Lebanese Non-Biometric Passports No Longer Accepted for French Visa Applications
The French Consulate General in Lebanon has officially announced that holders of non-biometric Lebanese passports can no longer use these documents to submit visa applications. This update follows a recent advisory from TLScontact, which has clarified the new procedural requirements for all applicants.
🔑 New Biometric Passport Requirement
Effective June 25, 2026, only valid biometric Lebanese passports will be accepted for French visa submissions. This directive follows a ruling by the Lebanese General Security Directorate, which has declared passports issued under the 2003 model—lacking embedded biometric data—officially invalid. This specifically applies to passports with identification numbers beginning with “RL”.
Lebanese citizens still in possession of an older, non-biometric passport must obtain a new biometric passport before initiating a fresh visa application.
📅 Impact on Pending Applications & Appointments
The new regulation also affects applicants who have already registered their visa request on the TLScontact platform using their previous passport. If you have already secured a visa appointment but are still awaiting your new biometric passport, you may request a postponement by contacting TLScontact directly.
Important: At your rescheduled appointment, you must present a clear copy of your previous non-biometric passport. This document must match the exact passport number used during your initial TLScontact registration.
✅ Key Takeaways for Applicants
This updated rule directly impacts Lebanese nationals seeking a French visa and now mandates a valid biometric passport at the time of application submission. To ensure a smooth processing experience, applicants are advised to:
- Verify their current passport type and expiration date.
- Apply for a biometric passport well in advance of their intended travel dates.
- Monitor official TLScontact and French Consulate channels for further procedural updates.
Stay informed and ensure your travel documents comply with the latest international standards to avoid application delays or rejections.
