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Updated March 2024
The e-passport is gradually becoming the world standard in travel documents. The government of Pakistan has recently launched the country’s electronic passport to facilitate easy and secure international travel for Pakistani citizens, especially those residing abroad.
In this article, Wego has covered the key features and benefits of having an e-Passport over a traditional passport.
Table of Contents
Pakistan e-Passport news
The government of Pakistan has officially launched the e-passport service facility across Pakistan. Previously, the e-passport facility was only available for the residents of Islamabad Capital Territory, along with diplomatic and government personnel. The e-passport has become the biggest advancement in Pakistani travel documents since 2004, as it incorporates 29 of the most recent security features.
Following the e-passport service, the authorities will also install e-gate or smart gates at Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and other international airports of the country. These gates will be used to complete the hassle-free immigration process.
What is e-Passport?
The e-Passport has an electronic chip embedded in one of the passport pages, which will be used to store biometric information about the holder.
The chip contains data that will verify the passport holder’s identity and will include the biometrics of the passport holder, the personal data found on the data page of the passport, a unique identification number and a digital signature. The newly launched e-Passports in Pakistan are in compliance with the United Nations’ ICAO standards.
In contrast, traditional Pakistani passports are machine-readable and biometric and are printed at the DGIP headquarters in the capital city of Islamabad.
Pakistan e-Passport benefits
E-Passports are already in use in more than 150 countries worldwide. Several countries have switched to e-Passport due to the increasing need for efficient and better border security. Pakistan also issues online visas to citizens of 191 countries.
Pakistan e-Passport holders can benefit from the e-gate facility at all airports around the world. It will also help eliminate all the hurdles in the ongoing manual system and will aid Pakistani applicants to process online applications conveniently. Since the e-Passport carries out various forms of security checks, extending benefits to overseas Pakistanis will ultimately benefit the country.
Pakistan e-Passport application process
The application process for the Pakistan e-Passport is similar to acquiring a traditional passport. The documents required for an e-Passport are also similar to those of a Machine Readable Passport (MRP). To obtain the Pakistan e-Passport, you can visit the passport office across the country. The Pakistan authorities are also planning to expand the e-passport service to Pakistani mission offices in Europe, the USA, and other international locations in the near future.
Further information regarding the passport application process can be checked in our dedicated article below.
Pakistan e-Passport picture
The picture that is submitted for the e-passport has to adhere to the Pakistan passport guidelines. The requirements for a Pakistan e-passport picture include the following:
- the size should be 45 mm high and 35mm wide.
- the picture is not more than 6 months old.
- taken against a plain white background
- show a close-up of your full head and shoulders, facing forward and looking straight at the camera
- no other objects or people are allowed in the picture
- the expression should be neutral with a closed mouth
- eyes are open and visible
Pakistan e-Passport validity
Pakistani passports currently have a validity of 5 and 10 years.
Interior Minister @ShkhRasheed has said that the validity of passport has been extended from five to ten years to facilitate the overseas Pakistanishttps://t.co/vPdyfeXf9b pic.twitter.com/b0SW4kp0WO
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) March 30, 2022
Pakistan e-Passport renewal
With the online passport renewal system, citizens can conveniently renew their passports using a dedicated website, eliminating the requirement for multiple visits to passport offices. Before you apply for the renewal process, make sure that you have prepared the supporting documents, a photograph, and a valid credit/debit card. To renew the e-passport, you can visit the DG Immigration and Passport official website.
Pakistan e-Passport tracking
To track the passport application status, the DGIP has implemented an SMS-based Passport Tracking System. With this service, you only need to send your 11-digit token number to 9988 via SMS, and your passport status will be sent to you via SMS immediately, providing timely updates to applicants regarding the various stages of passport processing.
Pakistan e-Passport fee
According to the announcement:
- The normal fee for a 5-year e-passport with 36 pages is PKR 9,000, and the urgent fee is PKR 15,000.
- The normal fee for a 10-year e-passport with 36 pages is PKR 13,500, and the urgent fee is PKR 22,000.
- The normal fee for a 5-year e-passport with 72 pages is PKR 15,000, and the urgent fee is PKR 27,000.
- The normal fee for a 10-year e-passport with 72 pages is PKR 24,750, and the urgent fee will be PKR 40,000.
Fees can also be paid through National Bank, online banking apps, JazzCash, and EasyPaisa.
