Pakistan has introduced a major change to its passport system, moving towards electronic passports (e-passports) as the standard travel document for citizens. From October 15, 2026, the government has discontinued the issuance of new machine-readable passports (MRPs), according to official announcements and media reports.
Under the new policy, applications submitted from October 15 onward will be processed under the e-passport category. The change is intended to strengthen document security, improve identity verification and bring Pakistan’s passport system in line with international travel-document standards. Existing valid machine-readable passports will remain usable until their expiry dates.
What Has Changed in Pakistan’s Passport System?
The most important change is that applicants can no longer apply for a new machine-readable passport under the previous system.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) has been moving towards e-passports, which contain an electronic chip that securely stores identity and biometric information.
The main changes include:
- New passport applications are being processed under the e-passport system.
- Existing valid machine-readable passports remain valid until their expiry dates.
- Applicants must select the appropriate e-passport validity period and number of pages.
- Fees depend on the passport category and whether normal or urgent processing is selected.
- The electronic chip adds another layer of security to identity verification.
The policy affects both first-time applicants and citizens seeking to replace an expired passport. Applicants should consult the official DGIP website for current requirements before submitting an application.
What Is an E-Passport?
An e-passport is an electronic travel document that includes a contactless chip embedded in one of its pages.
According to Pakistan’s Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, the chip stores information used to verify the passport holder’s identity. This includes biometric information, facial details, biographical information, a unique identification number and a digital signature.
Pakistan’s e-passports follow standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations agency responsible for international civil aviation standards.
The technology is designed to make travel-document verification more secure and help immigration authorities check a traveller’s identity electronically.
Pakistan E-Passport Fees for 2026
The official fee schedule varies according to the number of pages, the validity period and the processing category.
Five-Year E-Passport Fees
| Passport category | Normal fee | Urgent fee |
|---|---|---|
| 36 pages | Rs. 9,000 | Rs. 15,000 |
| 72 pages | Rs. 16,500 | Rs. 27,000 |
Ten-Year E-Passport Fees
| Passport category | Normal fee | Urgent fee |
|---|---|---|
| 36 pages | Rs. 13,500 | Rs. 22,500 |
| 72 pages | Rs. 24,750 | Rs. 40,500 |
These fees are based on the published DGIP schedule. Applicants should verify the payable amount through the official fee calculator or payment system before applying, as additional service charges may apply at certain facilities.
Important: The fee table above covers ordinary e-passports. Applicants should check the official rules for children and other special circumstances.
Do Existing Pakistani Passports Remain Valid?
Yes. Citizens who already hold valid machine-readable passports do not need to replace them immediately solely because of the new policy.
Existing MRPs can be used until their expiry dates, subject to the normal entry requirements of the destination country and other applicable travel rules.
When an existing passport expires and the holder applies for a replacement, the new application will be processed under the e-passport system.
Travellers should also check the remaining validity required by their destination country before booking flights or applying for visas.
How to Apply for a Pakistani E-Passport
Applicants should follow the official application procedure and prepare the required identification documents.
The general process is as follows:
- Check the latest requirements on the official Directorate General of Immigration and Passports website.
- Prepare a valid CNIC or other required identity documents.
- Select the appropriate passport category, number of pages and validity period.
- Pay the prescribed fee through an authorised payment method.
- Visit the designated passport office for the required application formalities, biometrics and verification.
- Track the application through the official channels provided by the passport authorities.
Online services may be available for eligible applications, including certain renewal cases. However, applicants should confirm whether their particular application can be completed online or requires an in-person visit.
What Are the Benefits of E-Passports?
The transition is expected to provide several security and administrative benefits.
Improved security: The embedded chip helps authorities verify passport information and makes certain forms of document alteration more difficult.
Electronic identity verification: Biometric and personal information can be checked electronically by compatible systems.
International standards: ICAO-compliant documents support internationally recognised approaches to travel-document security.
Potentially smoother immigration: At airports equipped with compatible automated immigration gates, eligible travellers may benefit from faster document checks. Access depends on the airport’s facilities and applicable immigration rules.
However, holding an e-passport does not automatically provide visa-free entry to other countries. Travellers must continue to meet the visa and entry requirements of their destinations.
What Should Pakistani Citizens Do Now?
Citizens planning to apply for a passport should check the latest fee schedule and application requirements before visiting a passport office.
People with valid existing MRPs generally do not need to panic or rush to replace them solely because of the change. Those whose passports are close to expiry should plan their renewals in accordance with their travel dates and destination requirements.
Applicants should rely on official DGIP announcements rather than unverified social media posts, particularly when checking fees, processing times and payment instructions.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s transition to e-passports marks a significant change in the country’s travel-document system. From October 15, 2026, new passport applications are being processed under the e-passport category instead of the previous machine-readable passport system.
The new documents feature electronic security technology designed to strengthen identity verification and support international travel-document standards.
For citizens, the most important steps are to understand the new fee structure, check the latest application requirements and remember that existing valid machine-readable passports remain usable until expiry.
