Pakistan has stopped issuing Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) from 23 October 2026. According to the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, all passport offices across Pakistan and Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad will now issue only e-Passports to new applicants. If you are applying for a passport, renewing one, or planning to send documents to a mission, this change affects you directly.
MRP vs e-Passport — What Is the Difference?
| Feature | MRP (Machine Readable Passport) | e-Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Data storage | Printed data, machine-readable strip | Embedded electronic chip plus printed data |
| Security | Standard physical security features | Higher — chip makes forgery significantly harder |
| Verification at borders | Manual + reading strip | Electronic readers verify authenticity |
| Validity period | 5 or 10 years | Typically 5 or 10 years — confirm at your office |
| Status from 23 Oct 2026 | No longer issued | The only option |
Do You Need to Replace Your Current Passport?
No — not automatically. This is the most common misconception. An existing valid MRP remains legally valid until its printed expiry date and is accepted for travel. There is no requirement to convert it early.
You will get an e-Passport when:
- Your current passport expires and you apply for a renewal
- You apply for a new passport (first-time applicant)
- Your passport is lost, damaged or exhausted of pages and you apply for a replacement
Practical advice: if your passport expires within the next 12 months and you have travel plans, apply now rather than waiting. New systems in their first weeks usually see longer processing queues.
The Passport of a Country Abroad
This change also applies to Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad. Applicants in other countries who previously received an MRP will now receive an e-Passport. The application process and document requirements at missions remain the same — only the document type issued changes.
Document Checklist for a Passport Application
- Original CNIC or B-Form (for minors)
- Previous passport, if applying for renewal
- Attested copies of educational documents (where required)
- Proof of residence / address
- Recent photographs as per specification
- Fee as notified for your category and validity period
- Additional documents for specific cases (name change, lost passport, etc.)
Note: Requirements and fees are set by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and are updated periodically. Confirm on the official portal before visiting an office or a mission.
Applying — Where to Start
- Book an appointment through the official online passport system rather than walking in.
- Verify the current fee for your chosen validity (5 or 10 years) and processing type (normal or urgent).
- Prepare the document set before the appointment — incomplete files are the biggest cause of repeat visits.
- Give biometrics and photograph at the office — required for the chip data.
- Track your application through the official tracking service.
- Collect or receive as per the delivery option you selected.
Why the Change Matters Beyond Convenience
- International compliance: ICAO standards for travel documents increasingly expect chip-based passports, and several destinations verify them electronically.
- Reduced fraud: a chip makes duplication and alteration of personal data far harder than printed strips.
- Faster border processing: electronic verification reduces manual checks at automated gates.
- Future e-gate access: chip passports are a prerequisite for automated immigration gates in many countries.
Common Questions After Such a Change
- Will my visa become invalid? No. Visas are attached to a valid passport, not to the document type. Your valid MRP with a valid visa remains usable.
- Will embassies accept an MRP? Yes, while it is valid.
- Do I need a new one for a job abroad? Only if the employer or the destination requires remaining validity beyond your current passport’s expiry.
- Are fees higher? Chip passports generally carry a higher fee than traditional booklets in most countries — confirm the notified amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MRP discontinued in Pakistan?
Yes. From 23 October 2026, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports stopped issuing MRPs and now issues only e-Passports to new applicants, including at Pakistani missions abroad.
Do I have to replace my current MRP?
No. A valid MRP remains valid until its printed expiry date and is accepted for travel.
When will I get an e-Passport?
When you apply for a new passport, a renewal after expiry, or a replacement for a lost or damaged passport.
Is the e-Passport more expensive?
Chip-based passports generally cost more than traditional booklets. Confirm the current notified fee for your validity period and processing type on the official portal.
Does it apply to overseas Pakistanis?
Yes. Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad are also issuing only e-Passports for new applications from the same date.
What if my passport expires next month?
Renew it as an e-Passport. Apply early, because new systems typically see longer queues in the initial period.
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Last reviewed: 23 October 2026 by SirNadir.com editorial team. Passport rules, fees and requirements are set by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and can change by notification. Confirm on the official portal or your nearest passport office before applying.
