Passports and Travel Documents
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT AS OF JUNE 1st, 2023
The General Directorate of General Security informed us that they are out of stock of machine readable passports (2003 type), and therefore it is not possible to continue accepting applications for granting or replacing the machine readable passports at Lebanese missions abroad.
- Accepting applications for replacement and obtaining biometric passports (number is preceded by LR and has a chip) is technically available only to those who have previously obtained a biometric passport, as their fingerprints and photo are electronically archived in the database of the general security in Lebanon, but this is not available to those who have not previously obtained it, with the exception of Lebanese citizens under the age of sixteen (16) and those over the age of fifty nine (59) who are excluded from this restriction, that is, in terms of the possibility of accepting applications for biometric passports at the embassy, even if they had never obtained them before, and without having to travel personally to Lebanon to apply.
- Lebanese citizens aged between sixteen (16) and fifty nine (59) years old, holding a Lebanese machine readable passport (number is preceded by RL and cover color is navy blue), may get an exceptional one year renewal under the condition of signing the following affidavit affirming that they are fully aware and commit to the following:
- They must apply and obtain a new biometric passport within one year from the application date, from the Directorate of General Security during their travel to Lebanon.
- The current one-year renewal of their machine-readable passport by the Embassy of Lebanon in Washington, DC, is a one-time exceptional renewal and their passport can’t be renewed furthermore after this date.
Biometric passports have a chip and their numbers are preceded by LR.
Machine readable passports (navy Blue) numbers are preceded by RL.
Prior to starting a passport application, Lebanese citizens are required to check the jurisdiction guidelines in order to verify whether their state of residence falls under the Lebanese Embassy’s jurisdiction (Washington D.C), or under The General Consulate’s ( Los Angeles, Detroit or New York ).
DUE TO THE HIGH DEMAND ON PASSPORTS:
1- WE URGE YOU TO THOUROUGHLY READ THE INFORMATION FOUND ON THIS PAGE,
2- IN CASE YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE SEND THEM BY EMAIL TO:
passports@lebanonembassyus.org
Please note that All Passport applications should be submitted to the embassy Three months ahead of the current passport expiration date.
The Embassy is not responsible for any delays in travelling to Lebanon or any immigration issue resulting from personal negligence.
Requirements to Obtain a replacement for a Lebanese Passport
Biometric passports have a chip and their numbers are preceded by LR.
Machine readable passports (navy Blue) numbers are preceded by RL.
- Accepting applications for replacement and obtaining biometric passports (number is preceded by LR and has a chip) is technically available only to those who have previously obtained a biometric passport, as their fingerprints and photo are electronically archived in the database of the general security in Lebanon, but this is not available to those who have not previously obtained it, with the exception of Lebanese citizens under the age of sixteen (16) and those over the age of fifty nine (59) who are excluded from this restriction, that is, in terms of the possibility of accepting applications for biometric passports at the embassy, even if they had never obtained them before, and without having to travel personally to Lebanon to apply.
- Lebanese citizens aged between sixteen (16) and fifty nine (59) years old, holding a Lebanese machine readable passport (number is preceded by RL and cover color is navy blue), may get an exceptional one year renewal under the condition of signing the following affidavit (download here) affirming that they are fully aware and commit to the following:
- They must apply and obtain a new biometric passport within one year from the application date, from the Directorate of General Security during their travel to Lebanon.
- The current one-year renewal of their machine-readable passport by the Embassy of Lebanon in Washington, DC, is a one-time exceptional renewal and their passport can’t be renewed furthermore after this date.
The following requirements may be completed by mail, or in person at the embassy:
- A completed new passport application /A parental consent form for minors
- Two recent passport pictures (35 mm to 45 mm) showing full details of the face with a white background. ( Dimensions of photos can be adjusted at the embassy
- Original Passport and 2 Copies of Passport’s first page
- Two Copies of Lebanese ID (بطاقة الهوية) or two Copies of individual registry (إخراج قيد فردي). For minors, a family registry (إخراج قيد عائلي ) is required
- One Copy of the applicant’s visa or USA identity card
- A money order payable to: “The embassy of Lebanon” for the amount of:
⧠ 5 years biometric for minors (replacing a biometric passport, or replacing a machine readable passport for applicants under the age of 16years old) ($ 300)
⧠ 10 years biometric for adults (replacing a biometric passport, or replacing a machine readable passport for applicants over the age of 59 years old) ($ 600)
⧠ 1 year renewal for citizens holding a machine readable passport and aged between sixteen (16) and fifty nine (59) ($60)
Two pre-paid trackable self- addressed envelopes from USPS ( UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE ONLY) that are large enough to accommodate your documents without folding them in half (9*12’’ or larger ) (In person applicants can skip this step)
- Printed DHL file (Only in case you pick the express service).
Kindly mail it to the address below:
Embassy of Lebanon
Attention: Passport Department
2560 28th ST NW
Washington DC, 20008
Once the required documents are received, the embassy will mail out forms within 3-5 business days using your self-return envelope.
N.B: For replacing a lost passport, you are kindly requested to submit the same documents above in addition to a Police report stating how the Lebanese Passport was lost and a copy of the lost passport if available.
For further inquiries, please visit our FAQ section below, and if your question is still not answered, kindly send us an email to passports@lebanonembassyus.org Or call us from Monday till Friday except holidays at 2029396301
There are two ways to request a replacement for a Lebanese Passport:
Diplomatic Pouch: Applications for new passports will be sent to Lebanon by diplomatic pouch and returned to the Embassy the same way. It usually takes up to three months from the day the application is sent to Lebanon.
In using this method, Please note the following:
- Status of application cannot be tracked. Once we receive your passport from Lebanon, we will notify you.
- Not recommended for people who are in a rush to get a new passport.
- Once it is sent to Lebanon, the process cannot be backtracked (reversed).
Express service: In order to expedite the process of obtaining a Lebanese Passport, the General Directorate of the Lebanese General Security has permitted DHL’s FastTrack Service to process passport application delivery. This service is optional; it is at the expense of the person concerned (approximately $91) and it is available by visiting the following website: https://fasttracklb.dhl.com. It will take around 4-8 weeks from the day the application is sent to Lebanon and NOT from the day you send us your initial documents.
In using this method, Please note the following:
- Paying for the DHL service can only be made online and through the DHL website (Paying the DHL fees via the embassy is not possible).
- Be sure you pick the right country and the right embassy or Consulate and then click on Main Menu Passport (Round trip) for Lebanese OR Main Menu Travel Document (Round trip) for Palestinian travel document and proceed.
- If more than 1 applicant is applying, be sure to click add applicant on the DHL application page.
- When paying, contact your bank if you receive an error “invalid document type” and also try clearing your browser cookies. It is an international transaction so there is a chance your credit/debit card might be rejected. Most of the time, the issue of payment is solved after contacting the bank. Make sure to use the credit/debit card billing address and not the embassy address. This website is controlled by DHL and not the embassy.
- When Payment is completed, Kindly print the DHL pdf file and mail it together with your completed application file. Failure to send your DHL pdf file means that your application will be sent via Diplomatic Pouch.
- You will receive updates from DHL by email as soon as the application is sent to Lebanon and when it is received by the embassy. Please DO NOT contact the embassy for DHL update on the shipment. Always check your email for updates from DHL. When your application is in Lebanon, it goes to the General Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, and then forwarded to DHL.
- Once you receive a notification from DHL that your passport has been delivered back to the embassy from Lebanon, allow 3 working days for processing before forwarding to your address.
- For refunds due to error in application after payment or for any other reason, you are requested to navigate the DHL Web Page in order to request a refund.
Travel document For Palestinian Refugees
Prior to starting a Travel Document application, Palestinians are required to check the jurisdiction guidelines in order to verify whether their state of residence falls under the Lebanese Embassy’s jurisdiction ( Washington D.C ), or under The General Consulate’s ( Los Angeles, Detroit or New York ).
DUE TO THE HIGH DEMAND ON PASSPORTS:
1- WE URGE YOU TO THOUROUGHLY READ THE INFORMATION FOUND ON THIS PAGE,
2- IN CASE YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE SEND THEM BY EMAIL TO:
passports@lebanonembassyus.org
NOTING THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO RESPOND TO ALL PHONE CALLS RECEIVED ON PASSPORT ISSUES AND WE LOOK TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE BY EMAIL.
Please note that All Travel Documents applications should be submitted to the embassy Three months ahead of the current passport expiration date.
The Embassy is not responsible for any delays in travelling to Lebanon or any immigration issue resulting from personal negligence.
There are two ways to request a replacement for a Travel Document:
Diplomatic Pouch: Applications for new Travel Documents will be sent to Lebanon by diplomatic pouch and returned to the Embassy the same way. It usually takes up to three months from the day the application is sent to Lebanon.
In using this method, Please note the following:
- Status of application cannot be tracked. Once we receive your Travel Document from Lebanon, we will notify you.
- Not recommended for people who are in a rush to get a new passport.
- Once it is sent to Lebanon, the process cannot be backtracked (reversed)
Express service: In order to expedite the process of obtaining a Travel Document, the General Directorate of the Lebanese General Security has permitted DHL’s FastTrack Service to process Travel Document application delivery. This service is optional; it is at the expense of the person concerned (approximately $91) and it is available by visiting the following website: https://fasttracklb.dhl.com. It will take around 4-8 weeks from the day the application is sent to Lebanon NOT from the day you send us your initial documents.
In using this method, Please note the following:
- Paying for the DHL service can only be made online and through the DHL website (Paying the DHL fees via the embassy is not possible).
- Be sure you pick the right country and the right embassy or Consulate and then click on Main Menu Passport (Round trip) for Lebanese OR Main Menu Travel Document (Round trip) for Palestinian travel document and proceed.
- If more than 1 applicant is applying, be sure to click add applicant on the DHL application page.
- When paying, contact your bank if you receive an error “invalid document type” and also try clearing your browser cookies. It is an international transaction so there is a chance your credit/debit card might be rejected. Most of the time, the issue of payment is solved after contacting the bank. Make sure to use the credit/debit card billing address and not the embassy address. This website is controlled by DHL and not the embassy.
- When Payment is completed, Kindly print the DHL pdf file and mail it together with your completed application file. Failure to send your DHL pdf file means that your application will be sent via Diplomatic Pouch.
- You will receive updates from DHL by email as soon as the application is sent to Lebanon and when it is received by the embassy. Please DO NOT contact the embassy for DHL update on the shipment. Always check your email for updates from DHL. When your application is in Lebanon, it goes to the General Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, and then forwarded to DHL.
- Once you receive a notification from DHL that your Travel Document has been delivered back to the embassy from Lebanon, allow 3 working days for processing before forwarding to your address.
- For refunds due to error in application after payment or for any other reason, you are requested to navigate the DHL Web Page in order to request a refund.
Requirements to Obtain a replacement for a Travel document for Palestinians Refugees
The following requirements may be completed by mail, or in person at the embassy
- A completed new travel document application / A parental consent form for minors
- Three recent passport pictures (35 mm to 45 mm ) showing full details of the face with a white background. ( Dimensions of photos can be adjusted at the embassy )
- Original Travel document and 2 Copies of travel document’s first page
- Two Copies of Blue card and two copies of UNRWA card.
- One Copy of the applicant’s visa or USA identity card.
- A money order payable to: “The embassy of Lebanon” for the amount of $180 for Three years, or $300 dollars for five years.
- Two pre-paid trackable self- addressed envelopes from USPS ( UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE ONLY) that are large enough to accommodate your documents without folding them in half (9*12’’ or larger )(In person applicants can skip this step)
- Printed DHL file (Only in case you pick the express service).
Kindly mail it to the address below:
Embassy of Lebanon
Attention: Passport Department
2560 28th ST NW
Washington DC, 20008
Once The required documents are received, the embassy will mail out forms within 3-5 business days using your self return envelope.
N:B: For replacing a lost travel document, You are kindly requested to submit the same documents above in addition to a Police report stating how the Lebanese Travel Document was lost and a copy of the Lost travel document if available.
For further inquiries, please visit our FAQ section under the Lebanese Passports section, and if your question is still not answered, kindly send us an email to tphilippe@lebanonembassyus.org Or call us from Monday till Friday except holidays at 2029396301
Frequently asked questions:
> I am travelling to Lebanon in one week, I do not have time to apply for a new passport, am I eligible for the handwritten renewal?
Handwritten renewals can no longer be done at the embassy. All Lebanese citizens are advised to apply for a new passport three months prior to the expiration of their passports.
>My tracking shows that the first step requirements I have sent out for a new passport have been delivered, when should I expect the application?
Upon confirming that your first step documents have reached the embassy (according to your tracking number), please allow the embassy roughly 5 business days until it is able to mail your documents using the return envelope you provided.
Please continue to check the tracking number of your return labels approximately 5 business days after your first step requirements have been received.
> I sent my application via DHL but it has been more than 5 weeks and my DHL tracking info is showing that it is still in Lebanon. What should I do?
In rare cases, passports can be delayed in Lebanon. The Directorate of General security in Lebanon does their best to process DHL passports as a priority. Keep checking your email for updates from DHL. The embassy cannot provide you with any update regarding your passport.
> I received a notification from DHL that my passport is delivered to Embassy. What should I do next?
All passports received from Lebanon need to be registered at the embassy. Kindly allow 3 working days for your passport to be forwarded to your address. Kindly Keep tracking your self-return envelope. If you already sent us your old passport in addition to 2 return envelopes you are not required to take any further steps. The passports department will automatically cancel your old passport and mail it along with the new passport in the return envelope you had provided us with.
If you have not provided the passports department with a second return envelope and your old passport, please mail them to the embassy when DHL confirms that your new passport has been delivered to Washington DC. Please note that the embassy cannot issue your new passport without cancelling the old one first.
> Will my application be processed faster if I come in person?
Yes. Since a trip to the notary public is not required and the application will be filled out on the spot. In person applicants are exempt a trip to the notary and save time by not having to post mail.
> I live in a state not under your jurisdiction, can I still do it through the embassy in DC?
No, unless the head of The General Consulate in your jurisdiction you belong to, is on leave and not available to sign.
> I am not able to reach other consulates in the US, what should I do?
We recommend you send them an email as we cannot contact them on your behalf. For complaints you can send an email to info@lebanonembassyus.org.
> I have a Lebanese passport but I don’t know if it is Biometric or not
Machine readable (navy Blue) passports numbers are preceded by RL. Biometric passports, have a chip (outside) and passport numbers are preceded by LR.
> I am not able to find any notary public to notarize my documents
In very rare situations, you might experience a notary that does not accept your documents. It is up to you to find a notary public in your area. The Embassy cannot recommend any notary public for you.
> Is it mandatory to have a biometric passport?
No. Navy blue machine readable passports are still valid and acceptable at all airports.
> Can I request the Lebanese ID (بطاقة الهوية) through the Embassy?
Applying for the Lebanese ID can only be done in Lebanon.
> My tracking number is not updated on the system. What should I do?
Contact the carrier company as the embassy cannot track undelivered packages.
> Can I send a non-trackable envelope (stamps only)?
Yes, but the embassy is not responsible for any missing package
> I sent my application to the embassy. However I need my passport back. Can I take back my current passport as this is my only ID in the US or do I have to wait until my new passport arrives by mail?
It is recommended to keep the passport at the embassy since your current passport needs to be cancelled once the new passport arrives from Lebanon. However, you can include a note with your documents that you need your passport back and we will return it to you. We would still have to cancel it before handing you the new passport
