E-passport services have been launched

ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (SABAH): The Directorate General of Immigration and Passport has commenced the issuance of e-passports across the entirety of Pakistan.

After a prolonged delay spanning several years, the issuance of e-passports has finally been initiated, marking a leap forward in passport technology and travel facilitation.

Plans are underway to install smart gates, at major international airports like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Passengers possessing e-passports will benefit from expedited immigration procedures by utilising these smart gates.

The pricing structure for these e-passports has also been outlined. A 36-page e-passport for a duration of five years will be available at a standard fee of Rs 9,000, while an urgent issuance will cost Rs 15,000.

Likewise, a ten-year e-passport will be priced at Rs13,500 under normal circumstances and Rs 22,500 for urgent processing.

For those requiring a 72-page e-passport, the fees stand at Rs 15,000 for a five-year period and Rs 27,000 for urgent issuance.

A ten-year 72-page e-passport will cost Rs 24,750 in regular circumstances and Rs 40,500 for expedited processing. The convenience of obtaining an e-passport extends to all passport offices nationwide, ensuring accessibility to the travel document.

Boasting over 20 advanced security features, the newly introduced e-passport encapsulates comprehensive records and travel details of the passport holder, enhancing security measures and data management.

Furthermore, plans are underway to expand the e-passport issuance process to Pakistani embassies worldwide, including those in Europe and America, in the near future.