Learn how to apply for a Pakistani passport in 2024 with our step-by-step guide. Covering passport fees, documents needed, online application, and renewal process.

 

How to Apply for a Passport in Pakistan: 2024 Step-by-Step Application Process

International traveling is becoming quite in vogue among Pakistani citizens for employment, education, or tourism. However, before even leaving your country, you will need a passport, which is your international identification. Applying for a passport appears to be a rather cumbersome process unless you prepare yourself beforehand. The entire procedure for the issuance or renewal of a Pakistani passport in 2024 has been given below, along with necessary information relating to documents, fees, and timelines.

Step 1: Collect all necessary documents to carry out the process

It is therefore very important for you to prepare your documents ahead of the application so that you do not delay. Missing or incorrect documents are one of the common reasons for delayed applications. Make sure, therefore that everything is accurate and complete.

Important Documents for a Pakistani Passport

1. National Identity Card (CNIC or NICOP):

This is the primary identification document. Adults have the need of holding a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) or a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).

2. Photocopy of CNIC:

Majority RPOs now require at least one or two copies of your CNIC for identification purposes.

3. Passport Photos:

Most passport offices have four to six passport-sized photographs, which should be according to official picture specifications, no older than six months, and sharp/clear.

4. Expired/Close-to-Expiration Passport:

If renewing a passport, bring an expired or almost-expired passport.

If the applicant is a minor at the time of submission (less than 18 years old), the following documents are required in addition to the application:

Birth Certificate:  A photocopy of the birth certificate of the applicant to confirm the age of the child.

Parent’s CNIC: This would be the CNIC of the parent or legal guardian who would be applying on behalf of the minor applicant.

Check if there is any further requirement beyond what I have said above, especially when you’re getting through the application for a special category, like government employees; check out that on their official website or from your local passport office.

Step 2: Find and Drop In To Your Regional Passport Office

After collecting the necessary documents, it’s time to visit your nearest Regional Passport Office. Most major cities in Pakistan, such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, have multiple regional passport offices that do most work for the residents of the cities.

Things to Check Before You Pay a Visit

Timings: Most RPOs function between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, on all weekdays, though confirm the same with your office also.

Rush Hours: The morning hours tend to be least crowded. Coming early may save you from long waiting hours.

Online Appointment: Some passport offices offer advance online appointments to save time. Check if this facility exists in your city for a hassle-free

Step 3: Application Form Filling at the RPO

You must fill in the application form properly at the RPO. The application form is available free for download on the website of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.

Form Collection: Collect the form from the information desk at the RPO or bring your pre-filled copies downloaded from the internet.

Carefully Fill Up All Details Making sure all the details are correct, the application form basically consists of full name, CNIC number, date of birth, residence address, and occupation.

Important Precautions to Fill the Application Form

Write in Clear Handwriting: If you’re filling it up manually make sure that the handwriting is clear.

No Errors: Cross check every detail to ensure no error in the field. That could delay the submission experience.

Step 4: Pay Passport Fee

Users must pay the fee for processing their passports. The fee is between PKR 5,000 and PKR 10,000. This will depend on the passport type that a user requests either urgent or normal and also on its validity period for five years or ten.

Pakistan Passport Fees Revised in 2024

Normal Processing Valid for five years. PKR 3,000 to PKR 5,000

Urgent Processing Valid for five years. PKR 5,000 to PKR 10,000.

Validity 10 Years : Passport fees for validity of 10 years are mostly higher; current fees for such passports can be accessed by the RPO.

One can pay the fee at the respective counters in the passport office or in neighboring banks. It is always best to keep a record of the receipt in case it comes in handy later during the application process.

Step 5: Biometric Data Collection

Once the application is submitted, with the fee paid, biometric data collection follows; this includes

Biometric Scanning Fingerprints are also scanned for identification purposes. All applicants above the age of 18 will undergo this exercise.

Passport Photograph An official photograph will also be taken by the officials at the RPO. This is your official passport picture

This exercise is pretty quick, normally in a matter of minutes but you will have to wait if a large number of applicants turn up.

Step 6 Verify and Conduct Brief Interview

Then, there would be the verification process based on your documents and application details. You are highly likely to be asked a few questions in a short interview which may include:

Verification of Person’s details :

The officer may verify details like your name, address, and purpose of visit.

Background Information:

General questions about your work, travel plans, or family, primarily for identification and verification.

Interview is very simple and, in general, it will be this way if you have all other documents full and accurate.

Step 7: Check Your Application Status Online

Once submitted, you can monitor the application yourself through your online account. Directorate General of Immigration and Passports website has an easy monitoring facility. Just use the receipt number to check up on the status of your application.

Estimated Processing Times:

Normal Processing :   This generally takes around 10-14 working days.

Urgent processing:  generally takes 4 to 7 working days.

Step 8 Collect Passport

The applicant will be intimated when the passport is ready through SMS by the RPO. Collection of passport:

Carry your receipt: Along with you carry that receipt issued at the time of your application submission.

Check All Information: Ensure that the information placed on a passport has his/her CNIC.

More Tips for Pakistani Passport Renewal Seekers

Lost Passport

If lost, you have to report the loss immediately. Replacement can be done, which will cost extra, and there will be a slight delay in its processing because some more verifications would have to be done.

How To Process the Online Renewal:

Currently, first-time applicants for passports must appear in person before a Registrar of Passport and Immigration Office. Pakistani citizens living abroad or renewals can apply online via the official website of the Directorate of Immigration and Passports.

Available Validities

When you submit your application, you can opt for a five-year passport, but you can also opt for a ten-year validity passport. Individuals who tend to travel quite frequently will find the latter pretty convenient: they will not have to renew often.

FAQs

Q1: Can I apply for a Pakistani passport online?

– Only for renewals. First-time applications are required in person at the RPO.

Q2: What if I lose my passport? 

– Report loss immediately. Extra fees apply, and verification will be done before issuing a replacement.

Q3: My application is rejected. What now?

Rejections are rarely encountered if your documents are proper. In case you get rejected, then ask at the RPO and know the grounds for rejection and make all the necessary corrections to apply once again.

Q4: How long a Pakistani passport is valid?

You can opt either five years or ten years of validity at the time of applying.

Conclusion

Applying for a Pakistani passport is generally a straight process if you know what is required and you gather all documents in advance. This guide will help you go through the whole thing stress-free from document collection to fetching your passport. If you plan in advance, your documents are set, and you do all of this step by step, this process of getting your passport in Pakistan 2024 will be hassle-free.

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First of all, this is an all-inclusive article, a guide that would provide the reader with an overview of the application process for a passport in Pakistan and as informative and as user-friendly as possible. Let me know if you want to add any information or further adjustments.