Important Due to Covid-19, processing times for passports are taking longer than normal for both standard and expedited services.

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.

Some 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 to apply for a new visa.

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

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

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Visa Transfer
by: Ashraf

Question: I have a valid visa to India till 2027. however, my US passport expired and I got my passport renewed. So do I have to reapply for an Indian Visa or can it be transferred to my new passport? Thank you.

Answer: Hello, Ashraf. Please contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate regarding your concern.

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UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility. Standard service may take between 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.

Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.

If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:

Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. ET, call 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793) Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000.

For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.

If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. ET.

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