VisitPlane Visa Team
Verified by Official Embassy Sources
When to Renew Your Pakistani Passport
Don't wait until your passport expires. Most countries require at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond your return date to issue a visa. For Schengen countries specifically, 3 months beyond your return date is the legal minimum, but 6 months is safer and often required in practice.
Recommended renewal trigger: 12–18 months before expiry. This gives you a buffer for visa applications without risking disruption to travel plans.
Critical scenario: If you are applying for a Schengen visa and your passport expires in less than 6 months beyond your return date, your application will be rejected regardless of all other documentation.
Pakistani Passport Types
Pakistan currently issues two types of passports:
1. Machine Readable Passport (MRP) The older format, still in circulation. Dark green, with a standard 2-line machine-readable zone at the bottom of the photo page. Valid for 5 years.
2. e-Passport (Biometric Passport) Introduced progressively since 2004, now the standard. Contains a microchip embedded in the cover storing biometric data (photo, fingerprints). Globally recognised and more secure. Recommended for all new applications and renewals.
If you are renewing an MRP, you will receive an e-Passport. The changeover is automatic.
Option 1: Online Renewal via passport.gov.pk
The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) offers an online renewal system for Pakistani citizens renewing within Pakistan.
Step-by-Step Online Process
- Visit passport.gov.pk
- Register or log in using your CNIC (National Identity Card number)
- Select "Passport Renewal" from the services menu
- Fill in the application form — personal details, travel history, emergency contact
- Select processing type:
- Normal (5–6 weeks): PKR 4,000
- Urgent (7–10 working days): PKR 6,000
- Emergency (same day – 48 hours): PKR 8,000
- Upload documents (scan of current passport, CNIC)
- Pay online via credit card, debit card, or internet banking
- Select a passport office near you for biometric enrollment (if required for new applicants or where system prompts)
- Receive confirmation and reference number
- Collect your passport when notified, or opt for home delivery in select cities
Option 2: In-Person Renewal at Passport Office
For those who prefer in-person service or cannot access the online system:
Documents Required
- Completed passport application form (Form C — available at passport office or online)
- Original CNIC and two photocopies
- Original current passport and two photocopies (all pages)
- 2 passport-size photographs (blue background, recent)
- Bank challan (payment receipt for the appropriate fee — pay at a State Bank of Pakistan designated branch)
- Domicile certificate (for first-time applicants or if required)
Passport Office Locations
Major offices in Pakistan:
- Islamabad (G-9, Regional Passport Office)
- Rawalpindi (Satellite Town)
- Lahore (10 locations across the city)
- Karachi (multiple locations)
- Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, and all divisional headquarters
Fees (2026)
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| Type | Fee | Processing Time | |---|---|---| | Normal | PKR 4,000 | 5–6 weeks | | Urgent | PKR 6,000 | 7–10 working days | | Emergency | PKR 8,000 | 24–48 hours |
Additional fees:
- Home delivery in select cities: PKR 500–1,000
- Premium processing at designated offices: varies
Fees are paid via bank challan at NBP (National Bank of Pakistan), HBL, or other designated banks, or online via the passport portal.
Processing Times — Realistic Expectations
Official processing targets often diverge from real-world experience, particularly during busy periods (post-Eid, before peak travel season):
| Type | Official Target | Realistic Range | |---|---|---| | Normal | 30 working days | 4–8 weeks | | Urgent | 7–10 working days | 7–14 working days | | Emergency | 24–48 hours | 24–72 hours |
During peak renewal periods (March–May before summer travel, and post-Eid), add 30–50% to expected timelines.
Tracking Your Application
Both online and in-person applicants can track their passport status:
- Online: Visit passport.gov.pk > "Track Application" > enter your tracking number (from your receipt or confirmation email)
- SMS Service: Some offices provide SMS updates at key stages
- Phone: Call the passport office where you submitted your application during business hours
Typical status updates:
- Application received
- Biometric enrollment completed
- Data entry processing
- Passport printing
- Quality control
- Dispatched for delivery / ready for collection
Passport Renewal from Abroad
Pakistani citizens living abroad (UAE, UK, Saudi Arabia, USA, etc.) renew passports through the Pakistani Embassy or High Commission in their country of residence.
General Process
- Book an appointment at the nearest Pakistani Embassy or Consulate (most have moved to appointment-only systems)
- Complete the overseas passport renewal form (available on the embassy website)
- Pay the applicable fee (in local currency equivalent; varies by country)
- Submit in person or by mail (check the specific embassy's instructions)
- Collect in person or via courier
Processing times abroad: Typically 6–12 weeks, though this varies significantly by embassy and their current backlog. Islamabad processes most overseas renewals centrally.
UAE (Most Common Overseas Location)
The Pakistan Consulate in Dubai and the High Commission in Abu Dhabi both handle renewals. Appointments are booked via the Pakistan consulate portal. Emergency processing is available for a higher fee.
e-Passport vs MRP — Why It Matters for Visa Applications
If you are still holding an MRP (non-chip passport), renewing to an e-Passport is strongly recommended before major visa applications:
- Many European countries have e-Gate access for e-Passport holders (faster processing at borders)
- The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS framework (for visa-exempt countries) is built around biometric chip-enabled passports
- Some airlines and countries increasingly scrutinise MRP holders more than e-Passport holders
Your renewal will automatically issue an e-Passport — you do not need to request it specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I renew my passport before a Schengen visa application?
Renew at least 3–4 months before you plan to submit your Schengen visa application. Schengen embassies require at least 3 months (some embassies insist on 6 months) of passport validity beyond your return date. Cutting it close with a passport that expires soon will result in rejection.
Can I travel while my passport renewal is being processed?
No. Your passport is typically submitted to the passport office during the renewal process. You cannot travel on a passport that is being renewed. Plan your renewal during a period when you have no immediate travel needs.
What if my passport is lost or stolen — how do I get an emergency replacement?
Visit the nearest Pakistani passport office (or Pakistani Embassy if abroad) in person. Emergency/lost passport replacements require: police FIR (First Information Report), CNIC, two photographs, and relevant fees. Emergency passports can be issued in 24–48 hours in most cases.
Can I use my old expired passport alongside my new one for visa applications?
Yes. Expired passports should be kept as they contain prior travel history and previous visas. You can present both your new valid passport and all old passports together in a visa application — this is actually recommended to demonstrate travel history.
Is it mandatory to switch from MRP to e-Passport?
It is not legally mandatory — an MRP is technically valid until its expiry date. However, renewing to an e-Passport is strongly recommended for ease of international travel, border processing, and future visa applications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I renew my passport before a Schengen visa application?▾
Renew at least 3–4 months before you plan to submit your Schengen visa application. Schengen embassies require at least 3 months (some insist on 6 months) of passport validity beyond your return date. An expiring-soon passport leads to rejection regardless of other documentation.
Can I travel while my Pakistani passport renewal is being processed?▾
No. Your passport is typically submitted to the passport office during renewal. You cannot travel on a passport being renewed. Plan your renewal during a period when you have no immediate travel needs.
What is the fee for urgent passport renewal in Pakistan?▾
Urgent passport renewal costs PKR 6,000 with a target processing time of 7–10 working days. Emergency processing costs PKR 8,000 with a 24–48 hour target. Normal renewal is PKR 4,000 with a 5–6 week timeline.
Can I use my old expired passport alongside my new one for visa applications?▾
Yes. Expired passports should be kept as they contain prior travel history and previous visas. You can and should present both your new valid passport and all old passports in a visa application to demonstrate travel history.
How do I renew my Pakistani passport from abroad (e.g., UAE or UK)?▾
Book an appointment at the nearest Pakistani Embassy or Consulate. Complete the overseas renewal form from the embassy website. Processing typically takes 6–12 weeks from abroad. Emergency options exist for urgent cases with higher fees.
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