Pakistan e-Passport (Biometric) 2026 Guide
Yes, Pakistan passports are biometric. Since August 16, 2023, all new passports issued by DGIP at every field office in Pakistan are biometric e-passports with an embedded contactless microchip. E-passport issuance for Diplomatic and Official categories began in 2022.
Pakistan's e-passport is an ICAO 9303-compliant biometric travel document featuring an embedded chip, polycarbonate data page, and approximately 29 advanced security features. It is now the standard passport issued to all Pakistani citizens.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chip type | Contactless (RFID) embedded microchip in polycarbonate data page |
| Biometric data stored | Fingerprints (two index fingers) + digital facial photograph |
| Encryption | Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) — chip data is digitally signed and encrypted |
| ICAO compliance | ICAO Doc 9303 (Machine Readable Travel Documents) — full compliance |
| Data page | Polycarbonate (laser-engraved, tamper-resistant) |
| Photograph | Laser-engraved on data page + ghost image for secondary verification |
| Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) | Two-line OCR-B format at bottom of data page |
| Security features | ~29 features: holograms, microtext, relief printing, UV/IR elements, QR codes |
| Page options | 36 pages / 72 pages / 100 pages |
| Validity options | 5 years / 10 years |
| Cover colour | Green (Ordinary), Red (Diplomatic), Blue (Official), Maroon (Executive) |
| e-Passport symbol | Standard ICAO e-passport logo on front cover |
Source: DGIP e-Passport page, ICAO Doc 9303
Security Features
- Embedded contactless chip — biometric data digitally signed
- Polycarbonate data page — durable, tamper-resistant
- Laser-engraved photograph — cannot be substituted or swapped
- Ghost image — secondary photo for visual verification
- Machine-readable QR codes — quick digital verification
- Holograms — visible under normal and angled light
- UV-reactive features — visible only under ultraviolet light
- IR-reactive features — visible only under infrared light
- Microprinting — anti-counterfeiting text visible under magnification
- Relief printing — tactile raised elements
- Guilloche patterns — complex line patterns resistant to reproduction
- PKI encryption — chip data protected against cloning
E-Passport Rollout Timeline
| 2022 | E-passport issuance began for Diplomatic and Official passport categories |
| August 16, 2023 | E-passport issuance extended to all ordinary passport applicants at every DGIP field office nationwide |
| 2025-2026 | New passport design with enhanced security features approved by Ministry of Interior; updated design rolling out |
Transition rules
- New e-passports are issued only on renewal or new application — there is no recall of existing passports
- Current Machine Readable Passports (MRP) remain valid until their printed expiry date
- No urgent replacement is needed — you will receive an e-passport automatically at your next renewal
Source: dgip.gov.pk
How to Apply for a Pakistan e-Passport
Within Pakistan (via DGIP)
- Register online at onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk
- Fill out the application form with personal details and select passport type (36/72/100 pages, 5yr/10yr)
- Generate payment challan (PSID) and pay via ATM, internet banking, or 1-Link bank branch
- Visit your designated passport office with required documents (CNIC/NICOP, previous passport, fee receipt)
- Biometric capture — fingerprints and digital photograph taken at the office
- Collect your passport after the processing period (21 working days normal, 5 days urgent, 2 days fast track)
At a Pakistan Embassy or High Commission Abroad
- Book an appointment at your nearest Pakistan embassy, high commission, or consulate
- Gather documents: current/expired passport, CNIC or NICOP, 2 passport photographs (35x45mm, white background)
- Attend in person for biometric capture (fingerprints and digital photograph)
- Pay the applicable fee in local currency (includes consular surcharge)
- Wait for processing — typically 4-6 weeks standard, 2-3 weeks urgent
- Collect your passport from the embassy or receive by registered post (where available)
Source: dgip.gov.pk passport process
E-Passport Fees (Within Pakistan)
| Pages | Validity | Normal (PKR) | Urgent (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 5 years | Rs 5,500 | Rs 8,500 |
| 72 | 5 years | Rs 9,200 | Rs 14,500 |
| 100 | 5 years | Rs 10,000 | Rs 19,000 |
| 36 | 10 years | Rs 7,700 | Rs 12,200 |
| 72 | 10 years | Rs 13,400 | Rs 21,200 |
| 100 | 10 years | Rs 14,500 | Rs 28,000 |
All fees include Rs 1,000 service charge. Embassy fees abroad are higher due to consular surcharge — contact your embassy for local currency amounts. Source: DGIP onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Since August 16, 2023, all new Pakistan passports issued at any DGIP office are biometric e-passports with an embedded contactless microchip storing fingerprints and a digital facial photograph. They comply with ICAO 9303 standards.
Yes. The e-passport contains an encrypted contactless microchip embedded in the polycarbonate data page. The chip stores biometric data (fingerprints and facial image), protected by PKI encryption to prevent cloning.
An e-passport (electronic passport) is a biometric travel document issued by DGIP. It has an embedded chip with biometric data, a polycarbonate data page, laser-engraved photograph, machine-readable zone, and approximately 29 advanced security features including holograms, microtext, and UV/IR elements.
Pakistan began issuing e-passports for Diplomatic and Official passport holders in 2022. From August 16, 2023, biometric e-passports became available for all ordinary passport applicants at every DGIP field office.
No. Your existing MRP remains valid until its printed expiry date. When you renew or apply for a new passport, you will automatically receive the biometric e-passport. There is no need to replace a valid passport early.
Within Pakistan, fees range from Rs 5,500 (36-page, 5-year, normal processing) to Rs 28,000 (100-page, 10-year, urgent). All fees include a Rs 1,000 service charge. Embassy fees abroad are higher. See the full fee schedule.
Within Pakistan: register at onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk, fill the form, pay fees, and visit a passport office for biometric capture. Abroad: book an appointment at your nearest Pakistan embassy, attend in person for biometrics, and pay in local currency.
Last verified: April 2026 | Sources: dgip.gov.pk, DGIP e-Passport, onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk
Quick Facts
- Biometric? Yes, since Aug 2023
- Chip? Yes, contactless RFID
- ICAO compliant? Yes (Doc 9303)
- Cheapest option: Rs 5,500 (36pg/5yr)
- Most expensive: Rs 28,000 (100pg/10yr urgent)
- Apply online: onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk
- Old passports: Valid until expiry