By Updated: Nov 5, 2026
Quick verdict
Register within 60 days of arrival on your passport through DIRBS (*8484# or dirbs.pta.gov.pk). Passport registration is cheaper than CNIC in published figures, and income tax isn't charged on phones in personal baggage. There's been no baggage exemption since June 30, 2019.
Disclosure: some links on this page may be affiliate or shop links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change our picks.
Not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, duties and plan prices change often. Always confirm with the official source (PTA/DIRBS and FBR in Pakistan, DoT/Sanchar Saathi and TRAI in India) and with your operator before you pay.
Every phone brought into Pakistan has to be registered and taxed to work on local SIMs. Here's the traveller-specific process.
The 60-day passport route
- Keep your boarding pass and passport with the arrival stamp.
- Within 60 days of arrival, apply on DIRBS or with *8484#, choosing the passport route.
- Enter your passport number and IMEI(s).
- Pay the PSID (valid for 7 days) at a bank or through mobile banking.
- Check registration by SMSing the IMEI to 8484.
How much will you pay?
The same value slabs apply as for CNIC, but MobileMarket.pk notes that s.148 income tax isn't charged on phones in personal baggage (clause 60E). Published iPhone 17 figures are lower on passport than CNIC in every case.
| Model (published estimate) | Passport (Rs) | CNIC (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | 149,640 | 164,604 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 190,679 | 209,747 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 204,954 | 225,449 |
These are third-party published figures, not an official tariff; the PSID amount is final.
What if you miss 60 days?
The passport route is described as being for registration within 60 days of arrival. After that, the CNIC route applies, which costs more in published figures. Don't wait.
How many phones?
Rules on how many phones can be registered per passport change; check DIRBS and FBR's pages before you travel.
Slab reference (2026-27)
| C&F value (US$) | Regulatory duty | Sales tax | Income tax s.148 (filer, CNIC) | Mobile handset levy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 | Rs 240 | 18% | Rs 100 | Rs 100 |
| 30 to 100 | Rs 2,400 | 18% | Rs 100 | Rs 200 |
| 100 to 200 | Rs 6,000 | 18% | Rs 100 | Rs 200 |
| 200 to 350 | Rs 8,800 | 18% | Rs 970 | Rs 1,800 |
| 350 to 500 | Rs 12,000 | 18% | Rs 5,000 | Rs 4,000 |
| Above 500 | Rs 17,600 | 25% (of the whole value) | Rs 11,500 | Rs 8,000 (US$501-700), Rs 16,000 (above US$701) |
More: how to check PTA tax online, PTA registration and tax guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying an agent who promises to "unblock" a phone without official registration. Only official channels can register a device.
- Ignoring deadlines. A missed deadline usually means the phone stops working on local networks.
- Not checking both IMEIs on dual-SIM phones.
- Keeping no record. Save your payment slip, receipt and IMEI screenshots.
Where to get official help
In Pakistan, use the PTA DIRBS portal and FBR's mobile device pages. In India, use the Department of Telecommunications' Sanchar Saathi portal and its helplines. Social media posts and YouTube videos are often out of date, so check the date on any guide you follow, including this one.
Keep a paper trail
For anything involving registration, tax or a blocked device, records protect you. Keep the purchase bill with the IMEI printed on it, the box (which also shows the IMEI), screenshots of any application or request ID, and payment receipts. If something goes wrong later, for example a payment that isn't reflected or a dispute over ownership, these documents are what officials and operators ask for. Store copies in cloud storage so you still have them if the phone is lost.
Use official channels only
Registration, blocking and unblocking go through official portals, operator centres or the authority's own apps. Agents who promise a cheaper or faster route outside these channels may be offering IMEI tampering or other illegal fixes, which can lead to the device being blocked again and, in some countries, penalties. If a website asks for payment, check that it's the official domain before entering any details, and never share one-time codes with anyone who calls you.
Rules change: how to stay current
Telecom and tax rules are revised often, usually with each budget or a new regulatory order. Before acting on any guide, including this one, check the date on the official page and look for recent news from established outlets. If the official page and a news report disagree, follow the official page. We note the dates of our sources so you can judge how fresh the information is.
Other questions we often get
Does a factory reset change the IMEI? No. The IMEI is tied to the hardware, and changing it is illegal in many countries. Does a Wi-Fi-only device need registration? Rules are about devices used on mobile networks; check the authority's FAQ for your case. Can a shop do it for me? Operator centres can help with official processes, but you remain responsible for the details submitted in your name.
Where our figures come from
We compile prices from operator pages where they load, and from established listing sites where they don't. When two sources disagree, we show both rather than pick one. We don't receive anything from operators for listing their packages. If you spot a price that has changed, the operator app is the authority, and we update our guides when we re-check the sources.
Why we don't pick on one spec
Shop listings often push one big number, such as a 108MP camera or a huge battery. In practice, a balanced phone with a decent chip, enough storage, a bright screen and a battery that charges in reasonable time is a better daily companion. We compare the specs that the cited sources list, and we don't claim to have tested these phones ourselves.
Questions to ask the shop
- Is this the official-warranty version, and for how long?
- Is the box sealed, and do the IMEIs on the box match the phone?
- What's the return or exchange policy if the phone has a fault?
- Does the price include a charger in the box?
- Is the bill in my name, with the IMEI printed?
Pros and cons
Pros
- Cheaper than CNIC route
- Can be done online
- 60 days is a reasonable window
Cons
- Tax on expensive phones is high
- Missing the deadline costs more
- Rules change often
FAQ
How long do I have to register a phone after arriving in Pakistan?
60 days on the passport route.
Is there any free phone allowance?
No baggage exemption since June 30, 2019.
Can I pay in instalments?
FBR's CGO 06 of 2026 allows sales tax in instalments; see our guide.
Can a family member register for me?
Check DIRBS; the passport route needs the traveller's passport details.
How we researched this
This guide is research-based. We did not test these phones in hand. Prices and plan details come from the retailer listings, operator information and official pages named in the sources list, checked or published on the dates shown. Prices in Pakistan and India change with stock, exchange rates and promotions, so treat every number as a dated snapshot and re-check on the day you buy.
Sources
- MobileMarket.pk: PTA tax on mobile phones 2026-27 (cites FBR S.R.O. 1064(I)/2026)
- PTA DIRBS: FAQs
- FBR: Mobile Devices Regularization (DIRBS)
Updated: Nov 5, 2026. Sources were checked on Nov 5, 2026.