Pakistan will stop issuing machine-readable passports (MRPs) nationwide from October 15, 2026, as the country moves towards a fully electronic passport system.
According to a public notice issued by the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York on September 25, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) has announced the change.
From October 15, applicants applying for new passports will receive e-passports only.
The transition will apply to passport offices across Pakistan as well as Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad.
Existing Passports Will Remain Valid
The DGI&P has clarified that existing machine-readable passports will not become invalid when the new system begins.
Instead, current MRPs will remain valid until their printed expiry dates.
However, holders will need to apply for an e-passport when their existing passport expires.
Therefore, citizens with valid MRPs do not need to replace them immediately because of the new policy.
The change mainly affects applications for new passports submitted from October 15 onwards.
Pakistan Moves Towards Fully Electronic Passports
The latest decision marks another step in Pakistan’s transition towards electronic travel documents.
The DGI&P has instructed passport offices and Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad to prepare for the change.
Officials will also facilitate applicants during the transition to ensure the new system operates smoothly.
The move is intended to modernise passport services and expand the use of electronic verification for Pakistani travellers.
Pakistan has already been issuing e-passports alongside machine-readable passports. However, the October 15 deadline will end the issuance of new MRPs.
What Is an E-Passport?
An e-passport is an electronic travel document containing a chip that stores the holder’s passport and identity information. Compatible immigration systems can electronically read the chip and verify the information contained in the passport.
This technology can support faster identity verification and strengthen the processing of travellers at participating border-control systems. As Pakistan completes the transition, e-passports will become the standard document for new passport applications.
For now, holders of valid machine-readable passports can continue using them until their stated expiry dates. After that, they will need to apply for an e-passport.
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