Key Takeaways
- The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi has announced the fee structure for e-Passports.
- Fees range from AED 145 to AED 635, depending on passport validity and urgency.
- All applications submitted after July 20, 2026, will be processed only as e-Passports.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi has officially announced the fee structure for electronic passports (e-Passports) for Pakistani nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The new system will come into effect on July 20, 2026, and all applications submitted through the embassy or the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai from this date onward will be processed exclusively as e-Passports.
For a five-year e-Passport with a 36-page passport, the cost is AED 145 for normal processing and AED 235 for urgent service. A 72-page passport under the same category costs AED 260 for normal processing and AED 425 for urgent service. For a 10-year e-Passport, applicants will pay AED 215 for a 36-page passport with normal processing and AED 355 for urgent service. The cost increases to AED 390 for a 72-page passport under the normal category and AED 635 for urgent service.
The embassy has also clarified that existing Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) will remain valid until their expiry date, provided they have more than six months of validity. Pakistani nationals are advised to renew only when the remaining validity falls below six months. This measure is intended to ensure efficient use of resources and avoid unnecessary replacements.
The announcement comes as part of a broader initiative by Pakistan to modernize its passport system in line with international standards, particularly for expatriates living in the UAE. The move towards e-Passports is expected to streamline processes and enhance security measures, making travel more convenient for Pakistani nationals.
According to the embassy's statement, the new fee structure reflects a commitment to transparency and clarity regarding costs associated with passport renewals. The revised charges for replacement passports issued after the first or second loss of a passport also vary based on the validity period and urgency of processing, ensuring that applicants are informed about potential additional expenses.
The embassy has emphasized that existing MRPs will continue to be valid until their expiry date, providing a buffer period for those who may not wish to immediately upgrade to e-Passports. This approach aims to balance the need for modernization with practical considerations for expatriates living in the UAE.
