Key Takeaways
- The nationwide rollout of e-passports in Pakistan has been rescheduled to October 23, 2026.
- Passport offices and diplomatic missions will begin issuing only e-passports from this date.
- Existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until their expiry dates.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) has announced a revised launch date for Pakistan’s transition to electronic passports (e-passports). The nationwide rollout will now begin on October 23, 2026, instead of the previously announced October 15, 2026.
According to public notices issued by Pakistani diplomatic missions, including the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, applicants seeking new passports from October 23 onwards will only receive e-passports. This change was confirmed on October 14, 2026.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Doha has also updated its schedule, stating that it will start issuing e-passports on October 25, 2026, while continuing to issue machine-readable passports (MRPs) until October 22, 2026. Existing MRPs issued before October 23, 2026, will remain valid until their respective expiry dates.
The transition to e-passports is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to modernize passport services and enhance the efficiency of travel documentation. The move is expected to streamline processes and improve the overall quality of travel documents.
Holders of valid MRPs do not need to replace their passports before their expiry dates. The DGIP has emphasized that the transition to e-passports is a phased process, allowing for a smooth transition for all applicants.
The Consulate General of Pakistan in New York and the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha have both issued statements confirming the revised schedule. These statements are part of a coordinated effort to ensure that all applicants and stakeholders are informed of the changes.
The DGIP has stressed the importance of adhering to the new schedule to avoid any confusion or delays in the issuance of e-passports. The agency has also provided guidance on how to apply for new e-passports and how to renew existing MRPs.
The transition to e-passports is expected to bring several benefits, including enhanced security features and faster processing times. The DGIP has stated that the new system will be more user-friendly and will provide a better travel experience for Pakistani citizens.
