The Lebanese Embassy in Kuwait will launch a biometric passport service in early July 2026, the first such facility at any Lebanese embassy abroad, informed sources said. Lebanon’s Interior Minister Brigadier General Ahmed Hajjar plans to visit for the inauguration, allowing residents to obtain the documents without traveling home, after a General Security team completed preparations for the system.
The sources confirmed that the new procedure will allow for full processing at the Kuwait embassy, including biometric data capture that was previously only available in Lebanon for many applicants. According to the Lebanese General Security, the biometric passport features a chip with the holder’s fingerprints, photo and personal data to enhance security features. This expansion of services is part of a broader strategy to modernize document issuance and reduce the logistical burden on the Lebanese diaspora in countries like Kuwait.
Times Kuwait reported the story on June 21, noting that a team of Lebanese General Security officers has been in Kuwait conducting the necessary technical and logistical preparations. The officers are also training embassy staff on application handling and equipment use to ensure efficient service delivery upon launch. Interior Minister Ahmed Hajjar’s participation in the launch highlights the priority given to this pilot project by Lebanese authorities.
Kuwait’s selection as the inaugural location outside Lebanon reflects the strength of bilateral relations and the presence of a vibrant Lebanese community in the country. Public Authority for Civil Information statistics have previously placed the number of Lebanese residents among the expatriate groups in Kuwait, though exact current figures fluctuate with economic conditions. The new service is likely to be extended to other Gulf states following the successful implementation here, the informed sources indicated.
The Lebanese General Security website details that biometric passports are now the default, with options for five-year validity at 6 million Lebanese pounds and 10-year at 10 million Lebanese pounds for standard issuance inside the country. Overseas fees had been higher prior to the 50 percent reduction announced by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji in March 2026 for all embassies and consulates. The fee cut and the Kuwait launch together represent coordinated efforts to support citizens abroad.
In addition to individual benefits, the biometric system aids in international travel by meeting standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, a requirement for visa-free access to many countries. The General Security has emphasized the importance of these features in its online resources. Preparations in Kuwait are on track for the early July rollout as planned.
The embassy will start receiving applications shortly after the official inauguration ceremony, with the process expected to be integrated into existing consular workflows. This development builds on previous updates to Lebanon’s passport system that phased out older machine-readable versions in favor of the chip-enabled biometric alternative. Officials have stressed the convenience this brings to residents in Kuwait who can now handle renewals locally.
