Travelling to Pakistan with British-Born Children: Documents, Passports and What You Need

The Question Every British Pakistani Family Asks

If you are a British Pakistani parent with children born in the UK, working out the right documents for a trip to Pakistan can be genuinely confusing. Do your children need a Pakistani passport? Can they enter on their British passport? What is a NICOP and do your kids need one? What about a CRC or Form B?

The rules depend on whether your children have Pakistani nationality (through you), whether they have been registered with NADRA, and which passport they will be travelling on. Getting this wrong can mean delays at the airport, problems at Pakistani immigration, or difficulties leaving Pakistan at the end of your trip.

This guide breaks it all down step by step, so you know exactly what to sort out before you book your flights. If you need help with any part of the process, our team at Bhatti Travel has been helping families in Greater Manchester navigate this for over 40 years - get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.

Can Your Children Enter Pakistan on a British Passport?

Yes. A child who holds a full British citizen passport can enter Pakistan using that passport with a valid visa, just like any other British citizen. You will need to apply for a Pakistan visa for each child before you travel. Our Pakistan visa guide for UK citizens covers the full application process and what documents are needed.

However, if your child also holds Pakistani nationality - which they do automatically if either parent is a Pakistani citizen - then entering Pakistan on a British passport with a visa is not always the simplest option. Many families find it easier to get their children registered with NADRA and obtain a Pakistani passport, which avoids the need for a visa entirely.

There is also a practical consideration. If your child enters Pakistan on a British passport, they must leave on a British passport. If they enter on a Pakistani passport, they must leave on a Pakistani passport. Mixing documents mid-trip causes problems at immigration. Decide which route you are taking before you travel and stick with it.

Pakistani Nationality for Children Born in the UK

Under Pakistani law, children born to a Pakistani citizen - whether the father or mother - are Pakistani citizens by descent, regardless of where they are born. This means most children born in the UK to British Pakistani families are dual nationals: British by birth and Pakistani by descent.

Pakistan recognises dual nationality with the UK (it has a formal agreement with several countries including the UK). Your children do not have to choose between the two, and holding both passports is perfectly legal. However, the Pakistani nationality needs to be formally registered through NADRA before your children can benefit from it.

NICOP: The Key Document

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is the foundation document for everything else. Before your child can get a Pakistani passport, they need either a NICOP or a Computerised Child Registration Certificate (CRC, also known as Form B) issued by NADRA.

For children, the CRC/Form B can be obtained from the Pakistan High Commission in London, the Consulate in Birmingham or the Consulate in Bradford. Once your child has a CRC, they can apply for a Pakistani passport. Alternatively, if your child already has a NICOP, they can go straight to the passport application without needing a CRC.

To apply for a child's NICOP or CRC, you will typically need the child's UK birth certificate (the detailed version showing both parents' names), the original CNIC or NICOP of both parents, and the parents' Pakistani passports. Either parent must accompany the child in person at the High Commission or Consulate.

If the parents are separated or divorced, custody papers from the court are required, and the parent with custody must attend in person.

Getting a Pakistani Passport for Your Child

Once your child has a NICOP or CRC, you can apply for a Machine Readable Passport (MRP) at the Pakistan High Commission in London, the Consulate in Birmingham or the Consulate in Bradford.

The documents required include the child's original NICOP or CRC (Form B), the child's UK birth certificate, the original passports and CNIC/NICOP of both parents, and the child's British passport. One parent must attend in person with the child.

If your child is applying for a Pakistani passport for the first time and has never held one before, the application may be referred for national status verification in Pakistan. This can take additional time, so do not leave it to the last minute. The Pakistan Consulate in Bradford specifically warns: do not book travel until you have received your new passport.

If you are based in Greater Manchester, Bradford is usually the most accessible consulate. Birmingham is another option. London handles the highest volume but also has the longest queues.

The Step-by-Step Process

Here is the order in which things need to happen if your UK-born child does not yet have any Pakistani documentation:

First, obtain a NICOP or CRC (Form B) for your child from the Pakistan High Commission or Consulate. This requires the child's UK birth certificate, parents' CNIC/NICOP and Pakistani passports, and a personal visit with the child.

Second, once you receive the NICOP or CRC, apply for a Pakistani Machine Readable Passport at the same location. Bring the NICOP/CRC, both parents' documents and the child's British passport.

Third, once the Pakistani passport is issued, your child can travel to Pakistan without a visa. If you prefer to travel on the British passport instead, apply for a Pakistan visa for the child separately.

The entire process - from CRC application to passport in hand - can take several weeks to a few months depending on verification times. Start this process well before your planned travel dates. If you are planning to visit Pakistan during school holidays, begin the paperwork at least three to four months in advance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your child can enter Pakistan without any documentation just because you are Pakistani. Every person entering Pakistan needs either a Pakistani passport or a foreign passport with a valid visa. Children are not exempt.

Do not mix passports. If your child enters Pakistan on their British passport, they must leave on their British passport. If they enter on a Pakistani passport, they must leave on that passport. Confusion at the departure gate is stressful and can cause you to miss your flight.

Make sure your child's passport is stamped on entry. Leaving Pakistan without an entry stamp causes serious problems at the exit gate, regardless of which passport you are using.

If your child's Pakistani passport or visa expires while you are in Pakistan, you will need to arrange an extension or exit permit before you can leave. This involves visiting a NADRA office or the Ministry of Interior, which takes time and adds stress to the end of your trip.

Returning to the UK

When returning to the UK, your child must present their British passport (or a certificate of entitlement) to enter the UK. A Pakistani passport alone will not grant entry to the UK without a separate UK visa. Make sure you carry both passports when travelling - one for Pakistan, one for the UK.

For the best time to plan your family trip to Pakistan, our seasonal guide covers weather, school holidays and the peak travel periods to help you pick the right dates.

How Bhatti Travel Can Help

We know this process can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time taking your children to Pakistan. At Bhatti Travel in Oldham, we have been helping British Pakistani families prepare for exactly this journey for over 40 years. We can advise on the document process, arrange flights from Manchester or any UK airport, and make sure everything is in order before you travel.

Call or WhatsApp us on 07932 741 210 for advice or a flight quote.