The Embassy of Pakistan in Qatar will begin offering electronic passport services on October 15, 2026, as Pakistan moves towards a fully digital passport system for citizens at home and abroad.
The embassy in Doha has announced that applicants will no longer be able to submit applications for machine-readable passports (MRPs) at Pakistani diplomatic missions from the launch date. The change marks another step in the government’s efforts to modernise passport services and strengthen travel document security.
Existing Passports Will Remain Valid
The embassy has clarified that machine-readable passports issued before October 15 will remain valid until their stated expiry dates.
Therefore, Pakistanis living in Qatar do not need to replace their existing passports immediately. They can continue using them according to the applicable rules and regulations.
However, applicants seeking a new passport or renewing an expired document after the deadline will need to follow the e-passport application process.
What Is a Pakistani E-Passport?
An e-passport is a biometric travel document containing an embedded electronic chip. The chip stores the holder’s personal information and biometric data, allowing immigration authorities to verify identity electronically.
Pakistan’s e-passport system includes advanced security features designed to reduce the risks of forgery, tampering and identity fraud. The document also follows international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
These features can support more secure border checks and facilitate electronic verification at compatible immigration systems.
What Overseas Pakistanis Should Know
The transition will affect Pakistani citizens applying for passports through diplomatic missions abroad, including the embassy in Doha. Applicants should check the latest requirements, fees and processing procedures before submitting an application. They can also consult the embassy’s official channels for updates about the service.
Pakistan has been expanding its e-passport system as part of wider efforts to improve public services and strengthen the security of official travel documents.
The October 15 deadline will make e-passports the standard option for new applications at Pakistani diplomatic missions, while previously issued machine-readable passports will remain usable until expiry.
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