Expired Passport but Valid U.S. Visa: What to Do

Expired Passport but Valid U.S. Visa: Can You Travel with Two Passports?

Has your passport expired, but your U.S. visa is still valid? In most cases, you do not need to apply for a new U.S. visa simply because your passport has expired.

If your U.S. visa remains valid, you can usually travel to the United States using your new valid passport together with your old passport containing the valid U.S. visa.

The visa itself must still be valid, undamaged, and not revoked or cancelled. You should also keep your old passport intact—never remove the visa sticker or try to transfer it into your new passport.

Below, we explain how to travel to the United States when your valid U.S. visa is in an expired passport.

Is a U.S. Visa Still Valid After Your Passport Expires?

Yes.

A valid U.S. visa usually remains valid even after the passport in which it was issued has expired.

An expired passport does not automatically cancel your U.S. visa. Your visa remains valid until the expiration date printed on the visa, provided that it:

has not expired;
has not been revoked or cancelled;
is not damaged;
matches the purpose of your trip;
allows another entry to the United States.

For example, if your Ukrainian passport expired in 2026 but your B1/B2 visa is valid until 2028, you can generally continue using that visa together with your new passport.

The U.S. Department of State confirms that a valid visa in an expired passport remains valid. Travelers should carry both the expired passport containing the visa and the new valid passport.

It is also important to understand the difference between:

Visa validity – the period during which you may travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission.
Length of stay – the period you are allowed to remain in the United States after being admitted by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.

A valid visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry, but it does not guarantee admission into the United States.

Do You Need to Transfer Your U.S. Visa to a New Passport?

No.

You do not need to transfer your valid U.S. visa into your new passport.

U.S. embassies and consulates do not move valid visas from an expired passport into a newly issued passport simply because the passport has expired.

Instead, you should travel with:

your new valid passport; and
your old passport containing the valid U.S. visa.

Never remove the visa sticker or tear out the visa page. Doing so may invalidate your visa.

In most situations, you do not need to apply for a new U.S. visa just because you received a new passport.

However, you may need a new visa if:

your visa has expired;
your old passport with the visa has been lost or stolen;
the visa has been damaged;
the visa has been cancelled or revoked;
your personal information has changed significantly;
you no longer qualify for the visa category.

If you obtained a new passport because you changed your name, the situation should be assessed separately.

What Documents Should You Bring?

When traveling with a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport, you should carry both passports.

Your New Valid Passport

Your new passport is your primary travel document.

Before traveling, make sure that:

your passport is valid;
your name is spelled correctly;
your date of birth is correct;
the passport number is accurate;
the passport is not damaged;
your airline ticket matches the information in your new passport.

Your Old Passport with the Valid U.S. Visa

Bring your old passport because it contains your valid U.S. visa.

Before your trip, check that:

your visa is still valid;
the visa page is undamaged;
the visa information is readable;
the visa has not been cancelled;
the passport is intact.

According to U.S. regulations, the old and new passports should generally be issued by the same country and be the same passport type.

Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may also wish to carry:

hotel reservations;
return flight tickets;
an invitation letter;
your travel itinerary;
conference or business event confirmations;
proof of financial support;
employment or study documents;
proof of legal residence if you are traveling from a country other than your country of citizenship.

The exact supporting documents depend on your individual travel circumstances.

Can You Travel with an Expired Passport and a New Passport?

Yes.

If your valid U.S. visa is in your expired passport, you can usually travel with both passports.

You may need to present both documents:

during airline check-in;
before boarding;
during transit;
upon arrival in the United States;
during immigration inspection.

Typically, you will present:

your new valid passport as your travel document; and
your old passport containing the valid U.S. visa.

Which Passport Should You Use When Booking Your Flight?

Book your airline ticket using the information from your new valid passport.

Your name on the ticket should exactly match the name shown in your new passport.

Your old passport should simply be presented together with your new passport when required.

Can You Check In Online?

In many cases, yes.

However, some airline systems cannot automatically verify a valid visa located in a different passport.

If online check-in is unavailable, you may simply need to check in at the airport, where airline staff can verify both passports.

What Does the Airline Check?

Before allowing you to board, the airline may verify that you have the documents required to travel to the United States.

This may include checking:

that your new passport is valid;
that your personal details match in both passports;
that both passports were issued by the same country;
that your U.S. visa is valid;
that the visa category matches your travel purpose;
that the visa is not damaged;
the number of permitted entries;
any transit requirements, if applicable.

For example, if your visa shows “M” (Multiple Entries), you may enter the United States multiple times while the visa remains valid.

Remember that the airline only checks your travel documents before departure.

The final decision on your admission into the United States is made by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.

Even with a valid visa, admission to the United States is never guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a U.S. visa valid in an expired passport?

Yes. A valid U.S. visa generally remains valid after the passport expires, provided the visa itself is still valid and undamaged.

Do I need to transfer my U.S. visa to a new passport?

No. Simply travel with your new valid passport and your old passport containing the valid visa.

Do I need to apply for a new U.S. visa after getting a new passport?

Usually not. Receiving a new passport alone does not invalidate your existing U.S. visa.

Can I remove the visa from my old passport?

No. Never remove or transfer the visa sticker yourself.

What if my old passport with the visa is damaged?

If the visa or the visa page is damaged, you may need to apply for a new U.S. visa.

What if my old passport with the visa has been lost?

A photocopy or scanned copy of the visa cannot be used for travel. You will need to apply for a new visa.

Can I use my visa if my old passport has been cancelled?

Yes, provided the visa itself remains valid and undamaged.

Which passport should I use to book my flight?

Use your new valid passport.

Which passport should I present at immigration?

Present both your new passport and your old passport containing the valid U.S. visa.

Can I enter the United States on the last day my visa is valid?

Yes. As long as you arrive at a U.S. port of entry before the visa expires, you may request admission. Your authorized period of stay will be determined separately by the CBP officer.

Does a valid U.S. visa guarantee entry into the United States?

No. A valid visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry, but the final decision on admission is always made by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer.

Conclusion

If your passport has expired but your U.S. visa is still valid, you generally do not need to obtain a new visa.

For your trip, you should carry:

your new valid passport;
your old passport containing the valid U.S. visa;
any documents supporting the purpose of your trip.

Do not attempt to transfer the visa into your new passport. Keep your old passport intact and present both passports whenever required during your journey.

If you are unsure whether your U.S. visa can still be used after replacing your passport, the Prosto Visa team will be happy to review your documents and help you prepare for your trip or your next U.S. visa application.

You may also find these articles helpful:

Previous Next