Pakistan Official (Blue) Passport: Eligibility, Requirements, Application Process and Fees 2026
What Is a Pakistan Official Passport?
A Pakistan Official Passport is a passport issued by the Government of Pakistan to persons who qualify under the relevant passport rules for official government-related travel or because of their designated public office.
It is different from an ordinary Pakistani passport.
An ordinary passport is generally issued to Pakistani citizens for personal, business, tourism, employment, education, family visits and other lawful international travel. DGI&P describes the ordinary passport as the passport available to Pakistani citizens generally.
An Official Passport, on the other hand, is connected with a person's official status or government assignment.
DGI&P specifically states that Official Passports are issued to Pakistani nationals who fall within specified categories, including Senators, MNAs, Provincial Ministers, Supreme Court and High Court Judges, and government officers proceeding abroad on official assignments.
Therefore, a person cannot normally obtain an Official Passport simply because they want a blue-colored passport or because they are travelling abroad.
Eligibility must exist under the applicable government rules.
Why Is It Called a Blue Passport?
In Pakistan, the Official Passport is commonly known as the "Blue Passport" because of its distinctive passport cover.
However, when applying or communicating with government authorities, it is better to use the official term Official Passport rather than relying only on the informal term "Blue Passport."
There are different passport categories in Pakistan, and color alone should not be used to determine eligibility.
The three commonly discussed categories are:
- Ordinary Passport
- Official Passport
- Diplomatic Passport
Each category has its own eligibility requirements and purpose.
Official Passport vs Ordinary Passport
| Feature | Ordinary Passport | Official Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Common cover color | Green | Blue |
| General Pakistani citizens | Yes | No |
| Government official status required | No | Generally applicable |
| Official government assignment | Not required | Relevant |
| Departmental recommendation | Government employees may need NOC | Required as part of official process |
| Personal tourism | Yes | Not its intended purpose |
| Government official travel | Can be used where appropriate | Specifically intended for eligible official travel |
| Issuing authority | DGI&P | DGI&P under applicable official entitlement |
DGI&P confirms that ordinary passports are generally available to Pakistani citizens, while Official Passports are issued to specified eligible categories.
Official Passport vs Diplomatic Passport
An Official Passport should not be confused with a Diplomatic Passport.
A Diplomatic Passport is a separate category intended for persons who qualify under the diplomatic passport rules.
For example, certain senior state officials, diplomats and other specifically entitled persons may qualify for Diplomatic Passports.
The fact that a person has an Official Passport does not automatically make that person a diplomat.
Likewise, having an Official Passport does not automatically provide diplomatic privileges, immunity or visa-free entry into foreign countries.
Visa and entry requirements are determined by the destination country and applicable international arrangements.
Does an Official Passport Give Visa-Free Travel?
No.
An Official Passport does not automatically mean that the holder can enter every country without a visa.
Visa requirements depend on:
- Destination country
- Nationality
- Purpose of travel
- Official or diplomatic status
- Bilateral agreements
- Visa exemption agreements
- Immigration rules of the destination country
Some countries may have special arrangements for holders of Pakistani Official or Diplomatic Passports, but these arrangements vary by country.
Applicants should always verify the visa requirements of the country they intend to visit.
Does an Official Passport Give Special Immigration Benefits?
An Official Passport identifies the holder as travelling under an official category, but it does not universally guarantee special treatment at foreign borders.
The actual treatment depends on the destination country's laws, bilateral agreements and the purpose of travel.
An Official Passport should therefore not be considered a substitute for a visa where a visa is required.
Can I Use an Official Passport for Personal Travel?
The Official Passport is intended for official purposes and eligible official travel.
If a person is travelling abroad for personal reasons, such as:
- Tourism
- Family visit
- Holiday
- Personal business
- Private vacation
the ordinary passport is generally the appropriate passport category.
The holder should follow the rules applicable to Official Passports and their government department.
Can I Keep Both an Ordinary and Official Passport?
The circumstances under which a person may hold/use different passport categories depend on the applicable rules and the person's official status.
A government employee should not assume that obtaining an Official Passport automatically cancels their ordinary passport.
If you are already holding an ordinary passport and become entitled to an Official Passport, ask your department and DGI&P about the correct procedure for your particular case.
This is especially important if the existing passport contains valid visas or travel history.
Important Rules for Government Employees
Government employees should remember that passport issuance and permission to travel abroad are not necessarily the same thing.
A department may have separate procedures for:
- Foreign travel permission
- Official assignment approval
- Leave approval
- NOC
- Government travel authorization
- Official Passport recommendation
Therefore, receiving an Official Passport does not by itself replace other departmental requirements.
How to Check Your Eligibility
If you believe you qualify for a Pakistan Official Passport, follow these steps:
- Identify your current government designation.
- Identify your ministry, division or department.
- Ask the relevant administrative/establishment section whether your position qualifies.
- Confirm whether the planned foreign trip is an official assignment.
- Ask for the Official Passport application/recommendation procedure.
- Prepare your CNIC and previous passport, if applicable.
- Obtain the required departmental recommendation and supporting documents.
- Follow the submission instructions provided by your department and DGI&P.
The most reliable source for an individual case is the applicant's department together with DGI&P, because entitlement can depend on the exact official category.
Where to Get Official Information
The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) is the primary government authority responsible for Pakistani passport issuance.
DGI&P provides information about passport categories, requirements, application procedures and e-services through its official website.
Applicants can also contact DGI&P for passport-related questions.
The published DGI&P contact information includes:
DGI&P Helpline:
051-111-344-777
International:
0092-51-111-344-777
Email:
info@dgip.gov.pk
DGI&P also provides passport status notifications through SMS/email services.
For passport policy questions, DGI&P lists the Passport Policy Section email as:
Official Website
The official website of the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports is:
For Official Passport information, applicants should refer to the DGI&P Official Passport section and the applicable Passport Rules.
Important Warning About Agents
Applicants should be careful when dealing with people who claim that they can arrange a Blue Passport for money.
An Official Passport is not an ordinary commercial product that anyone can purchase.
Eligibility and departmental authorization are fundamental parts of the process.
Do not provide money or personal documents to an unofficial agent merely because they claim to have connections inside a government department.
Always verify the procedure through your department and DGI&P.
Guide Information
Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for a Pakistan Official Passport?
Eligibility is governed by the applicable provisions of the Passport Rules and amendments.
DGI&P currently states that Official Passports may be issued to Pakistani nationals including:
Senators
Members of the National Assembly
Provincial Ministers
Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan
Judges of High Courts
Eligible officers serving with the Government
Government officers proceeding abroad on official assignments
Other persons falling within the categories specified under the applicable rules
DGI&P specifically links Official Passport issuance to Schedule-III of the Passport Rules 2021 and SRO No. 1139(1)/2023/Passport Amendment Rules, 2021.
Eligibility should therefore be checked according to the applicant's exact government position, department and purpose of travel.
Important
Being a government employee does not automatically mean that a person can obtain an Official Passport.
For example, a government employee may still need to satisfy the relevant conditions and have the required departmental authorization for official travel.
The department's designated authority plays an important role in the Official Passport application process.
Can a Normal Pakistani Citizen Get a Blue Passport?
Generally, no.
A Pakistani citizen who does not fall into an eligible Official Passport category cannot simply apply for a Blue/Official Passport by paying a fee.
For ordinary personal travel, the applicant should apply for an Ordinary Pakistani Passport or an e-Passport according to the applicable requirements.
The ordinary passport is issued to Pakistani citizens, subject to the requirements and procedures established by DGI&P.
The Official Passport is specifically intended for eligible official categories.
Can a Government Employee Get an Official Passport?
A government employee may qualify, but government employment alone is not sufficient.
DGI&P states that government officers proceeding abroad on official assignments can fall within the Official Passport category.
The applicant should therefore establish:
Their government position
Their department or ministry
The purpose of the foreign visit
The official assignment
The duration of the assignment
The countries to be visited
The required departmental authorization
The relevant department normally initiates or recommends the Official Passport application through its designated officer.
Required Documents
The exact documents can vary according to the applicant's category and government department.
For an Official Passport application, applicants should generally expect documentation relating to:
1. Valid CNIC
The applicant's valid Pakistani CNIC or other applicable identity document is required.
2. Previous Passport
If the applicant already has a Pakistani passport, the previous passport may be required for processing.
3. Departmental Recommendation
This is one of the most important parts of an Official Passport application.
DGI&P states that the designated officer of the concerned Ministry, Division or Department forwards the recommendatory letter for issuance of an Official Passport.
4. Official Assignment Details
The departmental recommendation should contain relevant information about the official foreign visit.
According to DGI&P's Official Passport procedure, the recommendation includes information such as:
Purpose of the visit
Duration of the visit
Countries to be visited
and supporting documents.
5. Departmental NOC Where Applicable
DGI&P's general passport requirements state that government, semi-government and autonomous-body employees are required to provide an NOC from their department for passport issuance.
For an Official Passport, the exact departmental documentation should be confirmed with the applicant's designated administrative authority.
6. Other Supporting Documents
Depending on the applicant's official position, additional documents may be required.
These can include:
Official notification of appointment
Foreign visit approval
Government authorization
Travel order
Official assignment letter
Departmental recommendation
Relevant government notification
The applicant should obtain the exact document checklist from their department before the case is submitted.
Fees
Official Passport applicants should confirm the applicable fee directly with DGI&P and their department because Official Passport processing is governed by its own entitlement and administrative procedure. The ordinary passport fee schedule published by DGI&P should not automatically be treated as the Official Passport fee schedule. For comparison, DGI&P currently lists ordinary passport fees separately. For example, an ordinary 36-page passport is listed at Rs. 4,500 for five years under the normal category and Rs. 7,500 under the urgent category. DGI&P also provides its Passport Fee Asaan system for calculating and paying applicable passport fees. Applicants should avoid paying money to agents claiming that a Blue Passport can be obtained privately for a fixed additional fee.
Processing Time
Processing time for an Official Passport can depend on: Applicant's government department Completion of departmental approval Submission of recommendation Verification DGI&P processing Nature and urgency of the official assignment Applicants should therefore obtain the expected processing time from their department and the relevant passport authority. The standard processing times published by DGI&P for ordinary Machine Readable Passports are separate from the Official Passport process. DGI&P currently lists ordinary passport processing categories including Fast Track, Urgent and Normal. Therefore, an applicant should not assume that an Official Passport will automatically be issued within the ordinary passport delivery period.
Application Method
The Official Passport process is different from an
Validity Period
Validity Period The validity of an Official Passport depends on the applicable rules and the applic
Step-by-Step Process
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Check whether you are eligible for a Pakistan Official Passport under the applicable government rules.
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Contact the administration, HR, establishment or designated officer of your Ministry, Division or Government Department to confirm your eligibility.
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Confirm that your foreign visit is an official assignment or otherwise qualifies for an Official Passport.
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Obtain the required departmental approval and official authorization for the foreign assignment.
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Prepare your valid CNIC, previous Pakistani passport if applicable, departmental recommendation and other required supporting documents.
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Ask the designated officer of your Ministry, Division or Department to prepare the Official Passport recommendation.
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Make sure the recommendation contains the required details, including the purpose of the official visit, duration of the visit and countries to be visited.
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Submit the recommendation and supporting documents through the designated departmental representative according to the applicable DGI&P procedure.
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Complete any required verification, photograph, biometric or other formalities specified by the concerned authority.
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Pay any applicable passport processing fee through the authorized payment method, if required.
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Wait for the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) to process the application and complete the required checks.
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After approval and processing, collect the Official Passport according to the instructions provided by the concerned department or passport authority.
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Before travelling, check the passport details carefully and confirm whether the destination country requires a visa or any additional travel authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Pakistan Blue Passport generally refers to the Official Passport issued to eligible Pakistani citizens who qualify under the applicable government rules.
Official Passports are issued to specific eligible categories, including certain government officials, Senators, Members of the National Assembly, Provincial Ministers, Supreme Court and High Court Judges, and eligible government officers travelling abroad on official assignments.
No. An ordinary Pakistani citizen cannot obtain an Official Passport simply by paying a fee. The applicant must fall within an eligible category under the applicable rules.
A government employee may qualify if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements and are travelling abroad for an official assignment. Government employment alone does not automatically guarantee an Official Passport.
Eligible applicants should normally start by contacting the administration, HR, establishment or designated officer of their concerned Ministry, Division or Government Department.
Yes. The Official Passport procedure involves a recommendation from the designated officer of the concerned Ministry, Division or Department.
The recommendation can include details such as the purpose of the official visit, duration of the visit and countries to be visited, along with relevant supporting documents.
Requirements can vary depending on the applicant's category. Documents may include a valid CNIC, previous passport if applicable, departmental recommendation, official assignment documents and other supporting documents.
Government employees may be required to provide a departmental NOC. The exact requirement should be confirmed with the concerned department and DGI&P.
Generally, no. Official Passport issuance involves the required departmental recommendation and authorization for eligible applicants.
No. Eligibility for an Official Passport cannot be created by paying an agent. Applicants should use the official government procedure and avoid unauthorized agents.
No. Pakistan's Official Passport and Diplomatic Passport are separate passport categories with different eligibility requirements.
No. An Official Passport does not automatically provide visa-free entry to foreign countries. Visa requirements depend on the destination country's laws and applicable agreements.
The Official Passport is intended for eligible official travel. For personal tourism and private travel, an ordinary Pakistani passport is generally the appropriate passport.
Processing time can vary depending on departmental approval, document verification and DGI&P processing. Applicants should confirm the expected timeline with their department.
The applicable fee should be confirmed through DGI&P or the concerned department because Official Passport processing is different from the ordinary passport fee schedule.
Applicants should follow the specific Official Passport procedure provided by their concerned Ministry, Division or Department and DGI&P rather than assuming that the ordinary online passport process applies.
This depends on the applicant's circumstances and applicable rules. Applicants who already have an ordinary passport should ask their department or DGI&P about the correct procedure.
You can verify current Official Passport information through the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) and your concerned government department.
No. An Official Passport does not automatically make the holder a diplomat or provide diplomatic status or immunity.
The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) is responsible for passport issuance, while the required departmental recommendation and authorization form an important part of the Official Passport process.