In a major consular milestone for the Pakistani diaspora across the United Arab Emirates, the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai have officially launched the processing and issuance of biometric Electronic Passports (e-Passports).
Administered under the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P), the biometric e-passport embeds an ICAO-compliant contactless microchip containing the holder’s biometric facial scan and digital fingerprints. This upgrade facilitates automated processing at international e-Gates and strengthens identity security across global border crossings.
The diplomatic missions have issued a comprehensive, tiered fee schedule denominated in UAE Dirhams (AED), categorized by booklet size (36 vs. 72 pages), validity period (5 vs. 10 years), processing priority (Normal vs. Urgent), and loss replacement history (1st vs. 2nd loss).
Standard renewal fees start at an accessible AED 145 (approx. PKR 11,020) for a normal 5-year, 36-page booklet. However, at the top end of the penalty scale, the fee reaches AED 2,540 (approx. PKR 193,040) for an urgent 10-year, 72-page booklet being replaced after a second reported loss.
At Mansory Consultants, our international mobility and consular advisory desk tracks cross-border travel documentation. Below is the full operational breakdown of the new fee structure, procedural prerequisites, and loss replacement rules.
UAE Pakistan E-Passport Fee Structure at a Glance
All consular passport fees in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are collected directly in UAE Dirhams (AED):
1. Standard Issuance & Routine Renewal Fees
| Booklet Size | Validity Period | Processing Speed | Fee in UAE Dirhams (AED) | Approx. PKR Equivalent* |
| 36 Pages | 5 Years | Normal | AED 145 | Rs. 11,020 |
| 36 Pages | 5 Years | Urgent | AED 235 | Rs. 17,860 |
| 36 Pages | 10 Years | Normal | AED 215 | Rs. 16,340 |
| 36 Pages | 10 Years | Urgent | AED 355 | Rs. 26,980 |
| 72 Pages | 5 Years | Normal | AED 260 | Rs. 19,760 |
| 72 Pages | 5 Years | Urgent | AED 425 | Rs. 32,300 |
| 72 Pages | 10 Years | Normal | AED 390 | Rs. 29,640 |
| 72 Pages | 10 Years | Urgent | AED 635 | Rs. 48,260 |
*Conversions based on an exchange baseline of AED 1 = PKR 76.
2. Heavy Penalty Tier: Replacement Fees for Lost Passports
To deter passport negligence and irregular document disposal, statutory regulations mandate tiered multipliers for replacement booklets:
- First Loss: Charged at double (2x) the baseline statutory rate.
- Second Loss: Charged at quadruple (4x) the baseline statutory rate.
[Replacement Fee Escalation for Lost Passports]
│
┌─────────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────┐
▼ ▼
[First Reported Loss: 2x Baseline Fee] [Second Reported Loss: 4x Baseline Fee]
• 36 Pages (5 Yrs, Normal): AED 290 • 36 Pages (5 Yrs, Normal): AED 580
• 36 Pages (5 Yrs, Urgent): AED 470 • 36 Pages (5 Yrs, Urgent): AED 940
• 72 Pages (10 Yrs, Normal): AED 780 • 72 Pages (10 Yrs, Normal): AED 1,560
• 72 Pages (10 Yrs, Urgent): AED 1,270 • 72 Pages (10 Yrs, Urgent): AED 2,540 (~Rs. 193,040)
A third reported loss requires special investigative clearance through the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports in Islamabad before any replacement booklet can be authorized.
3. Critical Application Rules & Pre-Conditions
Overseas Pakistanis applying in Dubai or Abu Dhabi must note four mandatory regulatory guidelines:
[MANDATORY PRE-CHECK BEFORE VISITING EMBASSY / CONSULATE]
1. Validity Threshold: Current passport must have LESS THAN 6 MONTHS validity remaining
2. Naming Standard: Must have BOTH First and Last Name (single-name entries rejected)
3. National ID: Must hold valid original NICOP / CNIC / Smart Card
4. Existing MRPs: Current machine-readable passports remain valid until expiry date
- The 6-Month Renewal Window: Consular counters will process renewal applications only if the applicant’s existing passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining, or if the booklet’s blank visa pages are exhausted.
- Mandatory Split Name Policy: To comply with international ICAO guidelines, applicants must possess a clearly defined First Name and Surname/Last Name on their national identity records (CNIC/NICOP). Single-name holders are required to update their NADRA record before an e-passport can be issued.
- Validity of Existing MRPs: Traditional Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs) remain fully valid for international travel until their stated expiration date. Immediate, early replacement is not compulsory unless required for long-term visa renewals.
- Mandatory Documentation:
- Original valid CNIC / NICOP / Smart National Identity Card + photocopies.
- Original previous passport + photocopies.
- Valid UAE Residence Visa / Emirates ID.
- Police lost report (attested by local UAE police authorities) in case of a lost passport.
4. Key Takeaways for Expatriates & International Travelers
- Budget for High-Volume Passports: Frequent business travelers and international executives should opt for the 72-page, 10-year booklet (AED 390 normal / AED 635 urgent), avoiding frequent renewals and unneeded visa transfers between booklets.
- Safeguard Your Travel Documents: With second-loss replacement fees reaching AED 2,540 (~Rs. 193,040), document security is critical. Store high-resolution digital scans and retain certified copies of your passport bio-data and visa pages.
- Seamless e-Gate Clearance: The microchip enables Pakistani expatriates to utilize automated electronic immigration gates at major international hubs, including Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International (AUH), reducing transit delays.
Navigate Consular & Global Mobility with Mansory Consultants
Whether managing residency transitions in the UAE, preparing for European study visas, or securing overseas employment clearances, maintaining valid, compliant travel documentation is essential.
At Mansory Consultants, our international legal mobility and consular compliance desk delivers:
- Comprehensive document audits for passport renewal and foreign visa filings.
- Support for educational and civil certificate legalizations through HEC, IBCC, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) with digital QR codes.
- Strategic consultation on overseas residency compliance, work permits, and Schengen visa dockets.
- Advisory on immigration regulations across the UK, Europe, Canada, and the GCC.
Contact Mansory Consultants today for verified guidance on your international mobility and travel documentation requirements
