Pakistan has moved to e-passports. Reports say the old machine-readable passport (MRP) is no longer being issued for new applications, and the new e-passport has taken its place. Reports also say the fees have doubled. The start date has been described in different ways, and in the UAE the rollout was delayed earlier. Here is what is known, what is still unclear and what it means for you.
What Changed
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) announced that the issue of machine-readable passports would stop across the country and that only e-passports would be issued afterwards. The notice was shared through the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York and reported by The Nation on 29 September 2026. It named 15 October 2026 as the date.
ProPakistani reported that 14 October was the last day to accept MRP applications, and that e-passports have been issued from 15 October at passport offices in Pakistan and at missions abroad.
15 October or 16 October?
Reports do not agree on the exact day. The DGI&P notice and the ProPakistani and Gulf News reports point to 15 October. Pakistan Observer and Minute Mirror, in reports from 16 October, say e-passports became mandatory from 16 October. The difference is most likely a matter of how each outlet counted the first day, but I could not confirm that. If your application date falls on either day, ask your passport office which type of passport it will issue.
What Is an E-Passport?
An e-passport has a small electronic chip inside it, which is why it is also called a biometric passport. According to ProPakistani, the chip uses NFC technology and stores the holder’s biographical details, facial information and a digital signature. The passport follows ICAO international standards and is designed to work with automatic e-gates at airports. The chip makes the passport harder to forge and can speed up checks at border control.
New Fees
Pakistan Observer and Minute Mirror report that fees have doubled for the 36-page, five-year passport:
| Processing speed | Old fee | New fee |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Rs4,500 | Rs9,000 |
| Urgent | Rs7,500 | Rs15,000 |
| Fast-track | Rs12,500 | Rs22,000 |
Minute Mirror says fees for the 72-page passport will rise by the same proportion, but does not give the amounts. It does not mention 10-year passports either. I could not check these figures against a DGI&P fee schedule, so confirm the amount at the passport office or on the official DGI&P website before you pay. Pay only through official channels.
Is My Old Passport Still Valid?
Yes. Reports say MRPs that have already been issued remain valid until their expiry date. You do not need to replace a valid passport early. The change applies to new applications and to renewals.
More Machines to Meet Demand
Reports say the DGI&P added 10 printing machines and six laminators to handle e-passport production. Even so, a rush of applications can cause delays in the first weeks of a new system, so apply early if you plan to travel.
What About Pakistanis in the UAE?
The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai had planned to start e-passport services on 20 July 2026, with fees listed between AED 145 and AED 635. On 19 July the start was postponed for what were called unavoidable technical and administrative reasons. No new date was found in the reports I read, and MRP services continued in the UAE after the postponement. I could not confirm whether e-passport services have started there since. Pakistanis in the UAE should check the embassy or consulate announcements before booking an appointment or paying a fee.
What You Should Do
- Check your passport’s expiry date. If it is far away, you do not need to act.
- If you need a new passport, apply through the passport office or mission and expect to receive an e-passport.
- Confirm the fee for your category before you pay.
- Keep your payment receipt and tracking details.
- Beware of agents or websites that promise faster delivery for extra money. Use official channels only.
What Is Not Yet Clear
- Whether the start date is 15 or 16 October, as sources differ.
- The full fee list for 72-page and 10-year passports.
- The new start date for e-passports in the UAE.
- How long processing is taking at busy offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did e-passports start in Pakistan?
The DGI&P notice named 15 October 2026. Some reports say 16 October.
Are machine-readable passports still being issued?
Reports say new applications are now for e-passports only.
Is my old passport still valid?
Yes, until its expiry date.
How much is a normal e-passport?
Rs9,000 for the 36-page, five-year passport, according to Pakistan Observer and Minute Mirror.
Did the launch date change?
The date announced in September was 15 October, and it appears to have been kept. Reports differ by one day on when it became mandatory. In the UAE, the earlier July launch was postponed.
Can I still apply for an MRP?
Reports say 14 October was the last day to accept MRP applications.
The e-passport brings Pakistan in line with international standards, but the fee increase will be felt by many families. Check details on the official channels before you apply.
