For administrative and technological concerns, the Pakistani Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has delayed the introduction of e-Passport services for its nationals till later. The Embassy noted in a statement that the e-Passport issuing, which was supposed to start on July 20, 2026, has been postponed. Until a new date is provided, passport applications under the e-Passport category will not be accepted or processed.
The Embassy underlined that this delay has no bearing on current Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) services. The processing of MRP issuance and renewal applications will continue uninterrupted. In due course, the Embassy will provide an updated date for e-Passport services. Please visit the Embassy’s website and follow its official social media pages for updates.
Machine-readable passports will be phased out as Pakistan moves toward a fully computerized passport system. This modification is meant to modernize passport services, increase security, and improve convenience.
An e-passport, which uses an implanted electronic microchip, is a more sophisticated form of the conventional passport. The passport holder’s biometric and personal information is safely stored on the chip, increasing security and simplifying verification when traveling abroad. This chip securely stores the holders’ identifying information and enables them to use e-gates.
An e-passport uses digital technology to verify the traveler’s identity, in contrast to a regular Machine-Readable Passport (MRP), which primarily uses printed information and a machine-readable section at the bottom of the identity page.
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