The Pakistani passport is an important document for the citizen if he/she wants to travel abroad. Due to the development of technology, the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) has launched an online application process in order to simplify the procedure and make it more accessible. In this guide, I will explain the step-by-step guide to apply for a Pakistani passport online.
Step 1: Register an Account on the DGIP Website The first step to starting the application process is to register an account on the DGIP official website. The account will be your gateway to making a passport application, checking the status of your application, and other DGIP services. Put all necessary information carefully without getting panicked. If the internet slows down, don’t panic as it can be due to heavy traffic.
- Go to the DGIP website and click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button.
- Give your email address and mobile number to receive verification codes.
- Complete the registration form with your initial information and set a password.
- Confirm your email address and mobile number using the codes provided by DGIP.
Step 2: Schedule an Online Appointment After your account has been created and validated, log in to your DGIP account and schedule an online appointment for your passport application.
- Choose “New Application” on the dashboard if it’s your first time applying.
- “Renewal” is chosen if your passport expires or has already expired.
- Choose your city and passport office.
- Schedule an appointment by selecting your desired date and time.
- Print or save the appointment slip on your mobile for future reference.
Step 3: Required Documents Before going to the passport office, make sure you have all the documents. The documents to be submitted may differ with your application category (new, renewal, or amendment).
Carefully check all documents and then leave for passport office
For Adults (above 18)
- Original CNIC
- 1 copy of CNIC
- Old passport (for renewal)
- Government NOC (if necessary)
- Foreign passport copy (dual nationals)
For Minors (below 18)
- Original NADRA B-Form
- Copies of both parents’ CNIC
- One of the parents has to accompany
- Guardian certificate (in case of parents not being available)
- Recent passport photographs
Step 4: Go to the Passport Office On the specified date, go to the passport office with all your documents and the appointment slip.
- Token Issuance: Receive a token number at the entrance.
- Photograph & Biometrics: Get your photo taken and fingerprints scanned.
- Data Entry: An official will record your details.
- Interview: A brief interview with the Assistant Director.
- Fee Payment: Pay the fee for the passport at the bank counter.
Step 5: Track Your Passport Once you have submitted your application, you can follow the status of your passport online by using your token number or receipt.
- Go to your DGIP account.
- Click on “Track Application Status.”
- Provide your token number or receipt number.
Step 6: Collect Your Passport After your passport is processed, you will be notified. You can pick up your passport from the specific passport office.
- Take your acknowledgement receipt and other documents with you.
- Be sure to pick up your passport within the given time frame to avoid complications.
Passport Fees The passport cost varies according to the type of passport and the processing time. These are the fees currently being charged:
- Plain Passport (36 pages, 5 years): Rs. 4,500 (normal), Rs. 7,500 (urgent)
- Plain Passport (72 pages, 10 years): Rs. 6,500 (normal), Rs. 11,000 (urgent)
- E-Passport (36 pages, 5 years): Rs. 9,000 (normal), Rs. 15,000 (urgent)
Additional Tips
- Apply in advance to factor in processing time.
- Make sure all documents are correct and complete.
- Monitor your application status online.
- Pick up your passport within the stipulated time.
Online Application Process The online application process entails:
- Account Creation: Sign up on the website of the DGIP.
- Application Form: Submit the online application form.
- Document Upload: Upload digital scanned copies of documents.
- Fee Payment: Pay the cost of the passport online.
- Appointment Scheduling: Fix an appointment for biometric verification (if necessary).
By performing these steps and guidelines, you can successfully apply for a Pakistani passport online without any unnecessary delays or hassles. Make sure you possess all the documents needed and carefully read the instructions to succeed in the procedure smoothly.
