Pakistan has extended the deadline for making e-passports mandatory nationwide. The new policy will take effect on October 23, 2026, instead of the previously planned date.

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports revised the schedule for replacing machine-readable passports (MRPs). The move gives authorities and applicants additional time before the new system becomes fully operational.

Under the revised policy, passport offices across Pakistan will issue only electronic passports to new applicants from October 23. Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad will also follow the same requirement.

Until October 22, applicants can continue applying for new machine-readable passports or renewing their existing documents. After the deadline, e-passports will become the only passport type available to new applicants.

Existing Machine-Readable Passports Will Remain Valid

Authorities have clarified that existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until their expiry dates. Citizens who already hold valid MRPs will not need to replace them immediately.

The introduction of the new policy does not require passport holders to change their documents before expiry. This clarification is expected to address concerns among citizens who recently obtained traditional machine-readable passports.

Officials had previously announced an earlier deadline for the mandatory transition. The revised schedule now gives applicants until October 22 to obtain or renew machine-readable passports.

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports is overseeing the transition. The updated timeline applies to passport offices throughout the country and Pakistani diplomatic missions operating overseas.

Pakistan Moves Towards a Modern Passport System

The shift to e-passports is part of Pakistan’s efforts to modernise its passport services. The new documents are designed to improve security and support more efficient international travel procedures.

Electronic passports contain an embedded electronic chip that stores the holder’s personal and biometric information. This technology can help authorities verify identities and strengthen document security.

Many countries have introduced electronic passports to meet modern international travel requirements. Pakistan’s transition aims to bring its passport system closer to international security and operational standards.

The nationwide rollout will also establish a uniform system for issuing passports to new applicants. Citizens applying after October 23 will need to follow the new electronic passport requirements.

Applicants planning to obtain or renew their passports before the deadline should check the latest guidance from the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports. They should also confirm the applicable procedures with their nearest passport office.

For existing passport holders, the main point remains unchanged. Valid machine-readable passports can continue to be used until their expiry dates, despite the upcoming policy change.

In other news read more about: Pakistan To Discontinue Machine-Readable Passports From October 15