Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Getting or renewing a Lebanese passport has become, in recent years, a real obstacle course for many citizens. Shortage of booklets, new rules, endless lines, the rise of the biometric passport… the landscape has changed profoundly. This guide aims to explain, in a clear and structured manner, how to obtain the country’s passport in Lebanon or through a diplomatic mission abroad, based on available official information.
Understanding who issues the passport and under what framework
In Lebanon, only one authority has the power to issue passports: the General Directorate of General Security (DGSG). It handles manufacturing, eligibility rules, renewals and any potential refusals for reasons of national security or foreign policy. Lebanese embassies and consulates abroad only act as intermediaries: they collect files, forward them to Beirut, and hand over the passport once it returns from Lebanon.
To cross Lebanon’s borders, citizens must present their Lebanese passport. The national ID card, while proof of nationality, is not accepted. An expired Lebanese passport is still valid for entering the territory: border agents are legally obligated to allow its use by the holder.
The passport remains the property of the Lebanese State. Upon official request, it must be returned. It allows not only travel but also free residence in Lebanon, participation in political life, and access to consular protection from Lebanese representations abroad.
Types of Lebanese passports: from machine-readable to biometric
Lebanon has seen several generations of travel documents. The most important thing for the applicant today is to distinguish between two main families: the older “electronic” or machine-readable passports, and the new biometric passports.
Machine-readable (2003 model) vs. biometric
The electronic passports, known as “machine-readable”, were introduced in 2003. Their cover is navy blue and their number begins with the letters “RL”. They meet the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), but do not contain a chip.
The French biometric passport stores the fingerprints of all ten fingers of its holder.
The validity of biometric passports is 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. Older non-biometric passports remain valid until their expiration date, but they are destined to disappear. As of June 1, 2023, Lebanese missions abroad can no longer accept applications for new machine-readable passports due to lack of stock.
Overview of the main travel documents
In parallel, there are several categories of passports and travel documents, meeting specific needs:
| Type of document | Target audience | Indicative validity | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary passport | Citizens for private travel (tourism, business) | 5 or 10 years | Standard travel document |
| Temporary passport | Emergency, quick departure | 6 months to 1 year | 8 pages, exchangeable for a full-term passport under conditions |
| Diplomatic passport | Diplomats, senior officials, certain judges, parliamentarians | Tied to position | Can be held alongside an ordinary passport |
| Service / official passport | Personnel on official missions, military on external operations | Tied to position | For official travel |
| Emergency passport (return) | Direct return to Lebanon | Single journey | Used only to return to Lebanon |
| Alien’s passport | Non-Lebanese residents unable to obtain a passport from their state | Variable | Specific document issued by the DGSG |
| Laissez-passer | Emergency travel document | Generally 3 months | Used especially when passport is lost/damaged, notably to return to Lebanon |
| Travel document for refugees | Refugees and persons under asylum | Variable | Does not count as a national passport |
For the vast majority of citizens, the relevant document remains the ordinary biometric passport, to which this guide devotes most of its explanations.
Biometric, exceptional renewal, and laissez-passer: eligibility rules
The rules for obtaining a biometric passport differ depending on age, the type of old passport held, and the place where the application is submitted (Lebanon or abroad).
Who can apply for a biometric passport abroad?
Embassies and consulates can in principle process biometric passport applications only for people whose biometric data (photo, fingerprints) are already registered in the General Security database.
Concretely, this means:
– Anyone who has already held a biometric passport can apply for a new one through a mission abroad.
– Two categories are exceptions to this rule and can, even without a prior biometric passport, apply for a first biometric passport through a mission:
– Lebanese under 16 years old;
– Lebanese over 59 years old (or over 60 according to some consulates, which specify their threshold).
People aged 16 to 59, who have never had a biometric passport, must in principle go to Lebanon and submit their application directly at a General Security center.
The case of old “RL” passports and exceptional renewal
For holders of an old machine-readable passport (number starting with RL), a transitional regime has been put in place. Citizens aged 16 to 59 can obtain, once, an exceptional manual renewal of 1 or 2 years for this passport. In return, they sign an affidavit committing themselves to go to Lebanon to apply for a biometric passport before this extension expires.
This renewal:
– can only be granted once;
– will not be renewed afterwards;
– serves as a waiting solution for those who cannot immediately travel to Lebanon.
After the initial validity period, it is no longer possible to extend the RL document. The only available option is to go in person to the DGSG to obtain a biometric passport.
Lost or damaged passport: what changes depending on the type
The rules are strict when a passport is lost or damaged:
– If the lost or damaged passport is biometric:
– a new issuance can be processed abroad, provided a police report and a written statement of circumstances are supplied.
– If the lost or damaged passport is of the electronic type (RL) and the applicant does not fall into the exceptional age categories:
– a mission abroad cannot issue a new ordinary passport;
– the citizen must obtain a laissez-passer to return to Lebanon, then submit a biometric passport application to General Security.
– Children under 15 and adults over 59–60 are an exception: even if the lost passport is of the RL type, they can be issued a new passport abroad.
Applying for the country’s passport in Lebanon: process and documents
In Lebanon, the biometric passport application is made in person at one of the 54 General Security offices spread across the country, or at the central headquarters in Adlieh, Beirut. The choice of center depends in principle on the applicant’s place of residence or village of origin.
Where to submit your file in Lebanon?
The main processing hubs include:
– the Central Directorate of General Security in Beirut (Adlieh district, near the Palace of Justice);
– regional directorates (North, Bekaa, South, Nabatieh, Mount Lebanon, etc.);
– centers at borders, notably at Beirut airport, the ports of Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre, and Jounieh, as well as at land crossings (Masnaa, Abboudiyeh, Arida…).
Phone numbers for many centers are available on the General Security website, allowing citizens to inquire in advance about hours or any local requirements.
The role of the mukhtar and the A4 form
A central element of the internal procedure is the A4 application form. This document is no longer available at General Security centers: it must be obtained from the competent mukhtar (often from the village of origin, not necessarily the place of residence). The mukhtar certifies the applicant’s identity, particularly through the photos.
For a first biometric passport application, General Security may require, in addition to the usual documents, an additional form of identification. This could be a birth certificate, a family register extract, or a biometric driver’s license, for example.
Documents to provide in Lebanon
A typical application file in Lebanon generally includes: identification documents, proof of residence, income documentation, the completed application form, and any other specific documents required by the competent authority.
To apply for a Lebanese passport, you must notably provide: an A4 form signed and stamped by the mukhtar; a Lebanese ID card (بطاقة الهوية) and/or an individual civil registry extract (إخراج قيد فردي) less than three months old (an individual extract is mandatory if no ID card is available); two recent passport photos (3.5 x 4.3 cm or similar) on a white background, certified by the mukhtar with the studio’s address and the date taken; a criminal record extract (no conviction document) for certain first applications; the current passport, if any; and payment of fees in Lebanese pounds.
Taking biometric data
The application involves a digital photo and fingerprints taken at a specialized center. All applicants, except children 12 and under, must provide their fingerprints. This data feeds the central biometric database of the DGSG and conditions the possibility of later renewal abroad.
Processing times and options in Lebanon
The economic crisis and the shortage of booklets have extended ordinary processing times. It appears that:
– “normal” processing can now exceed three months before issuance;
– an accelerated procedure exists through the General Security public relations department, for an additional fee of approximately 4,900,000 L.L., allowing issuance in a few days, or even immediately in some cases.
The table below summarizes some indicative cost benchmarks in Lebanon for biometric passports, based on available information:
| Type / duration | Base fee (LBP) | Accelerated option (LBP) | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport 5 years – standard class | 6,000,000 | + 4,900,000 | Long wait in normal mode |
| Passport 10 years – standard class | 10,000,000 | + 4,900,000 | Adults only |
| Passport 5 years – class 2 | 20,000,000 | Included or variable | Special categorization |
| Passport 10 years – class 2 | 40,000,000 | Included or variable | — |
| Passport 5 years – class 1 | 30,000,000 | Included or variable | — |
| Passport 10 years – class 1 | 60,000,000 | Included or variable | — |
Some categories (for example, those insured by the Lebanese social security system) may be exempt from certain emergency fees, but these exemptions should be verified with the DGSG, as amounts may change with the economic situation.
Applying for or renewing a passport abroad
For the millions of Lebanese in the diaspora, applying for or renewing a passport goes through embassies and consulates. The process is broadly similar, with some specifics related to the country of residence, the method of shipment to Lebanon, and restrictions linked to passport stock.
Consular jurisdiction: who to contact?
Each mission abroad covers a specific geographic area. In the United States, for example:
– the embassy in Washington D.C. covers certain states on the East Coast and Southeast;
– the consulates in New York, Detroit, and Los Angeles cover the Northeast, the Midwest, and the West Coast, respectively.
The citizen must absolutely check, on the diplomatic mission’s website or by phone, whether their place of residence falls under the embassy or a consulate general. An application sent to the wrong post risks being returned or delayed.
Submission methods: in person or by mail
In most countries, two methods are possible:
– in-person submission, by appointment or on a walk-in basis depending on the mission;
– submission by certified mail or courier service, with signed forms and original or certified documents.
In all cases, the applicant must appear in person to collect the passport, to verify their identity at the time of delivery. For some procedures (like fingerprinting, signing, or identifying a minor), in-person presence is required at the time of submission.
Typical file content abroad
Even though each post slightly adapts its requirements, a standard file generally includes:
List of supporting documents needed to compile a complete passport application file at an embassy or consulate.
The official application form duly completed.
The original of the current passport and a photocopy of the identity page.
A Lebanese ID card or an individual civil registry extract (and a family extract for minors).
Proof of legal status in the country of residence (visa, residence permit, local ID card, resident card…).
Two to three recent photos on a white background, size 3.5 x 4.3 cm or close.
A money order or check payable to the embassy/consulate, and two self-addressed prepaid tracked envelopes for return by mail.
Additional documents, depending on the situation:
– a police report and a notarized statement in case of a lost passport;
– the damaged passport and an explanatory letter in case of deterioration;
– parental documents (guardianship deeds, death certificates, divorce judgments) for applications concerning minors.
Special cases: minors, persons under guardianship, newborns
Obtaining a passport for a child or a minor is subject to stricter rules, particularly to prevent parental abductions and disputes between parents.
Passport application for a minor
For a minor applicant, missions generally require:
– the presence of both parents at the time of the application submission;
– written and legalized consent from both parents, or a notarized power of attorney if one of them is absent;
– an up-to-date family extract (إخراج قيد عائلي), proving the filiation;
– the presence of the child for the photo and identification.
In cases of divorce, death, or removal of custody, the parent accompanying the child must present guardianship documents issued by Lebanese authorities (religious or civil court, as applicable).
Some consulates consider that minors who are married, widowed, or divorced are no longer required to provide parental authorization for their procedures, even if their age still places them under the legal status of a minor.
Newborns abroad
Before applying for a passport for a newborn born outside Lebanon, parents must first register the birth with the competent consulate. This formality allows them to obtain an individual civil status extract for the child. The passport file will then include:
– this individual extract featuring a photo of the baby;
– passport photos of the newborn;
– the passports of both parents;
– the foreign birth certificate, duly legalized (by local authorities, then by the foreign ministry of the country, then by the Lebanese mission, before possible final legalization in Lebanon).
Once these steps are completed, a 5-year biometric passport can be issued for the minor.
How to send the application to Lebanon: diplomatic pouch vs. DHL Fast Track
Once the file is accepted by the embassy or consulate, it must be sent to Lebanon and the issued passport collected. Two main channels coexist: the traditional diplomatic pouch and the DHL Fast Track express service.
The diplomatic pouch: standard method, non-trackable
The traditional method is to gather the files and send them to Beirut via the diplomatic pouch. This channel has several characteristics:
– it cannot be tracked by the public: no online tracking number;
– processing times are relatively long: depending on the post, 6 to 8 weeks, up to about 3 months between sending and return;
– the embassy informs the applicant once the passport has arrived for collection.
This option is better suited for non-urgent situations. Once the file has been sent to Lebanon via this channel, it is no longer possible to “switch” to the express route mid-process.
DHL Fast Track: paid express service
To reduce processing times, the DGSG has authorized an express service managed by DHL, called “Fast Track“. This is a dedicated channel for passport files, separate from regular mail. Its use involves several steps:
To book an appointment for a Lebanese passport or a travel document for Palestinian refugees, the user must first go to the dedicated website https://fasttracklb.dhl.com. Then select the relevant diplomatic mission and the type of service. After entering their details, they can add up to two additional applicants via the “add applicant” function, allowing up to three passports to be grouped under one payment. The fees are paid online by international credit card, using the applicant’s personal billing address. Finally, the generated PDF file (about ten pages) must be printed to complete the process.
This DHL file must absolutely be attached to the passport file sent to the embassy or consulate. Without this document, even if the applicant has paid online, their application will be returned via the standard diplomatic pouch.
The maximum stated processing time for a Fast Track application at some consular missions is 8 weeks.
The cost of this service, borne entirely by the applicant, generally exceeds USD 90 per file, with higher amounts reported in some Gulf countries.
Comparison of the two shipping channels
| Criterion | Diplomatic pouch | DHL Fast Track |
|---|---|---|
| Additional cost | None | Approximately $90–140 USD depending on the post |
| Average processing times | 6–12 weeks | 2–8 weeks depending on the mission |
| Online tracking | No | Yes, DHL email notifications |
| Processing priority | Standard | Priority in Lebanon |
| Suitable for emergencies? | No | Rather yes, but not equivalent to a true emergency laissez-passer |
Applicants are advised not to contact embassies for tracking DHL shipments, as they have no direct access to the company’s systems. In case of payment or delivery issues, only DHL can intervene.
Indicative costs abroad: some examples
Passport fees vary significantly between countries, notably due to exchange rates, local consular fees, and logistical surcharges. Based on fee schedules observed at several posts, an approximate table can be drawn up:
| Place of application | Type of passport | Duration | Indicative fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanese Embassy in the United States | Biometric minor | 5 years | ~$150 USD |
| Lebanese Embassy in the United States | Biometric adult | 10 years | ~$300–334 USD |
| Lebanese Embassy in the United States | Exceptional RL renewal | 1 year | $30 USD |
| Lebanese Embassy in the United States | Exceptional RL renewal | 2 years | $60 USD |
| Consulate General in Dubai | Biometric minor | 5 years | 1,105 AED |
| Consulate General in Dubai | Biometric adult | 10 years | 2,210 AED |
| Consulate General in Dubai | RL renewal | 1 year | 225 AED |
| Consulate General in Dubai | RL renewal | 2 years | 450 AED |
| Consulate General in Dubai | Laissez-passer | — | 225 AED |
It is essential to systematically verify the amounts on the website of the relevant mission, as they are subject to change, especially in a context of significant currency fluctuation.
Photos, fingerprints, and technical requirements
Lebanese passport applications – whether submitted in Lebanon or abroad – are subject to strict standards regarding photos and biometrics.
Photos must:
– be recent (less than six months);
– measure approximately 3.5 x 4.3 cm;
– have a uniform white background, no shadows;
– show the face forward, mouth closed, neutral expression, eyes open;
– have no sunglasses; prescription glasses are allowed only if usually worn and do not cause glare;
– exclude any head covering, except for religious reasons, provided the face remains fully visible.
In Lebanon, photo studios must write their address and the date the photo was taken on the back or edge of the photo. The applicant’s identity must be certified by the mukhtar or an equivalent authority. In principle, any digital retouching of the photograph is prohibited.
Fingerprints are collected for all applicants over 12 years old, at dedicated enrollment centers. These biometrics are essential for producing a biometric passport and explain why a person who has never been “enrolled” must appear in person at the DGSG for a first application, except for age exceptions via embassies.
Laissez-passer and emergency passports: when time is of the essence
There are situations where obtaining a travel document quickly is vital: loss of passport abroad, imminent expiration, medical emergency, deportation, etc. In these cases, several solutions exist, to be used with caution.
The Lebanese laissez-passer
The laissez-passer is an emergency travel document, handwritten or simplified, issued by a diplomatic mission. Its main purpose is to allow a citizen to return directly to Lebanon when issuing a new passport is not possible in the short term. It is typically used when:
– an RL passport is lost or severely damaged abroad;
– the applicant is not eligible, on site, for a new biometric passport;
– a humanitarian situation requires a quick return.
The visa for Lebanon is valid for about three months and only allows a single trip. Once on site, the holder must absolutely report to General Security to apply for an official biometric passport.
Emergency passports issued by other states
Some foreign embassies in Lebanon (United States, Argentina, Netherlands, Australia…) issue, in parallel, emergency travel documents to their own nationals or residents (for example an Argentine emergency passport, a Dutch laissez-passer, a temporary US passport). These arrangements do not directly concern Lebanese citizens, but may interact with their situation if they hold multiple nationalities or visas.
In some cases, a Lebanese visa or residence permit affixed to a lost foreign passport must be transferred to the new document via a procedure at the General Security office in Beirut (notably at the Adlieh center).
Limitations, refusals, and restrictions on obtaining a passport
Holding a Lebanese passport is not an absolute right in practice. The DGSG can refuse or withdraw a passport in various circumstances:
Amount in Lebanese pounds of unpaid alimony that can lead to refusal to issue a passport.
Lawyers and local NGOs also criticize the very broad discretionary power of General Security and the practice of suspending or modifying procedures through internal circulars, without going through the Council of Ministers. Constitutional arguments are put forward regarding the right to free movement and legal certainty for citizens.
Shortages, delays, and ground realities
The shortage of passport booklets and the economic crisis have turned the procedure into a real headache for many. Media and NGO investigations report:
Passport applications have multiplied tenfold in two years, leading to endless lines and overnight waits outside centers. The situation is worsened by the voluntary reduction of processing quotas, frequent breakdowns of the enrollment system due to power cuts, and the sudden introduction of strict requirements for urgent applications, pushing some to use fake documents.
The contractual relations between the state and the company responsible for printing biometric booklets (Inkript) have also fueled the crisis: payment delays from the Central Bank led to the blocking of hundreds of thousands of booklets, creating a daily deficit estimated at several thousand passports per day at certain times.
Faced with this situation, the DGSG sometimes stopped taking online appointments for renewals, then reopened them. Additional stocks financed by partner countries partially alleviated the situation, without fully resolving it.
Given the current complexity, a few reflexes can reduce the risk of mishaps when applying for the country’s passport in Lebanon or abroad:
For an efficient and timely Lebanese passport application, plan ahead by submitting your file at least three months before expiration. Always check the General Security website or the diplomatic mission’s website for up-to-date instructions, forms, and fees. Prepare additional supporting documents (travel, studies, medical care) if you need to justify urgency. Keep copies of all documents sent, as well as payment receipts and shipping notifications. In case of loss or theft, immediately file a police report. For minors, ensure parental authorizations are properly notarized and that guardianship or divorce judgments are legalized and registered in Lebanon.
Finally, it is essential to keep in mind that the embassy or consulate cannot be held responsible for delays related to processing in Lebanon, nor for consequences on travel in case of applicant negligence (passport expiration, lack of a safety margin before departure).
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Obtaining a Lebanese passport is now a biometric and centralized process, heavily impacted by the current crisis. To maximize your chances of success, it is essential to know: the eligibility conditions, realistic processing times to expect, the shipping channels (diplomatic pouch or DHL Fast Track service), and the complete list of required documents. This information applies whether you reside in Lebanon or are part of the diaspora.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
