Pakistan has extended the deadline for the mandatory issuance of electronic passports (e-passports), with the new system set to take effect nationwide on October 23, 2026, instead of the previously scheduled date.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports announced the change as part of the country’s transition from machine-readable passports (MRPs) to the modern electronic passport system.
Mandatory E-Passport Issuance from October 23
Under the revised policy, all passport offices across Pakistan and Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad will issue only e-passports to applicants seeking new passports from October 23, 2026.
The deadline had previously been set for October 16. The authorities have extended the transition period to allow the issuance and renewal of machine-readable passports to continue until October 22, 2026.
Existing Passports to Remain Valid
Immigration authorities have clarified that all machine-readable passports issued before October 23, 2026, will remain fully valid until their respective expiry dates.
Citizens holding valid machine-readable passports do not need to replace them before expiry. They can continue using their existing passports for travel as long as the documents remain valid.
Purpose of the E-Passport System
According to the authorities, the transition to e-passports aims to modernise passport services and bring the security and operational efficiency of Pakistan’s travel documents in line with international standards.
The new system is intended to improve the security and effectiveness of passport services as Pakistan moves towards the exclusive issuance of electronic passports for new applications.
