Passport renewal in Pakistan
Renewing a Pakistani passport generally involves applying online through the official portal or in person at a passport office within Pakistan or at a Pakistani mission abroad. The process requires submitting an application, providing necessary documents, and paying the applicable fee.
It is advisable for individuals to begin the passport renewal process several months before its expiration date. This allows sufficient time to gather all required documents, schedule appointments if needed, and account for potential processing delays, which can vary. Pakistani missions abroad may have different appointment and processing times compared to offices within Pakistan.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time accounts for potential application processing, document verification, and delivery times, especially for overseas applications. Specific processing times can vary based on the chosen service (normal, urgent, express) and location of application (within Pakistan or abroad).
The process
- 1Determine if applying online or in person: Online applications are available for Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) for eligible individuals, particularly those overseas. In-person applications are made at designated passport offices in Pakistan or at Pakistani missions abroad.
- 2Gather required documents: Collect all necessary original documents and their photocopies, as specified by the DGIP or the relevant mission.
- 3Complete the application form: For online applications, create an account on the official DGIP online portal and fill out the electronic form. For in-person applications, forms may be available at the office or downloadable online.
- 4Pay the application fee: Fees vary based on passport type (e.g., 36-page, 72-page, 100-page), validity period (5 or 10 years), and processing speed (normal, urgent, express). Payment methods include online payment portals or bank challans.
- 5Submit biometric data and photograph: For online applications, upload a recent photograph and submit fingerprints electronically if eligible. For in-person applications, biometric data (fingerprints) and photographs are typically captured at the application center.
- 6Review and submit the application: Carefully review all entered information and uploaded documents before final submission. Obtain a tracking ID or receipt for your application.
- 7Collect the renewed passport: Once processed, the passport will either be mailed to the provided address (for online applications) or can be collected from the designated passport office or mission.
What to bring
- Original and photocopy of current/expired Machine Readable Passport (MRP)
- Original and photocopy of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), depending on residency status
- Evidence of fee payment (e.g., bank challan receipt or online payment confirmation)
- Recent passport-sized photographs (specifications may vary, online applications typically require digital upload)
- For minors, original and photocopy of Father's/Mother's CNIC/NICOP and Child Registration Certificate (CRC) or B-Form
- For government employees, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective department may be required
- Any other supporting documents as required by DGIP or the specific Pakistani mission (e.g., proof of residence, marriage certificate for name changes)
Who handles it
Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) / Ministry of Interior (پاکستان ڈائریکٹوریٹ جنرل امیگریشن اور پاسپورٹ / وزارت داخلہ)
https://onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk/
Passport renewal fees are set by the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) and vary based on the passport's page count (36, 72, or 100 pages), validity period (5 or 10 years), and the chosen service type (normal, urgent, or express). Fees for applicants applying from outside Pakistan typically differ from those applying within the country. The current fee structure can be found on the official DGIP website or inquired about at the relevant passport office or mission.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure all required documents are valid and match the information on the application form, especially the CNIC/NICOP. Discrepancies can lead to delays.
- Photographs must adhere strictly to the specified requirements (size, background, facial expression) for both online and in-person applications.
- If applying online, ensure a stable internet connection and access to a reliable printer/scanner for necessary documents and confirmations.
- Be aware that processing times, particularly for overseas applications, can be longer than standard estimates. Factor this into your travel plans.
Sources
- Online Passport Application - Directorate General of Immigration & Passports onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk
- dgip.gov.pk
Other documents in Pakistan
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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