<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fee<\/strong><\/td>| \u00a320 (up from \u00a316 on 8 April 2026)<\/td><\/tr>\n | Validity<\/strong><\/td> | 2 years<\/td><\/tr>\n | Processing time<\/strong><\/td> | 3 working days (up to 14 in some cases)<\/td><\/tr>\n | Multiple entries<\/strong><\/td> | Allowed<\/td><\/tr>\n | Max stay per visit<\/strong><\/td> | 6 months<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n | ![\"UK](\"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b6_1077_4.jpg\") <\/figure>\n\nThe Golden Rule: ETA and Passport Are Forever Linked<\/h2>\n\nThe 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\u2014renewal, loss, or a temporary travel document\u2014that 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.<\/p>\n\n Pro tip:<\/strong> 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 \u2014 especially for first-time applicants or those with prior immigration history.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n 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\u201312 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 \u00a320, identical to the original fee. Processing usually runs three working days, though approvals often land within hours during off-peak periods.<\/p>\n\n 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\u2014whether it’s a full reissue or a temporary travel document\u2014your 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.<\/p>\n\n 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\u2014typically a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Processing a name-change passport replacement often takes 4\u20138 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.<\/p>\n\n 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\u2014they typically have restricted validity (30\u201390 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.<\/p>\n\n 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’\u2014do 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 \u00d7 45 millimetres) if digital verification fails. The application fee of \u00a320 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.<\/p>\n\n 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\u2014raising 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\u2014a 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.<\/p>\n\n 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 \u00a320 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 \u00a3135+ 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.<\/p>\n\n Knowing the money and the process behind a passport-triggered ETA reapplication helps you plan properly. The cost is fixed at \u00a320 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\u2014though 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 (\u00a3135 standard fee, \u00a33,000 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.<\/p>\n\n |
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