How to Apply for Official and Diplomatic Passport
Official and diplomatic passports are issued only to government employees traveling on official duty (official passport) and diplomats, senior government officials, and their families (diplomatic passport). Applications go through your employing ministry/department, not directly to DGIP. These passports provide visa-free or expedited visa access to many countries.
Types of Pakistani Passports Explained
Most Pakistanis will never need an official or diplomatic passport — these are specialized travel documents for government representatives. Understanding what they are (and aren't) helps prevent wasted effort: if you're not a government employee traveling on duty, the standard ordinary passport is your only option.
For standard passports: renewal process and documents required. For e-passport features: e-passport guide.
Application Process for Special Passports
Official & Diplomatic Passport Types
| Passport Type | Color | Issued To | How to Apply | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary | Green | All citizens | Passport office / Passport Asaan | Standard travel document |
| Official | Blue | Government employees on duty travel | Through employing ministry | Diplomatic courtesies in some countries |
| Diplomatic | Red | Diplomats, senior officials, families | Through Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Diplomatic immunity provisions |
Related: passport renewal, track status, documents, fee payment, processing speeds.
Pakistan's passport services have improved significantly with the Passport Asaan app and online tracking. However, peak periods (summer travel season, Hajj/Umrah season) see longer processing times and crowded offices. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date for normal processing, or 2-3 weeks for urgent. Same-day or next-day passport is not available — even fast track takes 3 business days minimum. Plan ahead and use the online tracking system to monitor progress rather than visiting the office repeatedly.
For any complications (name mismatch between CNIC and passport, pending court cases, or travel ban status), the passport office may require additional verification that extends processing time. Resolve CNIC discrepancies at NADRA before applying for a passport — mismatched names or CNIC issues are the most common reason for passport application delays and rejections.
Current procedures and rates for apply for official and diplomatic passport reflect the most recent available information. Government services in Pakistan update through official gazette notifications and administrative circulars — some changes are announced in advance, others take effect immediately. Before initiating any process, a 2-minute check on the relevant official website or a quick call to the office helpline confirms whether current requirements match the information on this page. This small verification step prevents the much larger cost of arriving with outdated documents or incorrect fee amounts.
Verify current fees and timelines. DGIP updates passport fees and processing times periodically. The figures in this guide are based on the latest available information — always confirm on the DGIP portal or Passport Asaan App before paying.
Restrictions and Responsibilities
- Applying directly at a passport office — official and diplomatic passport requests go through your employing ministry, not directly to DGIP.
- Assuming diplomatic passports are available to all government employees — only specific grades and positions qualify. Most government workers get official passports, not diplomatic.
- Using an official/diplomatic passport for personal travel — these are for official duty only. Personal travel requires an ordinary passport.
- Not returning the passport after leaving government service — official and diplomatic passports must be surrendered when you leave government employment.
Official & Diplomatic Passports — Explained
Senior government officials (grade 20+), diplomats, judges of superior courts, members of parliament, and their immediate family members. The list is defined by the government and varies by position.
Government employees traveling abroad on official duty — regardless of grade. The employing ministry/department requests the passport through DGIP for the specific travel.
No. Diplomatic and official passport applications are initiated by the government ministry or department, not by individuals. Your employer processes the request through official channels.
In many countries, yes — diplomatic passport holders receive visa-free entry or expedited visa processing. The specific countries and conditions depend on bilateral agreements between Pakistan and each country.