Lebanon has started allowing biometric passport fingerprinting abroad for the first time.
The change matters for Lebanese expatriates who previously had to travel to Lebanon for biometric capture, because Lebanese General Security says citizens requesting a new passport must normally appear personally at the competent General Security centre.
How does the fingerprinting process work?
The new service lets eligible applicants complete fingerprinting at a Lebanese mission abroad, starting with the embassy in Kuwait, while the application is still sent to Lebanon for General Security checks and passport printing.
Applicants should still expect a wait before receiving the passport, as LBCI reported that processing and return through the diplomatic pouch may take between one and three months.
Before booking, contact your nearest Lebanese embassy or consulate to confirm whether appointments have opened.
Documents and fees
The core passport documents still follow General Security rules, including:
- The passport application
- Lebanese ID card or civil status extract
- A recent certified photo
- The old passport if available
Photo and attendance requirements remain important, because General Security says passport applicants must use a compliant ID photo and notes that anyone replacing a biometric passport must be photographed each time on its biometric passport page.
LBCI reported a cost of about USD 300 for a 10-year biometric passport issued abroad, though some Lebanese consulates list higher fees for a 10-year passport, so confirm the exact consular fee with the embassy before you apply.
What if you still need to travel to Lebanon?
You may still need to fly to Beirut if your local mission has not opened biometric capture yet, so compare flights to Beirut and check live schedules with the Wego flight tracker before making passport-related travel plans.
Do not assume passport shipping rules are the same as the new fingerprinting service, because General Security’s passport export page separately covers when passports may be shipped and says passports sent through an embassy or consulate are exempt from General Security export authorisation.
Sources
- LBCI Lebanon — Lebanon Enables Biometric Passport Fingerprinting Outside the Country
- MTV Lebanon — Foreign Ministry Begins Implementing Biometric Fingerprint System at Lebanese Embassies Abroad
- Daily Beirut — Lebanese Embassies Begin Implementing Biometric Fingerprint System
- Arab Times — Biometric Passports for Lebanese in Kuwait: New Service Launching July 2026
- Lebanese General Security — Biometric Passport
- Lebanese General Security — Personal Attendance Required
- Lebanese General Security — Exporting a Biometric Passport
- Lebanese General Security — Passport Picture Requirements
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
