ACE Money Transfer
ACE Money Transfer
22 Oct 2026
Applying for a Pakistani passport can be done online or in person, depending on whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing an existing booklet. This guide covers the application routes, fee categories, and document requirements for 2026. Requirements and processing times may vary depending on your circumstances and the relevant authorities.
Every Pakistani citizen is entitled to an ordinary machine-readable passport, subject to fulfilling the required formalities, as stated in the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports’ official policy. The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP), Ministry of Interior, handles issuance through three main routes:
Visiting a Regional Passport Office (RPO), Executive Passport Office (EPO), or Passport Processing Counter (PPC) inside Pakistan
Applying at a Pakistani mission abroad (embassy or consulate general)
Using the online passport renewal system at onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk for eligible renewal and modification cases
The core steps in every route follow the same sequence:
Gather required documents: valid computerised national identity card (CNIC) or identity card for overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), birth certificate issued by NADRA, computerised child registration certificate for minors, and previous passport, if any
Pay the prescribed fee via the accepted payment method
Provide biometric data (fingerprints, photograph) and attend the interview with the Assistant Director as part of the approval process
Wait for the processing time (Normal, Urgent, or Fast Track)
Complete passport collection at the designated office or via courier
Overseas Pakistanis and dual nationals follow the same basic process but apply through Pakistani missions or the online portal, with additional documents for foreign passport holders. Family members abroad can send money for passport fees, CNIC renewal, and travel costs via services like ACE Money Transfer using available bank deposit, cash pickup, or mobile wallet options in Pakistan. Exchange rates fluctuate, and the rate you receive may differ from any rates quoted. Always check the live rate at acemoneytransfer.com before sending.
The DGIP issues two main categories of ordinary passports. A machine readable passport MRP contains the standard two-line machine readable zone meeting ICAO standards. An e-Passport, available since e-Passport issuance started on August 16, 2023, adds an embedded chip storing biometric data for enhanced security and compatibility with automated e-gates at select airports.
Passport options for ordinary citizens:
Ordinary MRP: available in 36, 72, or 100 pages (72 and 100 pages intended for the frequent traveller)
e-Passport: available in 36 and 72 pages only; not issued in 100 pages
Diplomatic and official passports: restricted to designated officials per the concerned department rules
Machine readable passports are valid for 5 or 10 years. Children under 15 years receive passports valid for 5 years only. e-Passports are issued with a validity of 10 years for adults. The validity period is chosen based on the fee deposited.
Eligibility: Any Pakistani citizen holding a valid national identity card CNIC or NICOP can apply. Minors need a valid child registration certificate CRC or computerised child registration certificate (Form-B). Dual nationals must disclose their dual nationality and may need to show their foreign passport when applying abroad. All MRPs comply with ICAO international standards and are accepted for global travel, issued subject to visa and immigration rules of destination countries.
Before visiting any passport office, verify that every document matches your NADRA records. A mismatch in father's name, date of birth, or marital status between your CNIC and other records will delay your application.
Adults applying inside Pakistan:
Original valid CNIC with one photocopy (a valid computerised national identity card is required for all applicants)
Previous passport and previous passport number (original previous passport is required for new passport applications)
Two recent passport-size photographs per DGIP specifications
Proof of residence is mandatory for passport applications
A No Objection Certificate is needed for certain government or semi government employees from the relevant section of their concerned department
For name or date-of-birth corrections: duly attested documentary evidence such as matriculation certificate, court orders, or marriage certificate
Biometric data capture is part of the passport application process
Minors under 18:
Computerised child registration certificate CRC or Form-B (children need a computerised child registration certificate for passport applications)
Both parents' original valid CNICs (parents' NADRA ID is necessary for minor passport applications; both parents' identity documents are needed)
Computerised birth certificate where applicable
Signed consent of custodian father, mother, or appointed guardian; parents must accompany minors during passport application processing
Additional documents may be required for custody cases: bring custody papers granted by court, guardianship certificate, or family registration certificate if the case involves legal guardian arrangements
Women changing name after marriage:
NADRA marriage certificate and updated CNIC reflecting the new name or husband's name; the relevant section carefully reviews consistency between CNIC, NICOP, smart card records and the passport application
Overseas Pakistanis applying at embassies or consulates:
NICOP or CNIC (overseas Pakistanis NICOP is the primary ID accepted abroad)
Old Pakistani passport
Foreign passport and one photocopy for dual nationals (dual nationality holders must present original foreign passports and photocopies)
Residence permit or visa of host country, plus self addressed envelope or local proof of address per mission requirements
Passport renewal can be processed at any passport office in Pakistan, regardless of your CNIC address. First-time applicants must visit a Regional Passport Office in person; the online portal does not accept fresh passport applications.
In-person process at an RPO:
Arrive and receive a token at the customer service counter
Data entry, photograph, and fingerprint capture at biometric stations
The interview with the Assistant Director is part of the approval process
Pay the passport fee via counter, QR code, or bank payment; fees must be paid via money order or cashier's check where specified
Receive your receipt with expected delivery time and passport collection date
Applicants can track their application status via SMS or online using the applicant reference number
Executive Passport Offices and PPCs offer shorter queues and faster delivery time, but charge extra NADRA service charges over the DGIP base fee. These are ideal for urgent travellers.
Pakistani missions abroad require overseas Pakistanis to book appointments (often online), submit documents listed above, complete biometric capture, and pay fees in local foreign currency. Passport collection is in-person or via tracked courier depending on the consulate general policy.
Online passport application through the DGIP portal (onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk): existing passport holders can renew online through the DGIP e-Services Portal. The online passport renewal service is available for all Pakistanis, both inland and overseas. A machine readable passport MRP can be renewed online. Applicants must provide their original previous passport number, upload scanned documents, a digital photo, and pay via debit card, credit card, or bank transfer.
Online passport renewal cannot be used if your CNIC is expired, you need a change of birth altogether or other major corrections, or you are applying for a fresh passport for the first time.
The fee structure varies based on passport type, number of pages, and processing speed. Machine-readable passport (MRP) fees were revised on 07-03-2024, while Fast Track MRP fees were revised effective 08-05-2024. Below are representative rates for the most common MRP category, according to the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P):
36-page MRP, 5-year validity: Normal: Rs 4,500; urgent: Rs 7,500; fast track: Rs 12,500.
36-page MRP, 10-year validity: Normal: Rs 6,700; urgent: Rs 11,200; fast track: Rs 16,200.
Additional pages: Higher fees apply to 72-page and 100-page passports. For example, a 72-page, 5-year MRP costs Rs 8,200 under normal processing, while a 100-page, 5-year MRP costs Rs 9,000.
e-Passport: The 36-page, 5-year normal fee is Rs 9,000, and the 10-year normal fee is Rs 13,500. Check the official e-Passport fee information for current rates.
Fees are subject to change. Verify the applicable charges with DGI&P before applying.
Processing times for passport services vary by category. According to the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P), normal processing takes 21 working days, urgent processing takes 5 working days, and Fast Track processing takes 2 working days for machine-readable passports (MRPs). Fast Track service is available in 47 cities across Pakistan, following the expansion announced on 6 January 2025, but is not available for e-Passports. These timelines exclude courier delivery time and may vary depending on the application and delivery location.
Additional costs to note:
NADRA service charges at Executive Passport Offices and PPCs are separate from the basic passport fee
Online portal adds Rs 1,000 (inland) or Rs 2,500 (overseas) in service charges
Fees at missions abroad are charged in the local foreign currency equivalent
Passport fees are non-refundable after payment
Check the latest fee schedule on the official DGIP website or at the nearest embassy before visiting. Family members abroad can send money for passport fees and travel costs via ACE Money Transfer to a bank account, mobile wallet, or cash pickup point in Pakistan.
Renewal:
Renew when your passport has less than one year of validity remaining or when exhausted pages leave no room for visas
Renewal applications require a valid computerised national identity card; applicants must provide their original previous passport for replacement
Overseas Pakistanis NICOP holders can renew online through the DGIP e-service portal
Modification and change of particulars:
Minor changes (marital status, spouse name, profession) can be submitted at any RPO or via the online portal's modification category
Major corrections (date of birth, parentage) require documentary evidence, possibly court orders, and referral to the issuing authority at DGIP Islamabad for approval
Damaged, lost, or exhausted passports:
A police report is required for a lost passport; the applicant must surrender any damaged passport with a written explanation
Third-time lost passports require approval from the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports
Damaged passports can be replaced by paying a fee at any RPO or mission
Emergency travel documents can be issued abroad for lost passports through the nearest Pakistani mission
Frequent travellers can request 72- or 100-page booklets to avoid running out of exhausted pages
Dual nationals:
Must disclose dual nationality during application and present their foreign passport at Pakistani missions
Ensure Pakistani passport details match NADRA records; inconsistent name spellings across CNIC, Pakistani passport, and foreign passport cause delays at immigration
Whether a person can hold both Pakistani and foreign citizenship depends on Pakistan’s dual-nationality rules and the laws of the other country. Pakistan currently lists dual-nationality arrangements with 22 countries, as published by the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P), last modified on 9 January 2026. Requirements may differ depending on the circumstances, and renunciation of citizenship may be required in some cases. Laws and regulations may change. Please verify with a local professional.
Consult the embassy, DGIP, or recognised universities of law and other local bodies for guidance on complex dual nationality, objection certificate requirements, or black-list restrictions
After approval, the DGIP dispatches your passport from its production facility and sends notification.
Inside Pakistan: check the delivery time on your receipt, visit the same RPO or designated office, present your token and original CNIC, and verify all particulars before leaving the counter. Applicants can track their application status via SMS or online.
Missions abroad: the consulate general notifies via email or SMS; collect in person or via tracked courier. Some missions require personal collection for minors.
Online renewal: select your preferred collection method (designated office or courier, depending on current DGIP options).
Travel-readiness tips:
Keep your passport valid for at least 6 months before any international trip
Maintain photocopies and digital scans of your data page
For dual nationals, ensure consistent spellings across CNIC, Pakistani passport, and foreign passport
Report loss or theft to local police and the nearest Pakistani mission; file a police report without delay
Keep your smart national ID card or NICOP updated alongside your passport
Overseas Pakistanis supporting family passport applications from abroad can send remittances via ACE Money Transfer to cover passport fee payments, CNIC or NICOP renewal, and travel bookings in Pakistan.
The process works as follows:
Register or log in to your ACE Money Transfer account using email, Google, or Apple ID
Choose Pakistan as the destination country and select a payout method: bank deposit, cash pickup at authorised partner bank branches, or mobile wallet credit
Enter accurate recipient details, including bank or mobile wallet numbers
Select a payment method (debit card, credit card, or online bank transfer), add a payment reason, and confirm the transfer before clicking Pay Now
Track your transaction in real time using the reference tracking number provided
Cash pickup may be an option for recipients paying urgent or fast-track passport fees. Payout times depend on the provider and collection location. Rates and fees may vary. Visit acemoneytransfer.com for current rates.
Gather your documents, verify your NADRA records against every ID you hold, and choose the application route that fits your timeline. If you are overseas, consider discussing passport fees and payment arrangements with your family in advance. This is not financial or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, regulatory, tax, business, or financial advice. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all facts, figures, and data are accurate and valid as of the date of publication, no warranty or guarantee is given as to the ongoing completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information.
The content is based on information available at the time of publication. Regulations, government policies, market conditions, and service offerings may change over time and vary across jurisdictions and providers. As a result, some information may no longer be current or applicable. Readers should independently verify all information and consult qualified professional advisors before making any financial, legal, or business decisions.
