Breaking News: E-Passport Name Requirements Introduced in Pakistan – First Name, Last Name Rules & Oman Fee Schedule 2026
E-Passport Name Requirements Introduced in Pakistan
October 28, 2026: Pakistan has introduced new name-related requirements for its e-passport service, making it mandatory for applicants to have both a first name and a last name. The new rules are important for Pakistani citizens living in Oman who plan to apply for a new passport or renew their existing travel document.
The Pakistani Embassy in Muscat has advised overseas Pakistanis to check their personal details before submitting an e-passport application. Applicants whose identity documents contain only one name may need to update their CNIC or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) before applying.
According to a public notice issued by the embassy, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (IMPASS) started processing e-passport applications on October 23, 2026. The new requirements specify how applicants’ names must appear on their identity records and passport applications.
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Pakistan E-Passport Name Requirements 2026
Under the new e-passport rules, applicants must provide two separate name fields: a first name and a last name. Applications containing only a single name will no longer be processed under the announced requirements.
Pakistani citizens living in Oman should review their identity documents before visiting the embassy or submitting an application. Ensuring that the information on the CNIC or NICOP meets the required standards can help prevent delays or application-related problems.
The main name requirements are listed below.
| Name category | Maximum character limit |
|---|---|
| First name | 50 characters |
| Last name | 40 characters |
| Father’s name | 40 characters |
| Husband’s name | 40 characters |
| Guardian’s name | 40 characters |
These limits apply to the relevant name fields in the application process. Applicants should ensure that their personal information is entered correctly and matches their official identity records.
What Should Applicants Do If Their CNIC Has Only One Name?
Pakistani citizens whose identity documents show only one name have been advised to update their records before applying for an e-passport.
Applicants may need to update one of the following documents:
- Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
- National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
Before starting the passport application process, applicants should contact the relevant Pakistani identity registration authority or the Pakistan Embassy in Muscat to confirm the required procedure for correcting or updating their name.
It is advisable to complete any necessary identity record updates before submitting the e-passport application. This can help applicants avoid unnecessary delays or rejection due to incomplete name information.
Offichal Website ; https://dgip.gov.pk/eServices/epassport.php
Machine-Readable Passport Applications Discontinued
With the introduction of the e-passport service, the Pakistani Embassy in Muscat has announced that applications for traditional Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs) will no longer be processed under the new arrangement.
However, Pakistani citizens who received their machine-readable passports before October 23, 2026, can continue using them until their existing passports expire, subject to applicable travel and immigration requirements.
This means that holders of valid MRPs do not need to replace their passports immediately simply because the new e-passport service has been introduced. They should check the expiry date of their current passport and follow the applicable rules when applying for a new document.
Pakistan E-Passport Fee Schedule in Oman 2026
The Pakistani Embassy in Muscat has also announced the e-passport fee schedule. The amount payable depends on the passport’s validity period, number of pages and processing category.
The following fees were provided in the announcement.
Five-Year E-Passport Fees
| Passport pages | Normal processing | Urgent processing |
|---|---|---|
| 36 pages | OMR 24 | OMR 40 |
| 72 pages | OMR 44 | OMR 72 |
Applicants choosing a five-year passport should select the appropriate page category according to their travel needs and budget.
Ten-Year E-Passport Fees
| Passport pages | Normal processing | Urgent processing |
|---|---|---|
| 36 pages | OMR 36 | OMR 72 |
| 72 pages | OMR 66 | OMR 107 |
The ten-year passport option is available at different fee levels depending on the number of pages and the selected processing category.
An additional bank charge of OMR 0.300 will also apply to the listed fees.
Applicants should confirm the final amount and payment procedure with the Pakistan Embassy in Muscat before submitting their applications, as official requirements and charges may change.
How Pakistani Citizens in Oman Can Prepare for an E-Passport Application
Pakistani citizens living in Oman can take a few practical steps before applying for an e-passport.
- Step 1: Check your identity documents. Review your CNIC or NICOP and make sure your first name and last name are recorded correctly.
- Step 2: Update a single-name record if required. If your identity document contains only one name, contact the relevant authority to confirm how your record should be corrected.
- Step 3: Select your passport category. Decide whether you need a five-year or ten-year passport and whether the 36-page or 72-page option is suitable for your needs.
- Step 4: Choose normal or urgent processing. Check the applicable fee and processing arrangements before submitting your application.
- Step 5: Confirm the latest embassy instructions. Contact the Pakistan Embassy in Muscat to verify the required documents, appointment procedure, payment method and current fees.
Following these steps can help applicants prepare their documents and reduce the risk of avoidable application delays.
Why the New E-Passport Rules Matter for Overseas Pakistanis
The introduction of the e-passport service represents a change in Pakistan’s passport application process for citizens living abroad. The requirement for separate first-name and last-name fields makes it particularly important for applicants to ensure that their identity records are complete.
For Pakistanis living in Oman, the main priority should be checking their CNIC or NICOP before applying. Those who already hold a valid machine-readable passport can continue using it until its expiry, according to the announcement, while new applicants should follow the e-passport requirements.
Applicants should also compare the available passport categories and fees before making a payment. Confirming the latest details with the embassy can help prevent confusion about eligibility, documentation and processing charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a first name and last name mandatory for a Pakistan e-passport in 2026?
Yes. Under the announced requirements, applicants must have both a first name and a last name. Applications containing only one name will not be processed under the new rules.
What is the maximum character limit for a first name?
The maximum limit for a first name is 50 characters, while the last name is limited to 40 characters.
What should I do if my NICOP contains only one name?
You should contact the relevant Pakistani identity registration authority or the Pakistan Embassy in Muscat to confirm the procedure for updating your NICOP before applying for an e-passport.
Can I continue using my existing machine-readable passport?
Yes. According to the embassy’s announcement, MRPs issued before October 23, 2026, can be used until their expiry dates, subject to applicable travel requirements.
What is the fee for a 36-page, five-year e-passport in Oman?
The announced fee is OMR 24 for normal processing and OMR 40 for urgent processing. An additional bank charge of OMR 0.300 applies.
What is the fee for a ten-year, 72-page e-passport in Oman?
The announced fee is OMR 66 for normal processing and OMR 107 for urgent processing, plus the applicable bank charge.
Final Words
Pakistan’s new e-passport requirements introduce specific rules for applicants’ names and discontinue the processing of traditional machine-readable passport applications under the announced arrangement in Muscat. Pakistani citizens living in Oman should ensure that their CNIC or NICOP includes the required first and last names before applying.
Applicants should also review the passport fee schedule, choose the appropriate validity period and page category, and confirm the latest application instructions with the Pakistan Embassy in Muscat before proceeding.
