How to Transfer Indian ETA from an Old Passport to a New Passport

Have you received an Indian e-Visa on your old passport but recently renewed or replaced it? If your existing Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is still valid, you may be wondering whether you need to apply for a new e-Visa or transfer your existing ETA to your new passport.

The Government of India provides a dedicated service called "Transfer of existing ETA issued on old Passport to new Passport." Travellers may also have an alternative of carrying both their old and new passports, subject to the applicable government guidelines.

In this guide, we explain how to find the official ETA transfer service, what information to prepare, how the process works and what to check before travelling to India.

What Is an Indian ETA Transfer?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is the electronic approval issued to an applicant after an Indian e-Visa application is approved. It contains important information associated with the traveller's visa application, including passport details.

When you renew or replace your passport after receiving an Indian ETA, the passport number and other identifying details may change. This can create questions about whether your existing travel authorization can still be used.

An Indian ETA transfer is a government-provided service that allows eligible applicants to request the transfer of an existing ETA issued on an old passport to a new passport.

The Government of India lists this facility on its official Indian e-Visa portal.

It is different from submitting an entirely new Indian e-Visa application because the service specifically concerns an existing ETA.

What Should You Do After Renewing Your Passport?

If your Indian ETA is still valid after passport renewal, you can explore two options:

1. Request an ETA transfer: Use the dedicated government service to request the transfer of your existing ETA to your new passport.

2. Carry both passports: The official Indian e-Visa guidance allows eligible travellers to enter India using their new passport while carrying the old passport containing the original ETA.

Check the applicable government instructions before choosing either option.

When Do You Need to Transfer Your Indian ETA to a New Passport?

You may need to explore the ETA transfer service in the following situations:

1. Your Old Passport Has Expired

If your previous passport has expired and you have received a replacement passport, your existing Indian ETA may still have validity remaining. You can check the official transfer facility to understand how to associate the existing ETA with your new passport.

2. You Renewed Your Passport Before Your ETA Expired

Sometimes, travellers renew their passports while their Indian e-Visa is still valid. In this situation, the passport number on the original ETA may no longer match the details of the new passport.

The ETA transfer service is relevant to this situation.

3. Your Passport Was Replaced Due to Damage

If your passport was damaged and replaced, you may also need to address the difference between your old and new passport details.

Check the transfer service instructions to determine whether your circumstances are covered. If the old passport is unavailable, contact the official e-Visa support centre for guidance.

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Documents and Information to Prepare for ETA Transfer

Before accessing the Indian ETA transfer service, keep the relevant travel and application information available.

The following items are useful to have ready:

• Existing ETA: Keep a copy of the original Electronic Travel Authorization issued against your old passport.
• Old passport details: Have the previous passport information available for reference.
• New passport: Keep your replacement passport available.
• Passport bio pages: Have copies of the relevant passport identification pages ready in case the portal requests them.
• Application information: Keep your original e-Visa application or reference details available.

Important: This is a preparation checklist, not a confirmed mandatory document list. The exact documents, eligibility conditions and information required must be checked against the live government transfer application.

Do not assume that every applicant must upload the same documents.

How to Transfer ETA to a New Passport: Step-by-Step Process

The Government of India has introduced a dedicated e-Visa/ETA transfer service. You can locate it through the official Indian Visa Online portal.

Follow these steps to access the service and proceed according to the current application instructions.

Step 1: Visit the Official Indian e-Visa Website

Open the Indian Visa Online official portal.

Always use the government website rather than an unofficial website claiming to provide direct access to the transfer facility.

Step 2: Find the ETA Transfer Service

On the official portal, locate the e-Visa services section.

The government lists the following service:

"Transfer of existing ETA issued on old Passport to new Passport."

Select the relevant service and proceed using the instructions displayed on the official website.

Step 3: Enter Your Existing ETA and Passport Information

Follow the information requested in the transfer application.

Keep your original ETA and both passports available so that you can refer to the correct details while completing the application.

Check the information carefully before proceeding. Incorrect passport numbers or mismatched personal details may create problems during verification.

Step 4: Provide Supporting Documents

Upload the documents requested by the official transfer application, following its file format and size instructions.

The requirements displayed on the live application should be treated as authoritative. Do not upload unnecessary documents or rely on requirements intended for a fresh e-Visa application.

Step 5: Submit Your Transfer Request

Review the information entered in the application before submitting your request.

Follow any confirmation or payment instructions displayed by the government portal. Do not assume that a particular fee or processing time applies unless it is explicitly confirmed by the official service.

Retain any acknowledgement or reference information provided after submission.

Step 6: Check Your Transfer Status

After submitting the request, use the relevant status-checking instructions provided by the official portal.

Check whether the transfer has been completed and whether the updated ETA or confirmation is available.

Do not assume that submitting a transfer request automatically means that the transfer has been approved.

ETA Transfer vs. Travelling with Both Passports

Both options are addressed by the Government of India. Choose the appropriate option based on your circumstances and the latest official instructions.

Common Indian ETA Transfer Problems and What to Do

Applicants may encounter difficulties when their passport details or existing ETA information cannot be verified.

Here are some situations to consider:

Your old passport is lost

If you cannot provide the old passport, contact the official Indian e-Visa support centre. Explain that your existing ETA was issued against a passport that is no longer available and ask for the appropriate procedure.

Your passport details do not match

Carefully compare the details on your original ETA with both passports. If you find an incorrect name, passport number, nationality or date of birth, seek assistance from the official e-Visa support centre.

Your transfer request is not showing an updated status

Check the application status using the official portal's instructions. If the status remains unclear, contact the government helpdesk with your application reference details.

You are unsure whether a fresh e-Visa is necessary

Do not immediately submit another application. First, check the ETA transfer facility and the official two-passport travel guidance to understand the options available.

For additional information, read our guide to Indian e-Visa rules and restrictions.

Final Guidance Before Travelling to India

Renewing your passport after receiving an Indian e-Visa does not automatically mean you need to apply for a completely new visa.

The Government of India provides a dedicated ETA transfer facility and also addresses travelling with both old and new passports.

Before departure, verify your ETA validity and status, check the applicable government instructions and carry the required travel documents.

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