Renewing a Pakistani passport while abroad is now easier than ever thanks to the Pakistan Online Passport System (POMA) launched by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports. Whether you are a student in the UK, a professional in Saudi Arabia, a businessman in Dubai, or a visitor in the Schengen Area, you can renew your Pakistani passport without returning to Pakistan. This guide explains the complete renewal process — both online and through Pakistani embassies — the fees, required documents, processing times, and what to do if you need an emergency travel document. With proper preparation, Pakistani citizens can renew their passport from anywhere in the world within 2-6 weeks.

Two Methods of Passport Renewal Abroad

Pakistani citizens living or traveling abroad have two options for passport renewal. The first and preferred method is online renewal through the Pakistan Online Passport System (POMA) at passport.gov.pk — this is faster, cheaper, and more convenient. The second method is in-person renewal at a Pakistani embassy or consulate — required if you need an urgent passport or cannot complete online renewal. Online renewal is processed in Pakistan and the new passport is couriered to your international address. Embassy renewal is processed locally and collected in person. For most overseas Pakistanis, online renewal is the recommended option.

• Method 1: Online renewal via Pakistan Online Passport System (POMA) — passport.gov.pk
• Method 2: In-person renewal at Pakistani embassy or consulate
• Online renewal: Processed in Pakistan, couriered to international address (2-6 weeks)
• Embassy renewal: Processed locally, collected in person (3-8 weeks depending on embassy)
• Online is preferred: Faster, cheaper, no embassy visit required
• Embassy is needed when: Urgent renewal, online renewal fails, emergency travel
• Both methods produce the same machine-readable Pakistani passport

Online Passport Renewal via POMA

The Pakistan Online Passport System (POMA) at passport.gov.pk allows Pakistani citizens to renew their passport from anywhere in the world. The process is fully online — no embassy visit required. Create an account on passport.gov.pk using your CNIC and existing passport number. Fill out the renewal application form. Upload scanned documents (CNIC, existing passport, photograph). Pay the renewal fee via international credit card or bank transfer. The application is reviewed in Islamabad, the passport is printed, and couriered to your international address via DHL or FedEx. Processing time: 2-6 weeks for normal, 7-10 days for urgent. The courier cost is included in the fee.

• Website: passport.gov.pk (Pakistan Online Passport System)
• Account creation: Using CNIC and existing passport number
• Upload documents: CNIC, existing passport (first 2 pages), passport-size photograph
• Photograph requirements: White background, 35x45mm, no glasses, neutral expression
• Fee payment: International credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or bank transfer
• Processing time: 2-6 weeks normal, 7-10 days urgent (additional fee)
• Courier: DHL or FedEx to international address (cost included in fee)
• Tracking: Application status tracked online using tracking ID

Required Documents for Online Renewal

The documents required for online passport renewal are minimal but must be scanned clearly. Original CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) — both front and back scanned. Existing Pakistani passport — scan the first two pages (bio-data page and page 2). Passport-size photograph — 35x45mm with white background, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses, neutral expression, high resolution (300+ DPI). For married women changing their name after marriage, scan the Nikahnama (marriage certificate). For applicants under 18, scan the B-Form (CRC) and parents' CNICs. All scanned documents must be in PDF or JPG format, file size under 2 MB each. HTG Travels can assist with document preparation.

• CNIC: Both front and back scanned (PDF or JPG, under 2MB)
• Existing passport: First two pages scanned (bio-data page and page 2)
• Photograph: 35x45mm white background, taken within last 6 months, 300+ DPI
• Photograph rules: No glasses, no head covering (except religious), neutral expression
• Married women changing name: Nikahnama (marriage certificate) scan
• Applicants under 18: B-Form (CRC) and both parents' CNICs
• Document format: PDF or JPG, file size under 2MB each
• Tip: Use a scanner, not phone camera, for document scans

Online Renewal Fee Structure

The online passport renewal fee depends on the passport type (ordinary, urgent, or fast track) and the number of pages (36, 72, or 100). Ordinary 36-page passport (5-year validity, normal processing): USD 30 (PKR 8,500 equivalent). Urgent 36-page passport (5-year validity, fast processing 7-10 days): USD 60 (PKR 17,000 equivalent). Ordinary 72-page passport (5-year validity, normal processing): USD 50 (PKR 14,000 equivalent). Urgent 72-page passport (5-year validity, fast processing): USD 100 (PKR 28,500 equivalent). The 100-page passport is available for frequent travelers — USD 80 ordinary, USD 150 urgent. Fees are payable in USD via international credit card or bank transfer.

• 36-page ordinary (5-year, normal): USD 30 (~PKR 8,500)
• 36-page urgent (5-year, fast 7-10 days): USD 60 (~PKR 17,000)
• 72-page ordinary (5-year, normal): USD 50 (~PKR 14,000)
• 72-page urgent (5-year, fast 7-10 days): USD 100 (~PKR 28,500)
• 100-page ordinary (5-year, normal): USD 80 (~PKR 22,500) — for frequent travelers
• 100-page urgent (5-year, fast 7-10 days): USD 150 (~PKR 42,000)
• Courier cost: Included in fee (DHL/FedEx to international address)
• Payment: International credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or bank transfer

In-Person Renewal at Pakistani Embassy

If online renewal is not possible, you can renew your Pakistani passport in person at the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate. The process requires visiting the embassy during consular hours (typically 9 AM - 12 PM, Sunday to Thursday). Bring the original documents (CNIC, existing passport, photographs). Fill out the passport renewal application at the embassy. Pay the fee in cash or local currency equivalent. The embassy forwards the application to Islamabad, the passport is printed in Pakistan, and couriered back to the embassy. Processing time: 3-8 weeks depending on embassy location and workload. You can either collect the new passport in person or request courier delivery (additional fee).

• Visit nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate during consular hours (9 AM - 12 PM)
• Working days: Sunday to Thursday (closed Friday and Saturday in most countries)
• Bring original documents: CNIC, existing passport, 4 passport-size photographs
• Photograph requirements: White background, 35x45mm, taken within last 6 months
• Fill out passport renewal application form at embassy
• Fee: Payable in cash or local currency equivalent (varies by embassy)
• Processing time: 3-8 weeks (embassy forwards to Islamabad)
• Collection: In person or courier delivery (additional fee)

Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

If your Pakistani passport is lost, stolen, or expired while abroad and you need to return to Pakistan urgently, the Pakistani embassy can issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). The ETD is a single-use travel document that allows you to travel only to Pakistan — no other countries. The ETD is valid for 30 days from issue. Required documents: Police report (for lost/stolen passport), CNIC, 4 photographs, flight booking to Pakistan. Processing time: 1-3 working days. Fee: USD 25-50 depending on embassy. The ETD cannot be used for transit through other countries unless specifically endorsed — confirm transit requirements with the airline before booking. Contact the nearest Pakistani embassy immediately if you need an ETD.

• ETD issued by Pakistani embassy for emergency return to Pakistan
• Single-use document: Allows travel only to Pakistan, no other countries
• Validity: 30 days from issue date
• Required documents: Police report, CNIC, 4 photographs, flight booking to Pakistan
• Processing time: 1-3 working days
• Fee: USD 25-50 depending on embassy
• Transit restrictions: Cannot transit through other countries unless endorsed
• Tip: Confirm transit requirements with airline before booking ETD travel

Renewing Passport in Saudi Arabia (Umrah/Hajj Pilgrims)

Pakistani pilgrims performing Umrah or Hajj sometimes discover their passport is expiring during or shortly after their trip. If your passport expires within 6 months, Saudi Arabia may deny entry. Renew your passport BEFORE traveling for Umrah. If your passport is lost or stolen during Umrah, contact the Pakistan Consulate in Jeddah immediately. The consulate can issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) for return to Pakistan — processing time 1-2 days. For non-emergency renewal while in Saudi Arabia, use the online POMA system with courier delivery to your Saudi address. Pakistan Consulate Jeddah: +966-12-691-3111, Pakistan Embassy Riyadh: +966-11-488-1234.

• Renew passport BEFORE traveling for Umrah if expiring within 6 months
• Saudi Arabia may deny entry if passport has less than 6 months validity
• Lost/stolen passport in Saudi: Contact Pakistan Consulate Jeddah immediately
• Pakistan Consulate Jeddah: +966-12-691-3111
• Pakistan Embassy Riyadh: +966-11-488-1234
• ETD for return to Pakistan: Processing 1-2 days in Saudi
• Online renewal while in Saudi: POMA system with courier to Saudi address
• Tip: Always carry photocopies of passport and CNIC separately from originals

Tips for Smooth Passport Renewal

Several best practices ensure smooth passport renewal from abroad. Start the renewal process 3-4 months before your passport expires — this gives ample time for processing and avoids last-minute stress. Keep digital copies of all documents (CNIC, passport, photographs) on a secure cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) so you can access them from anywhere. Use a scanner rather than phone camera for document scans — quality matters. Track your application status online using the tracking ID provided. If applying online, ensure your credit card allows international payments. If using embassy renewal, call ahead to confirm consular hours and required documents. HTG Travels can assist with the renewal process for clients planning Umrah or Hajj.

• Start renewal 3-4 months before passport expiry date
• Keep digital copies on secure cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Use a scanner, not phone camera, for document scans (quality matters)
• Track application status online using tracking ID
• Online renewal: Ensure credit card allows international payments
• Embassy renewal: Call ahead to confirm consular hours and documents
• Photograph: Use a professional photographer, not phone selfie
• Tip: Renew passport before booking Umrah/Hajj (Saudi requires 6+ months validity)

Need to renew your Pakistani passport for Umrah or travel? Message HTG Travels on WhatsApp for document preparation assistance.

Message on WhatsApp