Business Desk 
Nov 26, 2025
The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) on Tuesday issued an important notice cautioning citizens about the severe legal consequences of forging or tampering with passports and related documents.
According to the DGIP, the Passport Act of 1974 has strict provisions that shall assure the credibility of the passport issuance process. Any kind of forgery or misuse may lead to imprisonment or a fine or both.
Key offences and penalties under passport act
Forgery or tampering
It means altering, changing, or tampering with a passport and/or any supporting document.
- Penalty: Up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.
Travel on forged passport
Using a passport known to be forged, altered, or tampered with.
- Penalty: imprisonment up to three years, a fine, or both.
Employing forged documents
Presenting fraudulent or altered documents in support of a passport application.
- Penalty: Up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The DGIP urges the public for their maximum cooperation in keeping the passport-issuance system's credibility intact. They emphasised that the credibility of national travel documents is crucial for ensuring security at the borders and the restoration of confidence internationally.
It has been clarified that for details, citizens may refer to the Passport Act of 1974 or contact the nearest passport office.
