Pakistan will stop issuing machine-readable passports (MRPs) from October 15, 2026, as it completes its transition to e-passports for new applicants in Pakistan and at Pakistani diplomatic missions overseas. The change does not invalidate existing passports.
Machine-readable passports issued before October 15 will remain valid until the expiry date printed on them, meaning holders do not need to replace a valid MRP immediately because of the new deadline. The change will apply when a Pakistani traveler applies for a new passport.
From October 15, new applicants will receive an e-passport instead of an MRP. For holders of existing MRPs, the transition will become relevant when their current passport expires. Their next passport will be issued as an e-passport rather than another machine-readable passport.
An e-passport contains an electronic chip that stores passport and identity information and can be read by compatible immigration systems, allowing the information to be electronically verified. The new system applies both inside Pakistan and at Pakistani embassies and consulates abroad.
Overseas Pakistanis should therefore follow announcements from the Pakistani diplomatic mission serving their country for details on application procedures, fees and processing times.
For travellers, the key point is that October 15 is the end of MRP issuance, not the end of MRP validity. A valid machine-readable passport can continue to be used until its stated expiry date, subject to the usual passport-validity and immigration requirements of the destination country.
