Pakistan Passport Online Apply & Renewal

New and renewed Pakistani passports can be applied for through the official Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) portal, and most of the process — form, upload, fee, appointment — is online. This guide covers the steps, the fee structure, the difference between machine-readable and e-passports, and how to track your application so you are not left guessing.

Documents needed

• Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) or NICOP for overseas applicants.
• Old passport, if renewing, so the record links.
• Recent photographs meeting DGIP specs.
• Proof of urgency, if applying under an urgent or executive category for travel.

Photo specs

Use a plain light background, both eyes visible, no glasses glare, and the required size. A rejected photo is one of the most common avoidable delays, so get it right before uploading. A 'do and don't' worth noting: do face the camera straight; don't wear tinted glasses or a cap.

Step-by-step

1. Register at the DGIP portal (https://www.passport.gov.pk).
2. Fill the application and choose the region (within Pakistan or overseas).
3. Upload your photo and supporting documents.
4. Pay the fee (normal, urgent, or executive tiers differ).
5. Book an appointment for biometric capture and photograph.
6. Track status using your application token on the portal.

Fee tiers (within Pakistan, PKR; as of 2025 — verify before publishing)

Passport fees depend on booklet size (36, 72, or 100 pages) and processing speed. The commonly published schedule is:

Overseas applicants pay through the relevant Pakistani mission in local currency, and those amounts differ — confirm on the mission's site. e-passport and machine-readable (MRP) options exist; the portal shows what is available for your office. These PKR figures are widely cited (cross-reference: Wikipedia 'Pakistani passport') but can be revised, so verify the current schedule on https://www.passport.gov.pk before paying.

e-passport vs machine-readable

Pakistan issues both machine-readable passports (MRP) and newer e-passports with an embedded chip. E-passports carry more security features and are accepted at e-gates at some airports; the portal indicates availability by office. Either is valid for travel — the choice is mostly about features and the executive fee tier.

Processing times

Within Pakistan, urgent applications are typically processed in a few working days and normal in around ten; overseas timings vary by mission. Note that backlogs have occurred in some periods, so apply early for travel.

For minors

Children under 15 are generally issued a five-year passport. Both parents' consent and documents are usually required, so assemble these before starting the form.

Renewal checklist

• Old passport number handy.
• CNIC/NICOP details that match the application exactly.
• Updated photo meeting specs.
• Proof of urgency if you need the urgent or executive tier.

Before your appointment

Arrive with the original documents (not just photocopies), the fee receipt, and any earlier passport. If biometrics fail to capture cleanly, a second visit may be needed, so book a buffer before travel. For overseas applicants, the mission's own portal or counter handles the appointment.

Lost or expired passports

If your passport is lost, report it and apply for a replacement. For an expired one, renewal follows the same portal flow — keep the old passport number handy, and make sure your CNIC/NICOP details match the application to avoid delays.

Tracking and collection

Use your token on the DGIP portal to follow the application, then collect from the issuing office or, for overseas applicants, the mission.

Common issues

• Name or date-of-birth mismatch between CNIC and passport.
• Photo not meeting specs.
• Waiting until the last minute during peak travel seasons.

FAQs

Can I apply overseas? Yes — through the relevant Pakistani mission; fees and steps differ slightly from in-Pakistan.

How many pages do I need? Frequent travellers benefit from 72 or 100-page booklets; occasional travellers are fine with 36.

Is executive worth it? Only if you need the fastest processing and the e-passport features; otherwise normal or urgent is enough.

Finding an office

Within Pakistan, passport offices are listed on the DGIP site by city and region; pick the one closest to you for biometrics. For overseas applicants, the relevant Pakistani mission handles the appointment — check its own portal or counter hours, which differ from in-Pakistan offices. Booking at the right office avoids a wasted trip.

Emergency travel

If you face a genuine emergency (a death or serious illness in the family) and your passport is expired or lost, contact the nearest Pakistani mission or passport office about an urgent or emergency travel document. Carry proof of the emergency; the process is faster than a normal application but still requires the standard identity checks.

Keep copies of everything

Before your appointment, photocopy or photograph your CNIC, old passport, fee receipt, and the application summary. If a document is mislaid or a resubmission is needed, having the set ready saves days. Keep the token number in your phone so you can check status without digging through email.

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