Pakistan’s passport application process has received a major upgrade in 2026, ending months of delays and making it faster and more convenient for citizens. The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) has cleared the backlog of pending applications, meaning applicants no longer face long waiting periods. With the introduction of new high-speed printers from Germany capable of producing up to 1,000 passports per hour, the department can now meet growing demand efficiently.
Passport services are now available 24/7 in major cities such as Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, and passport counters have been added at NADRA Mega Centres in 14 cities across the country. This expansion reduces waiting times, crowding, and provides more convenience for applicants.
For those needing urgent travel documents, the Fast Track Passport Service has been extended to 47 cities. Processing times for 2026 are as follows: Fast Track in two working days, Urgent in five working days, and Normal in 21 working days. Fees vary according to the service type, with higher charges for faster processing.
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the DGIP has introduced a pilot home delivery service for passports, which will soon expand to other cities. At the same time, authorities are cracking down on agents who solicit extra fees for faster processing, ensuring a more transparent and fair system.
Applying for a passport in Pakistan in 2026 is straightforward. Applicants need to gather documents such as CNIC or NICOP and any supporting paperwork, visit the nearest Regional Passport Office or 24/7 NADRA Mega Centre, pay the applicable fees, and complete biometric and photo capture on-site. Applicants can track their passport status online, via SMS, or through the DGIP helpline.
To ensure a smooth experience, applicants are advised to apply early, use official channels, verify their documents, and consider the Fast Track service for urgent travel. With new technology, expanded service hours, additional offices, and home delivery, the passport process in Pakistan is now faster, more reliable, and user-friendly than ever.
