Whether you are travelling for the first time or your passport is about to expire, the Pakistani passport process is now largely online and biometric. The DGIP issues both the standard Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and the newer chip-based e-passport, in 5-year and 10-year validity and 36, 72 or 100 pages. This guide sets out the current fee structure, the documents required, and how each service level - normal, urgent and fast track - differs, so you can budget and plan before you visit a passport office.
Who can apply and what governs it
Every citizen holding a valid CNIC or NICOP is entitled to a Pakistani passport. Passports are governed by the Passports Act 1974 and issued under the DGIP, part of the Ministry of Interior, while your identity is verified against the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) system. Citizenship itself flows from the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951. If you do not yet hold a valid NADRA identity document, you must obtain that first - see our CNIC guide for inland citizens or the NICOP guide if you live abroad.
Pakistani passport fees 2026 (MRP)
The table below shows the widely cited DGIP fee schedule for the most popular options. E-passports of the same validity and page count typically cost around PKR 1,000 to 2,000 more than the MRP figures shown.
| Validity & pages | Normal | Urgent | Fast track |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years - 36 pages | Rs 4,500 | Rs 7,500 | Rs 9,000 |
| 5 years - 72 pages | Rs 9,000 | Rs 13,500 | Rs 16,200 |
| 10 years - 36 pages | Rs 9,000 | Rs 11,200 | - |
| 10 years - 72 pages | Rs 13,500 | Rs 20,200 | Rs 27,000 |
Fees change. The DGIP revises passport charges from time to time and figures vary by page count, validity and MRP versus e-passport. Always confirm the exact amount on the official DGIP portal before you pay - the fee, once paid, is non-refundable.
Processing times: normal vs urgent vs fast track
Your fee category decides how quickly the passport is printed after biometric enrolment. Delivery, verification and any pending dues can add to these timelines.
| Service | Typical processing (DGIP) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Around 21 working days | No urgent travel, lowest cost |
| Urgent | About 5 working days | Travel within a few weeks |
| Fast track | About 2 working days | Emergency or last-minute travel |
Documents required
Bring originals plus one photocopy of each. The MRP system pulls your data straight from NADRA, so your identity document must be valid and current.
| Applicant | Documents needed |
|---|---|
| Adult (inland) | Valid original CNIC (or Smart NICOP), previous passport if issued, and proof of fee payment. |
| Overseas Pakistani | Valid NICOP, previous passport, and e-payment confirmation. |
| Minor aged 10-17 | Updated Child Registration Certificate (with fingerprints and photo) or Juvenile Card, plus parents' CNICs. |
| Minor under 10 | Child Registration Certificate (Form B) or Family Registration Certificate, plus parents' CNICs. |
Note that children under 15 years cannot be issued a 10-year passport, so only the 5-year fee applies to them. For lost or damaged passports, an additional police report or affidavit may be required - our legal forms library has affidavit templates you can adapt.
How to apply or renew online
Inland citizens can now renew existing passports at onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk, with the finished passport delivered to your chosen passport office. Overseas Pakistanis can apply online with home delivery available in many countries. The broad steps are:
- Generate a 17-digit PSID challan through the DGIP portal or the Pakistan Fee Asaan app, and pay online by card or at an e-Sahulat franchise.
- Complete the online application and upload your documents.
- Attend your selected office for biometrics and photograph (first-time and certain renewals).
- Track progress by SMS and email until collection or delivery.
An e-passport carries an electronic chip storing your biometric data, giving stronger security and faster immigration clearance. E-passports have been available from all DGIP field offices since August 2023 and are worth the small premium if you travel often.
Common mistakes that delay a passport
Most delays are avoidable. Watch for these:
- Expired or blocked CNIC/NICOP - renew your NADRA document first, or the application cannot be processed.
- Name or record mismatch between NADRA and your old passport - correct it at NADRA before applying.
- Dual nationality not declared - if you hold another nationality, check the rules in our dual nationality guide.
- Unpaid or wrong-category challan - the fee is non-refundable, so confirm validity and pages before paying.
If your application is refused or blocked and you believe it is wrong, you can pursue the matter - see our note on immigration appeals in Pakistan.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Pakistani passport in 2026?
A 5-year, 36-page MRP is roughly PKR 4,500 normal, PKR 7,500 urgent and PKR 9,000 fast track. E-passports cost a little more. Confirm the exact figure on the DGIP portal, as fees are revised periodically.
What documents do I need?
A valid original CNIC or NICOP with a photocopy, your previous passport if issued, and proof of fee payment. Minors need a Child Registration Certificate (Form B) or Juvenile Card plus parents' CNICs.
Can I renew my passport online?
Yes. Inland applicants renew at onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk with delivery to a chosen office; overseas Pakistanis can apply online with home delivery in many countries.
How fast is the urgent service?
Per the DGIP, urgent is about 5 working days and fast track about 2 working days after biometrics, against roughly 21 working days for normal service.
Is the fee refundable if I cancel?
No. Once paid, the passport fee is non-refundable, so double-check the category, validity and page count before generating your challan.