Revolutionizing Travel: Pakistan Launches Nationwide Electronic Passport Implementation

23 Aug 2023
Asma
Travel Advisory
34

Big news for travelers in Pakistan!

Pakistan has taken a great step in modernizing travel procedures by introducing its innovative electronic passport service. This groundbreaking initiative enables citizens to effortlessly apply for travel documents from the comfort of their homes. Following a successful debut in Islamabad, the e-passport implementation is extending across the nation, significantly simplifying the process of obtaining crucial travel credentials.

The advent of e-passports comes as a welcome relief for countless citizens who have been facing prolonged wait times for conventional passports, which is increased by a surge in applications. Previously, cities like Karachi saw standard passport processing times escalate from 10 days to over a month. Urgent processing, once a five-day affair, extended to two weeks, while even the expedited two-day option stretched to five days.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports is diligently addressing these challenges. Operating around the clock, they are committed to expediting passport printing and minimizing inconveniences. This proactive approach aims to manage the heightened demand and enhance the overall experience for citizens, marking a transformative shift in Pakistan's travel landscape.
In terms of cost, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has outlined the fee structure for the new e-passport service. A standard 36-page e-passport, valid for five years, is priced at PKR 9,000. For urgent processing, an accelerated option is available at PKR 15,000. Similarly, a larger 72-page e-passport for regular use costs PKR 16,500, with the expedited version priced at PKR 27,000. Opting for a 36-page e-passport with a ten-year validity carries a fee of PKR 13,500, while the urgent alternative is PKR 22,500.
Likewise, a 72-page e-passport with a decade of validity is priced at PKR 24,750, with the expedited variant offered at PKR 40,500. Standard passport fees remain unchanged. These revised fees will be effective from Thursday, August 17, 2023.
Gone are the days of protracted waits and lengthy queues. With the new electronic passport service, the convenience of swift and hassle-free passport applications is now at your fingertips, right from the comfort of your home.