The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has revised the Pakistan e-passport launch date. Specifically, the nationwide rollout will now begin on October 23. This is instead of October 15, 2026.
Under the revised schedule, passport offices across Pakistan will issue only e-passports. In addition, Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad will do the same. Specifically, this applies to applicants seeking new passports from October 23.
Missions confirm the Pakistan e-passport launch date
In fact, the change has been confirmed through public notices issued by Pakistani diplomatic missions. For example, the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York announced the revised date on October 14.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha has also issued an updated schedule. Specifically, it will begin issuing e-passports on October 25. It will continue to issue machine-readable passports until October 22.
The staggered dates carry a clear message. For example, applicants dealing with missions abroad should check their local notice. Each embassy or consulate issues its own notice. In fact, some posts switch over a day or two after the domestic cutover.
What happens to existing passports
Holders of valid machine-readable passports do not need to take any immediate step. Specifically, existing MRPs issued before October 23 will remain valid until their printed expiry dates. Indeed, there is no requirement to replace them early.
Only new applications from October 23 onward will be issued as e-passports. The shift is part of Pakistan’s wider effort to modernise passport services. In addition, it will improve the efficiency of travel documentation. As a result, this brings the country’s documents in line with international biometric standards.
What an e-passport changes for travellers
An e-passport, sometimes called a biometric passport, carries an electronic chip embedded in the document. Specifically, the chip stores the holder’s biometric data. This includes facial image and fingerprints, alongside the printed details. Border systems in most countries can read the chip. As a result, this speeds up immigration checks. It also makes the document harder to forge.
Pakistan’s move follows a global trend, as most countries now issue biometric documents as the standard. For travellers, the practical difference is small at the airport counter. However, the added security layer reduces the risk of identity fraud tied to travel documents.
A timeline that keeps shifting
This is the second adjustment to the rollout calendar. Feature Pakistan earlier reported the timeline shift and MRP phase-out plan. As a result, the October 23 date now gives applicants a firm cutover to plan around.
Anyone with an application already in the system should check with their passport office. Specifically, they should confirm whether it will be processed as an MRP or an e-passport. In fact, for those applying fresh after the cutover, the e-passport will be the only option.
Readers comparing the two document types can see how they differ in our MRP vs e-passport explainer. The broader passport digitalisation drive is reshaping how immigration documents are issued. For example, applicants who prefer to avoid office visits have options. They can apply for a passport online. In addition, they can renew an existing passport online.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new Pakistan e-passport launch date?
Specifically, the nationwide rollout of e-passports will begin on October 23, 2026. It was revised from the earlier date of October 15.
Will my current machine-readable passport still work?
Yes. MRPs issued before October 23 remain valid until their expiry dates. You do not need to replace a valid MRP before it expires.
Will embassies abroad switch on the same date?
Pakistani missions abroad will issue only e-passports from October 23, though some posts have slightly different schedules. The Doha embassy, for example, starts e-passports on October 25 and issues MRPs until October 22.
Do I need to do anything if I applied before October 23?
Check with your passport office or mission. Specifically, find out whether your pending application will be processed as an MRP or an e-passport. The cutover applies to issuance from October 23.
