Passport renewal in Lebanon
Renewing a Lebanese passport typically involves submitting an application and required documents to the General Directorate of General Security in Lebanon or to a Lebanese Embassy or Consulate abroad. The process generally requires a personal appearance and payment of the applicable fee.
It is generally advisable to begin the passport renewal process several months before the current passport's expiration date, ideally 6 to 9 months prior. This allows ample time to secure an appointment, gather all necessary documents, and account for processing times, which can vary significantly depending on the application location and the chosen processing speed.
Start 180 days ahead
This lead time accounts for potential appointment waiting times, the gathering of all necessary documents, and the processing duration, which can vary from a few days for expedited services to several weeks or months for standard processing, especially when applying abroad.
The process
- 1Determine the application location: Apply in person at the General Directorate of General Security in Lebanon or at a Lebanese Embassy or Consulate if residing abroad.
- 2Schedule an appointment: Many embassies and consulates, and sometimes offices in Lebanon, require pre-booked appointments for passport services. Check the specific requirements of the chosen location.
- 3Gather required documents: Compile all necessary documents, which typically include the expiring passport, a recent photo, a valid Lebanese ID, and potentially other supporting documents.
- 4Attend the appointment: Submit the application form and all supporting documents in person. Fingerprints and a photograph are usually taken at this stage.
- 5Pay the fee: Pay the applicable passport renewal fee, which varies based on the chosen passport validity period and processing speed.
- 6Collect the new passport: Once processed, the new passport can be collected in person or, in some cases, sent via a designated courier service, depending on the application location's policy.
What to bring
- Current Lebanese passport
- Valid Lebanese identity card (بطاقة هوية) or recent Individual Civil Status Record (إخراج قيد فردي)
- Recent passport-sized photographs (specifications may vary by location, often white background)
- Application form (may be provided at the office or available for download)
- Proof of residency (if applying abroad, e.g., residence permit)
Who handles it
General Directorate of General Security (المديرية العامة للأمن العام)
https://www.general-security.gov.lb/
Passport fees vary based on the validity period (e.g., 1 year, 5 years, 10 years) and the processing speed (e.g., normal, urgent). Fees are typically paid in Lebanese Pounds (LBP) in Lebanon or in the local currency equivalent of US Dollars when applying abroad. Applicants should confirm the current fee schedule directly with the General Directorate of General Security or the relevant embassy/consulate.
What commonly goes wrong
- Expired or invalid supporting documents: Ensure all submitted identification and civil status documents are current and valid.
- Photo specifications: Passport photos must meet strict requirements for size, background, and facial expression; non-compliant photos can lead to delays.
- Appointment availability: Appointments at embassies or consulates can be limited and require booking well in advance.
- Jurisdiction: Applications must be made at the correct authority, either within Lebanon or at the embassy/consulate responsible for the applicant's country of residence.
Sources
- general-security.gov.lb
- Renewal of Passports mfa.gov.lb
Other documents in Lebanon
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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