{"id":1865,"date":"2026-04-26T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/en\/?p=1865"},"modified":"2026-10-26T08:10:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T08:10:33","slug":"passport-change-and-uk-eta-what-you-must-do-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/en\/passport-change-and-uk-eta-what-you-must-do-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Passport Change and UK ETA \u2013 What You Must Do in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Short answer:<\/strong> a UK ETA cannot be moved to a new passport \u2013 if you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA (\u00a320) with it before you travel. When your passport changes\u2014whether through renewal, loss, theft, or even a name change following marriage or divorce\u2014your 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 personal to you, but it is linked digitally to the passport you applied with and is only valid when you travel on that passport. This means that any new passport, regardless of why you needed it, requires a fresh ETA application costing \u00a320 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.<\/p>\n\n

Last updated: 19 October 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n

TL;DR:<\/strong> The UK ETA is a digital travel authorisation costing \u00a320 (up from \u00a316 on 8 April 2026), valid for 2 years (or until the passport you applied with expires, if sooner) and multiple visits up to 6 months each. Apply online via the official UK ETA app \u2014 most decisions land in three working days. Required before boarding any flight to the UK from a visa-exempt nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 or until your passport expires, whichever comes first<\/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<\/figure>\n\n

The Golden Rule: ETA and Passport Are Forever Linked<\/h2>\n\n

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\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

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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

Passport Renewal: The Most Common Trigger<\/h2>\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 new application costs the full \u00a320 (the fee since 8 April 2026; previously \u00a316), with no discount for previous ETA holders. Processing usually runs three working days, though approvals often land within hours during off-peak periods.<\/p>\n\n

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Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports: Urgent Replacement<\/h2>\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, if time permits, you may apply online for a Standard Visitor visa and attend a visa application centre to give your biometrics. 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

Name Changes: Marriage, Divorce, and Legal Amendments<\/h2>\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

\"UK<\/figure>\n\n

Emergency Travel Documents: A Special Case<\/h2>\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 will normally need a UK visa (applied for online, with a visa application centre appointment) rather than an ETA, as you cannot apply for an ETA with an emergency travel document. 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

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Application Process for Your New ETA<\/h2>\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 for your passport and contact details, your address, your job, any other nationalities you hold and any criminal convictions. Consequently, ensure your answers match the details in your new booklet exactly. Upload a digital photo that meets the GOV.UK rules for digital passport photos. 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

At the Border: Managing Multiple Passports<\/h2>\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

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them<\/h2>\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 can be refused boarding or entry and have to apply again for an ETA with their new passport. 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

Cost, Timeline, and Appeal Rights<\/h2>\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. There is no right of appeal against an ETA decision, even if you were approved under your old passport. If your application is rejected, you can apply again; if it is refused, you need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead (\u00a3135 since 8 April 2026, previously \u00a3127; faster decisions are available for an extra fee). 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

At a Glance: Comparison Table<\/h2>\n\n
Passport Event<\/th>ETA Impact<\/th>Action Required<\/th>New ETA Fee<\/th>Timeline Before Travel<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Standard Renewal (expiry approach)<\/td>ETA invalid; a fresh passport number is issued<\/td>Reapply using the new document number<\/td>\u00a320<\/td>1 week ahead, minimum<\/td><\/tr>
Lost or Stolen Passport<\/td>ETA voided immediately; passport cancelled by authorities<\/td>Report loss; obtain replacement passport; apply for new ETA or visitor visa<\/td>\u00a320 (ETA) or \u00a3135 (visa)<\/td>Before departure from current location<\/td><\/tr>
Name Change (marriage, divorce, deed poll)<\/td>ETA invalid; new booklet number and updated name issued<\/td>Provide supporting documentation; request a fresh ETA under the new name<\/td>\u00a320<\/td>At least 2 weeks (account for name-change processing delays)<\/td><\/tr>
Damaged Passport (water, wear, illegibility)<\/td>ETA invalid; replacement passport needed<\/td>Get the replacement, then reapply with the new number<\/td>\u00a320<\/td>A week before you fly<\/td><\/tr>
Emergency Travel Document (ETD) issued abroad<\/td>ETA not eligible; ETD requires visitor visa instead<\/td>Apply online for a visitor visa (visa application centre appointment); arrange replacement passport; later apply for ETA<\/td>\u00a3135 (visa) + \u00a320 (later ETA)<\/td>Before departure from current location<\/td><\/tr>
Child passport upgrade (infant \u2192 standard or emergency \u2192 standard)<\/td>ETA invalid; a new number is issued<\/td>Reapply using the child's new passport number<\/td>\u00a320<\/td>7+ days before departure<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n

Can I use my old ETA if my new passport hasn't arrived yet?<\/h3>\n

Only if you travel on the old passport you applied with and that passport is still valid for travel. Your ETA is only valid on the passport it is linked to, so it cannot be used with the new passport. 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.<\/p>\n

What if my old passport is still 'valid' but I have a new one?<\/h3>\n

Your ETA and your passport are directly linked: an ETA lasts for 2 years or until the passport you applied with expires, whichever comes first. 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<\/em> passport and your current<\/em> ETA. Old passports cannot be used for UK entry.<\/p>\n

Can I appeal if my new ETA is rejected despite previous approval?<\/h3>\n

No. You cannot appeal an ETA decision. If your application is refused, the only option is to apply for a Standard Visitor visa (\u00a3135) before you travel. If it is rejected rather than refused, you can submit a new ETA application.<\/p>\n

Do I need a new ETA if I only changed my middle name?<\/h3>\n

If your passport was reissued with a fresh document number, yes\u2014a 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.<\/p>\n

How long does a new ETA take if I'm leaving the UK?<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Can I apply for a new ETA with my old passport while waiting for the new one to arrive?<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What happens if I enter the UK with an old ETA on my new passport?<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

For official guidance and to apply, see gov.uk \u2014 Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

For our flagship UK ETA resource hub, visit visaeta.uk \u2014 independent UK ETA guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Related UK ETA Articles<\/h2>\n