Pakistan is expanding its electronic passport system in 2026, with new passport applications increasingly moving to chip-based e-passports equipped with biometric security, NFC technology and enhanced anti-forgery features.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports recently highlighted the updated e-passport system, which uses an embedded electronic chip, encrypted biometric data, laser engraving and automated identity verification.
The latest transition began across several Pakistani passport offices and overseas missions in October 2026, with the new system replacing Machine-Readable Passports for new applications at participating locations.
However, Pakistan’s e-passport itself is not entirely new.
DGIP originally introduced the electronic passport in 2022, initially for diplomatic and official categories, before expanding e-passport availability to all field offices in Pakistan from August 16, 2023.
The 2026 development represents a much wider transition toward e-passports as Pakistan gradually phases out new MRP issuance.
What Is Pakistan’s New E-Passport?
An e-passport is a physical passport containing an embedded electronic chip.
The chip stores information that can electronically verify the passport holder’s identity.
According to DGIP, the chip contains information including:
- biometric data;
- passport-holder information;
- data printed on the passport information page;
- a unique identification number; and
- a digital signature.
The passport uses contactless Near Field Communication, or NFC, technology, allowing compatible immigration systems to electronically read the document.
New Pakistan E-Passport Features
The latest e-passport incorporates several security and verification technologies.
NFC Electronic Chip
A contactless NFC chip is embedded in the passport.
This allows authorised border-control systems to electronically retrieve and verify the passport holder’s stored information.
Biometric Information
The passport stores biometric information to provide an additional layer of identity verification.
DGIP says this makes it more difficult for another person to fraudulently use the document.
Laser Engraving
The new design uses laser engraving as part of its physical security system.
This helps make passport information more difficult to alter or counterfeit.
Digital Signature and Encryption
Information stored electronically is protected through digital-signature and encryption technologies.
DGIP says the passport complies with standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
IR and UV Security
DGIP also lists infrared and ultraviolet security elements among the e-passport’s anti-counterfeiting protections.
E-Gate Compatibility
The e-passport can support automated immigration processing at compatible electronic gates.
Rather than relying entirely on manual passport inspection, an e-gate can electronically read and verify passport information.
Availability still depends on the airport and immigration system being used.
Is Pakistan Discontinuing Machine-Readable Passports?
Pakistan is moving away from issuing new Machine-Readable Passports at a growing number of locations.
Official Pakistani missions have issued notices announcing the transition from MRPs to e-passports.
For example, the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York announced issuance of e-passports from October 23, 2026, while other Pakistani missions have also published notices about discontinuing new MRP issuance.
This does not mean an existing valid MRP suddenly becomes invalid.
Previously issued passports remain usable until their stated expiry dates unless a specific issue applies to the individual passport.
Holders therefore do not need to replace a valid passport simply because Pakistan is transitioning to e-passports.
Pakistan E-Passport Fees 2026
DGIP currently lists the following ordinary e-passport fees within Pakistan:
| Pages | Validity | Normal | Urgent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 pages | 5 years | Rs9,000 | Rs15,000 |
| 36 pages | 10 years | Rs13,500 | Rs22,500 |
| 72 pages | 5 years | Rs16,500 | Rs27,000 |
| 72 pages | 10 years | Rs24,750 | Rs40,500 |
DGIP currently states that Fast Track service is not available for e-passport delivery.
Applicants should always confirm the fee shortly before applying because passport charges can be revised.
Is There a 100-Page E-Passport?
DGIP’s current ordinary e-passport fee table lists:
36-page
and
72-page
options.
The 100-page category continues to appear in the Machine-Readable Passport fee structure, but it is not currently listed in DGIP’s ordinary e-passport fee table.
Applicants should therefore rely on the latest DGIP schedule rather than assuming every older MRP page category is available as an e-passport.
Five-Year and Ten-Year Validity
Pakistan’s passport system provides:
5-year validity
and
10-year validity
depending on the applicant and passport category.
Children below the specified age threshold receive only five-year passports under current DGIP rules.
First Name and Last Name Are Mandatory
Applicants need to pay particular attention to their NADRA record.
DGIP states that both:
First Name
and
Last Name
are mandatory for an e-passport application.
The current limits are:
First Name: up to 50 characters
Last Name: up to 40 characters
Father/Husband/Guardian name: up to 40 characters.
Someone whose NADRA record contains only one name may therefore need to correct the underlying identity record before an e-passport can be processed.
How to Apply for Pakistan E-Passport
The basic e-passport application procedure is similar to the traditional passport process.
Applicants can use:
- a Regional Passport Office in Pakistan;
- an eligible Pakistani mission abroad; or
- available DGIP online services for supported passport categories.
At a Passport Office
The applicant generally goes through:
- document verification;
- fee verification;
- photograph capture;
- biometric capture;
- data entry;
- record verification;
- interview or approval; and
- passport production.
The exact sequence can vary according to location and application category.
Can You Apply for an E-Passport Online?
Pakistan provides online passport services, although not every passport application category can necessarily be completed entirely online.
DGIP currently allows online passport renewal for eligible:
- Pakistanis living in Pakistan; and
- overseas Pakistanis.
Some additional categories are available online for overseas applicants.
First-time applicants and applicants needing particular changes may still need to visit a passport office or Pakistani mission.
Documents Required
Documents depend on age and application type, but adult applicants generally need a valid NADRA identity document such as:
- CNIC;
- Smart CNIC; or
- NICOP for eligible overseas applicants.
Applicants may also need:
- previous passport for renewal;
- fee-payment proof;
- supporting documentation for modifications;
- and additional documentation where required.
Children require the appropriate NADRA child identity documentation and parental records.
E-Passport vs Machine-Readable Passport
| Feature | MRP | E-Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Physical passport | Yes | Yes |
| Machine-readable zone | Yes | Yes |
| Embedded electronic chip | No | Yes |
| Biometric data on chip | No | Yes |
| NFC technology | No | Yes |
| Digital signature | No | Yes |
| E-gate support | Limited/manual | Designed for e-gates |
| Advanced electronic verification | No | Yes |
DGIP describes the e-passport as providing stronger identity verification and electronic security than the traditional MRP.
Does E-Passport Mean Visa-Free Travel?
No.
An e-passport does not automatically provide visa-free entry to another country.
Visa requirements are determined by the destination country’s immigration policy and the traveller’s nationality.
The e-passport improves document security and can facilitate automated border processing, but it does not itself change visa requirements.
Does an E-Passport Guarantee Faster Immigration?
Not always.
At an airport equipped with compatible e-gates, an e-passport can potentially allow faster electronic verification.
However, travellers may still be directed to immigration officers for:
- visa checks;
- additional questioning;
- security screening;
- biometric verification; or
- other immigration requirements.
The benefit therefore depends on the destination and its border-control infrastructure.
Are Existing MRPs Still Valid?
Yes, previously issued valid MRPs do not need to be replaced solely because Pakistan has moved toward e-passports.
The transition affects new issuance, rather than automatically cancelling passports already in circulation.
Travellers should continue using their existing passport until expiry unless they need an early renewal for another reason.
Why Is Pakistan Moving to E-Passports?
DGIP says electronic passports provide several advantages, including:
- stronger protection against forgery;
- biometric identity verification;
- digital authentication;
- faster verification at compatible borders;
- improved international interoperability; and
- compliance with ICAO electronic-passport standards.
Electronic passports are already used in more than 150 countries, according to DGIP.
Pakistan E-Passport 2026 FAQs
Has Pakistan launched a new e-passport?
Pakistan has expanded and updated its e-passport rollout in 2026, but e-passports themselves were first introduced in Pakistan in 2022.
The latest transition represents broader issuance and movement away from new MRPs rather than Pakistan’s first-ever electronic passport.
When did the latest rollout begin?
Several Pakistani missions announced expanded e-passport issuance from October 23, 2026.
What is the cheapest Pakistan e-passport?
DGIP currently lists a 36-page, five-year e-passport at Rs9,000 under normal processing.
How much is an urgent e-passport?
A 36-page, five-year urgent e-passport currently costs Rs15,000.
Can I get a 10-year e-passport?
Yes. Eligible applicants can select a 10-year validity option.
Do I need to replace my current MRP?
No. A valid existing MRP does not need to be replaced simply because e-passports are now being issued more widely.
Does the e-passport contain a chip?
Yes. It includes a contactless NFC chip containing identity and biometric information.
Can an e-passport use airport e-gates?
It is designed to work with compatible electronic immigration gates.
Is Fast Track available?
DGIP currently says Fast Track is not available for e-passport delivery.
