Pakistan to End Issuance of Machine Readable Passports From October 15

Pakistan is set to end the issuance of machine readable passports from October 15, 2026, completing the country’s transition toward e passports for new applicants in Pakistan and overseas.

The change will affect the type of passport issued to applicants but will not immediately affect people who already hold a valid machine readable passport.

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has informed passport offices across Pakistan about the new policy and instructed Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad to implement the transition.

For millions of Pakistanis living overseas, including those in the Gulf region, the move means e passports will become the standard document for new passport applications from October 15.

Existing Passports Will Remain Valid

One of the most important points for current passport holders is that existing machine readable passports will not suddenly become invalid when the new system takes effect.

A valid machine readable passport issued before October 15 will remain usable until the expiry date printed on the document.

Travellers therefore do not need to replace their existing passport simply because the government is ending the issuance of new MRPs.

They must, however, continue to meet the passport validity and immigration requirements of the country they are travelling to. Individual countries may have their own rules regarding the minimum validity required for entry.

What Happens When an MRP Expires?

The main change will become relevant when an existing machine readable passport reaches its expiry date.

After October 15, applicants will no longer receive a new machine readable passport. Instead, they will be issued an e passport.

This means Pakistanis whose current MRP remains valid beyond the October deadline can continue using it normally, but their next passport will be an electronic passport when they apply after the transition takes effect.

The same system will apply to people applying for a new passport from October 15 onwards.

What Is an E Passport?

An e passport is an electronic travel document that contains an embedded chip capable of storing and securely verifying passport and identity information.

The technology allows compatible immigration systems to electronically read information contained in the passport, supporting automated identity checks and modern border control procedures.

Pakistan has already been introducing e passports as part of the modernisation of its passport system. The October 15 deadline represents the final phase of the transition for new passport issuance.

The government says the move is intended to modernise passport services and help make immigration procedures faster and more efficient.

Overseas Pakistanis Also Covered

The new policy applies not only to passport offices inside Pakistan but also to Pakistani embassies and consulates abroad.

The change is therefore particularly significant for overseas Pakistanis who regularly renew or replace their passports while living outside the country.

Pakistanis living in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states will receive e passports when applying for new passports under the new system after October 15.

Applicants overseas should continue to monitor information issued by the Pakistani embassy or consulate responsible for their area. Local procedures, application requirements, fees and processing arrangements may vary between diplomatic missions.

What Travellers Need to Know

The October 15 deadline does not mean millions of existing Pakistani machine readable passports will stop working.

Anyone holding an MRP issued before the deadline can continue to use the passport until its stated expiry date, subject to the normal entry and validity requirements of the destination country.

The change applies primarily to new passport issuance.

From October 15, 2026, a person applying for a new Pakistani passport will receive an e passport instead of a machine readable passport.

For existing passport holders, there is therefore no immediate requirement to replace a valid MRP solely because of the policy change. The transition will take place when the current passport expires or when a new passport application is otherwise required.

Courtesy: gulfnews