Pakistan has announced that it will issue only e-Passports to its citizens in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) starting July 20, 2026, marking another step toward modernizing its passport services and aligning with international travel standards.
According to the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, all passport applications submitted through the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai will now be processed exclusively as e-Passports. The move is in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, ensuring enhanced security, improved identity protection, and smoother international travel.
The embassy clarified that existing machine-readable passports (MRPs) will remain valid until their expiry dates. Pakistani citizens holding passports with more than six months of remaining validity are advised not to renew them immediately and instead wait until they are closer to expiration.
Pakistanis Traveling to UAE to Receive Major Immigration Relief
Authorities have also released updated fee structures for the issuance and renewal of e-Passports, encouraging applicants to review the revised charges before submitting their applications.
The introduction of e-Passports is expected to provide stronger protection against identity fraud through an embedded electronic chip that securely stores the holder’s biometric and personal information. The new system will also facilitate quicker immigration processing and greater global acceptance.
This transition reflects Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to digitize public services and improve the travel experience for overseas Pakistanis. Citizens in the UAE planning to apply for a new passport or renew an existing one should ensure they follow the updated e-Passport application procedures from July 20, 2026 onward.
