You check your passport before a trip and notice that your U.S. visa is in an expired passport. You now have a valid new passport, but you may wonder whether you need a new visa before you travel. In many cases, you can use a valid U.S. visa from an expired passport with your new passport, but specific requirements apply.
Check whether your visa still works
An expired passport does not automatically make your U.S. visa invalid. If the visa remains valid, you can generally use it until its expiration date, as long as it has not been canceled or revoked.
Your visa should remain undamaged and match the purpose of your trip. Remember that a visa only lets you seek entry at a U.S. port of entry; U.S. Customs and Border Protection decides whether you can enter and how long you may stay.
Carry both passports when you travel
Once you confirm that your visa remains valid, focus on the documents you need at the border. The Department of State advises travelers to:
- Bring your expired passport containing the valid U.S. visa
- Carry your new, valid passport with the expired one
- Make sure both passports come from the same country and fall under the same passport type
- Not remove, damage or alter the visa in your expired passport.
Keep both passports together during your journey so you can present the visa and your current passport when required. Check that the passports remain in good condition before you leave and keep them accessible while traveling.
Know when you need a new visa
You may need a new visa if your current visa has expired, been canceled or revoked or become damaged. You may also need a different visa if your new trip requires another visa category. Check your visa against your current travel plans before leaving so that you do not rely on a visa that no longer fits your situation.
Check your documents before you travel
An expired passport with a valid U.S. visa can make your travel plans stressful. Check your visa, carry the required passport and review current visa requirements before leaving. If your situation has changed, confirm that your visa still fits your travel plans to help avoid problems at the border.