Dubai: Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates will begin issuing only electronic passports from July 20, completing the transition away from machine-readable passports for new applications filed in the country.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi said the policy will apply to applications received at both the embassy and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai.
The decision follows Islamabad’s recent announcement to phase out machine-readable passports in favour of biometric travel documents that comply with international aviation requirements.
Officials clarified that existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until their expiry dates. Passport holders have not been asked to replace valid documents before they expire.
The embassy also advised Pakistani nationals against seeking early renewal if their passports still have more than six months of validity remaining.
Revised fee structure
Alongside the rollout of e-passports, Pakistani missions have released updated consular charges.
A standard 36-page passport with five-year validity will cost AED 145, while the urgent service has been priced at AED 235. Applicants choosing a 72-page booklet will pay AED 260 for normal processing and AED 425 under the urgent category.
For passports valid for 10 years, the fee begins at AED 215 for a standard 36-page passport and AED 355 for urgent processing. Charges are higher for larger booklets and for replacements involving lost passports.
Shift to biometric documents
Pakistan introduced e-passports as part of a wider programme to strengthen document security and align its passport system with standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Unlike conventional passports, the new document contains an embedded electronic chip that stores the holder’s biometric and personal information. Immigration authorities in many countries use the technology to verify identity and reduce the risk of document fraud.
What applicants should know
From July 20, applicants visiting Pakistani missions in Abu Dhabi or Dubai will no longer have the option of applying for a machine-readable passport. All eligible applications will be processed under the e-passport system.
Community members planning to renew their travel documents have been advised to check appointment availability and documentation requirements with the relevant diplomatic mission before submitting an application.
The change affects only new passport applications. Existing machine-readable passports will continue to be accepted for travel until the expiry date shown on the document.
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