E-Passport · Updated July 2026 · Last verified July 2026
Quick Answer
In June 2026, the government approved a full transition from machine readable passports (MRPs) to Pakistan’s e-Passport nationwide. No cutoff date has been set for phasing out MRPs yet, but new applicants are increasingly steered toward the e-Passport category, which costs more but adds a biometric chip and works with e Gates at more airports.
What Actually Changed With Pakistan’s e-Passport
Pakistan’s e-Passport isn’t new; Pakistan has issued it since 2022, expanding from Islamabad only to all field offices nationwide by August 2023. What changed in June 2026 is the policy: instead of the e-Passport being one option alongside MRP, the government approved phasing MRPs out entirely, citing fraud reduction and ICAO compliance as the reasoning. As of this writing, DGIP hasn’t published a firm date for when MRPs stop being issued altogether; this is a “watch for updates” situation rather than an immediate deadline.
Pakistan’s e-Passport vs MRP
| MRP | Pakistan’s e-Passport | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | None; printed data only | Embedded NFC chip with biometric data |
| Typical fee range | Roughly PKR 4,500 to PKR 11,200 | Roughly PKR 9,000 to PKR 40,500 |
| Airport experience | Manual counter check | Compatible with e Gates where available |
| Application process | Standard | Same process; just select e-Passport at application |
Fee ranges are broad and vary by validity, page count, and processing speed, similar to MRP tiers. Confirm your exact tier on the DGIP e Services portal since this fee structure is only weeks old and still settling.
How to Apply for Pakistan’s e-Passport
There’s no separate application process for Pakistan’s e-Passport. When you apply new or renew, you simply select the e-Passport category instead of MRP at the point of choosing validity and page count: same documents, same office visit, same biometric capture.
Practical Note
If you’re applying through a mission abroad, don’t assume e-Passport issuance is live at your specific embassy. The UAE rollout, for example, was announced then deferred days before launch over technical issues, with MRP services continuing unaffected in the meantime. Check your specific mission’s current status before counting on a Pakistan’s e-Passport timeline for an upcoming trip.
Not sure which category fits your trip timeline? See the 2026 fee schedule for a full breakdown.
Other Reforms Bundled With This Transition
- Cash and bank counter payments ended July 1, 2026; pay by QR code via mobile banking instead
- Home delivery of passports (via TCS domestically, DHL for overseas missions) began rolling out from July 1, 2026
- Premium/expedited services are now priced closer to actual cost rather than a flat urgent/fast track fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my existing MRP still valid? Yes, current MRPs remain valid until their printed expiry date. There’s no requirement to replace a valid MRP early.
Is Pakistan’s e-Passport mandatory for new applicants now? Not strictly mandatory yet; no cutoff date has been announced. But the stated policy direction is a full transition, so expect MRP to become less available over time.
Why does Pakistan’s e-Passport cost so much more? The embedded chip, updated production standards, and premium/actual cost pricing for expedited categories all add to the base price compared to MRP.
Can I apply for Pakistan’s e-Passport at any office? Yes, e-Passport issuance has been available at all field offices nationwide since August 2023, not just Islamabad.
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