MRP vs E-Passport Pakistan: Which One Should You Get in 2026?
Pakistan issues two kinds of passports: the classic Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and the newer biometric e-passport. They cost different amounts, offer different speeds — and only one works at airport e-gates. Here is the honest comparison.
Quick answer: The e-passport has a biometric chip, works at airport e-gates and costs Rs 9,000 (36 pages, 5 years, normal). The MRP is cheaper (Rs 4,500) and is the only option with 2-day Fast Track service. Frequent travellers should choose the e-passport; anyone in a hurry should choose the MRP.
What Each Passport Is
MRP (Machine Readable Passport): Pakistan’s standard passport for two decades. It carries a machine-readable zone (the two lines of text at the bottom of the data page) that immigration systems scan. Reliable, cheap and universally accepted.
E-passport: launched nationwide on 16 August 2023, available at all DGIP field offices. It adds an embedded electronic chip storing your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) to ICAO standards — the same technology used by US, UK and EU passports. The chip enables e-gate self-service immigration at major international airports.
Fee Comparison 2026
| 36 pages, 5 years | MRP | E-passport |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Rs 4,500 | Rs 9,000 |
| Urgent | Rs 7,500 | Rs 15,000 |
| Fast Track (2 days) | Rs 12,500 | Not available |
Speed & Availability
- MRP: normal, urgent and Fast Track (delivery in 2 working days at 47 select offices) — the fastest option in Pakistan.
- E-passport: normal and urgent tiers only. No Fast Track.
- Existing MRPs remain valid until their printed expiry date — there is no forced switch.
Which Should You Pick?
- Choose the e-passport if you travel internationally often, want e-gate access and smoother visa processing, and can wait for normal/urgent delivery.
- Choose the MRP if you need the passport in 2 days (Fast Track), travel rarely, or want the lowest fee.
- Switching: you can upgrade from MRP to e-passport at your next online renewal.
Fee tables and the full picture: e-passport Pakistan complete guide. Paying? See how to pay the passport fee online.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MRP and e-passport in Pakistan?
The MRP is the standard machine-readable passport (Rs 4,500 for 36 pages/5 years). The e-passport adds a biometric chip with your photo and fingerprints (Rs 9,000), enabling e-gate access at major airports. Only the MRP offers 2-day Fast Track service.
Is the e-passport mandatory in Pakistan?
No. Existing MRPs remain valid until their printed expiry date. You can choose either type at your next application or renewal.
Does the e-passport work at airport e-gates?
Yes — that is its main advantage. The biometric chip meets ICAO standards, allowing self-service e-gate immigration at major international airports.
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