A passport application is one of those tasks where a single missing document can cost you an entire day and a second trip across the city. The good news is that the process itself is well documented — the problem is that most people read about it after they have already queued up.
This guide sets out what actually happens at a Regional Passport Office, what you need to carry, what the fees are, and how to track your passport once you have applied.
The Official Application Process
According to the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP), a Machine Readable Passport (MRP) application at a Regional Passport Office in Pakistan follows eight stages:
- Arrival at the Customer Service Counter — you are briefed on the process flow.
- Photograph capture and token issuance — a QR-code token is generated with your application type, priority type and CNIC/CRC number.
- Biometrics / fingerprints — right thumb, right index, left thumb and left index are captured.
- Data entry — an operator enters your details on a screen visible to you, then prints a Data Entry Form for your verification.
- Verification against office records — a check against the Exit Control List (ECL) and Black List (BL).
- Interview and decision by the Assistant Director.
- Fee payment via QR code — payable through digital platforms such as EasyPaisa, JazzCash or online banking.
- Passport delivery — collection on the given date.
Some Regional Passport Offices now run a One Window facilitation desk, where stages 2 to 5 are handled at a single counter.
Check the Token Carefully
This is the single most important piece of advice on this page. The token shows your application type, priority type and CNIC/CRC number. If anything is wrong, report it at the token counter immediately. Once your data has been saved and cleared by the Assistant Director, no change is possible — the token has to be cancelled and you start the entire process again.
Documents to Carry
- Original CNIC / Smart Card / NICOP — plus a photocopy
- For applicants under 18: Children Registration Certificate (CRC) or B-Form, plus copies
- Any supporting documents requested at the interview stage
Applicants under 18 will have their case deferred and given a printed form to be attested by a Government Gazetted Officer. The attester must write their CNIC and contact number next to their official stamp. Only then is the minor’s token allowed to proceed.
Fees
DGIP’s published FAQ lists, for a 36-page passport:
- Normal — Rs 4,500
- Urgent — Rs 7,500
Fees increase with the number of pages and validity period, and a Fast Track service with higher fees is available in selected cities. Because passport fees are revised from time to time, always confirm the current chart on dgip.gov.pk before paying.
Online Renewal for Overseas Pakistanis
Overseas Pakistanis can renew their Machine Readable Passport online through DGIP’s online MRP portal rather than visiting a mission in person. You will still need to provide biometrics and documents as instructed during the process.
Tracking Your Passport
- Inside Pakistan: status updates are sent by SMS from 9988.
- Overseas: the Email Rabta service informs applicants about passport status, provided the correct mobile number and email were given at the data-entry stage.
Note that a passport dispatched from the production facility can take additional shipment time to reach your Regional Passport Office — so the “printed” status and “ready for collection” status are not the same thing.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong data on the token. Reported above — it cannot be fixed later.
- Missing photocopies. Carry copies of the CNIC and CRC/B-Form; counters are busy and a photocopy shop queue can cost you your token slot.
- Forgetting the gazetted officer attestation for minors, which forces a return visit.
- Assuming the fastest option is automatic. Priority type is decided at the token counter and reflected in the fee you pay.
- Ignoring the SMS. Collection dates are communicated by SMS; a passport left uncollected for long periods creates avoidable trouble.
FAQ
How much does a Pakistani passport cost? For a 36-page passport, DGIP lists Rs 4,500 for normal and Rs 7,500 for urgent processing. Other page counts and validity periods cost more — check the current DGIP fee chart.
Can I apply for a Pakistani passport online? Overseas Pakistanis can apply for renewal online. Inside Pakistan, the application is completed at a Regional Passport Office, with payment made digitally via QR code.
How do I track my passport status? Send/receive status updates through SMS 9988 inside Pakistan, or use the Email Rabta service if you are overseas.
What documents do I need for a child’s passport? The child’s CRC or B-Form, the parent’s CNIC, and a data form attested by a Government Gazetted Officer.
Where do I get help? DGIP’s helpline is +92-51-111-344-777, and the Fast Track service is now available in 47 cities.
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