How to Apply for a Passport in Pakistan: Step-by-Step

By rehbar
Public Interest

Thinking about going abroad for a job, but not sure how to apply for a passport in Pakistan? Which documents do you really need for the application? How long will the queues be? And how to handle the process all by yourself?

Well, if these questions are stuck in your mind and you are confused, you are not alone. Unfortunately, this is the common problem of every Pakistani. When it comes to applying for a passport for foreign visits, most people go blank.

Why? Because they have never gone through this process, and they are afraid of making a mistake that becomes a hurdle afterwards.

So, what’s the solution? It’s simple. Get enough details about how to apply for a passport and learn each & every step that comes in the way. Today, we are going to discuss all these things in this guide so you can learn how to apply for your passport without any stress.

Types of Passports in Pakistan

Before applying for a passport, it’s important to understand which passport you need for the job.

There are three main types of passports:

Ordinary passport

This passport type is for general public use and is most commonly issued to citizens.

Official passport

Official passports are specifically for government employees who need to travel for official duties.

Diplomatic passport

This passport type is for diplomats and high-ranking officials.

For most people, ordinary passports are the best option for traveling anywhere across the world.

How to Apply for a Passport in Pakistan – Step-by-Step Process

Let’s discuss the steps for applying for a passport in Pakistan.

Gather Required Documents

First, you need to gather all the required documents. For example:

Original CNIC
Copies of CNIC
Old passport (if renewal)
NOC

Documents required for minors who are under 18 are:

B-Form issued by NADRA
Copies of parents’ CNICs
One parent must accompany the child
Child registration certificate

Make sure you carry both the original and photocopies of the documents to avoid any hassle.

Passport Fee & Type

Your passport fee normally depends on the following:

Number of pages
Validity (5 or 10 years)
Urgency

The fee for a normal passport is relatively lower, but an urgent passport requires double the fee.

So, if you are not in a hurry, you can choose the normal one with a lower fee.

Visit the Passport Office

In the next step, you need to visit a regional passport office, where you can expect:

Token issuance
Long queues (especially mornings)
Multiple counters

Make sure you visit the office early mornings to avoid the crowd.

Get Your Token

Once you enter the office:

Go to the token counter
Provide your CNIC
Receive a token number

The token you receive here will be your identity throughout the process.

Data Entry Counter

Imagine your turn now begins. At this stage, your personal information will be entered into their system, including your name, address, contact information, profession, etc.

Double-check the information before processing because sometimes, even a small spelling mistake can create big issues later.

Fee Payment

After entering all your details, you will be directed to the fee counter. So, pay according to the selected passport type.

After that, you will receive a receipt. Keep it safe.

Photographs & Biometrics

That’s when your passport identity will be recorded. The process may include:

Photograph capture
Fingerprint scanning
Signature

Make sure you look presentable for the photograph and avoid sunglasses.

Verification by Assistant Director

This is a crucial point on which:

Your documents will be reviewed
Your information will be verified
You may be asked simple questions

The questions could be related to your profession, the purpose of your passport, or address confirmation. So, just answer honestly, and there’s no need to confuse.

Final Clearance

Once your passport is approved, your application will be finalized, and you will be given a tracking number. This means your passport has entered the processing phase.

Passport Collection

Here comes the waiting part.

Normal: 10–15 working days
Urgent: 4–7 working days

You can either collect it by yourself or receive it via courier.

Can You Apply Online for Passport in Pakistan?

Yes, you can. Pakistan offers online appointment bookings but does not ensure full processing online.

What you can do online is:

Book an appointment.
Fill initial details
Check passport status

Your physical presence is always required in the process for:

Biometrics
Photograph
Verification

How to Make the Process Smooth?

Follow the tips below to make the process as smooth as possible.

Go Early

Avoid peak hours and long queues

Bring Extra Copies

You’ll almost always need them

Dress Properly

Your photo will stay for years

Double-Check Information

Mistakes = delays

Stay Patient

Government offices take time—stay calm

Avoid These Mistakes at Any Cost

Make sure you avoid these mistakes at any cost:

Incorrect Information

Spelling mistakes in the name or address

Missing Documents

Always verify requirements beforehand

Not Carrying Originals

Copies alone are not enough

Ignoring Token Number

Missing your turn can waste hours.

Lost Your Passport? Here’s What to Do

We know losing a passport can be stressful. But don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:

File an FIR (First Information Report)
Visit the passport office with the FIR copy
Apply for reissuance

You may be asked for an affidavit as well.

Urgent Vs. Normal Passport—Which One to Choose?

Choose Normal if:

You’re not in a hurry
You want to save money

Choose “Urgent” if:

You have travel plans soon
You need quick processing

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, applying for a passport in Pakistan is more about knowing the process than dealing with complexity. Once you have your documents ready and understand each step, everything becomes much easier to handle. Just stay patient, double-check your information, and take it one step at a time—you’ll have your passport in hand before you know it.