Passport & NICOP Services at Pakistan Embassies

Pakistan embassies, high commissions and consulates provide essential identity document services including passport issuance, renewal and NICOP processing. This guide covers both services comprehensively for 2026.

2026 Update

Pakistan has expanded NADRA service counters at major missions worldwide. Many embassies now accept NICOP applications alongside passport services, streamlining the process for overseas Pakistanis who need both documents.

Passport Services Overview

Pakistan embassies process the following passport-related services for Pakistani citizens living abroad:

Available Passport Services

New passport issuance (first-time applicants)
Passport renewal (expired or expiring within 6 months)
Replacement of lost or damaged passport
Additional pages (when existing passport is full)

Name or detail changes (after marriage or legal name change)
Child passport applications (under 18)
Emergency travel documents (single journey)
Passport for newborns born abroad

All passport services require in-person attendance for biometric capture (fingerprints and digital photograph). Postal or online-only applications are not accepted for passports.

Passport Application Requirements

Document	New Passport	Renewal	Lost/Damaged
Current or expired Pakistan passport	N/A (first time)	Original required	Police report required
CNIC or NICOP (original + copy)
Two passport photos (35x45mm, white bg)
Completed application form
Proof of residence abroad
Birth certificate (B-Form/NADRA)		If details changed	If details changed
FIR or police report	N/A	N/A

For detailed passport renewal steps and fees, see our Passport Renewal Guide.

NICOP Services at Embassies

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is issued by NADRA and is essential for property transactions, banking, inheritance claims and visa-free entry to Pakistan. Many Pakistan embassies now host NADRA counters for biometric enrolment.

NICOP Application Options

At the Embassy

Visit a Pakistan embassy with a NADRA counter for biometric capture. Best for first-time applicants or those who need help with the process.

Recommended

NADRA Online

Apply via id.nadra.gov.pk. You still need to visit an embassy or NADRA centre for biometric verification after online submission.

Convenient

NADRA App

The Pak Identity mobile app allows you to initiate applications and track status. Biometric verification at a NADRA-enabled location is still required.

Track Status

NICOP Required Documents

Valid Pakistan passport (or expired passport with previous CNIC/NICOP)
Previous NICOP or CNIC (if renewing)
Two recent passport-size photographs
Proof of residence abroad (utility bill, residence permit, or driving licence)
B-Form (for first-time applicants under 18)
Nikah Nama / marriage certificate (for married women applying first time or after name change)
Fee payment (normal: $15-25 USD equivalent; executive/urgent: $30-50 USD equivalent)

Processing Times & Fees Comparison

Service	Normal Processing	Urgent/Executive	Normal Fee (USD)	Urgent Fee (USD)
Passport Renewal (36 pages, 5yr)	4-6 weeks	2-3 weeks	$35-$50	$65-$100
Passport Renewal (100 pages, 10yr)	4-6 weeks	2-3 weeks	$75-$120	$105-$170
New Passport (adult)	6-8 weeks	3-4 weeks	$35-$75	$65-$125
NICOP (new or renewal)	6-8 weeks	3-4 weeks	$15-$25	$30-$50
NICOP for minors	6-8 weeks	3-4 weeks	$10-$20	$20-$40
Emergency Travel Document	1-2 days	Same day	$20-$50	N/A

Fees vary by embassy and are paid in local currency. The NICOP is delivered by courier to your registered address.

Passport vs NICOP: Key Differences

Feature	Pakistan Passport	NICOP
Issuing Authority	Directorate General of Immigration & Passports	NADRA
Purpose	International travel	Identity, property, banking, visa-free entry to Pakistan
Validity	5 or 10 years	5 or 10 years
Biometrics	Fingerprints + photo	Fingerprints + photo + iris scan
Can you travel internationally?	Yes	No (Pakistan entry only)
Required for property in Pakistan?	Not sufficient alone	Yes, mandatory
Online application?	Embassy only	Online + biometric at embassy

Tips for a Smooth Application

Apply for both at once: If you need both a passport and NICOP, schedule them for the same embassy visit to save time and trips.
Book appointments early: Busy missions (London, Dubai, New York, Riyadh) can have wait times of 2-4 weeks for appointments.
Check photo specifications: Rejected photos are the most common cause of delays. Use a professional passport photo service.
Ensure name consistency: Your name on the passport application must exactly match your CNIC/NICOP. Any discrepancy will cause rejection.
Keep copies of everything: Photocopy all documents before submission. Keep your acknowledgement receipt safe for tracking.
Track online: Use the DGIP tracking portal for passports and the NADRA portal for NICOP to check application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most Pakistan embassies with NADRA counters allow you to submit both applications during the same visit. You will need separate forms, photographs, and fees for each. Processing times run independently.

You can travel to Pakistan using your valid passport without a NICOP. However, an expired NICOP cannot be used for visa-free entry or as identification within Pakistan. You should renew it before or during your visit.

Children under 18 can get a Juvenile NICOP (for children under 10) or a regular NICOP (for those 10-17). While not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended for children who may inherit property in Pakistan or need to establish their Pakistani citizenship.

Some smaller consulates do not have NADRA biometric equipment. In this case, you can apply for NICOP online at id.nadra.gov.pk and then visit a NADRA-enabled embassy for biometric verification, or use mobile NADRA teams that occasionally visit smaller cities.

Quick Facts

Passport: 4-8 weeks
NICOP: 6-8 weeks
Biometrics: In-person required
Where: Any Pakistan embassy
Appointment: Recommended

Important Reminders

Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months — many countries deny entry otherwise
Keep your NICOP valid if you own property in Pakistan
Children need their own passport — they cannot be added to a parent's passport
Both parents must consent for a child's passport application