Pakistan stops issuing machine-readable passports from October 15: what e-passport switch means for you
In one minute
From 15 October 2026, Pakistan's passport offices and missions abroad issue only chip-based e-passports; 14 October was the last day to apply for a machine-readable passport (MRP). Existing MRPs stay valid until the expiry date printed on them, so travellers do not need to replace a valid passport now.
Key takeaways
- From 15 October 2026, Pakistan issues only e-passports at passport offices at home and at embassies and consulates abroad.
- 14 October was the last day to apply for a machine-readable passport (MRP).
- Your current MRP is still valid until the expiry date printed on it. You do not need to replace it now.
- When an MRP expires, the holder will be issued an e-passport, not another MRP.
- Overseas Pakistanis should check their local mission's notices; the embassy in Muscat said it paused passport services on 15 October for the system change, with services due to resume on 16 October.
What changed today
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) told all passport offices in Pakistan and Pakistani missions worldwide to move fully to the e-passport system, Minute Mirror and Gulf News reported. Applications made on or after 15 October get an e-passport. The DGI&P website also carries a notice titled "E-Passport Replace Ordinary Passport".
Pakistan has been issuing e-passports alongside MRPs since August 2023, when the facility was rolled out at offices across the country. The full switch follows a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in June 2026 on passport security, according to Minute Mirror.
What is an e-passport?
An e-passport has a small contactless (NFC) chip inside the cover. According to ProPakistani and Minute Mirror, the chip stores:
- the holder's personal details and photo/facial data,
- an identification number, and
- a digital signature that makes forgery harder.
E-passports follow International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and can be read by e-gates at airports, which can speed up immigration checks.
Do I need a new passport?
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| You have a valid MRP | Keep using it until its printed expiry date |
| Your MRP is about to expire | Apply for an e-passport; officials advise applying about six months before expiry |
| You are applying for the first time | You will get an e-passport |
| You live abroad | Follow your embassy or consulate's notice on dates, fees and appointments |
Remember that many countries ask for a passport valid for at least six months on arrival, whatever its type.
Reported e-passport fees
PhoneWorld reported the following DGIP fee schedule. Please confirm the latest fees on the DGIP website or at your passport office before paying.
| Validity | Pages | Normal | Urgent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 36 | Rs9,000 | Rs15,000 |
| 5 years | 72 | Rs16,500 | Rs27,000 |
| 10 years | 36 | Rs13,500 | Rs22,500 |
| 10 years | 72 | Rs24,750 | Rs40,500 |
Fees at missions abroad may be set in local currency.
What to watch
- Short delays or service pauses at some missions while systems switch over.
- Wider use of airport e-gates for Pakistani e-passport holders.
- Any official update to the fee schedule from DGI&P.
Sources
- ProPakistani — Pakistanis can no longer apply for machine-readable passports
- Minute Mirror — Pakistan ends machine readable passports from today, shifts fully to e-passport system
- Gulf News — Pakistan ends machine-readable passports: what changes from October 15?
- PhoneWorld — Pakistan announces new e-passport fees for 5-year and 10-year validity
- Directorate General of Immigration & Passports — official website (notice: E-Passport replace ordinary passport)
Spotted a mistake? Tell us — we fix errors and log them on our corrections page.
#e-passport#pakistan-passport#dgip#overseas-pakistanis#travel#immigration
Comments (0)