Pakistan has announced a major Pakistan passport update 2026 that will move the country further toward electronic passports. According to the latest reported policy, the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) will stop issuing new Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs) from October 15, 2026, with new passport issuance moving to e-Passports.
The development is particularly relevant for Pakistani citizens living abroad, frequent travelers and people planning to apply for a new passport in the coming months.
What Is Changing From October 15?
Under the announced change, new MRP applications will remain possible until October 14, 2026. From October 15, authorities are expected to issue e-Passports instead of new MRPs.
Existing MRPs are not simply being cancelled because of the change. The reported policy concerns the issuance of new passports, while the treatment of existing documents follows the applicable passport rules.
Pakistan has already been expanding its e-Passport system. DGI&P says e-Passport issuance has been available from field offices across Pakistan since August 16, 2023.
Why Is Pakistan Moving Toward e-Passports?
An e-Passport contains an electronic chip that stores information used to verify the identity of the passport holder. DGI&P says the chip contains biometric and personal information, along with a unique identification number and digital signature.
The system is designed to provide additional security features and support electronic processing at immigration points.
DGI&P also says Pakistani e-Passports are compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and can support e-Gate facilities where available.
What Does This Mean for Overseas Pakistanis?
The update is especially important for Overseas Pakistanis who need a new passport or are planning future passport applications.
DGI&P already provides online passport services for Overseas Pakistanis. Its official e-services information says overseas citizens can use online services for passport renewal and certain other categories.
Overseas applicants can also contact or visit the relevant Pakistani Mission abroad for passport-related services, depending on the category of application.
DGI&P’s FAQ states that Overseas Pakistanis can renew passports through the online application portal or through the nearest Pakistani Embassy.
What Is an e-Passport?
An e-Passport is a passport containing an embedded electronic chip.
According to DGI&P, the chip can store biometric information, personal data from the passport’s data page, a unique identification number and a digital signature. The passport uses a contactless NFC chip that can be read electronically.
This is different from a traditional Machine-Readable Passport, which primarily relies on the machine-readable zone printed on the passport’s data page.
Are e-Passports Already Available in Pakistan?
Yes. Pakistan has already introduced e-Passports.
DGI&P says the e-Passport facility has been available at field offices across the country since August 16, 2023. The government has therefore been gradually expanding the electronic passport system before the latest transition announcement.
DGI&P’s current passport information also lists e-Passport fees and requirements for applicants.
What Should Applicants Do?
People who are planning to apply for a new Pakistani passport should check the latest DGI&P requirements before submitting an application.
Applicants should make sure their:
- CNIC or NICOP information is valid
- Previous passport information is available where required
- Personal details are accurate
- Required photographs and documents meet the specified requirements
- Passport application information is entered correctly
For Overseas Pakistanis, checking the online passport portal and the relevant Pakistani Mission before applying can help clarify the available service.
What About Existing Machine-Readable Passports?
The reported October 15 change is focused on new issuance of MRPs. It does not mean that every existing MRP automatically becomes invalid on October 15.
Passport holders should continue to follow the validity and renewal requirements applicable to their individual passports.
For official information, applicants should rely on DGI&P rather than social media posts or unofficial advice.
e-Passport Fees in Pakistan
DGI&P currently lists separate fees for ordinary e-Passports. For example, its published fee schedule lists different charges according to passport pages, validity period and normal or urgent processing.
Fees and service categories can change, so applicants should check the official DGI&P fee information before making payment.
Why This Update Matters
The move toward e-Passports represents another step in the digitisation of Pakistan’s travel-document system.
For Pakistani citizens, the transition may mean increased use of electronic verification and greater compatibility with modern immigration systems. For Overseas Pakistanis, the expansion of online services can also make some passport-related processes easier to access.
The exact process for each applicant can vary depending on whether the application is being made inside Pakistan or through a Pakistani Mission abroad.
Final Takeaway
The Pakistan passport update 2026 is an important development for citizens planning new passport applications.
According to the reported announcement, new Machine-Readable Passports will stop being issued from October 15, 2026, with e-Passports becoming the standard for new issuance.
Pakistan has already been expanding its e-Passport infrastructure, and DGI&P provides online passport services for eligible Overseas Pakistanis.
Anyone planning to apply for a new passport should check the latest information directly from DGI&P before applying, particularly regarding eligibility, fees, documents and services available at Pakistani Missions abroad.
