Pakistan Embassies & High Commissions Worldwide

To renew your Pakistan passport abroad, visit your nearest Pakistan embassy or high commission. You will need your current passport (even if expired), completed passport application form (available at the mission or online), two recent passport-sized photographs, a copy of your CNIC/NICOP, and the applicable fee. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks for normal service. Many missions also offer an urgent/express service for an additional fee. You can also apply through the online passport system at dgip.gov.pk and submit biometrics at the nearest mission.

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is an identity document issued by NADRA for Pakistani citizens living abroad. It serves as proof of Pakistani citizenship and can be used for visa-free travel to Pakistan. To apply, you can visit your nearest Pakistan mission or apply online through the NADRA website. Required documents include your old CNIC or NICOP (if available), Pakistan passport, two photographs, and proof of residence abroad. The NICOP is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. A machine-readable Smart NICOP with a chip is now the standard issue.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Pakistan offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to citizens of several countries. Most visitors can now apply through the Pakistan Online Visa System at visa.nadra.gov.pk, which offers e-visas for tourist, business, and other categories. Nationals of China, Turkey, and several other countries enjoy visa-free entry or simplified procedures. Commonwealth citizens and nationals of SAARC countries may have specific arrangements. It is recommended to check the latest requirements with your nearest Pakistan embassy or the online visa portal before travelling.

Pakistan maintains High Commissions in fellow Commonwealth countries (such as the UK, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, and Nigeria) and Embassies in non-Commonwealth countries (such as the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, Germany, and Turkey). Both provide the same range of consular services including passport renewal, visa processing, NICOP applications, document attestation, and emergency assistance. The head of a High Commission is called a High Commissioner, while the head of an Embassy is called an Ambassador. Pakistan also operates Consulates General in major cities where it does not have an embassy, such as in New York, Los Angeles, Manchester, Dubai, and Jeddah.

Document attestation by a Pakistan embassy or high commission involves verifying the authenticity of documents for use in Pakistan or abroad. Common documents include educational certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, commercial documents, and power of attorney. The process typically requires: original documents, copies of the documents, valid identification (passport/NICOP), and the applicable attestation fee. Some missions require prior attestation from the host country's foreign affairs ministry. Processing usually takes 2-5 working days. For commercial documents, Chamber of Commerce certification may also be required before embassy attestation.