How To Apply For Passport in Pakistan in 2026

May 29, 2025

kamila

Kamila Khan is a content writer and researcher at Visual Pakistan who writes about technology, digital trends, everyday products, and practical guides. She focuses on explaining topics in a clear and simple way so readers can easily understand them. Her work is based on proper research and trusted sources. She always writes with the reader’s needs in mind to deliver useful and accurate content.

Last week, my neighbor Fatima sat in my living room, looking stressed. I got admission to a Canadian university, but I don’t even have a passport. Everyone says it’s difficult. Should I hire an agent?

I smiled Fatima, let me tell you something. Two months ago, my brother applied for his passport. No agent. No connections. He walked in at 10 am, walked out at noon. Got his passport in 5 days.

Her eyes went wide. Really? That easy?

That’s the thing about learning how to apply for passport in Pakistan it sounds scary until you actually understand the process. Then you realize it’s quite straightforward.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably planning to go abroad for work, studies, Hajj, Umrah, or maybe just a family holiday. Whatever your reason, you need a passport. And I’m going to show you exactly how to get one without stress, without agents, and without wasting time.

Table of Contents

Why You Actually Need a Pakistani Passport in 2026

Let me be honest more Pakistanis are traveling abroad now than ever before. The numbers tell the story.

In 2023, over 2 million passports were issued. In 2024, that jumped to 2.3 million. In 2025, it crossed 2.5 million. This year, 2026, we’re expecting even more.

Why? Because opportunities abroad are growing:

Work opportunities

In UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman are massive. Construction, IT, healthcare, hospitality they need Pakistani workers. But you can’t even apply for these jobs without knowing how to apply for passport in Pakistan first.

Student admissions

To UK, Canada, Australia, USA are increasing. Pakistani students are getting scholarships and admissions, but the first document every university asks for? Your passport.

Hajj and Umrah

Bookings are at record levels. Over 180,000 Pakistanis performed Hajj in 2025. All of them needed passports.

Medical tourism

Is real People are going to India, Turkey, Thailand for treatments. Tourism is growing Pakistanis are visiting Turkey, Malaysia, Azerbaijan like never before.

Your passport isn’t just a travel document. It’s your key to the world. And understanding how to apply for passport in Pakistan is the first step to unlocking these opportunities.

The Biggest Myths About Getting a Passport

Before we get into the actual process that how to apply for passport in Pakistan, let me destroy some myths that waste people’s time and money.

Myth 1: You Need an Agent

Wrong. The process is designed for you to do it yourself. Agents charge 5,000-10,000 rupees extra for something you can easily handle. My cousin paid an agent 8,000 rupees. I did mine myself, saved that money, and got my passport faster.

Myth 2: It Takes Months

Not anymore. Normal processing is 10 working days. Urgent processing is 4 working days. Fast track (where available) is 2 working days. If someone tells you it takes months, they’re either doing it wrong or trying to scare you.

Myth 3: You Need References or Connections

Completely false. The system is computerized and transparent. Your application is processed based on your documents, not who you know. This is exactly why learning how to apply for passport in Pakistan properly is so important follow the rules and you’re guaranteed success.

Myth 4: Women Face Extra Problems

Not true. Many passport offices have separate counters for women. Thousands of women apply alone daily without any male guardian. It’s 2026 this process is open to everyone equally.

Understanding Passport Types Before You Apply

When you’re learning how to apply for passport in Pakistan, you first need to know which type you need.

1. Ordinary Passport (Green Cover)

This is what 99% of Pakistanis get. It’s for regular travel work, education, tourism, Hajj, Umrah.

You can choose:

36 pages (good for occasional travelers)
72 pages (better if you travel frequently)
100 pages (for people who travel constantly)

Validity Options

5 years validity (standard)
10 years validity (available since 2024)

My advice? If you can afford it, get 10 year validity. Saves you from renewing soon. And if you plan to work abroad or travel multiple times, get 72 pages minimum. Visa stamps fill up faster than you think.

2. Official Passport (Dark Blue)

For government officials traveling on official duty. Regular citizens don’t need this.

3. Diplomatic Passport (Maroon)

For diplomats and senior government officials only.

When people ask how to apply for passport in Pakistan, they usually mean the ordinary passport. That’s what this guide covers.

Step 1: Book Your Online Appointment

Here’s where many people make their first mistake they just show up at the passport office thinking they’ll be entertained. In 2026, most offices strictly require appointments.

How To Book Your Appointment

Go to the official website: https://onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk
Click Apply for Passport Online
Register if you’re new (you’ll need your CNIC number and mobile number)
Log in and select “New Passport” or “Renewal”
Choose your city and passport office (pick the one closest to you)
Select your preferred date and time slot
Fill in your basic information carefully
Submit and print your appointment slip (or save it on your phone)

Important Tips

Morning slots (9-11 am) are less crowded. Afternoon slots get rushed. Friday and Monday are busiest days. Tuesday to Thursday are better.

My brother booked his appointment for Wednesday 9:30 am. He was done by 11:45 am. My friend went on Friday afternoon without appointment wasted 3 hours and was told to come back with appointment.

This step in how to apply for passport in Pakistan is crucial. Don’t skip it.

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Now that you have your appointment, let’s prepare your documents. Missing even one document means you’ll waste your trip.

For Adults (18 years and above)

Must Have

Original CNIC (your actual card, not photocopy)
CNIC photocopy (front and back on one page)
Previous passport (if you’re renewing even if expired)
Appointment slip (printed or on phone)

If Applicable

Government NOC (if you’re a government employee get this from your department)
Foreign passport copy (if you hold dual nationality)
Marriage certificate (if your name changed after marriage)

For Minors (Under 18 years)

Must Have

Child’s original B-Form from NADRA
B-Form photocopy
Both parents CNIC copies
One parent must physically be present
Recent passport size photos of child

If Applicable

Guardian certificate (if parents are not available needs to be attested)
Consent affidavit (if one parent cannot come)

The Photo Situation

Passport offices take your photo there, but keep 2-3 passport-size photos as backup. Some offices might need them for forms.

Photo requirements

White or light blue background
Face clearly visible
No sunglasses
Head covering allowed for religious reasons but face must be visible

Pro Tip

Make photocopies of everything before going. Keep them in a folder. At the office, if they need any additional copy, you’re ready. People waste time running to outside photocopy shops.

Understanding which documents you need is essential when learning how to apply for passport in Pakistan. Don’t leave home without double checking.

Step 3: Visit the Passport Office (What Actually Happens)

This is the part that scares people most. Let me walk you through exactly what happens so you’re mentally prepared.

Before You Enter

Reach 30 minutes before your appointment time. Passport offices are strict about timings. My friend reached 15 minutes late they made him reschedule.

What to bring inside

All your documents in a folder
Pen (offices have them but better to have your own)
Your phone (for appointment slip)
Some cash (for challan payment)

What NOT to bring

Large bags (most offices have restrictions)
Food or drinks
Unnecessary people (only applicant and one guardian if needed)

Inside the Office: The 5 Step Process

Step 1: Security Check & Token

You’ll go through security (like airport but simpler). They’ll check your appointment slip. You’ll receive a token number. This token is your identity throughout the process. Don’t lose it.

Step 2: Document Verification Counter

An official checks if you brought all required documents. They’ll make sure:

Your CNIC is valid and not expired
Photocopies are clear
Your previous passport (if any) is surrendered
Forms are filled correctly

If something is missing, they’ll tell you here. This is why preparation matters when you learn how to apply for passport in Pakistan.

Step 3: Photograph & Biometric Capture

They’ll take your photo professionally. Stand straight, look at camera, neutral expression. This photo goes on your passport for next 5-10 years, so look presentable.

Then they’ll scan your fingerprints (all ten fingers) and sometimes iris scan. Takes 3-5 minutes. The technology is quite good now in 2026.

Step 4: Data Entry & Verification

An officer enters your information into the system:

Your name (exactly as on CNIC)
Father’s name
Date of birth
CNIC number
Address
Purpose of passport

This is critical

Watch the screen while they type. If they make a spelling mistake in your name, you’ll face problems abroad. My friend’s name was typed as Muhammad instead of Mohammad he had to get it corrected later which delayed everything.

Confirm everything before they finalize.

Step 5: Interview with Assistant Director

This sounds formal but it’s actually simple. They’ll ask basic questions:

1. Why do you need a passport?

2. Have you traveled before?

3. Are you a government employee?

4. Is this your first passport or renewal?

Just answer honestly. It takes 2-3 minutes. They’re confirming your documents match your story.

After the Interview: Fee Payment

You’ll be given a challan (payment slip) with the exact fee amount. You pay at the designated bank counter, usually inside the passport office building or nearby.

Once payment is done, you get a receipt and tracking ID. Keep this receipt safe you’ll need it for tracking and collecting passport.

Passport Fees in Pakistan (Updated January 2026)

Money matters, so let me break down the exact costs. The fees increased slightly in 2026 but they’re still quite reasonable.

Ordinary Passport Fees

5-Year Validity

36 pages (Normal): Rs. 4,500
36 pages (Urgent): Rs. 7,500
72 pages (Normal): Rs. 8,500
72 pages (Urgent): Rs. 12,500
100 pages (Normal): Rs. 9,000
100 pages (Urgent): Rs. 15,000

10-Year Validity

36 pages (Normal): Rs. 6,750
36 pages (Urgent): Rs. 11,250
72 pages (Normal): Rs. 12,750
72 pages (Urgent): Rs. 18,750
100 pages (Normal): Rs. 13,500
100 pages (Urgent): Rs. 22,500

Which Should You Choose?

For first time travelers or occasional trips

5-year, 36 pages, normal processing = Rs. 4,500 (cheapest option)

For students or workers going abroad

10-year, 72 pages, urgent processing = Rs. 18,750 (best value long-term)

For frequent travelers or businesspeople

10-year, 100 pages, urgent = Rs. 22,500 (maximum convenience)

My brother got 5-year, 72 pages, normal for Rs. 8,500. He’s going to UAE for work, so 72 pages makes sense for multiple visa stamps.

Remember

These fees are non refundable. So when you’re learning how to apply for passport in Pakistan, make sure you’re ready to complete the process.

How Long Until You Get Your Passport?

This is everyone’s biggest question when they want to know how to apply for passport in Pakistan.

Normal Processing

10 working days Most common choice. Your passport will be ready in 2 weeks. Good if you’re not in a rush.

Urgent Processing

4 working days Pay extra and get it in less than a week. Perfect for people with upcoming travel plans.

Fast Track Processing

2 working days Available only in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad. Most expensive but fastest. For emergencies.

Important

These are working days, not calendar days. So 10 working days could be 14 calendar days if weekend falls in between.

How To Track Your Passport

Once submitted, you can track status online:

Method 1: Online Tracking

Visit: https://onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk/track
Enter your tracking ID (on your receipt)
Check status

Method 2: SMS

Send your token number to 9988
You’ll receive status update

Method 3: Call Center

Call: 051-9245623 (DGIP helpline)
Have your CNIC and tracking ID ready

My brother tracked his passport daily. Day 3 showed In Printing. Day 5 showed Ready for Collection. Simple and transparent.

Where to Apply: Passport Offices Across Pakistan

When learning how to apply for passport in Pakistan, you need to know where to go. There are Regional Passport Offices (RPO) in every major city.

Major Cities

Karachi

Saddar (near Lucky Star) Main office
Clifton
North Karachi
Malir

Lahore

Garden Town (behind Barkat Market) Main office
Model Town
Johar Town
Allama Iqbal Town

Islamabad

G-8 Markaz (near NADRA)
G-11 Markaz
I-9 Industrial Area

Rawalpindi

Saddar (near Committee Chowk)
Satellite Town

Other Cities

Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Quetta, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Sargodha all have Regional Passport Offices.

Small Town Residents

Paying wrong amount or at wrong bank.

Solution

Only pay at designated bank counter with official challan. Keep receipt.

Special Cases: What If Your Situation Is Different?

If You’re Renewing an Expired Passport

Process is same as new application. You must physically surrender old passport at office. Even if it expired 10 years ago, bring it.

If You Lost Your Passport

First, file FIR at police station for lost passport. Bring FIR copy to passport office. They’ll issue new passport but might ask additional questions.

If You’re a Government Employee

You need NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your department head. Without it, your application will be rejected. This is mandatory.

If You Hold Dual Nationality

Bring your foreign passport copy and NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis). Process is slightly longer for verification.

If Your Name Changed After Marriage

Bring marriage certificate (NADRA issued). Your passport will show new name but it’s good to have proof.

Conclusion

I’ve explained how to apply for passport in Pakistan in detail because I want you to understand one thing you don’t need anyone’s help. The system is designed for regular citizens.

Yes, it requires some preparation. Yes, you need to be careful with documents. Yes, you might spend 2-3 hours at the office.

But compare that to:

Paying agents 5,000-10,000 rupees
Trusting strangers with your documents
Facing delays because of their mistakes

The government has actually made it quite simple in 2026. The online appointment system works. The offices are better organized. The staff is generally helpful. Processing times are faster than ever.

Don’t let fear or myths stop you from getting your passport. Whether you’re going abroad for education, work, Hajj, Umrah, or just tourism understanding how to apply for passport in Pakistan is your first step to achieving those dreams.

Start today. Book your appointment. Gather your documents. And join millions of Pakistanis who successfully got their passports without any agent or connection.

Many people apply for passports not only for travel but also to earn money online in Pakistan through international platforms.

FAQs

Q1: Can I apply for a passport without visiting the office?

No. Even with online application, you must visit in person for biometrics, photo, and document verification. This is mandatory for how to apply for passport in Pakistan.

Q2: How long is a Pakistani passport valid?

You can choose 5-year or 10-year validity when you apply. Both options became available in 2024 and continue in 2026.

Q3: Can I get my passport delivered to my home?

No. You must collect your passport personally from the same office where you applied. Bring your collection receipt and original CNIC.

Q4: What if I’m abroad and need to apply for passport?

Contact the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate in your country. They handle overseas passport applications. Process is different from how to apply for passport in Pakistan locally.

Q5: Can women apply for passport alone?

Absolutely yes. There are no restrictions. Many offices have separate women’s counters for convenience. Thousands of women apply alone daily.

Q6: What if my passport application gets rejected?

You’ll receive a reason for rejection. Common reasons: incomplete documents, CNIC issues, wrong information. Fix the issue and reapply. Your fee is non refundable though.

Q7: Can I travel with an old passport if I applied for renewal?

No. Once you apply for renewal and surrender your old passport, you cannot travel until you receive the new one. Plan accordingly.

Q8: Is NADRA and passport office the same?

No. NADRA issues CNIC. Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) issues passports. They’re different departments with separate offices.

Q9: Can I apply for my child’s passport without my spouse?

One parent’s presence is enough, but you must bring both parents’ CNIC copies. If one parent cannot come, you may need a consent affidavit.

Q10: What is the minimum age to get a passport?

Any age. Even newborn babies can get passports. Children under 18 get passports through their parents/guardians using B-Form.

Q11: Can I change my passport photo after it’s printed?

No. Once your passport is printed, you cannot change the photo. This is why it’s important to look presentable during biometric capture.

Q12: What if there’s a mistake in my passport after printing?

Report it immediately at the same office. They can issue correction/rectification if the mistake was their error. If it’s your mistake (wrong information provided), you might need to apply for a new passport.

Q13: Is there any age limit for getting a passport?

No age limit. From newborns to elderly citizens anyone can get a passport. The process of how to apply for passport in Pakistan is same for all ages (with minor document differences for children).

Q14: Can I apply for passport if I have a criminal case?

Depends on the nature of case. Your name is checked against databases. If you’re on ECL (Exit Control List), your application will be rejected. For minor cases, usually no problem.

Q15: Do I need to submit my old passport when renewing?

Yes, physically surrendering your old passport is mandatory for renewal. Even if it’s expired for years, you must bring it to the office.

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