The Pakistani passport is a small green book that carries a significant meaning. It is a way to travel, connect with the world, and prove who you are.
However, it also presents challenges, including a low ranking on Pakistani passports, complex visa rules, and fees that can be prohibitively expensive for some individuals.
I have seen firsthand how this document can both shape and limit dreams.
In this article, I will outline the key information you need to know about the Pakistani passport, including the 2025 Pakistani passport ranking, the visa-free countries accessible to Pakistani passport holders, the process for renewing a Pakistani passport, and the applicable fees for a Pakistani passport.
Global Ranking & Mobility
- The Henley & Partners Passport Index 2025 ranks Pakistan’s passport 103rd out of 199 passports, tying it with Yemen.
- Holders of Pakistani passports have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 31 countries worldwide.
- For the fifth consecutive year, the Pakistani passport remains among the weakest globally, ranking higher than only those of Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Design Upgrades & Security Features
- The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) in Pakistan has begun rolling out e-passports that include biometric chips and enhanced security features, ensuring compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) standards.
- The new passports include a polycarbonate data page, machine-readable zone (MRP) enhancements, and upgraded lamination to prevent forgery.
Challenges & Factors Affecting Credibility
- The decline in rank is partly attributed to the misuse of Pakistani travel documents and passports by foreign nationals, notably Afghan citizens using fake Pakistani credentials.
- Political instability, economic issues, and limited bilateral visa agreements also contribute to the low mobility of Pakistani passport holders.
Outlook & Future Reforms
- Government officials claim that the shift to e-passports and the modernisation of passport-issuance systems will gradually improve credibility and boost the country’s ranking.
- Improved diplomatic relations, new visa-waiver treaties, and internal reforms to passport services are key to strengthening Pakistan’s passport system in the coming years.
Introduction of the e-Passport in Pakistan
The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DG I&P) has officially introduced a new e-Passport system for Pakistani citizens. These e-passports are embedded with an electronic chip containing biometric data and are designed to meet global standards for travel documents.
The launch started in late 2023 and continued into early 2024, with a full rollout across the country.
Features & Tech Upgrades
The new Pakistani e-Passport includes several upgraded security features:
- The new Pakistani e-Passport incorporates a chip that stores the holder’s biometric data and digital signature.
- Enhanced printing machines were imported (including two high-tech e-passport printers and six desktop printing units) to speed up issuance and reduce backlog.
- Redesign elements in newer passports include printing the mother’s name alongside the father’s name and visa pages featuring images of historic landmarks in Pakistan’s provinces.
Roll-Out, Fees & Validity Options
The e-Passport rollout offers multiple options depending on the number of pages and validity:
- From March 2024, the e-Passport fee for 36 pages with a 5-year validity is Rs 9,000. For urgent service, the cost is Rs 15,000 for 10-year validity: Rs 13,500 (normal) and Rs 22,500 (urgent).
- 72-page versions cost more: 5-year – Rs 16,500; 10-year – Rs 24,750 in normal processing.
- As the transition to e-passports advanced, the system also stopped issuing 100-page passports.
Mandatory e-Passport & Future Timeline
The DG I&P has stated that e-passports will become mandatory by the year 2027, meaning the current machine-readable passports will be phased out.
All necessary infrastructure and printing systems are reportedly being installed ahead of that deadline.
Service Improvements & Backlog Clearance
The technological upgrades have also enhanced the passport issuance process.
- The backlog of applications was cleared, with over 3.37 million passports printed since July 2024, according to DG stats.
- A newly built 24/7 Passport & Immigration Office in Islamabad was inaugurated, marking improved access to citizen services.
- Fast-track services expanded to 26 more cities to facilitate faster issuance.
What It Means for Pakistani Citizens
With the rollout of e-Passports and upgraded features:
- Travel security and global mobility should improve (e-Gate access, enhanced document verification).
- Holders of new passports will benefit from modernised identity security and less risk of forgery.
- Applicants must confirm that they are requesting the e-Passport variant (with a higher fee) rather than the older machine-readable version.
- With the updated version’s options for validity and page count, those who are renewing soon might choose to use it.
I will also share a few personal stories to illustrate what it’s like to carry this passport around the world.
What the Pakistani Passport Means to Millions
When you look at the Pakistani passport, you see the national emblem and green cover. But to millions of Pakistanis, it means something more profound. It means the right to travel for work, education, family, or simply adventure.
For overseas Pakistanis living far from home, this document serves as proof of identity and a symbol of belonging.
Additionally, the ranking of the Pakistani passport often causes stress for its holders. This ranking shows how many countries you can visit without a visa.
Unfortunately, the Pakistani passport ranking in 2025 remains relatively low.
According to the Henley Passport Index and other global reports, Pakistan’s passport ranks among the last 10 in the world.
This low ranking means you typically need a visa for most destinations, even if you only want to transit through an airport. I remember when I had to apply for a transit visa to spend two hours in Europe on my way to Canada. It costs time, money, and an endless amount of paperwork.
Pakistani Passport Ranking 2025: The Current Situation
The Pakistani passport ranking in 2025 has improved slightly compared to a few years ago, but it is still minimal. This year, it ranks close to 100 out of 109.
That means only a small list of countries allows Pakistani citizens to enter visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival.
Here are some reasons why the ranking stays low:
- Countries have raised security concerns.
- Weak diplomatic relations with certain nations.
- Economic and migration issues.
- Strict visa policies are enforced across Europe and North America.
Still, even with a lower ranking, many Pakistanis travel abroad successfully. They prepare their documents carefully and follow all the visa rules.
Pakistani Passport Visa-Free Countries: Where You Can Go Without a Visa
Although the ranking is low, there are Pakistani passport visa-free countries you can visit.
This is useful if you want to avoid the stress of visa applications. In 2025, Pakistani citizens can enter approximately 33 countries and territories without a visa or obtain a visa upon arrival.
Some of the most popular visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries are
- Maldives—beautiful beaches and resorts.
- Nepal is famous for mountains and trekking.
- Seychelles—islands with clear blue water.
- Dominica—Lush green Caribbean beauty.
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—Warm Caribbean welcome.
- Trinidad and Tobago—Diverse culture and beaches.
When you hold a PK passport, being aware of these options can save you time and stress. I once travelled to Nepal and was surprised by how smooth the process was compared to applying for a visa in Europe.
Pakistani Passport Renewal: How to Keep It Valid
Another thing every Pakistani citizen needs to think about is PK passport renewal. If your passport has expired or is no longer valid, you will be unable to travel. The renewal process is straightforward if you follow the steps carefully.
Here is how Pakistani passport renewal works in 2025:
- Application Form—You must fill out the form online or at the regional passport office.
- Documents—You will need your old passport, CNIC (or NICOP), and photographs.
- Biometric Data—Your photo and fingerprints will be retaken.
- Fee Payment—Pay the correct Pakistani passport fee (explained below).
- Submission—Submit all documents and get a receipt.
- Collection – Your passport will be ready in approximately 10–15 working days (urgent processing takes 2–3 days).
If you live abroad, you can renew your passport at a Pakistani consulate or embassy. I have done this myself in the UAE, and while it took time, the staff were helpful.
Pakistani Passport Fee: What It Costs in 2025
The Pakistani passport fee depends on:
- The number of pages (36, 72, or 100).
- Whether you choose ordinary or urgent processing.
- If you apply in Pakistan or abroad.
Here are the updated fees for 2025:
36-Page Passport
- Ordinary: PKR 3,000
- Urgent: PKR 5,000
72-Page Passport
- Ordinary: PKR 5,500
- Urgent: PKR 9,000
100-Page Passport
- Ordinary: PKR 6,000
- Urgent: PKR 12,000
If you apply from a consulate abroad, the fees are slightly higher due to additional processing costs.
For many families, these costs add up, especially when renewing passports for children. This is why planning is essential, so you do not have to pay for urgent processing at the last minute.
The Pakistani passport’s emotional side
The PK passport holds emotional significance in addition to its rank and cost, which are what most people consider. It proves where you came from. It helps you stay connected to your family, language, and culture.
In Istanbul, I recall working at an immigration counter. The officer took a good look at my passport. I was anxious, but at last he smiled and stamped it.
These kinds of moments stick with you because they serve as a reminder that travelling is both a pleasure and a duty.
Documentaries and anecdotes on Pakistani migration frequently show how people, despite having a poor passport ranking, leave their native country with hope.
They constantly keep that green book safe in their pockets as they strive to create a better life.
Tips for Pakistani Passport Holders in 2025
Here are some simple tips to make travel easier in 2025:
- Check Expiry Date: Always ensure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity.
- Research Visa-Free Countries: Plan trips to destinations where you do not need visas.
- Prepare Extra Documents: Even for visa-on-arrival, some countries require proof of funds and return tickets.
- Renew Early: Start your Pakistani passport renewal at least 3 months before expiry.
- Keep Copies: Save photocopies and digital scans of your passport in case you lose it.
- Understand Fees: Budget for the Pakistani passport fee and any visa charges in advance.
Why the Pakistani Passport Still Matters
Some people feel embarrassed about having a low-ranked PK passport, but I always remind them: this passport tells a story of resilience.
Even if it does not open every door easily, it represents a country with a rich history, culture, and strong communities worldwide.
Holding this passport teaches you patience and the importance of planning. You learn how to communicate, prepare paperwork carefully, and respect the laws of other countries. In many ways, it makes you a better traveller.
Conclusion
The 2025 PK passport presents a variety of challenges. However, in comparison to other nations, Pakistan’s passport ranking in 2025 is still poor.
Most locations still require visas, and if you are on a limited budget, the cost of a Pakistani passport may seem excessive.
But on the other side, this small green booklet is a symbol of hope, identity, and the courage to keep moving forward.
Whether you are traveling to Pakistani visa-free countries, renewing your passport, or applying for your first visa, you are part of a bigger story shared by millions.
In my years of travelling, working abroad, and meeting other Pakistanis in airports and embassies, I have learned one thing: regardless of where you go, your passport is not just a document—it is a reminder that you belong somewhere. And that is something no ranking can ever take away.
If you plan wisely and stay positive, your Pakistani passport will carry you to new experiences and better opportunities, one journey at a time.
Summary
Pakistan’s passport system is undergoing a significant transformation: from traditional machine-readable booklets to fully chip-embedded e-passports with enhanced security, new features, and improved processing capacity.
The transition aims to be fully mandatory by 2027. Meanwhile, fees, validity options and rollout infrastructure have all been updated to accommodate the new system.