Pakistan Shifts to E-Passports: What New Applicants Need to Know for 2026

Pakistan is transitioning to e-passports, marking a significant change for new passport applications. Starting October 15, 2026, all new passport applications submitted within Pakistan and at its diplomatic missions abroad will be processed for e-passports only. This move means that the older machine-readable passports (MRPs) will no longer be issued for new applications after this date.

This change affects only new applications and does not invalidate existing passports. Holders of current MRPs can continue to use them until their printed expiry dates. The transition aims to modernize the passport system and align it with international standards for electronic travel documents.

Applying for a New Passport Before the Deadline

Applicants who wish to obtain a new machine-readable passport have until October 14, 2026. This is the final day to submit an application under the current system for an MRP. After this date, all new applications will automatically be for the e-passport.

This cutoff applies to both first-time applicants and those seeking a new passport for other reasons. The transition point is clear, with October 15, 2026, being the first day that only e-passport applications will be accepted. This applies equally to applications made within Pakistan and at Pakistani embassies or consulates overseas.

Validity of Existing Machine-Readable Passports

For individuals who already possess a machine-readable passport, the new policy does not necessitate an immediate replacement. These passports will remain valid and usable until the expiry date printed within them. There is no requirement to switch to an e-passport simply because the issuance rules for new applications are changing.

The distinction is between a currently valid document and the process for obtaining a new one. When an existing MRP reaches its printed expiry date, its renewal or replacement will be processed as an e-passport. Therefore, citizens do not need to view October 15 as a personal deadline for replacing their current passport.

Transition Across All Issuance Points

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has issued directives to ensure a smooth transition at all passport offices and diplomatic missions. This means the shift to e-passports for new applications will occur uniformly across Pakistan and at all its international consular locations. The change is not confined to domestic applications but extends to overseas applicants as well.

The policy focuses on the type of document issued for new applications. It does not alter the stated validity period of passports that are already in circulation. This dual approach ensures that existing travel documents remain valid while the system moves forward with electronic passport issuance.

E-Passports Were Already in Circulation

It is important to note that Pakistan had already begun issuing e-passports alongside MRPs prior to this October transition. The change on October 15, 2026, signifies the end of the parallel system, making the electronic version the sole option for new passport issuance. This is not the introduction of e-passports but rather the discontinuation of new MRP issuance.

A notice from the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports on July 1, 2026, titled “E-Passport Replace Ordinary Passport,” preceded this upcoming transition. This indicates that the move to e-passports has been planned and communicated. The upcoming date marks the final step in phasing out new MRPs, while existing valid MRPs will continue to be honored until their respective expiry dates.

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