If you have renewed your passport after receiving an Indian e-Visa, you may be wondering whether you need to apply again or can travel using your existing visa. The answer depends on your visa type, passport details, and the rules that apply to your situation. This guide explains the India e-Visa Transfer to New Passport process, what documents you may need, and what to check before travelling to India in 2026. Can You Transfer an India e-Visa to a New Passport? Yes. The Government of India provides an e-Visa/ETA transfer service for transferring an existing Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from an old passport to a new passport. The official e-Visa website lists this as an available service. If your e-Visa is still valid after passport renewal, check whether you can use the transfer service before submitting a completely new visa application. There is also an important existing rule: eligible travellers may be allowed to enter India using their new passport with an ETA issued against their old passport, provided they carry both passports. Entry remains subject to immigration approval. India e-Visa Transfer to New Passport: Rules in 2026 Before starting the process, understand these important points: Your visa must be valid: An expired e-Visa cannot be made valid simply by transferring it. Keep both passports: Retain your old passport if it contains the details linked to your existing ETA. Check your passport details: Your name, date of birth, nationality, and other personal details should be consistent with your travel documents. Verify your ETA status: Check that your electronic travel authorization is granted and confirm its validity before travelling. Do not assume transfer means a new visa: A passport transfer updates the passport association; it does not automatically extend your visa validity or permitted stay. The Indian government advises e-Visa holders to carry their ETA and follow the applicable entry requirements. How to Transfer an India e-Visa to a New Passport Follow these steps to understand the process and prepare the necessary information. Step 1: Keep Your Old and New Passports Ready Keep your old passport, new passport, and existing ETA confirmation together. You may need the old passport details to identify the original visa. If your old passport has been lost or retained by the issuing authority, seek guidance from the official visa authorities before travelling. Step 2: Open the e-Visa Transfer Service Visit the India e-Visa Transfer Service page to review the available assistance for transferring your ETA to a new passport. Make sure you understand the service offered and any applicable charges before submitting personal information or making a payment. A third-party service provider is not the Indian government. Step 3: Enter the Required Details Follow the instructions on the relevant transfer application page. Depending on the official process and your circumstances, you may need details from: Your old passport Your new passport Your existing ETA or e-Visa Your personal information and contact details Enter all information carefully. Incorrect passport numbers or mismatched personal details may cause delays or require clarification. Step 4: Submit the Request and Follow the Instructions Review the information before submitting your request. If additional documents are requested, provide them through the appropriate channel. Do not assume the transfer is complete simply because you submitted a request. Wait for confirmation and follow any instructions issued by the relevant authority or service provider. Step 5: Check Your Transfer Status Use the e-Visa Transfer Status page to review the status of your request if you applied through this service. Keep your application reference or confirmation details available. If your travel date is approaching, check the status early rather than waiting until the day of departure. Documents Required for India e-Visa Passport Transfer Prepare the following information before beginning the process. The exact requirements may depend on your case and the instructions displayed by the relevant service. Document or detail Why it matters Old passport Helps identify the passport linked to your existing ETA New passport Provides your updated travel document details Existing ETA or e-Visa Helps establish the visa’s grant and validity details Personal information Helps match the application with your identity Application reference Helps you follow up on your transfer request Keep clear copies of the relevant documents available if requested. Only submit sensitive passport information through a website or channel you have verified and trust. India e-Visa Transfer vs. Applying for a New Visa The correct option depends on whether your existing visa remains valid and whether your situation qualifies for transfer. Situation What to consider Your e-Visa is still valid Check the transfer service and applicable rules Your e-Visa is valid, but your passport has expired Carry both passports if relying on the existing ETA route, and confirm eligibility before departure Your e-Visa has expired Check the requirements for a new visa application Your old passport is lost Contact the relevant visa authorities for case-specific instructions Your personal details have changed Ask whether additional verification or a different application is required A new visa application is not automatically necessary just because you have a new passport. However, you should not assume that every traveller qualifies for a transfer or that every transfer request will be approved. Real-Life Examples: What Should You Do? Scenario 1: You Are Travelling from the USA Suppose you are a US citizen with a valid Indian e-Tourist Visa, but you renewed your US passport before your planned trip to India. First, check your existing ETA and the official transfer service. If you travel using the existing ETA route, the Indian government states that you should carry both your new passport and the old passport on which the ETA was issued. Confirm the requirements for your particular case before boarding. Scenario 2: Your Passport Expired Before Your Trip If your old passport has expired but your Indian e-Visa remains valid, do not assume that the visa has automatically expired too. Check whether you can transfer the ETA to your new passport. If you plan to travel with both passports instead, verify that your documents meet the applicable entry requirements. Scenario 3: You Lost Your Old Passport This situation needs extra care because you may no longer have the passport containing the original ETA details. Contact the relevant Indian visa authorities before booking or taking your flight. Ask what evidence or alternative procedure is accepted in your circumstances rather than relying on assumptions. Common Mistakes to Avoid During an e-Visa Transfer Avoid these mistakes to reduce the risk of travel disruption: Waiting until the last minute: Start checking the requirements as soon as your new passport arrives. Booking travel before checking your documents: Confirm your visa status and passport requirements before departure. Assuming your visa validity has increased: A transfer does not automatically extend your original ETA. Discarding your old passport: Keep it if it contains your existing ETA details, unless the relevant authority advises otherwise. Ignoring application updates: Check your transfer status and respond to requests for additional information. Using an unverified website: Confirm whether you are using the official government portal or a private service provider. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can I transfer my India e-Visa to a new passport? Yes. The Indian government provides an ETA transfer service from an old passport to a new passport. Check the official process and your eligibility before submitting a request. 2. Can I travel to India with a new passport and an e-Visa issued on my old passport? The official guidance states that you may be allowed to enter India with your new passport and the old passport linked to your ETA. Carry both and confirm the applicable requirements before travelling. 3. Do I need to apply for a new Indian e-Visa after renewing my passport? Not necessarily. If your existing ETA remains valid, check the transfer service and applicable rules first. You may not need a completely new application solely because your passport was renewed. 4. How can I check my India e-Visa transfer status? If you submitted your request through the service provider’s transfer facility, visit the India e-Visa Transfer Status page and follow its instructions. Keep your application reference available. Apply for Your India e-Visa Transfer Renewing your passport does not necessarily mean starting your visa process from scratch. Check your existing ETA, prepare your passport details, and choose the appropriate transfer route before travelling. Visit the India e-Visa Transfer page to review the available service and next steps. Start early, verify your documents, and allow enough time to resolve any issues before your departure.