Applying for a Pakistan passport for a child involves additional procedural requirements compared to adult applications, reflecting that minors require parental authorization for travel documents. The process requires both parents' presence at the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in most scenarios, comprehensive documentation about the family unit, and the child's physical presence for biometric capture (modified for very young children). Child passports are essential for international travel, and applying well in advance of planned travel dates prevents last-minute disruptions. The application process varies based on the child's age, family circumstances, and travel intentions.
When children need their own passports
Pakistan requires every traveling individual, regardless of age, to have their own passport for international travel. Children cannot travel on parents' passports — each child needs their own document.
- International travel of any age — children even months-old need their own passports
- Family travel — each family member including infants requires separate passport
- Visa applications — children's visas attach to their own passports, not parents'
- Future-proofing — even children not yet planning travel may need passports for unexpected international needs
- Required for various international school programs, medical care abroad, family emergencies requiring travel
Documents required for child passport
Child passport applications require comprehensive documentation involving both the child and parents.
- Child's B-Form — primary identity documentation for minor
- Both parents' original CNICs
- Both parents' passports (if either parent has passport)
- Marriage certificate of parents
- Child's recent photographs meeting DGIP specifications (typically 2-4 copies)
- Application form completed for child (some sections completed by parents)
- Fee payment receipt (lower fee for children than adults)
- Both parents' physical presence at RPO appointment (typical requirement)
For specific child age ranges, biometric requirements differ:
Infants and very young children (under 5): Photograph required, no fingerprints (children that young don't have established fingerprint patterns suitable for capture). Signature isn't applicable.
Children 5-12: Photograph and fingerprints captured (children this age have fingerprints sufficient for capture). Signature may or may not be required depending on age and child's ability.
Children 12-18: Full biometric capture (photograph, fingerprints, signature). The capture process resembles adult applications.
The application process for children
Step 1: Complete application form for child. The form has sections for child's details (name, date of birth, etc.) and parent details. Parents typically complete the form on behalf of the child. Information must match what's on the B-Form exactly to avoid discrepancies.
Step 2: Pay the child passport fee. The fee structure for children is typically lower than adult passports, varying by validity period and processing category. Payment through Passport Asaan App or bank works the same as adult applications.
Step 3: Schedule RPO appointment for the child. Choose convenient timing that accommodates both parents being able to attend with the child. The appointment is when the child's biometric capture happens.
Step 4: Attend RPO appointment with the child and both parents. Bring all required documentation. RPO staff verify documents, confirm parental authorization for the child's passport, capture child's biometrics (as age-appropriate), and complete the application processing.
Step 5: Track and collect. Once application is submitted, track through the standard methods (dgip.gov.pk or Passport Asaan App). When passport is ready, collect from RPO or receive at designated address.
Special parental situations
Pakistan's passport application framework accommodates various family situations, though specific procedures apply to each.
Single parents — one parent deceased, situations of separation/divorce, or other circumstances where one parent isn't available. Required additional documentation: death certificate for deceased parent, court order specifying custody for divorced parents, legal documentation explaining absent parent. The application can proceed with one parent's presence if absent parent's circumstances are formally documented.
Both parents unable to attend — sometimes practical circumstances prevent both parents being at RPO simultaneously. Solutions include: scheduling sequentially over multiple days, formal written authorization from absent parent (notarized authorization with specific child details), or arrangements for one parent to bring relevant documents while other handles different aspects.
Children of overseas Pakistanis — when both parents are abroad. The child's passport application requires coordination with Pakistani embassy/consulate, possibly involving the embassy handling preliminary processing with subsequent RPO completion. See specific guidance for overseas Pakistani passport processes.
Children with single Pakistani parent (one parent foreign national) — Pakistan grants citizenship through Pakistani parent. The application requires Pakistani parent's presence and documentation; foreign parent's involvement varies depending on Pakistan's citizenship policy and the foreign country's rules about their citizen having a Pakistani passport.
Renewal of child passports as they grow
Children's passports typically have shorter validity than adult passports (often 5 years) because children's appearance changes significantly over short periods. The passport's photograph quickly becomes outdated as children grow. Renewals happen regularly throughout childhood.
Each renewal updates the child's information — current photograph, current fingerprints (as biometrics develop), updated personal details. The renewal process is similar to initial application but generally streamlined since most information already exists in DGIP records.
For children turning 18, the transition to adult passport happens through standard renewal process. The adult passport has longer validity options (5 or 10 years) and uses adult fee structures. The transition typically aligns with the child's general adulthood documentation transition (CNIC, voter registration, etc.).
Common child passport issues
- 🚩 Missing B-Form — must obtain duplicate B-Form before passport application
- 🚩 One parent unwilling to consent — passport applications require both parents' authorization in most scenarios; disputes require legal resolution
- 🚩 Discrepancies between B-Form and parents' CNICs (name spellings, etc.) — resolve before applying
- 🚩 Children of unmarried parents — formal procedures apply; consult DGIP for specific situation
- 🚩 Children of overseas Pakistani parents needing coordination with embassy — more complex process timing
- 🚩 Fraudulent "child passport services" charging premium fees — only official DGIP processes are legitimate
- 🚩 Photo specifications particularly challenging for infants — studios specializing in passport photos can help
Travel considerations for children's passports
Beyond having a valid Pakistani passport, children traveling internationally need to consider visa requirements for destination countries, additional travel documentation requirements (sometimes both parents' consent letters for travel with one parent), and specific requirements during travel itself.
For international travel of children with only one parent (other parent staying home), some destination countries require written authorization from the non-traveling parent. This documentation supplements the passport — having valid passport doesn't cover authorization to travel internationally with one parent in cases where both parents share legal responsibility.
For children traveling alone (older children traveling for study, family visits, etc.), additional documentation about the travel arrangements is sometimes needed by airlines or destination authorities. Plan travel for children with proper documentation beyond just the passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally lower than adult passport fees. Specific amounts vary by validity period and processing category. 5-year child passport: typically Rs. 1,500-3,000 Normal processing, higher for Urgent and Fast Track. 10-year child passport: typically Rs. 2,500-5,000 Normal. The fees are approximate and may change. Check DGIP official rates for current pricing.
Pakistan offers both 5-year and 10-year validity options for children, similar to adults. Many families choose 5-year for children because of rapid physical changes — photographs become outdated quickly. 10-year passports for very young children (under 5) may need photograph update mid-validity due to growth. Older children (12+) often handle 10-year validity better since appearance stabilizes. The choice depends on family preference and travel patterns.
Generally no — child's physical presence is required for biometric capture (photograph, and fingerprints for older children). Exceptions exist for very specific circumstances (severe disability preventing travel to RPO, hospitalized children, etc.) where alternative arrangements may be considered. For typical applications, the child must accompany parents to RPO. Plan the appointment for time when child can travel to RPO and is in suitable condition for biometric capture.
Minor variations are acceptable; significant changes may require new photographs or even passport renewal earlier than expiry. Children grow and change appearance rapidly. For travel purposes, if customs/immigration officers can clearly identify the child from the photograph, the passport remains valid. For genuine concerns about identification (very young children who've changed dramatically), early renewal with current photographs provides peace of mind.
Pakistan recognizes dual citizenship with many countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, EU members, others). Children of dual citizenship parents typically qualify for both passports. Having Pakistani passport in addition to other country's passport provides options for travel and entry into Pakistan. Whether to apply for both depends on family circumstances; many dual-citizenship families maintain Pakistani passports for children alongside their primary country's passport.
Fast Track processing (1-2 days) is available for urgent situations including medical emergencies. The Fast Track fee is higher than Normal but enables much faster issuance. For genuinely urgent medical situations, contact DGIP's helpline (051-9209556) directly to explain circumstances; sometimes additional expedition beyond standard Fast Track is possible for documented medical emergencies. Plan with full Fast Track timing buffer; don't rely on absolute minimum days for travel-dependent medical care.