UK ETA and Expired Passport: What to Do When You Get a New Passport in 2026

What happens to your UK ETA when your passport expires? This is one of the most common questions among international travellers, and the answer has important implications for your travel plans. Whether you have recently renewed your passport, are planning to renew before a trip, or your passport expired while your ETA was still valid, this comprehensive guide explains exactly how UK ETA and passport changes work in 2026.

How Is Your UK ETA Linked to Your Passport?

Your UK ETA is electronically linked to your specific passport number. When you apply for an ETA, the system creates a connection between your ETA approval and the passport you used for the application. At border control, officers verify your ETA by scanning your passport, which automatically checks the linked ETA status in the UK immigration database.

Key fact: The UK ETA costs £16 per application, is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows unlimited visits of up to 6 months each. Citizens from 48 eligible countries must obtain an ETA before travelling (Source: GOV.UK).

This means your ETA is not transferable between passports. If your passport number changes for any reason, your existing ETA becomes invalid for travel, even if it has not yet reached its 2-year expiry date.

What Happens When Your Passport Expires?

Scenario 1: Passport Expires Before ETA Expiry

If your passport expires while your UK ETA is still within its 2-year validity period, your ETA automatically becomes invalid. This is because the ETA validity is defined as “2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.” When you receive your new passport with a new passport number, you will need to apply for a new UK ETA linked to the new passport.

Scenario 2: You Renew Your Passport Before It Expires

If you voluntarily renew your passport before it expires (for example, because you are running low on blank pages, the passport is damaged, or you simply want a fresh one), the same rule applies. Your new passport has a new number, so your existing ETA is no longer valid. You must apply for a new ETA using your new passport details.

Scenario 3: Your Passport Is Lost or Stolen

If your passport is lost or stolen and you receive a replacement, the replacement will have a different passport number. Your existing ETA linked to the old passport becomes invalid. Report the lost or stolen passport to your national authorities immediately, obtain a replacement, and then apply for a new UK ETA linked to the replacement passport.

Scenario 4: Your Name Changes

If you change your name (due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons) and receive a new passport with your updated name and a new passport number, you need a new UK ETA. The ETA linked to your old name and passport number cannot be used with the new passport.

How to Apply for a New UK ETA After Passport Renewal

Applying for a new UK ETA after getting a new passport follows the same process as your original application:

Step 1: Download the UK ETA app or visit the online application portal at gov.uk/eta.

Step 2: Create a new application using your new passport details. You cannot simply update your old application with new passport information.

Step 3: Complete the application form, upload a new photo, and scan your new passport’s NFC chip (if using the app).

Step 4: Pay the £16 application fee. Yes, you must pay again for a new ETA, even if your previous one was still within its validity period.

Step 5: Wait for approval. Most applications are processed within a few hours, but allow up to 3 working days. Check current processing times.

For the complete step-by-step process, see our detailed guide on how to apply for UK ETA online.

Planning Ahead: Passport and ETA Timing

Before Renewing Your Passport

If your passport is due for renewal and you have upcoming UK travel plans, consider the timing carefully:

• Option 1: Travel first, then renew. If your passport is still valid and your ETA is approved, complete your UK trip before renewing your passport. This avoids the need for a new ETA application.
• Option 2: Renew first, then apply for ETA. If your passport expires before your planned trip, renew it first and then apply for a new ETA using the new passport. Allow sufficient time for both passport renewal and ETA processing.

Passport Validity Requirements

The UK does not require your passport to have a minimum remaining validity beyond your planned stay (unlike some countries that require 6 months validity). However, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your UK visit. If your passport expires during your planned stay, you must renew it before travelling.

Timing Your Applications

Passport renewal times vary by country, from a few days to several weeks or even months. Plan your timeline as follows:

• Research your country’s passport renewal processing time
• Submit passport renewal application with adequate lead time
• Once you receive your new passport, immediately apply for a new UK ETA
• Allow 3 to 5 working days for ETA processing as a safety margin
• Only book flights and accommodation after both your new passport and new ETA are confirmed

Dual Nationality and Passport Issues

If you hold dual nationality, your UK ETA is linked to one specific passport. Important considerations include:

• British passport holders: If one of your passports is British, you do not need a UK ETA at all. Enter the UK on your British passport.
• Irish passport holders: Irish citizens do not need a UK ETA. Use your Irish passport to enter the UK.
• Other dual nationals: Apply for your ETA using whichever passport you intend to travel with. Ensure you use the same passport at check-in, border control, and for your ETA application. If you renew one passport, you only need a new ETA if it was the passport linked to your existing ETA.

Emergency Passport Renewal Before UK Travel

If your passport expires unexpectedly close to your travel date, many countries offer expedited passport renewal services for an additional fee. Contact your national passport office or nearest embassy/consulate to check options. Some countries can issue emergency travel documents within 24 to 48 hours.

Once you have your emergency or renewed passport, apply for the UK ETA immediately. If time is extremely tight, note that many ETA applications are approved within hours, though this is not guaranteed. Having travel insurance that covers trip cancellation due to document issues can protect you financially if delays occur.

Can You Transfer an ETA to a New Passport?

No. There is currently no mechanism to transfer a UK ETA from one passport to another. Unlike some countries’ visa systems that allow visa transfers or carry-over between passports, the UK ETA system requires a completely new application when your passport changes. This is a deliberate security feature that ensures the ETA is always accurately linked to the current, valid travel document.

Some travellers find this frustrating, particularly if their ETA was very recently issued before an unexpected passport renewal. Unfortunately, no refund is available for the unused portion of an ETA that becomes invalid due to passport changes. The £16 fee must be paid again for each new application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many travellers make preventable errors when dealing with passport renewals and UK ETAs. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Assuming your old ETA still works: The most common mistake is arriving at the airport with a new passport but assuming the ETA from your old passport is still valid. Always check that your ETA matches your current passport before booking travel.
• Leaving the new ETA application too late: While most ETAs are processed quickly, some take up to 3 working days or longer. Applying the day before travel is risky. Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before your departure date.
• Using the wrong passport for check-in: If you have both old and new passports, make absolutely sure you use the new passport (the one linked to your valid ETA) at airline check-in and border control. Presenting the wrong passport will cause your ETA check to fail.
• Not checking passport validity before booking: Before booking any UK trip, check that your passport will be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay. If it expires during your trip, renew first.
• Forgetting children’s passports: Parents sometimes focus on their own passport renewal but forget that children’s passports may also need renewal, with corresponding new ETA applications required for each child.

Passport and ETA Checklist for UK Travel

Use this pre-travel checklist to ensure your documentation is in order:

• Passport is valid for the entire duration of planned UK stay
• UK ETA is approved and linked to current, valid passport
• Passport number on ETA confirmation matches passport you will carry
• Photo in passport reasonably resembles your current appearance
• If recently renewed passport, new ETA has been applied for and approved
• Family members (including children) all have valid passports and ETAs
• ETA confirmation email or app screenshot saved on phone for reference

Keeping Your Old Passport

When you renew your passport, your old passport is typically returned to you with a cancellation mark (usually a hole punched through the cover or machine-readable zone). Keep your old passport in a safe place, as it serves as a record of your travel history and any visas or stamps it contains. However, you cannot use a cancelled passport for travel or ETA purposes, even if the ETA linked to it has not expired.

Official Sources & References

1. UK Government — Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation
2. UK Government — Renew Your Passport
3. UK Home Office — ETA Factsheet
4. UK Visas and Immigration — Contact UKVI

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a refund if my ETA becomes invalid because my passport expired?

No. The £16 ETA fee is non-refundable, even if your ETA becomes invalid before its 2-year expiry due to passport changes. You must pay the full fee again when applying for a new ETA with your new passport.

Can I have two UK ETAs at the same time?

In practice, no. Since each ETA is linked to a specific passport, and you can only have one valid passport of the same nationality at a time, you will only have one active ETA. If you hold dual nationality with two different passports, you could theoretically have an ETA linked to each, but you should only use one passport consistently for UK travel.

How soon before my passport expires should I apply for a new one?

This depends on your country’s renewal processing times and your travel plans. As a general rule, start the renewal process when your passport has 6 to 9 months of remaining validity. This gives you plenty of time to receive the new passport and apply for a new UK ETA before any planned travel.

What if my passport expires while I am in the UK?

If your passport expires during your UK visit, you will need to contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the UK to obtain a replacement. You can legally remain in the UK for the duration permitted by your ETA (up to 6 months from entry), but you will need a valid passport to exit the UK and enter your destination country. Most airlines will not allow you to board with an expired passport.

Is the ETA application process different for a renewal versus a first-time application?

No. The application process is identical whether it is your first ETA or a replacement after passport renewal. You complete the same form, provide the same information, upload a photo, and pay the same £16 fee. Your previous ETA history may be visible to the system, but this does not affect processing.

Need a new UK ETA? Apply online using your new passport details. Check our UK ETA FAQ for more common questions and visit the official UK Government ETA page for the latest information.