Pakistan to Stop Issuing MRP Passports
Pakistan’s passport system is about to change in a big way. The Directorate General Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) will stop issuing new Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs) from October 15, 2026. After that date, only e-Passports will be issued. This was reported by Samaa News.
If you’re planning to apply for a new passport soon, this timeline matters.
The Deadline You Need to Remember
You can still apply for a new MRP until October 14, 2026. After that, the option disappears completely.
There’s another important detail here. Existing MRPs will not be renewed once they expire. So even if you already have an MRP, you won’t be able to renew it under the old system once this change takes effect. You’ll need to move to an e-Passport instead.
Why This Change Is Happening
DGI&P has already sent a circular to passport offices across Pakistan about the decision. Staff at Pakistani missions abroad have also been directed to implement the new policy. This means the change applies not just within Pakistan but at Pakistani embassies and consulates worldwide.
Passport offices have been instructed to inform applicants directly about the shift. So if you visit a passport office in the coming weeks, expect this to come up.
What Changes for Travelers
E-Passports aren’t just a newer version of the same document. They come with an embedded chip that stores your biometric and personal data digitally. This brings a few real benefits:
- Faster immigration clearance, especially at airports with e-gates
- Reduced manual checking at border control
- Better security, since the data is harder to forge compared to standard MRPs
For frequent travelers, this could mean noticeably shorter queues at immigration counters, both in Pakistan and abroad.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re due for a passport renewal or a first-time application, here’s what matters most:
- Check if your current MRP is close to expiring. If it is, plan ahead since renewals won’t be possible after the deadline.
- If you still want an MRP for any reason, you must apply before October 14, 2026.
- If you’re applying after that date, you’ll automatically be issued an e-Passport.
The Bigger Picture
This move brings Pakistan in line with many countries that have already transitioned to e-Passports as the standard. It’s part of a broader push toward faster, more secure, and more digitally integrated travel documentation.
For now, the key takeaway is simple. If MRPs matter to you for any specific reason, the clock is ticking. For everyone else, the shift to e-Passports should make future travel a little smoother.