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What to do if…
you realise your electronic travel authorisation is linked to an old passport and you are travelling soon

Short answer

Assume you could be blocked at check-in if your travel authorization is tied to a different passport number than the passport you’ll present. Verify it in the destination’s official system and, if it’s linked to the old passport, submit the correct application (or official change request) using your current passport.

Do not do these things

  • Do not “make it match” by entering your old passport number in airline check-in.
  • Do not use a look-alike “urgent approval” site — use only the official government site/app for the country you’re entering.
  • Do not cancel flights before you’ve checked whether the official system allows an update or requires a new application.
  • Do not ignore transit points; some routes trigger transit document/authorization checks.
  • Do not rely on a screenshot alone; airlines generally verify permission electronically against your passport.

What to do now

  1. Pin down what authorization you have and where you’re going.
    Find the email/app confirmation and note the country, the scheme name, the reference number, and the passport number used.

  2. Use the destination’s official status/check tool (if available) to confirm what passport it’s linked to.
    If the passport number on record doesn’t match the passport you’ll travel with, treat it as needing action now.

  3. If it’s linked to your old passport number, expect that you may need to apply again unless the official process clearly allows a passport-number update.
    Examples that publish clear “new passport = new permission / change request” rules include:

    • UK ETA (linked to your passport; if the passport has changed you need a new ETA)
    • Canada eTA (new passport requires a new eTA)
    • Australia ETA (subclass 601) (a new passport requires a new ETA; it can’t be transferred)
    • New Zealand NZeTA (Immigration New Zealand provides a formal change-request path for passport-number changes, with a minimum lead time published)

  4. Submit the correct application or official change request using your current passport.
    Use only the official government site/app. Before you hit submit, re-check: passport number, name spelling, date of birth, and nationality.

  5. Update your airline record so it matches the passport you will present.
    Update the passport details / Advance Passenger Information in your booking or airline profile. This reduces last-minute check-in blocks caused by mismatched data.

  6. Check transit countries and “through” itineraries.
    If you connect through another country (even airside), verify whether your route requires additional permission tied to your passport number.

  7. Use a USA-specific official reference point for entry document rules.
    Check the U.S. Department of State’s country information/travel pages for your destination and any transit points, then follow the destination government’s official application route.

  8. Create a quick proof bundle for troubleshooting.
    Save the new submission/approval email, reference number, and any official status page showing approval. (It won’t replace electronic checks, but it helps if you need support at the airport.)

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today about refunds, complaints, or whether to rework your whole itinerary.
  • You do not need to fix unrelated IDs or accounts — just align authorization + passport + airline booking.
  • You do not need to tell everyone your trip is at risk until you’ve submitted the correct application/change request.

Important reassurance

This is a common catch because a passport renewal changes the passport number and many digital permissions are tied to that number. Fixing the mismatch now is the most direct way to prevent a denied-boarding surprise.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilize the situation. If you have complicating factors (dual nationality, an existing visa in an old passport, prior refusals, or a very tight departure window), handle the mismatch first, then consider specialist help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by nationality, route (including transit), and the destination’s current rules, and carriers may enforce document checks before boarding.

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