Passport Rules for Dual Nationals of Pakistan – Complete Guide

For Pakistanis who hold citizenship of Pakistan and another country, passport matters can sometimes be confusing. A dual national may have two citizenships and two passports, but the use of those documents, passport applications, declarations and citizenship status are governed by different laws and procedures.

Pakistan’s Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) specifically requires dual nationals applying for a Pakistani passport to provide their foreign passport and declare their dual nationality in the passport declaration form. The ordinary Pakistani passport is available to Pakistani citizens, including eligible dual nationals, subject to the applicable requirements and formalities.

This guide explains the main Pakistani passport rules relevant to dual nationals, including eligibility, documents, passport applications, foreign passports, minors, renewal, online services, citizenship considerations, fees, processing times and common mistakes.

What Is a Dual National?

A dual national is a person who holds Pakistani citizenship together with citizenship or nationality of another country.

For passport purposes, the important point is that holding another nationality does not remove the need to comply with Pakistani passport requirements while dealing with Pakistani authorities.

DGI&P maintains a specific dual-nationality arrangement with 22 countries. According to its current official list, these are the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United States of America, Sweden, Ireland, Bahrain, Denmark, Germany, Norway and Luxembourg.

The citizenship position can be more complicated for people whose other nationality is not covered by Pakistan's notified dual-nationality arrangements. Therefore, a person should not assume that every combination of Pakistani and foreign nationality has exactly the same legal treatment.

Can a Pakistani Dual National Get a Pakistani Passport?

Yes, a Pakistani citizen can be issued an ordinary Pakistani passport subject to the applicable requirements and completion of the required formalities.

DGI&P states that the ordinary passport is issued to citizens of Pakistan. Its current requirements specifically include a foreign passport for dual nationals.

This means a dual national should not hide the existence of the foreign passport when applying for a Pakistani passport.

Instead, the foreign nationality should be declared as required by the passport application process.

Foreign Passport Is Required for Dual Nationals

One of the most important passport rules for Pakistani dual nationals is the requirement to provide the foreign passport.

For applicants aged 18 or above, DGI&P lists the following among the passport requirements:

• Original valid CNIC or NICOP with a photocopy

• Previous Pakistani passport, if one was issued

• Foreign passport and its photocopy for dual nationals

• NOC where required for certain government, semi-government or autonomous-body employees

• Police report in cases involving a lost passport, containing the previous passport number where applicable.

DGI&P also specifically states that applicants holding dual nationality should bring their foreign passport in original along with a photocopy and declare the dual nationality in the passport declaration form.

Therefore, a dual national should normally carry both the Pakistani passport and foreign passport when attending a Pakistani passport office or mission, where the original documents are required.

Why Should Dual Nationals Declare Their Foreign Nationality?

Providing accurate information is important in passport applications.

The Passport Act 1974 contains penalties relating to false statements, concealment of facts that should be disclosed for obtaining a passport, forged documents and certain other passport-related offences.

DGI&P also warns online passport applicants that misdeclaration can lead to action under the relevant rules and the Passport Act.

For this reason, a dual national should not deliberately omit the foreign nationality or provide misleading information simply because the applicant is also a Pakistani citizen.

The safest approach is to provide the information requested by DGI&P and submit the relevant original documents and copies.

Does Having a Foreign Passport Automatically Cancel a Pakistani Passport?

Not necessarily.

Citizenship and passport status are related but are not exactly the same thing. A Pakistani citizen may hold a Pakistani passport and, where legally permitted, another nationality.

Pakistan's citizenship law contains specific provisions concerning dual nationality and renunciation. DGI&P also maintains a formal renunciation procedure for Pakistani citizens who decide to give up Pakistani citizenship.

A person should therefore distinguish between:

• Holding another country's passport

• Holding another country's citizenship

• Being covered by Pakistan's dual-nationality arrangements

• Renouncing Pakistani citizenship

• Having a Pakistani passport

• Having a valid CNIC or NICOP

These are not interchangeable concepts.

Pakistan's Dual-Nationality Arrangements

DGI&P currently lists 22 countries with which Pakistan has dual-nationality arrangements.

The official list is:

1. United Kingdom

2. France

3. Italy

4. Belgium

5. Iceland

6. Australia

7. New Zealand

8. Canada

9. Finland

10. Egypt

11. Jordan

12. Syria

13. Switzerland

14. Netherlands

15. United States of America

16. Sweden

17. Ireland

18. Bahrain

19. Denmark

20. Germany

21. Norway

22. Luxembourg

DGI&P explains that citizens of these countries are not required to renounce their nationality while acquiring Pakistani citizenship under the relevant arrangements.

Because nationality laws can change and individual circumstances can be complicated, anyone dealing with a nationality issue should check the current DGI&P rules rather than relying only on an old article, social-media post or informal advice.

Pakistani Passport and CNIC/NICOP

For an adult Pakistani passport application, DGI&P requires an original valid CNIC or NICOP along with a photocopy.

This is particularly important for overseas Pakistanis and dual nationals because their identity documents and nationality records should be consistent.

If there is a discrepancy in the name, date of birth, father's name or other important particulars between the Pakistani identity record and passport, the applicant may need to resolve the identity-document issue before or during the passport process.

DGI&P's passport guidance states that for modifications such as changes to name, father's name or date of birth, the applicant generally needs to revise or modify the CNIC/NICOP first and then approach the passport office with the required documents.

Passport Rules for Dual-National Children

Dual-national children also need appropriate Pakistani identity and passport documentation.

DGI&P's current requirements for minors include different identity-document requirements depending on age. For example, minors aged 10 and above are required to provide an updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph or a Juvenile Card, while younger children may use a CRC/Form-B or FRC as specified by DGI&P.

A minor applying for a Pakistani passport must generally be accompanied by a parent or legally appointed guardian, with the relevant original identity documents.

DGI&P also requires the foreign passport and photocopy for dual-national minors.

Where parents are separated or divorced, additional custody or consent requirements may apply. Where a guardian is involved, the relevant guardianship documentation is required.

Parents should therefore check the current DGI&P requirements before taking a dual-national child to a passport office.

What If One Parent Is a Foreign National?

Having a foreign-national parent can create additional documentation requirements, especially for children.

The exact documents depend on the child's Pakistani citizenship status, identity records, parents' documents and circumstances.

DGI&P's current minor passport requirements include the original valid CNICs or passports of both parents, together with additional documents in cases involving separation, divorce, guardianship or death.

A parent should not assume that a child's foreign passport alone is enough to establish eligibility for a Pakistani passport.

The child's Pakistani identity and citizenship documentation should be checked carefully.

Can a Dual National Renew a Pakistani Passport?

Yes, eligible Pakistani dual nationals can renew their Pakistani passports subject to the applicable requirements.

DGI&P states that applicants may visit the relevant passport office or Pakistan Mission abroad for passport renewal and other passport services. Overseas Pakistanis can also use the online passport facility for eligible categories.

DGI&P's online passport system includes renewal for both inland and overseas Pakistanis. The online facility is particularly relevant to Pakistani citizens living abroad who may otherwise need to travel to a mission.

Online Passport Renewal for Overseas Dual Nationals

DGI&P provides an online passport service for overseas Pakistanis.

According to the official online passport information, applicants create an account, provide demographic and biometric information, upload supporting documents and complete the applicable payment process. Applications are reviewed by DGI&P and may be referred for further verification when necessary.

The online service includes passport renewal and certain other categories, such as new passports for qualifying newborns, damaged passports, exhausted passports, lost passports within specified limits and certain modifications.

The availability of a particular online category should always be checked on the official DGI&P portal before applying.

Do Dual Nationals Need Both Passports?

A dual national may possess both a Pakistani passport and a foreign passport where the person's citizenship status permits this.

However, the practical use of passports when travelling can depend on the laws of Pakistan and the other country, as well as airline and immigration requirements.

A dual national should therefore keep both passports valid when both are needed for travel or identification.

The passport application process itself is clear on one important point: DGI&P requires dual-national applicants to present the foreign passport and declare the dual nationality.

Using the Pakistani Passport for Pakistani Passport Services

When applying for a Pakistani passport, the Pakistani identity document and existing Pakistani passport are important records.

For an adult applicant, DGI&P lists the previous passport in original with a photocopy where a previous passport exists. The foreign passport is additionally required for dual nationals.

Applicants should therefore take:

• Pakistani CNIC or NICOP

• Existing Pakistani passport, if applicable

• Foreign passport

• Photocopies of the required documents

• Any additional documents required for the specific case

The passport office may request additional evidence if there is doubt about nationality status or personal particulars.

Passport Application from Outside Pakistan

A Pakistani dual national living abroad may deal with a Pakistani diplomatic mission or consular facility for passport services, depending on the service available in that country.

DGI&P also provides online passport services for overseas Pakistanis.

The online system allows applicants to submit eligible applications without necessarily visiting a Pakistani mission. DGI&P says online applications are reviewed at headquarters and may be sent to the nearest mission for further verification where required.

Applicants should check whether their specific application category is available online before starting the process.

Passport Processing Time

For passport applications made in Pakistan, DGI&P currently states that passports are delivered after four working days for urgent applications and after ten working days for normal applications.

These are the stated processing periods for the relevant service and do not necessarily mean that every applicant will receive the document at exactly the same time.

Delivery or dispatch may take additional time depending on the destination. DGI&P notes that passports are shipped within the prescribed time but may require additional time to reach the relevant Regional Passport Office or Foreign Mission.

Passport Fees for Dual Nationals

Being a dual national does not create a separate passport type simply because the applicant has another citizenship.

The applicable Pakistani passport fee depends on the passport service and category selected, such as validity period, number of pages and processing category.

DGI&P publishes its current fee information on its passport pages. Fees may be revised, so applicants should verify the amount before making payment.

Do not rely on an old fee mentioned in a third-party article because passport charges can change.

Five-Year and Ten-Year Passport Validity

Passport validity depends on the applicant's age and the selected passport category.

DGI&P states that minors below 15 years of age are not entitled to a ten-year-validity passport and are issued a passport with five-year validity.

Adults may be eligible for the available validity options according to current passport rules.

Dual nationality does not by itself mean that a Pakistani passport has a special validity period.

Lost Pakistani Passport of a Dual National

A lost passport requires additional documentation.

DGI&P's requirements state that an applicant with a lost passport should bring a police report mentioning the previous passport number.

The online overseas passport facility also has a specific reprint-lost category for first and second losses, while DGI&P states that a third loss requires the applicant to visit the concerned Foreign Mission.

A dual national should therefore report a lost Pakistani passport promptly and follow the current instructions of DGI&P or the relevant Pakistan Mission.

What Happens If a Pakistani Dual National Renounces Citizenship?

Renunciation of Pakistani citizenship is a separate legal process.

DGI&P states that a Pakistani citizen residing outside Pakistan who is not a minor and is also a citizen or national of another country may make a declaration of renunciation on Form X through the relevant Pakistani Mission. The person ceases to be a Pakistani citizen from the date the renunciation is registered by DGI&P.

Therefore, simply possessing a foreign passport should not be confused with formally renouncing Pakistani citizenship.

If a person has actually completed the legal renunciation process, the consequences for Pakistani identity documents and passports are different and should be handled according to the applicable citizenship rules.

Important Difference Between Dual Nationality and Renunciation

These two situations should be kept separate:

Dual nationality: A person retains Pakistani citizenship while also holding another nationality where the legal framework permits it.

Renunciation: A person formally gives up Pakistani citizenship through the prescribed process.

DGI&P's renunciation procedure requires Form X and supporting documents, and the person's Pakistani citizenship ends upon registration of the renunciation.

Someone who is unsure about their status should obtain clarification from DGI&P rather than assuming that acquiring another country's passport automatically has the same legal effect as formal renunciation.

Can a Dual National Have a Pakistani CNIC or NICOP?

A Pakistani citizen's identity documentation depends on the person's status and applicable NADRA rules.

For passport purposes, DGI&P accepts a valid CNIC or NICOP for adult applicants.

Overseas Pakistanis commonly deal with NICOP-related documentation, while Pakistani residents may use a CNIC according to their circumstances.

Because identity documentation is administered by NADRA and passport issuance by DGI&P, applicants with complicated nationality or identity situations may need to verify requirements with both authorities.

Government Employees Who Are Dual Nationals

DGI&P states that officers and officials of government departments, Armed Forces, autonomous bodies and corporations are required to submit an NOC from their department for issuance of passports.

Therefore, a dual national who is also a government or relevant public-sector employee should check whether an NOC is required before applying.

Nationality-related rules can also be affected by the applicant's employment, appointment and applicable service rules. Passport requirements should not be treated as a complete statement of all employment-related nationality restrictions.

Important Rule: Do Not Hide Your Foreign Passport

One of the clearest practical rules for a Pakistani dual national is to be transparent during the passport application.

DGI&P expressly requires dual-national applicants to present the foreign passport and declare the dual nationality.

Providing incomplete or false information can create serious problems. The Passport Act includes penalties for knowingly making false statements and deliberately concealing facts that should be disclosed for obtaining a passport.

Before submitting an application, carefully check every declaration and make sure the information is accurate.

Common Mistakes Made by Dual Nationals

Some common mistakes include:

1. Not bringing the foreign passport

A dual national should bring the foreign passport and required photocopy.

2. Failing to declare dual nationality

DGI&P specifically instructs dual nationals to declare their status.

3. Assuming every foreign nationality has identical treatment

Pakistan's official dual-nationality arrangement currently lists 22 countries. Other nationality situations may require separate legal analysis.

4. Confusing citizenship with passport ownership

A passport is a travel document; citizenship is a legal status.

5. Assuming a foreign passport cancels Pakistani citizenship

Formal renunciation is a separate process.

6. Ignoring CNIC/NICOP discrepancies

Identity information should be consistent and corrected through the appropriate authority where necessary.

7. Relying on outdated passport fees

Always verify current fees before payment.

8. Using unofficial information

Passport rules and fees can change. DGI&P should be treated as the primary source for Pakistani passport requirements.

What Dual Nationals Should Carry When Applying

An adult dual national applying for a Pakistani passport should generally prepare:

• Original valid CNIC or NICOP

• Photocopy of CNIC/NICOP

• Previous Pakistani passport, if issued

• Original foreign passport

• Photocopy of foreign passport

• NOC if applicable

• Police report if the Pakistani passport was lost

• Additional documents where DGI&P requires them

The exact requirements may vary depending on whether the application is for a new passport, renewal, modification, lost passport, damaged passport or another category.

How to Avoid Problems With a Dual-National Passport Application

Before visiting the passport office or submitting an online application, check the following:

• Your CNIC/NICOP is valid.

• Your foreign passport is available.

• The name and personal details are consistent.

• Your previous Pakistani passport is available if applicable.

• You have photocopies of the required documents.

• You have an NOC if your employment requires one.

• You have the relevant police report if the passport was lost.

• You have checked the latest official fee.

• You are using the correct application category.

• You have declared your foreign nationality honestly.

When Should You Contact DGI&P?

Contact DGI&P when your case involves uncertainty about:

• Dual-nationality status

• Pakistani citizenship status

• Passport cancellation

• Renunciation

• Conflicting identity information

• Passport Control List issues

• A complicated lost-passport case

• Online application problems

• A passport application requiring special verification

DGI&P publishes separate contact channels for passport policy, online passport issues, citizenship renunciation and other matters. Its current contact page lists passport.policy@dgip.gov.pk for passport-policy queries and immigration@dgip.gov.pk for renunciation-of-citizenship matters.

Final Advice for Pakistani Dual Nationals

The most important passport rule for a Pakistani dual national is to keep Pakistani and foreign identity information accurate and properly documented.

DGI&P requires dual nationals to provide their foreign passport and declare their dual nationality when applying for a Pakistani passport.

At the same time, dual nationality and renunciation of Pakistani citizenship are different legal matters. A person should not assume that obtaining another country's passport automatically means that Pakistani citizenship has been renounced.

Because nationality, immigration and passport rules can change and individual cases can involve additional legal considerations, always verify the latest requirements directly with DGI&P, NADRA or the relevant Pakistani Mission before making an important application or travel decision.

For official information, use the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) and its official passport and dual-nationality pages.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm that you are a Pakistani citizen or otherwise eligible for the Pakistani passport service you require.

2. Determine whether you also hold another nationality.

3. Check whether your other nationality appears on Pakistan's current official dual-nationality list.

4. Review the latest DGI&P passport requirements.

5. Identify the exact passport service you need, such as new passport, renewal, modification, lost or damaged passport.

6. Check whether you are applying inside Pakistan or from abroad.

7. Confirm whether your CNIC or NICOP is valid.

8. Check that your name and other personal details are accurate on your Pakistani identity document.

9. Locate your existing Pakistani passport if you have previously been issued one.

10. Check the expiry date and condition of your Pakistani passport.

11. Locate your original foreign passport.

12. Make a photocopy of the foreign passport as required.

13. Prepare a photocopy of your Pakistani CNIC or NICOP.

14. Prepare a photocopy of your previous Pakistani passport if applicable.

15. Check whether your employment requires a departmental NOC.

16. Obtain the required NOC if you are covered by the applicable government or public-sector requirement.

17. If your Pakistani passport was lost, obtain the required police report.

18. For a minor applicant, identify the child's applicable CRC, Juvenile Card or FRC requirement.

19. Collect the required CNICs or passports of the child's parents or legal guardian.

20. If the parents are separated or divorced, prepare the applicable custody or consent documents.

21. If a legal guardian is involved, prepare the court-issued guardianship documentation.

22. Check whether the foreign passport of a dual-national child must be provided.

23. Decide whether you will apply through a passport office, Pakistan Mission or eligible online service.

24. If applying online from abroad, create or access the official DGI&P online passport account.

25. Enter your personal and demographic information accurately.

26. Declare your foreign nationality as required by the passport application.

27. Upload or submit the supporting documents requested for your specific application category.

28. Review all information carefully before final submission.

29. Pay the applicable official passport fee using the permitted payment method.

30. Keep the payment confirmation or application reference information.

31. Complete any biometric or verification requirement applicable to your application.

32. Respond promptly if DGI&P or the relevant mission requests additional documents or verification.

33. Track the application through the available official tracking mechanism.

34. Monitor the email, SMS or other official notification associated with the application where applicable.

35. Collect or receive the passport according to the applicable delivery procedure.

36. Check the new passport immediately for spelling, date-of-birth and other personal-detail errors.

37. Keep the Pakistani passport safely stored.

38. Keep the foreign passport safely stored and valid when required for travel.

39. Do not conceal your foreign nationality in future Pakistani passport applications.

40. Check DGI&P's latest requirements again before your next renewal or modification.