Traveling from France with old and new passports:Can I travel from France using both my old and new passports?

Q: Can I travel from France using both my old and new passports?

A: Yes, you can generally travel from France carrying both your old and new passports, but the exact rules depend on your nationality and destination. French authorities and airlines typically require a valid passport for travel, and the old passport is usually only accepted if it contains a still-valid visa or residence permit. According to the 2026 European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) guidance and the European Commission's 2026 border management update, third-country nationals must present a valid passport; expired passports alone are not accepted for entry into the Schengen area. If your old passport holds a valid visa, carrying it alongside the new one is advisable, as visa validity is not automatically transferred. Always verify with your airline and the destination country's embassy before departure, since carrier policies can be stricter than official border rules.

Q: How do I transfer a valid visa from my old passport to my new passport when leaving France?

A: Visa transfer procedures depend on the issuing country, not France itself. If your visa was issued by a Schengen state, the 2026 Schengen Visa Code amendments allow travellers to present both the old passport containing the valid visa and the new passport, rather than requiring a physical transfer. For other countries, such as the United States or United Kingdom, you generally must apply for a new visa or carry both passports together, as most authorities do not transfer visas between passports. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs 2026 consular note advises contacting the visa-issuing authority directly. Airlines are trained to accept the pair of documents if the visa is intact and unexpired. Never remove or tamper with the visa page, as that invalidates it. Confirm requirements with the relevant embassy at least two weeks before travel.

Q: Will airlines in France accept an old passport with a valid visa if my new passport has no visa?

A: In most cases, yes, provided you present both passports together at check-in. Airlines operating in France follow IATA Timatic and the EU's 2026 Advance Passenger Information rules, which recognise a valid visa in an expired passport when accompanied by a valid new passport of the same holder. The French Civil Aviation Authority's 2026 passenger guidance confirms that carriers may accept this combination if the visa is undamaged and the personal details match. However, some airlines have stricter internal policies, so it is wise to arrive early and carry a copy of the official rule. If the old passport was cancelled, the visa may be void; only passports marked 'cancelled without prejudice' typically preserve visa validity. Always double-check with your specific airline before departure to avoid denied boarding.

Q: What documents do I need when travelling from France with an expired passport and a new one in 2026?

A: For travel from France in 2026, you need a valid new passport plus, if applicable, the expired passport containing a valid visa or residence permit. Under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) fully rolled out in 2026, border officers register biometric data and verify that your valid passport matches your identity. The old passport is not a valid travel document on its own; it serves only to carry the visa. If you are a French citizen, an expired passport cannot be used for travel, though a valid national identity card may be accepted within the EU. The European Commission's 2026 EES traveller guide recommends carrying both documents plus proof of onward travel and accommodation. Non-EU nationals should also check ETIAS requirements. Verify with your airline and destination embassy, as rules can vary by country.

Dialogue about

Common scenarios of "Traveling from France with old and new passports"

【Traveler】 Hi, I have a question about traveling with two passports. I'm a French citizen and I recently renewed my passport. But I still have my old passport with a valid US visa in it. Can I travel to the US with both passports?

【Agent】 Hello! Yes, that's a common situation. You can travel with both your old and new passports. You'll need to present both at check-in and at US immigration. The valid visa in the old passport is still usable as long as it's not damaged and you also carry your new valid passport.

【Traveler】 Great! So I should carry both passports together? What about when I leave France? Do I need to show both to the French border police?

【Agent】 When leaving France, you should present your new passport to the French border police, as it's your current valid travel document. However, you might also want to show the old one if they ask about your destination and visa. But generally, for exit, the new passport is sufficient.

【Traveler】 Okay, and when I arrive in the US, I'll show both to the CBP officer. Will they stamp my new passport or the old one?

【Agent】 The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will typically stamp your new passport, as it's your current valid passport. However, they will also inspect the visa in your old passport. They might place the admission stamp in your new passport and note the visa from the old one.

【Traveler】 What if my old passport expires while I'm still in the US? I plan to stay for a few months. Does that affect my visa?

【Agent】 No, the validity of the visa is separate from the passport expiration. As long as the visa was valid at the time of entry and you have your new passport, you can stay until the date authorized by the CBP officer, even if the old passport expires during your stay. Just make sure to keep both passports safe.

【Traveler】 That's reassuring. Also, I have a stopover in Canada. Do I need a Canadian visa? I'm just transiting.

【Agent】 For transiting through Canada, French citizens usually need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if flying. But if you're just transiting and not leaving the international zone, you might not need a visa. However, since you have a US visa, you might be exempt from the eTA if you meet certain conditions. I recommend checking the official Canadian government website for the latest requirements.

【Traveler】 I see. I'll check that. Another thing: my old passport has a valid UK visa as well. Can I use it to enter the UK with my new passport?

【Agent】 Yes, the UK also allows you to travel with a valid visa in an old passport, as long as you present both the old passport with the visa and your new valid passport. The visa must be undamaged and not cancelled.

【Traveler】 Perfect. So in general, it's fine to carry two passports. But what if I lose one of them while traveling? That would be a nightmare.

【Agent】 If you lose one, report it immediately to the local police and your embassy or consulate. For a lost French passport, you'd contact the French consulate. They can issue an emergency travel document. But it's always best to keep them in a secure place and maybe carry photocopies separately.

【Traveler】 Good advice. I'll make copies. Also, when I return to France, do I need to show both passports to French immigration?

【Agent】 On return to France, you should present your new passport to French border control. They may not need to see the old one, but it's good to have it in case they ask about your travels. As a French citizen, you have the right to enter with a valid French passport.

【Traveler】 Thanks. One more question: my new passport is biometric, but the old one is not. Does that matter for the US visa?

【Agent】 No, the US visa in the old non-biometric passport is still valid. The US does not require the passport containing the visa to be biometric, as long as the visa itself is valid and you also carry a valid biometric passport for travel. However, always check the latest entry requirements.

【Traveler】 Okay, I think I'm all set. I'll carry both passports, make copies, and check the transit visa for Canada. Thank you so much for your help!

【Agent】 You're welcome! Have a safe trip, and don't hesitate to contact the embassy if you have any issues. Bon voyage!