How Is a Pakistani Passport Delivered After Application?
How Is a Pakistani Passport Delivered After Application?
After applying for a Pakistani passport, applicants often want to know what happens next: Where is the passport printed? How are they informed when it is ready? Is it sent by courier, or does the applicant have to collect it from the passport office? How long does delivery take?
The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P), Ministry of Interior, explains that passport delivery takes place after the application has successfully completed the required processing stages. For applications submitted at Regional Passport Offices (RPOs), the official process ends with passport delivery/collection. DGI&P also provides status notifications through SMS and Email Rabta services.
An important point is that passport processing time and shipment/delivery time are not exactly the same thing. DGI&P states that passports are dispatched from the production facility within the prescribed processing period, but additional shipment time may be required for the passport to reach its destination.
What Happens After You Apply for a Pakistani Passport?
For a normal in-person passport application in Pakistan, the applicant goes through several stages before the passport is ready.
The current DGI&P process includes:
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Arrival at the customer service counter.
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Photograph capture and token issuance.
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Biometric/fingerprint capture.
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Data entry.
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Verification against office records.
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Interview and decision by the Assistant Director.
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Passport fee payment through the applicable system.
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Passport production and delivery/collection.
After the application successfully passes the required stages and the passport fee has been paid, the application proceeds toward passport production.
Where Is the Passport Produced?
Once the application has successfully completed the required processing, the passport is sent to the production section for printing.
DGI&P states that after successful utilization of passport fee payment, the passport is sent to the production section for further printing.
This means that the passport is not normally printed at the same counter where the applicant submits the application.
The application information is processed through the DGI&P system, and the completed passport is subsequently dispatched toward the relevant destination.
How Will I Know That My Passport Is Ready?
DGI&P provides passport-status notifications through SMS and Email Rabta.
Applicants in Pakistan should provide a valid mobile number during the application process. DGI&P states that passport-status information can be communicated through SMS from 9988. Overseas applicants can receive information through the Email Rabta service where the correct email information has been provided.
Therefore, it is important to enter your mobile number and email address correctly during the data-entry stage.
What Does the Passport Dispatch Message Mean?
A dispatch notification means that the passport has moved from the production facility toward its destination.
DGI&P states that an SMS/email is sent when the passport is dispatched from the production facility. The passport can also be tracked through the SMS service or by calling the DGI&P helpline.
However, dispatched does not necessarily mean delivered on the same day.
The passport may still need to travel from the production facility to the relevant Regional Passport Office, Foreign Mission, or other applicable destination.
Is the Passport Delivered by Courier?
This depends on the applicable passport service and delivery arrangement.
For the standard in-person RPO process, DGI&P's official process describes the final stage as Passport Delivery (Collection of Passport). The applicant is instructed to visit the passport delivery counter with the original token on the given date for collection.
DGI&P also notes that shipment from the production facility to the relevant RPO or Foreign Mission may take additional time.
For online passport services and applicable Home Delivery arrangements, delivery can be handled differently. Applicants should follow the delivery option and instructions shown for their particular application.
Do I Have to Collect My Passport from the Passport Office?
For a standard in-person application, DGI&P's current process instructs the applicant to visit the Passport Delivery Counter with the original token on the given date.
DGI&P also states that the passport is delivered to the applicant or the applicant's blood relative under the applicable delivery procedure. Passports are not delivered to irrelevant persons.
Therefore, applicants should not automatically assume that every passport application will be delivered to their home by courier.
The collection or delivery method depends on the applicable service and application arrangement.
Can a Blood Relative Collect the Passport?
Yes. DGI&P's current general guidelines state that the passport will only be delivered to the applicant or their blood relatives on the given date.
An unrelated friend, neighbour or other person should not be assumed to have authority to collect the passport.
If someone else is going to collect the passport, applicants should follow the current DGI&P requirements for identification and collection.
What Is the Passport Delivery Process at an RPO?
After the passport has been printed and reaches the relevant office, the applicant can collect it according to the delivery instructions.
DGI&P's current process states that the applicant should:
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Wait for the passport to reach the delivery stage.
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Receive the relevant status information.
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Visit the Passport Delivery Counter on the given date.
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Bring the original token.
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Collect the passport personally or through an eligible blood relative according to the applicable rules.
Applicants should keep their original token safely because it is specifically mentioned in DGI&P's delivery instructions.
How Long Does Pakistani Passport Delivery Take?
DGI&P currently lists the following processing periods for Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) after successful processing:
| Priority | Processing period |
|---|---|
| Fast Track | 2 working days |
| Urgent | 5 working days |
| Normal | 21 working days |
DGI&P specifically states that courier delivery time is not included in these processing periods for remote areas within Pakistan and Pakistani Missions abroad.
This means applicants should not calculate their complete waiting period simply by adding the processing category's number of working days.
What Is the Difference Between Processing and Delivery Time?
These are two separate stages.
Processing time refers to the time required for the passport application to be successfully processed and the passport to be produced according to the applicable priority category.
Shipment/delivery time refers to the time required for the completed passport to reach the relevant destination.
DGI&P specifically warns that additional shipment time may be required after dispatch for the passport to reach the relevant RPO or Foreign Mission.
This is why a passport can be shown as dispatched while the applicant is still waiting for it to reach the destination.
How Can I Track My Pakistani Passport?
DGI&P provides status information through SMS and related official communication channels.
Applicants in Pakistan should provide a valid mobile number during the application process to receive status information through the SMS service from 9988.
DGI&P also states that applicants can track passport status through the SMS service or by calling the helpline.
For online applications, applicants should also monitor the registered email address and the relevant online tracking information.
What If I Do Not Receive an SMS?
First, check whether the correct mobile number was provided during the passport application.
DGI&P specifically asks applicants to provide a valid mobile number or email address during the data-entry stage for receiving passport status information.
If you believe your application has already reached the relevant stage but you have not received an expected notification, you can contact DGI&P through its official helpline or relevant email channel.
What If My Passport Has Been Dispatched but Has Not Arrived?
A dispatched passport may still require shipment time.
DGI&P explains that passports are shipped within the prescribed processing period but may take additional time to reach the respective RPO or Foreign Mission.
If your passport status shows that it has been dispatched but you have not received it, you should:
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Check your latest SMS or email.
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Confirm your application/tracking details.
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Allow the required shipment time.
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Contact DGI&P if the delay becomes excessive.
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Keep your original token and application information available.
Do not immediately submit another passport application simply because the first passport has not yet reached you.
What If My Passport Is Delayed?
If the passport remains delayed after the applicable processing and shipment period, contact DGI&P.
The official DGI&P national helpline is:
051-111-344-777
The international number is:
0092-51-111-344-777
The general email is:
For online passport delivery-related matters, DGI&P lists:
DGI&P asks applicants contacting the Online Passport Delivery section to provide their complete name, contact number, Online Tracking ID, CNIC/passport information where applicable, and contact address.
What Information Should You Keep After Applying?
It is useful to keep all application-related information until the passport has been received.
Keep:
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Original passport token
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CNIC/NICOP details
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Application or tracking information
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Passport payment information
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Mobile number used in the application
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Email address used in the application
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SMS notifications
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Email notifications
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Previous passport information, where applicable
This information can help DGI&P identify your application if you need assistance.
What Should You Do When You Receive the Passport?
Do not simply put the passport away without checking it.
After receiving the passport, carefully check:
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Full name
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Date of birth
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Place of birth
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Father's/husband's/guardian's name where applicable
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Photograph
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Passport number
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Date of issue
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Date of expiry
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Other important personal information
If you identify an error, contact the relevant passport authority promptly for guidance.
Can I Use the Passport Immediately After Receiving It?
Once you receive the valid passport, it can be used as a travel document subject to the applicable immigration, visa and airline requirements.
However, receiving a passport does not automatically mean that you have permission to enter another country. A visa or other entry authorization may still be required depending on the destination.
Applicants should also check that the passport details are correct before using it for visa or travel purposes.
What Happens If the Passport Is Not Collected?
Applicants should follow the instructions of the relevant passport office if they cannot collect the passport on the given date.
Do not assume that an uncollected passport will remain indefinitely at the delivery counter. If you cannot collect it as scheduled, contact the concerned passport office or DGI&P for the current procedure.
Does Fast Track Mean Same-Day Delivery?
No.
Fast Track is a passport processing category, not a guarantee of same-day delivery.
DGI&P currently lists Fast Track MRP processing at 2 working days, while Urgent is 5 working days and Normal is 21 working days after successful processing. Courier/shipment time is separate.
Therefore, applicants should not book travel based solely on the assumption that Fast Track means immediate physical delivery.
Does Urgent Mean the Passport Will Arrive Immediately?
No.
Urgent processing reduces the stated processing period, but shipment or delivery still requires additional time where applicable.
DGI&P currently lists 5 working days for Urgent MRP processing and specifically notes that courier delivery time is not included in the stated timeframe for remote areas and Pakistani Missions abroad.
Does Normal Passport Take Exactly 21 Days to Reach Me?
Not necessarily.
The current DGI&P information lists 21 working days for Normal MRP processing after successful processing. However, DGI&P separately explains that shipment/delivery time may be additional.
Therefore, 21 working days should not automatically be interpreted as a guaranteed doorstep or RPO collection date in every case.
Important Difference for Online Passport Applicants
Online passport applications can follow a different process from applications submitted physically at an RPO.
DGI&P currently provides online passport services for eligible categories. Applicants using an online service should follow the status, payment and delivery instructions shown in the official online system.
For online passport delivery-related problems, DGI&P has a dedicated email address:
Final Takeaway
After a Pakistani passport application is successfully processed, the passport goes through production and is then dispatched toward the relevant destination. DGI&P sends passport-status information through SMS/email services, and applicants can monitor the status through the available official channels.
For a standard in-person application, the current DGI&P process instructs the applicant to collect the passport from the delivery counter on the given date using the original token. The passport may be delivered to the applicant or an eligible blood relative according to the applicable rules.
The most important thing to remember is that passport processing, dispatch, shipment and final delivery are separate stages. A dispatch notification does not necessarily mean that the passport has already reached the applicant's passport office or home.
For the latest rules, applicants should always check the official Directorate General of Immigration & Passports website before relying on older passport-delivery information.
Guide Information
Eligibility
Pakistani citizens who have successfully submitted an eligible passport application and completed the required processing, verification, biometric and fee-payment stages.
Required Documents
Original token for passport collection at the delivery counter; CNIC/NICOP/CRC or other applicable identification; previous passport where applicable; and any other documents required for the specific passport application.
Fees
Passport fees depend on passport type, page count, validity period and processing category. Applicants should check the latest official DGI&P fee schedule before payment. Delivery or service charges, where applicable, should also be confirmed through the official process.
Processing Time
DGI&P currently lists 2 working days for Fast Track, 5 working days for Urgent and 21 working days for Normal MRP processing after successful processing. Additional shipment/courier time may be required.WHEN TO APPLY:Apply sufficiently before your intended travel, visa or documentation deadline. Allow additional time beyond the stated passport-processing period for shipment or delivery where applicable.
Application Method
Eligible applicants can apply through the relevant
Validity Period
Pakistani MRP validity is generally 5 or 10 years depending on the applicant and selected passport v
Step-by-Step Process
- Decide which passport service you need.
- Check the current DGI&P requirements.
- Select the applicable passport application method.
- Prepare your identification documents.
- Prepare your previous passport if applicable.
- Visit the relevant passport office if an in-person application is required.
- Approach the customer service counter.
- Complete photograph capture.
- Receive the passport token.
- Check the information printed on the token.
- Complete biometric/fingerprint capture.
- Proceed to the data-entry stage.
- Provide a valid mobile number.
- Provide a valid email address where applicable.
- Carefully review the entered personal information.
- Correct any mistake before the information is finalized.
- Complete verification against the relevant records.
- Complete the interview and decision stage where required.
- Pay the applicable passport fee.
- Confirm that the payment has been successfully recorded.
- Allow the application to proceed to production.
- Wait for the passport to be printed.
- Monitor passport status through the official SMS/email service.
- Watch for the dispatch notification.
- Understand that dispatch and final delivery are separate stages.
- Allow shipment time for the passport to reach its destination.
- Check the instructions for passport collection or delivery.
- If collection is required, keep the original token ready.
- Visit the relevant passport delivery counter on the given date.
- Present the original token.
- Collect the passport personally or through an eligible blood relative according to the applicable rules.
- If the passport has not arrived, check its official status first.
- Allow additional shipment time where applicable.
- Contact DGI&P if the passport remains delayed.
- For online delivery issues, contact the dedicated Online Passport Delivery section.
- Provide your name and contact details when contacting DGI&P.
- Provide the Online Tracking ID for online passport delivery issues.
- Keep all passport-related SMS and email notifications.
- Check the passport details immediately after receiving it.
- Report any apparent error to the relevant passport authority.
Official Information
Official Website: https://dgip.gov.pk/
Contact: DGI&P National Helpline: 051-111-344-777International: 0092-51-111-344-777General Email: [info@dgip.gov.pk](mailto:info@dgip.gov.pk)Online Passport Delivery: [onlinedelivery@dgip.gov.pk](mailto:onlinedelivery@dgip.gov.pk)Online Passport Issues: [mrponline@dgip.gov.pk](mailto:mrponline@dgip.gov.pk)Headquarters: Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, Mauve Area, G-8/1, Islamabad.
Frequently Asked Questions
After successful processing and printing, the passport is dispatched toward the relevant destination. For standard in-person applications, DGI&P's current process provides for collection at the passport delivery counter on the given date.
Not necessarily. The standard in-person RPO process currently describes passport delivery as collection from the passport delivery counter. Applicable online or home-delivery arrangements can follow different procedures.
After successful processing and fee payment, the passport is sent to the production section for printing.
DGI&P states that an SMS/email is sent upon dispatch from the production facility.
DGI&P identifies 9988 as the SMS service for passport-status information inside Pakistan.
Yes. DGI&P states that applicants can track passport status through its SMS service or by calling the helpline.
It means the passport has been dispatched from the production facility toward its destination. It does not necessarily mean it has already reached the applicant.
DGI&P currently lists 2 working days for Fast Track MRP processing after successful processing.
DGI&P currently lists 5 working days for Urgent MRP processing.
DGI&P currently lists 21 working days for Normal MRP processing after successful processing.
DGI&P states that courier delivery time is not included in the stated timeframe for remote areas within Pakistan and Pakistani Missions abroad.
The passport is shipped toward the relevant destination, and additional shipment time may be required before it reaches the relevant RPO or Foreign Mission.
Yes. DGI&P's current process instructs applicants to visit the delivery counter with the original token on the given date.
DGI&P states that the passport may be delivered to the applicant or their blood relative according to the applicable delivery procedure.
Applicants should not assume that an unrelated friend can collect the passport. DGI&P's stated rule refers to the applicant or blood relative.
Check the latest status, allow the applicable shipment time and contact DGI&P if the passport remains delayed.
Dispatch and final delivery are separate stages. DGI&P states that additional shipment time may be required to reach the destination.
No. Fast Track refers to the processing category and is currently listed as 2 working days for MRP processing.
No. Urgent MRP processing is currently listed as 5 working days, and shipment time may be additional.
No. The 21 working days refer to the stated Normal MRP processing period. Additional shipment time may apply.
Provide a valid mobile number so that DGI&P can send passport-status information through its SMS service.
DGI&P provides Email Rabta for applicable overseas applicants and asks applicants to provide correct email information where required.
Contact the relevant DGI&P office or official support channel for guidance rather than relying on status notifications.
Confirm your contact details and check the passport status through the official DGI&P channels or helpline.
The national helpline is 051-111-344-777, while the international number is 0092-51-111-344-777.
The official general email is [info@dgip.gov.pk](mailto:info@dgip.gov.pk).
DGI&P lists [onlinedelivery@dgip.gov.pk](mailto:onlinedelivery@dgip.gov.pk) for Online Passport Delivery matters.
DGI&P asks for complete name, contact number, Online Tracking ID, CNIC/passport information where applicable, and contact address.
Do not submit another application simply because delivery is delayed. First check the status and contact DGI&P.
Not unless the relevant official authority instructs you to do so.
Check your name, photograph, date of birth, passport number, issue date and expiry date before using it.
Contact the relevant DGI&P office promptly for guidance and correction procedures.
A valid passport can be used as a travel document, but destination-country visa and entry requirements still apply.
Contact the relevant passport office or DGI&P for the current instructions rather than assuming that the passport will remain available indefinitely.
Yes. Online passport applications can have different processing and delivery arrangements. Applicants should follow the instructions associated with their online application.
The official source is the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P).
Be cautious. Verify suspicious messages through official DGI&P channels and do not share passwords, OTPs, banking PINs or other sensitive security information.
No. Dispatch means it has left the production facility; DGI&P notes that additional shipment time may be required to reach the RPO or Foreign Mission.