Pakistan will begin issuing e-passports to overseas citizens by December 2026, replacing traditional machine-readable passports in a phased rollout. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) confirmed the timeline after Director General Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired a high-level meeting on 13 August 2026 to fast-track the overhaul of passport services.

The expansion targets Pakistanis living abroad—estimated at 9 million—who rely on passports for travel, remittances, and legal documentation. The e-passport will feature a biometric chip embedded in the back cover, storing the holder’s facial image, fingerprints, and personal data, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for enhanced security.

What’s changing for overseas Pakistanis

- New e-passports will be issued from December 2026, starting with overseas applicants before expanding to domestic issuance.
- Existing passports remain valid until their expiry; no immediate replacement is required.
- Application process: Overseas Pakistanis can apply through Pakistan Missions abroad or designated centers in Pakistan, with appointments available via the DGIP’s online portal (https://www.dgip.gov.pk).
- Fees: The cost for a 5-year e-passport is Rs 9,000, while a 10-year e-passport costs Rs 15,000—a 10% increase from current rates for traditional passports.
- Processing time: Standard applications will take 15 working days; urgent (3-day) and expedited (1-day) services will cost Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively.

Why the shift to e-passports?

The move follows global trends, with over 150 countries already using e-passports to curb fraud and streamline border crossings. Pakistan’s traditional passports are vulnerable to tampering and forgery, costing the government Rs 1.2 billion annually in fraud-related losses, according to DGIP estimates. The e-passport’s chip-based security will reduce identity theft risks and speed up immigration checks at airports like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, where 70% of overseas travelers enter Pakistan.

DG Randhawa stated the project is part of a Rs 5 billion digitization drive funded by the Ministry of Interior, aiming to modernize immigration services by 2028. The DGIP has partnered with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to integrate biometric data, ensuring seamless verification for applicants.

Who qualifies and how to apply

The e-passport expansion is not limited to overseas Pakistanis—domestic applicants will also transition to e-passports by 2028, but overseas citizens get priority. Here’s what you need:

- Eligibility: Pakistani citizens residing abroad or planning to travel internationally.
- Documents: Valid CNIC, previous passport (if any), proof of overseas residence (utility bill, residency permit, or employment letter), and two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Steps:
1. Register on the DGIP portal (https://www.dgip.gov.pk) or visit the nearest Pakistan Mission.
2. Book an appointment for biometric verification at a DGIP center (overseas missions or select cities in Pakistan).
3. Submit documents and pay fees online or at the center.
4. Collect the e-passport 15 days later (or sooner for urgent services).

For those without access to the portal, help desks will be set up at major airports and Pakistan Missions by October 2026.

What to watch next

- Phase 1 (Dec 2026–Jun 2027): Overseas Pakistanis in Europe, North America, and the Gulf will be the first to receive e-passports.
- Phase 2 (Jul 2027–Dec 2027): Expansion to Australia, Canada, and the UK.
- Phase 3 (2028): Domestic issuance begins, with traditional passports phased out entirely.
- Border testing: Airports will conduct pilot runs of e-passport scanners by November 2026 to ensure smooth processing.

What this means for you

If you’re an overseas Pakistani, plan ahead. The Rs 1,000–5,000 fee hike is offset by faster processing and reduced fraud risks, but delays are likely during the initial rollout. Book appointments early—DGIP expects 500,000 applications in the first six months.

For those with expiring passports, apply now if you’re traveling soon. The DGIP warns that traditional passports will no longer be accepted for visa applications after June 2028 in some countries, though Pakistan’s own border crossings will accept them until expiry.

Where to get help

- DGIP Portal: https://www.dgip.gov.pk (for appointments and FAQs)
- Helpline: 051-111-111-747 (available 9 AM–5 PM, Monday–Friday)
- Email: e-passport@dgip.gov.pk
- In-person: Visit your nearest Pakistan Mission or DGIP center (list on the portal).

The e-passport rollout is a long-overdue upgrade, but its success hinges on avoiding the bottlenecks seen in NADRA’s recent digital projects. Overseas Pakistanis—who sent $31 billion in remittances in 2025—deserve a system that keeps pace with their needs.

Stay tuned for updates as the DGIP releases further guidelines in the coming months.