Pakistani passport renewal: Everything you must know

The process of renewing a Pakistani passport can appear complex and overwhelming, especially for those doing it for the first time. This essential guide gives Pakistani citizens a clear and concise understanding of the renewal process.

We’ll explore the intricacies of the passport renewal process, including detailed explanations of the required documents, the application procedure, fee payment, and the processing time. Whether you are applying from within Pakistan or from abroad, this article offers valuable information for a successful and efficient Pakistani passport renewal.

When requesting a Pakistan passport renewal

The renewal process is essential when your current Pakistan passport is nearing its expiration date or has already expired. It's crucial to ensure that your passport remains valid, especially if you have plans for international travel or need it for identification.

For timely renewal, you must begin the application process well in advance of your passport's expiration. The Pakistani government recommends starting the renewal process at least six months before your passport expires. This planning is particularly important because many countries require your passport to be valid for a certain period (typically six months) beyond your planned entry date.

Pakistan issues Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs). Ever since the introduction of the Machine-Readable Passport, the issuance of manual passports has been phased out. You must apply for a new passport if your previous one was a manual document.

Pakistan passport renewal requirements

In recent years, Pakistan has transitioned to issuing machine-readable passports (MRP), enhancing security and streamlining processing. The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) has also introduced an e-services portal, making it easier for applicants to initiate the renewal process from anywhere in the world. Here's a breakdown of the documents you'll need to renew your MRP and specific requirements for minors, lost passports, and other special situations.

General requirements for all Pakistan passport applicants

These are the general documents to renew a machine-readable passport:

• Completed passport application form – Available through the DGIP's online portal.

• Photocopy and the current passport – Including the bio-data page and any pages with visas or stamps.

• Original and photocopy of the national identity card (NIC/CNIC/Smart NIC): For applicants 18 years and older.

• Proof of residence – A document verifying your current address, such as a utility bill.

• Photograph up to 5MB. Use our online passport photo service to get a compliant photo stress-free.

Additional requirements for minors (under 18 years)

Minors with a machine-readable passport also must submit the following documents:

• Birth Certificate or B-Form: Issued by NADRA (National Database & Registration Authority).

• Photocopies of Parents' CNICs: Both parents' national identity cards are required.

• The applicant must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

• Photocopy of birth certificate.

• Authority letter by parents duly attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In case of a lost passport

• A police report documenting the loss of the passport.

• A Sworn Affidavit detailing the circumstances of the loss.

• Previous passport number (if available).

Other special situations

• Name change: Provide legal documentation supporting the name change, such as a marriage certificate or gazette notification.

• Damaged passport: If your current passport is damaged, bring it along with a statement explaining the damage.

• Government employees: Must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective departments.

How to apply for a Pakistani passport renewal

The process of renewing a Pakistani passport, whether for residents in Pakistan or overseas Pakistanis, has been streamlined thanks to the online passport application system. This advancement has made it easier for citizens to apply for a machine-readable passport (MRP) from anywhere in the world. Check the steps to renew your Pakistan passport below.

Pakistan passport renewal: Online passport application

For those applying within Pakistan, the renewal process for a machine-readable passport is online. The applicant may follow these instructions:

1. Visit the official Directorate General of Immigration & Passports website and register for an account. Once logged in, fill out the application form for passport renewal.

2. Upload scanned copies of the required documents, including your current or expired passport and National Identity Card (CNIC).

3. Proceed to pay the passport fee online through a debit or credit card.

4. Sometimes, you may be required to schedule an appointment for biometrics, which you can do through the same online portal.

Applying for Pakistani passport renewal at the embassy

The online application process is also available for overseas Pakistanis, and you can conveniently receive the renewed passport at your home address. This method ensures you can renew your passport without visiting an embassy or consulate.

However, if you prefer the traditional application method or require specific assistance, you may opt to apply through the Pakistani Embassy. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate to inquire about the local procedures for passport renewal. Each embassy may have slightly different processes or requirements, so make sure to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Pakistan passport processing fee

Pakistani passports have different fee structures depending on whether the application is processed within Pakistan (referred to as 'Inland') or outside the country ('Overseas'). The passport fees are determined based on the type of service (normal or urgent), the number of pages in the passport, and the validity period (5 years or 10 years). Below are the total fees (passport and service fees) for both Inland/Overseas applications.

Inland passport fees:

Passport with 5-year validity:

• Normal processing (36-Pages): Rs. 4,000

• Urgent processing (36-Pages): Rs. 6,000

• Normal processing (72-Pages): Rs. 6,500

• Urgent processing (72-Pages): Rs. 10,000

• Normal processing (100-Pages): Rs. 7,000

• Urgent processing (100-Pages): Rs. 13,000

Passport with 10-year validity:

• Normal (36-Pages): Rs. 5,500

• Urgent (36-Pages): Rs. 8,500

• Normal (72-Pages): Rs. 9,250

• Urgent (72-Pages): Rs. 14,500

• Normal (100-Pages): Rs. 10,000

• Urgent (100-Pages): Rs. 19,000

Overseas passport fees:

Passport with 5-year validity:

• Normal processing (36-Pages): Rs. 5,500

• Urgent processing (36-Pages): Rs. 7,500

• Normal processing (72-Pages): Rs. 8,00

• Urgent processing (72-Pages): Rs. 11,500

• Normal processing (100-Pages): Rs. 8,500

• Urgent processing (100-Pages): Rs. 14,500

Passport with 10-year validity:

• Normal (36-Pages): Rs. 7,000

• Urgent (36-Pages): Rs. 10,000

• Normal (72-Pages): Rs. 10,750

• Urgent (72-Pages): Rs. 16,000

• Normal (100-Pages): Rs. 11,500

• Urgent (100-Pages): Rs. 20,500

Find more detailed information about the online passport fees here.

Processing time of Pakistani passport renewal

The Pakistan government usually processes normal passport applications in up to 20 working days. For those who opt for the urgent application process, the processing time is significantly reduced to 12 working days.

Regardless of the type of application, once your passport is ready, the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) will notify you via email. The email will inform you of the passport’s availability for collection at your nearest Embassy or passport center. For those who have applied from abroad and cannot collect the passport in person, the email will confirm that the passport will be dispatched to you by mail.

Contact us for further information

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