A Pakistani passport application requires creating an account on the DGIP portal (dgip.gov.pk), selecting passport type and processing speed, paying the fee through a designated bank, booking a biometric appointment, and attending in person for fingerprint and photograph capture.
Create an Account on the Directorate General of Immigration Portal
Pakistani passport applications are processed through the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP). Go to dgip.gov.pk and click "Apply Online." Create an account with your CNIC number, email address, and a mobile number. Verify your email via the link sent to your inbox.
The portal requires a valid, unexpired CNIC — your CNIC details are auto-fetched from NADRA's database when you enter your CNIC number. If your CNIC is expired, renew it first before starting the passport application.
Fill in the Passport Application Form
After logging in, select "New Passport Application." The form auto-populates your name, date of birth, and CNIC details from NADRA. Fill in the remaining fields:
- Passport type: Regular (5 or 10-year validity) or Official/Diplomatic
- Your profession and employer details
- Father's name and CNIC (or late father's details)
- Religion
- Emergency contact
- Preferred passport office for biometric capture and collection
Select your passport validity period: 5-year (Rs. 4,500 approx.) or 10-year (Rs. 8,500 approx.) for a regular 36-page booklet. Executive and larger booklets cost more — check current fees at dgip.gov.pk.
Pay the Fee and Book a Biometric Appointment
After submitting the online form, the portal generates a payment challan. Pay online via credit/debit card, or download the challan and pay at any HBL, MCB, UBL, or NBP branch. Bank branch payments post within 24 hours.
Once payment is confirmed, book a biometric appointment at your chosen passport office. Appointments are required — walk-ins without an appointment are no longer accepted at most offices. Peak appointment slots (mornings, weekends) book up quickly; check availability several days ahead.
Attend the Appointment and Collect Your Passport
At the passport office appointment, bring: your original CNIC, original and photocopy of all required documents, and your payment receipt. The officer captures your biometric data (fingerprints, digital photo, signature) and verifies your documents.
Processing takes 15–30 working days for normal applications. Urgent processing (7 days) and executive (3 days) options are available at higher fees. Track your passport status at dgip.gov.pk using your application reference number. Collect from the designated passport office or opt for home delivery via TCS courier (additional charge).
Passport Application Problems
Your CNIC must be valid and active in NADRA's database. If recently renewed, wait 48 hours for the NADRA-DGIP database sync. Call DGIP helpline 051-9205736 if the issue persists.
Check multiple passport offices — you can book at any office, not just your nearest. Regional passport offices in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad have more slots than smaller city offices.
Generate a new challan from the DGIP portal — challan expiry doesn't cancel your application. Log in and generate a fresh challan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistani passports are issued with 5-year or 10-year validity. The 10-year option is more cost-effective for frequent travellers. Children under 18 typically receive a 5-year passport regardless of which option is chosen.
No — biometric capture (fingerprints, digital photo) requires a physical visit to a passport office. The online application pre-fills your form but the in-person biometric appointment is mandatory.
No minimum age — newborns can get passports. Children need both parents' consent and CNIC/B-Form. There's no maximum age limit.
The 10-year passport costs roughly double the 5-year passport. Exact fees are at dgip.gov.pk and are updated periodically. For most adult applicants, the 10-year is better value over the long term.