Pakistan stopped issuing machine-readable passports on 23 October 2026, and passport offices in Pakistan and missions abroad now issue only e-passports. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports said the 22-year-old machine-readable system has been phased out, according to The Nation and The News; the change had first been announced for 15 October. Pakistan's embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai have processed every passport application as an e-passport since Friday 23 October, Khaleej Times reported, with fees at the missions starting at AED 145 for a 36-page, five-year passport with normal processing.
A machine-readable passport that is still valid needs no action: it remains valid for travel until the expiry date printed in it, and the holder receives an e-passport at renewal. The missions advise applying for renewal only when less than six months of validity remains. Check the expiry date of your passport before booking, as visa applications and airlines expect remaining validity.
Sources
- The Nation, Web Desk nation.com.pk/24-Oct-2026/pakistan-ends-issuance-machine-readable-passports-shifts-e-passports
- The News, Afzal Nadeem Dogar thenews.pk/print/1444838-pakistan-switches-to-e-passports-ends-machine-readable-system
- Khaleej Times, Waheed Abbas khaleejtimes.com/uae/pakistani-expats-in-uae-e-passports-starts-fees-from-dh145
- Gulf News, Ashfaq Ahmed gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/pakistan-ends-machine-readable-passports-what-changes-from-october-15-1.500690530
This update states what the sources above reported on the date shown. It is general information, not legal advice, and the position can change at short notice. Read how our travel advisories are researched and signed.