Can valid visas from foreign countries be transfered to a new passport?

by Samuel
(Katy, Tx, USA)

Question: I will have to renew my existing passport and have some visas that have not expired yet. Since these cost time and money, what can be done to transfer those specific visas to the new passport?

Answer: It depends on the countries for which you have visas. Each country establishes its own regulations. Some countries such as Brazil allow you to present the old passport with the visa in it and the new passport at the same time. Note, the two passports must be from the same country and of the same type.

Other countries allow you to apply to transfer the visa from your old passport to your new one for a small fee. Note, even countries that allow the transfer of visas sometimes have restrictions concerning this process. For example, they may allow the transfer of a single-entry visa but not a multiple-entry visa.

Still other countries require you apply for a new visa.

You should not attempt to transfer the visas yourself. If you cut out a visa from your current passport, it will be invalidated.

For specific regulations, you should contact the embassy of each country for which you have a visa.