Pakistan Expands e-Passport Services to NADRA Centres From September 7

Pakistan has expanded access to e-passport services, allowing citizens to renew or obtain a reprint of their existing e-passports through NADRA centres across the country from September 7, 2026.

The move is aimed at making passport-related services more accessible and reducing congestion at dedicated passport offices. According to a report by Express Urdu, the facility has been introduced through an agreement between the passport authorities and NADRA. Millions of Pakistanis apply or renew their national passport to apply for visas from Pakistan.

What has changed?

Under the new arrangement, citizens will be able to visit their nearest NADRA centre for:

• e-Passport renewal
• e-Passport reprint
• Related processing for an existing e-passport

The facility is expected to benefit citizens who previously had to visit dedicated passport offices for these services.

Important: New Pakistan passports still require passport offices

The new arrangement does not mean that all passport applications can now be submitted at every NADRA centre.

According to the reported policy:

The government has also clarified that passport counters operating inside NADRA Mega Centres will continue handling new e-passport and MRP applications under the existing procedure.

Why is the government introducing this facility?

The expansion is primarily intended to make passport renewal easier and more convenient for citizens.

Instead of travelling to a dedicated passport office, eligible applicants can use a nearby NADRA centre for renewal or reprint services. Authorities expect the change to help distribute the workload and reduce crowds at passport offices.

Key takeaway: If you already have an e-passport and need to renew it or obtain a reprint, you can now use a NADRA centre from September 7, subject to the applicable service requirements.

e-Passport price in Pakistan

Pakistan's e-passport system was introduced in 2022, and the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports later expanded e-passport issuance to field offices across the country.

The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports currently lists ordinary e-passport fees as follows:

Fees can be paid through the Passport Fee Asaan App or e-Payment Web Portal, according to DGI&P. The department also notes that fast-track delivery is not available for e-passports.

Who can benefit from the new NADRA facility?

The new arrangement is particularly useful for:

• Pakistani citizens whose existing e-passport is approaching expiry
• Travellers who need an e-passport reprint
• Frequent travellers who want to avoid unnecessary visits to passport offices
• Citizens living away from major passport offices
• Applicants looking for a potentially more convenient renewal route

Renewal vs. new passport: Don't confuse the two

One of the most important points for applicants is the difference between renewal/reprint and new passport issuance.

Renewal/reprint:
If you already have an e-passport and need a new one because it is expiring or requires reprinting, the new NADRA facility is designed to provide this service.

First-time/new passport:
The reported arrangement does not transfer general new passport issuance to every NADRA centre. New e-passports and new MRPs continue to be handled through passport offices, while designated NADRA Mega Centre passport counters retain their existing arrangements.

Existing passport services remain available

DGI&P's current guidance says Pakistani citizens can apply for passport services from any passport office, regardless of the address recorded on their CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

The department also operates 24/7 passport processing at selected locations, including certain NADRA Mega Centres in Lahore and Karachi.

Before visiting a NADRA centre

Applicants should consider the following:

1. Confirm the service you need
Make sure your requirement is an e-passport renewal or reprint rather than a first-time passport application.

2. Check the applicable fee
Passport fees depend on the number of pages, validity period and processing category.

3. Check the latest requirements
Requirements and procedures can change, so applicants should verify the latest instructions before visiting.

4. Use official channels for payments
DGI&P provides online payment options through the Passport Fee Asaan App and its e-payment portal.

5. Keep your existing passport and identity documents available
Applicants should carry the documents required for their particular renewal or reprint case and follow instructions issued by NADRA/DGI&P.

A step toward a more digital passport system

The latest development comes as Pakistan continues to modernize its passport system. In June 2026, the government announced broader reforms, including plans for a complete transition toward e-passports, a cashless passport system and moving online passport applications to the PakID app.

The expansion of renewal and reprint services through NADRA centres therefore forms part of a wider effort to make passport services more accessible and digitally driven.

Quick summary

Effective: September 7, 2026
Service: e-Passport renewal and reprint
Location: NADRA centres across Pakistan
New e-Passport: Generally continues through passport offices
New MRP: Continues through passport offices
Purpose: Easier access and reduced congestion

For the latest official requirements, fees and passport procedures, applicants should check the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports website before visiting a centre.