The 2026 renewal cycle introduces a machine‑readable Pakistani passport, revised fees, and an online application portal. This guide explains the new costs, security features, step‑by‑step application process and tips to avoid delays, helping citizens renew their passports smoothly.

Pakistan passport renewal 2026: fee update, new machine‑readable system and step‑by‑step guide

The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports has overhauled the renewal process for 2026, introducing a machine‑readable passport and a revised fee schedule. Applicants can now start the paperwork online, but a visit to the regional office remains mandatory for biometric capture. This article explains the new costs, the security features of the updated passport, and the exact steps you need to follow to avoid delays.

What’s new for passport renewal in 2026

The 2026 renewal cycle marks the first time the Pakistani passport will be issued in a fully machine‑readable format compliant with ICAO standards. The new booklet retains the familiar navy cover but adds a polycarbonate data page that stores biometric data and a digital chip for e‑gate processing at major airports. The change is designed to speed up immigration checks abroad and to reduce fraud.

Alongside the technical upgrade, the government has streamlined the paperwork. The old paper‑based application form has been replaced by an online portal hosted on the DGIP website. The portal generates a QR‑coded receipt that must be presented at the nearest passport office for fingerprint and facial scan. Applicants will still receive a hard‑copy receipt for payment, but the QR code links directly to the digital file, cutting down on manual data entry errors.

Citizens who previously renewed their passport by visiting the office with a printed form can now skip that step, provided they have a valid CNIC and a recent digital photograph that meets the new specifications. The transition period runs until the end of December 2026, after which the legacy non‑machine‑readable passport will no longer be accepted for new travel.

Updated renewal fees and payment options

The fee structure has been revised to reflect the higher production cost of the machine‑readable booklet and the added security features. The new schedule is tiered by age and processing speed. All fees are payable in Pakistani rupees and can be settled via bank draft, online banking, or at the passport office’s cashier window.

Age Category	Standard Renewal (30 days)	Express Renewal (15 days)
Adults (15 – 59 years)	PKR 3,500	PKR 5,500
Seniors (60 + years)	PKR 2,500	PKR 4,000
Minors (0 – 14 years)	PKR 2,000	PKR 3,500

Payment can be made through the Federal Board of Revenue’s online portal using a debit or credit card, or by direct transfer to the designated DGIP account. Cash payments are still accepted at regional offices, but the receipt will include a barcode that must be scanned during the biometric capture stage.

Applicants who qualify for a fee waiver—such as government employees on official duty abroad—should submit the relevant exemption letter alongside the online application. The waiver is applied automatically by the system once the document is uploaded.

The new machine‑readable passport: features and security

The data page now contains a contactless chip that stores the holder’s biometric fingerprint template, facial image, and a unique passport number. This chip can be read by e‑gates at major international airports, reducing the need for manual inspection. The chip also supports a digital signature that verifies the authenticity of the passport against the DGIP database.

Visually, the passport includes holographic elements, UV‑reactive ink, and a raised polycarbonate layer that is difficult to counterfeit. The colour scheme retains the traditional green‑blue gradient but adds a subtle silver stripe that runs along the edge of the data page, visible only under specialised light.

Security experts from the National Counter Terrorism Authority have praised the upgrade, noting that “the integration of biometric data directly into the passport chip significantly raises the barrier for identity theft and illegal travel.” The new passport will be recognised by over 190 countries for visa‑free entry, matching the standards of neighbouring India and the United Arab Emirates.

How to apply: from online form to collection

Step 1 – Create an account on the DGIP portal. You will need your CNIC number, a valid email address, and a mobile number that can receive an OTP. After verification, you can start a new renewal application.

Step 2 – Upload the required documents: a recent digital photograph (35 mm × 45 mm, white background, no glasses), a scanned copy of your current passport, and, if applicable, a fee‑waiver letter. The system checks the files for compliance and flags any issues before you can submit.

Step 3 – Pay the renewal fee. Choose your preferred payment method; the portal generates a QR‑coded receipt that you must print or save on your phone. The receipt includes a reference number that will be used to track your application.

Step 4 – Visit the nearest passport office with the printed receipt and original CNIC. At the office you will undergo fingerprint capture and a live‑face verification. The biometric data is instantly uploaded to the central database.

Step 5 – Collect your new passport. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, while the express lane delivers the booklet in roughly 15 days. You will receive an SMS when the passport is ready for pickup; the office will hand you the document after a final visual inspection.

Processing times, tracking and avoiding delays

While the official processing window is 30 days for standard applications, many regional offices report an average turnaround of 22 days as of August 2026. Express applications, especially in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, often finish within 12 days.

Region	Standard (days)	Express (days)
Islamabad Capital Territory	20	10
Punjab (Lahore, Rawalpindi)	24	13
Sindh (Karachi)	26	14
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa	28	15
Balochistan	30	16

Common reasons for delay include mismatched photographs, incomplete fee waivers, and failure to bring the original CNIC for biometric capture. The online portal provides a real‑time status update; you can also call the helpline +92‑51‑923 1234 for clarification.

To minimise the risk of a rejected application, double‑check the photo specifications, ensure the QR receipt is clearly printed, and arrive at the office at least 15 minutes before your scheduled biometric slot.

“The shift to a machine‑readable passport is a leap forward for both security and convenience,” said Ms Ayesha Khan, senior officer at the Islamabad passport office.

Quick answers

How much does a standard renewal cost for an adult?

The fee is PKR 3,500 for a standard 30‑day renewal, payable online or at the passport office.

Can I renew my passport from abroad?

Yes. Pakistani citizens abroad can use the online portal, pay the fee through the FBR’s international payment gateway, and then send the biometric data to the nearest Pakistani diplomatic mission for verification.