Lahore – Pakistani citizens now have access to the convenience of acquiring e-passports, a modernized travel document aimed at facilitating streamlined travel procedures.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passport has officially announced the nationwide availability of this long-awaited service, marking a milestone in its execution after years of preparation.
This e-passport initiative will incorporate the installation of smart gates at major international airports, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Travelers possessing e-passports will enjoy expedited immigration processes by utilizing these smart gates.
The fee structure for e-passports is as follows: A 36-page e-passport, valid for five years, is priced at Rs 9,000 for standard issuance and Rs 15,000 for urgent processing. For a ten-year validity, the cost is Rs 13,500 for regular processing and Rs 22,500 for urgent issuance.
Read more:Saudi Arabia found 12,000 fake Pakistani passports.
For the 72-page e-passport, the rates stand at Rs 15,000 for a five-year duration and Rs 27,000 for urgent processing. Meanwhile, a ten-year validity for the 72-page e-passport is priced at Rs 24,750 for regular processing and Rs 40,500 for urgent issuance.
The e-passport service has been made available at all passport offices across the country, ensuring accessibility for citizens nationwide.
These e-passports boast advanced security features and improved database accessibility, incorporating an embedded electronic chip. This chip stores the passport holder’s biometric information, enhancing identity verification and securing personal data found on the passport’s data page. Additionally, it includes a unique identification number and digital signature.
Notably, the e-passport also features a contactless (NFC) chip, enabling electronic readability.
The newly introduced e-passports in Pakistan adhere to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring compliance with global travel document regulations. This information was confirmed by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports on its official website.
