UK ETA & Passport Renewal 2026: What You Need to Do

Got a new passport recently? Or planning to renew your passport before your UK trip? If you already have a UK ETA approved on your old passport, you’ll need to know exactly what happens — and what you need to do before you can travel.

This guide explains the rules around UK ETA and passport renewal in 2026, what to do when your passport expires or is renewed, and how to avoid being stranded at the airport with the wrong documents.

The HM Passport Office handles all UK passport renewals, while the UK Visas and Immigration department manages the ETA system. Understanding how these two processes interact is essential for uninterrupted UK travel.

Key Takeaways

• A UK ETA is linked to a specific passport number — it cannot be transferred to a new passport
• If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new UK ETA before travelling
• The ETA also expires when the passport it is linked to expires
• Applying for a new ETA on a new passport is fast and costs £16
• The UK does NOT require 6-month passport validity beyond your stay — just validity for the stay itself

UK ETA and Passport Validity: What You Need to Know

Unlike many countries that require your passport to be valid for 6 months beyond your planned stay, the UK only requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your visit. This is good news for travellers with passports that expire soon after their trip.

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).

However, there’s an important caveat: your UK ETA will expire when your passport expires. The ETA is electronically linked to your exact passport number, and once that passport is no longer valid, the ETA associated with it is also invalid.

What Happens to My ETA When I Renew My Passport?

When you renew your passport (whether due to expiry, name change, damage, or simply needing more pages), you receive a new passport with a new passport number. Your existing UK ETA, which is linked to your old passport number, becomes invalid for travel purposes.

You will need to apply for a completely new UK ETA linked to your new passport number. There is no transfer process — you start a fresh application.

Will I Get Approval as Fast as Before?

Yes, in most cases. A new ETA application on a new passport is processed through the same automated system. If your background hasn’t changed since your previous ETA was approved, the new application should also be approved quickly — usually within minutes.

Before You Renew Your Passport: Planning Tips

If you’re considering renewing your passport and have upcoming UK travel, plan your timing carefully:

1. Check your current ETA expiry — if it’s still valid and your passport is not yet expired, you can delay renewal until after your UK trip
2. If renewing before your UK trip — apply for a new ETA as soon as you receive your new passport
3. Apply for the new ETA at least 72 hours before travel — ideally several weeks in advance
4. Keep your old passport accessible — some countries need to see your previous visa history

Specific Scenarios: What to Do

Scenario 1: My Passport Expires During My UK Stay

Your UK ETA (and your right to remain in the UK) is tied to your passport validity. If your passport expires while you are in the UK, technically your permission to remain expires with it. You should always travel with a passport that is valid for your entire stay.

If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before travelling, then apply for a new ETA on the new passport.

Scenario 2: I Renewed My Passport and Have an Upcoming UK Trip

Apply for a new UK ETA immediately using your new passport details. Use the official GOV.UK ETA service or our application service at VisaETA. Once approved, you’re ready to travel.

Scenario 3: I Changed My Name (Married/Divorce)

If you have changed your name and received a new passport, you need a new UK ETA linked to your new passport. The new passport will have a new number and your new name, making it a separate document from your old ETA.

Scenario 4: My Passport Was Lost or Stolen

If your passport (and the ETA linked to it) is lost or stolen, report it to your embassy and obtain emergency travel documents. When you receive a new passport, apply for a new UK ETA before travelling.

How Long Does It Take to Get a New ETA After Passport Renewal?

Most ETA applications are processed within minutes. If you renew your passport and apply for a new ETA the same day, you may have your new ETA within an hour. For a complete breakdown of processing times, see How Long Does UK ETA Take in 2026.

Passport Validity Requirements at a Glance

Step-by-Step: Passport Renewal and ETA Process

When your passport is about to expire and you have an upcoming UK trip, here is the recommended sequence of actions:

1. Check Your Passport Expiry Date

Before anything else, verify when your current passport expires. The UK requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay, though there is no minimum validity requirement beyond your departure date. However, some airlines enforce their own rules requiring at least six months of passport validity, so check with your carrier.

2. Renew Your Passport First

If your passport will expire before or during your planned UK trip, renew it before applying for a UK ETA. Passport renewal timelines vary by country — some nations process renewals in as little as one week, while others may take 6–10 weeks. Emergency or expedited services are available in most countries at an additional cost. Plan accordingly and do not wait until the last minute.

3. Apply for a New UK ETA

Once you receive your new passport, apply for a UK ETA immediately. The application requires your new passport number, and the ETA will be digitally linked to this document. The process typically takes only a few minutes to complete online, and most applications are approved within hours. The fee is £16 per person.

4. Verify Everything Before Travel

Before heading to the airport, double-check that your ETA confirmation shows the correct new passport number. A mismatch between your ETA and the passport you present at check-in will result in denied boarding. Take a screenshot of the approval email as backup.

Common Passport Renewal Scenarios and Their ETA Impact

Different situations require different approaches when managing your passport renewal alongside your UK ETA:

Passport Expires Before Your Trip

This is the most straightforward scenario. Renew your passport, then apply for a new ETA. Your old ETA is automatically invalidated when the linked passport expires. There is no way to transfer an ETA from an expired passport to a new one — a fresh application is always required.

Passport Expires During Your UK Stay

If your passport will expire while you are in the UK, renew it before travelling. While the UK does not require additional passport validity beyond your departure date, having a valid passport throughout your stay avoids potential complications. Some hotels and car rental agencies may also require a valid passport as identification.

Emergency Passport Situations

If your passport is lost or stolen before a planned UK trip, contact your country’s nearest embassy or consulate immediately. Most countries offer emergency travel documents that can be issued within 24–48 hours. Once you have the emergency document, you can apply for a UK ETA — the system accepts emergency passports from most eligible countries. However, confirm with UKVI whether your specific emergency document type is accepted for ETA applications.

Name Change Due to Marriage or Legal Reasons

If you have changed your name since obtaining your current passport and ETA, you will need both a new passport in your updated name and a new UK ETA. The ETA must match the name on the passport you travel with. Apply for the passport first, then the ETA, to ensure consistency across all documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel with both my old and new passport?

Yes — carrying both passports can be useful as the old passport may contain visas for other countries you’ve visited. However, for UK entry, you MUST present the passport that matches your UK ETA. Airlines also check the passport/ETA match at check-in.

My UK ETA is approved on my old passport which is still technically valid — can I still use it?

If your old passport is still valid (not expired), the ETA linked to it is also still valid. You can continue using your old passport for UK travel until either the passport or ETA expires. However, if you’re already travelling on your new passport for other trips, you should apply for a new ETA on the new passport.

Do I need to cancel my old ETA when I get a new passport?

No — there is no cancellation process for UK ETAs. The old ETA simply becomes unusable once the old passport is no longer valid or in use. No action is needed beyond applying for a new ETA on your new passport.

How much does a new ETA cost after passport renewal?

The same as any other ETA application: £16 per person as of February 2026. The fact that you previously had an approved ETA does not entitle you to a free renewal. Each application requires the standard fee.

After renewing your passport and obtaining a new ETA, learn how to check your UK ETA status to confirm everything is in order.

Travelling with family? Remember that children also need their own UK ETA linked to their own passport.

Dual citizens should read our guide on which passport to use when renewing one of their travel documents.

Need an ETA quickly after your passport renewal? Check our urgent UK ETA guide for fast-track tips.

For comprehensive trip planning after your passport renewal, visit Visit Britain for the latest travel resources and destination guides.

Official Sources & References

1. UK Government — Electronic Travel Authorisation
2. UK Government — Renew Your Passport
3. UK Government — Get a Child Passport
4. UK Government — View and Prove Immigration Status
5. Visit Britain — Plan Your Trip

Key Reminders for UK ETA and Passport Renewal

To summarise the most important points for managing your UK ETA alongside a passport renewal:

• ETAs cannot be transferred — Every new passport requires a new ETA application. There are no exceptions or workarounds.
• Renew first, apply second — Always get your new passport before submitting your ETA application to avoid wasting the £16 fee.
• Allow buffer time — Factor in passport processing delays, especially during summer and holiday seasons when demand is highest.
• Keep records — Save all confirmation emails and note which passport number each ETA is linked to, particularly if you are a frequent traveller.
• Check airline requirements — Some airlines require six months passport validity. Verify before booking even if the UK itself only requires validity for your stay duration.

Conclusion

Managing your UK ETA alongside a passport renewal requires planning but is straightforward once you understand the process. The key principle is simple: your ETA is linked to a specific passport number, so any change in passport means a new ETA application. By renewing your passport first and applying for a new ETA promptly afterwards, you ensure uninterrupted access to the UK for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Managing your UK ETA around passport renewal in 2026 is straightforward once you understand the rules: your ETA is always tied to one specific passport, and when that passport is replaced, a new ETA application is needed. The process is fast, affordable at £16, and usually completed within minutes.

Plan ahead, apply for your new ETA as soon as you have your new passport, and you’ll have no issues at check-in or the UK border.

Apply for your new ETA at VisaETA or through the official UK ETA service on GOV.UK.