Digital status · Reviewed 5 August 2026

New passport, existing eVisa: updating a UKVI account before travel

An eVisa can confirm valid permission while the journey still fails at document matching. The passport used for travel, the UKVI account and the passenger record should identify the same person before check-in begins.

7 minute readPractical analysis · reviewed content

The position in brief.

  1. 01

    How to link a new passport to a UKVI account before travelling with an eVisa, and what to check if the record does not update correctly.

  2. 02

    The travel document is part of the digital status chain.

  3. 03

    Update the account before the day of travel.

How to link a new passport to a UKVI account before travelling with an eVisa, and what to check if the record does not update correctly.

The travel document is part of the digital status chain.

An eVisa records immigration status online. A carrier ordinarily checks that status against the passport or travel-document information supplied for the journey. Valid permission and an outdated account record are therefore different questions.

UKVI advises account holders to keep passport and travel-document information current. A mismatch can prevent automatic verification and create delay even where the underlying permission has not changed.

Update the account before the day of travel.

The UKVI account service permits a holder to add or change passport or travel-document details. It can also be used to update contact information and certain personal details. Restrictions can apply while an immigration application is awaiting decision.

After an update, sign in again and check that the current document is visible against the eVisa. The name, nationality, date of birth and document number should also match the information supplied to the carrier.

A failed update and an incorrect eVisa require different action.

The account-update service changes identity and contact details. It does not amend the immigration permission itself. If the eVisa displays the wrong status or expiry information, or a share code cannot be generated because of a technical error, UKVI provides a separate error-reporting process.

Where travel is imminent, preserve the update confirmation, decision correspondence and any error reference. A carrier remains responsible for its boarding decision, although it can seek Home Office confirmation where status cannot be verified.

Questions to answer before taking the next step.

01Add the passport that will be used for travel

02Confirm the document number and personal details

03View the eVisa after the update

04Generate a travel share code if needed

05Retain decision and update confirmations

06Allow time to report any eVisa error

Rules and official guidance.

Reviewed 5 August 2026. Check the current provision and complete facts before relying on this resource.

Update your details in your UKVI account Travel with your eVisa Confirm status to a carrier before travel
How to use the source record +

Verify the current instrument, commencement date, transitional position and caseworker guidance against the application date and complete facts. The source may change after this resource was reviewed.

Keep identity, status and travel evidence aligned.

A valid immigration decision can still produce a practical failure where the UKVI account, passport, carrier record or share code does not correspond.

Points that commonly alter the answer.

01Must I update my UKVI account after getting a new passport?+

UKVI says passport or travel-document information should be kept current so the eVisa can be used with the document presented for travel and to reduce the risk of delay.

02Does adding a passport change my immigration permission?+

No. Updating the account changes the identity document linked to the digital record; it does not extend or vary the underlying immigration permission.

03What if my status itself is wrong?+

Use the official eVisa error-reporting service where the displayed status or other immigration information is incorrect, or where a technical problem prevents viewing the eVisa or obtaining a share code.

More digital status guidance.

01 · Digital status

When an airline cannot verify an eVisa: the pre-travel response

If an airline cannot verify your eVisa, check the passport linked to your UKVI account, generate a travel share code and ask the carrier to contact Home Office support.

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02 · Digital status

Form for accompanying an eVisa: who receives a FAV and why it matters

A concise guide to the form for accompanying an eVisa, including when it is issued, collection and travel with a non-standard identity document.

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03 · Digital status

Wrong details on an eVisa: update, error report or account recovery?

How to distinguish an outdated UKVI account, an incorrect eVisa record and an access problem before choosing the official correction route.

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