Pakistan Passport Rule Changes 2026: No Cash Payments Starting July 2026

Last updated: Jul 4, 2026

Pakistan is overhauling its passport system in 2026, with the most immediate change taking effect on July 1: cash payments at all passport offices will be abolished, replaced by a QR code-based digital payment system.

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Cash Payments Ended at Passport Offices from July 1

From July 1, 2026, all passport offices across Pakistan will stop accepting cash. Passport fee payments through National Bank branches will also end after June 30.

Instead, applicants will pay using a QR code printed on their token.

You scan the code with your banking app — JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or any standard mobile banking app — to complete payment instantly.

The stated goals are faster processing, greater transparency, and reducing the role of agents in the system.

Pakistan Moving Fully to E-Passports

Pakistan has approved a full transition from machine-readable passports (MRPs) to e-passports, in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

E-passports contain an embedded NFC chip that stores biometric data — including your facial image, biographical details, a unique identification number, and a digital signature.

The chip can be read wirelessly at border control and by smart devices.

Key details about the transition:

No cutoff date set yet: The government has approved the move in principle, but no deadline for phasing out existing MRPs has been announced.
Existing passports remain valid: If you already hold a machine-readable passport, it stays valid until its expiry date.
E-gate access worldwide: Pakistan’s e-passports comply with ICAO standards, meaning holders can use automated e-gate facilities at international airports — reducing immigration queues.
Fraud prevention: Minister Naqvi said the shift will “end fraud and forgery related to passports.”

Pakistan already issues e-passports, so this reform means MRPs will gradually be discontinued as the standard document for new applicants.

Home Delivery of Passports Coming Soon

Pakistan will offer passport delivery to your doorstep — both within the country and through consular services abroad. Courier companies TCS and DHL have been engaged to handle the delivery.

Director General Randhawa confirmed that initial work on the home delivery system has been completed. The service is set to launch from July 1, 2026, with TCS handling domestic deliveries and DHL serving Pakistani applicants at overseas missions.

For Islamabad-based applicants and those across Karachi, Lahore, and other cities, this means no return trip to the passport office to collect your document.

Passport Mobile App in the Works

The Directorate General Immigration and Passports (DGIP) is developing a dedicated mobile app that will let Pakistani citizens apply for passports online from anywhere — including from abroad.

The app will integrate with the Pak ID platform, streamlining submissions and cutting processing time. No launch date has been officially confirmed yet.

Once live, overseas Pakistanis — including the large Pakistani communities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and beyond — will be able to apply without visiting a consulate.

What This Means If You’re Renewing or Applying Now

If you have a passport appointment or plan to apply after July 1, here’s what to prepare:

Download a banking app before you go. JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or any bank’s mobile app will work for QR code payments. Cash will not be accepted.
Your MRP is still valid. If your current machine-readable passport is not expiring soon, you don’t need to rush to upgrade — it remains a valid travel document until its printed expiry date.
Check the DGIP website for home delivery availability. The official DGIP site will update when doorstep delivery launches in your city.
Overseas applicants: Contact your nearest Pakistani consulate or mission for current processing times and whether the new services are available at your location.

Planning a trip from Karachi or Lahore? Search for flights on Wego’s flight tracker while you sort your travel documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still pay by cash at the passport office after July 1, 2026?

No. From July 1, all passport offices in Pakistan will stop accepting cash payments. You must pay using the QR code on your token through a mobile banking app such as JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or your bank’s app.

Do I need to replace my machine-readable passport with an e-passport?

No immediate action is required. Your existing MRP remains valid until its expiry date. The government has approved the full transition to e-passports but has not announced a cutoff date for MRPs.

When will passport home delivery be available?

The service is set to launch from July 1, 2026, expanding to all cities of Pakistan. TCS will handle domestic deliveries; DHL will cover overseas applicants through Pakistani missions abroad. Check the DGIP website for updates.

What is an e-passport and how is it different from an MRP?

An e-passport contains an embedded NFC chip that stores biometric data — your facial image, biographical details, and a digital signature. Unlike a standard machine-readable passport, it can be verified at automated e-gates at airports worldwide, speeding up immigration.

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