Last reviewed: 2026-09-17
Pakistan Post EMS Tracking: International Express Mail Guide
Express Mail Service (EMS) is Pakistan Post’s fast international service. It works with postal services in other countries under the Universal Postal Union (UPU). This guide explains EMS barcodes, how to track your parcel and what the updates mean.
What Is Pakistan Post EMS?
EMS (Express Mail Service) is a fast postal service shared by postal services around the world through the Universal Postal Union. Instead of a private courier, your parcel is handled by the postal service in each country. In Pakistan, you book EMS at a General Post Office (GPO), and it is sent abroad by air. For Pakistan Post’s other fast international option, see our Pakistan Post EMS Plus guide.
Your parcel passes from Pakistan Post to the postal service in the destination country.
EMS is Pakistan Post’s fast service for sending documents and parcels abroad.
EMS items are usually signed for on delivery, which gives proof that they arrived.
How to Read the 13-Character EMS Barcode
International EMS items use a 13-character barcode, set by the Universal Postal Union:
- First two letters (starting with 'E'): Two letters starting with ’E’ (such as EE, EM or EP) show that it is international express mail.
- Nine digits: Nine digits make up the item’s own number, including a check digit.
- Last two letters ('PK'): Two letters show the sending country (PK for items sent from Pakistan).
EMS items coming into Pakistan use the same 13-character format, but end with the sending country’s code (such as ’US’ for the United States, ’GB’ for the United Kingdom or ’CN’ for China).
How to Track an EMS Parcel
Follow these steps to track an EMS parcel going out of or coming into Pakistan:
- Check your receipt: Find the 13-character code on the receipt the GPO gave you when you booked.
- Use the tracking website: Go to the tracking website at
ep.gov.pkand enter the full 13-character code, with no spaces or dashes. - Check the other country: Once the parcel has left Pakistan, you can also track it on the postal website of the destination country (for example, Royal Mail, USPS or Saudi Post).
- Shared tracking: Postal services share tracking data through the Universal Postal Union, so updates can appear in both countries.
EMS Tracking Updates and Gaps
The updates you see show the parcel moving from one postal service or office to the next:
Booking in Pakistan
The first scan shows the parcel was accepted at the GPO. It is then sent on to an office that handles international mail.
Customs Checks and Sending Abroad
The parcel is checked and customs may look at it before it is put in a sealed mail bag to go abroad.
The Gap: Flight and Customs Abroad
Between the last scan in Pakistan and the first scan abroad, there is often a gap. While the parcel is on the flight and waiting for customs in the other country, no new updates appear. This is normal.
What to Do When Tracking Shows No Updates
If your EMS parcel shows no updates after leaving Pakistan, check whether it is a normal gap or a real delay:
- Allow time for the flight and for customs in the destination country.
- Check the tracking number on the postal website of the destination country.
- Ask the receiver to watch for a postal notice, in case customs duty or tax must be paid.
- If there are still no updates after a long time, contact Pakistan Post customer care or visit the GPO where you booked, with your original receipt.