How To Apply For Passport in Pakistan: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you guys are planning to fly abroad any time soon but don’t know the procedure to apply for a passport in Pakistan, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ll share all the details and information about the passport application process in Pakistan. So, let’s get started!

Types of Passports in Pakistan

The Passport Act 1974 regulates the issuance of passports in Pakistan. According to that act, there are three different types of passports:

• Ordinary Passport    

The most common type of passport issued by the DGI&P (Directorate General of Immigration and Passports in Pakistan) is the “Ordinary Passport”. It is the one with a green outer cover. Most Pakistani citizens visit different countries for regular travel using this passport.

• Diplomatic Passport

The Diplomatic Passport is usually issued to diplomats by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It has a red outer cover.

• Official Passport

The government offices in Pakistan are issued official passports when they are sent abroad on official tasks. The passport in navy blue is given to senators, MNAs, provincial ministers, judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, and high courts.

Validity of Pakistani Passport

DGI&P issues Pakistani passports with a validity of five and ten years, depending on the fee deposited. It is pertinent to mention here that a passport valid for 5 years is not convertible into a passport with 10 years of validity. However, its renewal is possible before expiration. All Pakistani children who are under 15 years of age can get a passport with 5 years of validity.

Documents Required For Application

The documents required for the application for a passport in Pakistan are:

For Applicants (18 Years of Age or Above)

• Bank Challan receipt of the application fee deposits
• Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)/NICOP with its 2 photocopies
• An Old Passport with a photocopy, if issued previously
• NOC in case of a Government Servant
• Foreign Passport with a photocopy for Dual-Nationals

For Applicants (Minors under 18 Years)

• Bank Challan receipt
• CRC/B-form with 2 photocopies
• Photocopies of Parents’ CNICs
• Foreign Passport with a Photocopy for Dual-Nationals

How To Apply for a Passport in Pakistan?

It is pertinent to mention here that the online portal is only for the renewal of Machine Readable Passport. If you want to get your hands, on a new one, modify it, or reprint then you have to go to the nearest Pakistan Embassy/ High Commission/ Consulate General where the MRP facility is available. These services cannot be availed through the Online Portal.

Application Through the Regional Passport Office

If you want to get a passport through RPO, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Go to your nearby Passport Office
• Head to the Customer Service Counter
• Receive a token
• On your token call, follow the instructions from the representative
• Head toward the Photograph Counter, Biometric Data Counter, and Data Entry Counter, respectively
• Your Official Records Will Be Verified
• The Assistant Director will take your interview
• After that, you can collect your Passport

The applicant will be given a 10-working day duration for a normal passport application and a 4-working-day timeline for an urgent passport application for processing. The applicant can collect his/her passport from the Passport Collection Counter at the Regional Passport Office. Moreover, it can also be couriered to your home address by paying additional charges.

E-Passport Fee For Ordinary Category

e-Services portal is quite fast and convenient. You can easily apply for a machine-readable passport from the comfort of your house. Any modern browser connected to the Internet, anywhere in the world, can do your job. Moreover, no special software is required for the application.