Traveling to the United States with a valid visa but on an expired passport can cause confusion at the airport. Many wonder if their entry permit is still valid, and the answer is yes, as long as you handle the process correctly. The U.S. Department of State confirms that a visa does not expire due to the expiration of the passport containing it. In 2025, with millions of international travelers, this situation is common, especially for those renewing their identity document.
Carrying both passports is key to avoiding problems at customs. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checks visa validity upon arrival, but airlines check the new passport before boarding. If you do not comply with the six-month passport validity rule beyond your planned stay, you could face denials. This detail has affected travelers at airports such as Miami and Los Angeles this year. Understanding these rules prevents delays and ensures a smooth journey into the U.S.
Key travel requirements
A valid passport is required for all international travel, according to the State Department.
Your U.S. visa remains valid until its expiration date, regardless of your passport.
To enter the U.S., present the new passport along with the old passport containing the visa.
Both must be from the same country of nationality, as stated in the official travel guide.
The new passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay, unless exempted by bilateral agreements with countries such as Mexico or Canada.
In 2025, CBP reports an increase in inspections for this reason, with more than 10,000 cases resolved at air borders.
The airline will deny boarding if your passport does not comply with this rule, as they are liable for transporting inadmissible passengers.
USCIS clarifies that the visa does not automatically transfer; you must physically show it in the old passport.
If your visa is a B1/B2 type visa for tourism or business, this rule applies without exceptions.
Check the status of your passport on the Department of State website before purchasing tickets.
This requirement protects border security and avoids surprises at immigration control.
Step by step for a successful trip
Start by renewing your passport in your home country if your current one has expired.
Once you have it, take the old passport with the visa to all checkpoints.
At the airport of departure, inform the airline that you are traveling with two passports.
They will scan both to confirm the validity of the visa and the new passport.
Upon arrival in the U.S., present both documents to the CBP officer at the window.
The agent will verify that the visa matches your identity and purpose of travel.
If everything is in order, your new passport will be stamped with an electronic Form I-94, which records your authorized stay.
This process takes a few minutes at large airports such as JFK or LAX.
By 2025, CBP has digitized more inspections, reducing wait times to 30 minutes on average.
If you are traveling with ESTA instead of a visa, renew your passport first, as ESTA is tied to the document number.
The State Department recommends not to travel if your old passport is damaged, as it may invalidate the visa.
Contact the U.S. Consulate if you need to transfer the visa to the new passport prior to travel.
This approach ensures smooth admission.
Risks and precautions
An old, damaged passport with torn pages or alterations may cause your visa to be considered invalid by CBP.
Agents have the authority to refuse entry if the document is not in good condition.
In September 2025, airport reports show 15% rejections due to damage to old passports.
If your new passport is of a different nationality, the original visa does not apply, and you will need a new one.
Avoid this by renewing before changing citizenship.
If your trip is imminent, schedule an appointment at the consulate to transfer the visa, a process that takes two weeks on average.
USCIS warns that lying about document status leads to future entry bans.
Always declare both passports on travel forms.
For work visas such as H1B or student visas F1, the rule is the same: valid visa in expired passport, but new valid passport.
In 2025, with increased post-pandemic scrutiny, prepare digital copies of both for emergencies.
These risks are avoidable with planning, allowing you to focus on enjoying your stay in the USA.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
Filed under: Visa in expired passport
