A Lebanese passport. Photo by Mohammad Yassine
BEIRUT — Foreign Minister Joe Rajji on Friday announced a major cut in consular fees for Lebanese living abroad, including a 50 percent reduction in the cost of biometric passports. The changes, outlined in a circular sent to 89 Lebanese diplomatic missions worldwide, will take effect March 1.
In a statement on X, Rajji said that this measure had been approved by Finance Minister Yassine Jaber and that a circular formalizing its entry into force on March 1 had been published.
Renewing a 10-year biometric passport in Lebanon costs 10 million Lebanese Liras (about $112), while a five-year passport costs 6 million liras (nearly $67). Abroad, however, the fees have been substantially higher: $600 in the United States, 528 euros in France, 720 Canadian dollars in Canada, 429 pounds sterling in the United Kingdom, 2,210 dirhams in the United Arab Emirates, and 818 Australian dollars in Australia.
The ministry also announced broader measures aimed at easing administrative procedures for the diaspora. Fees will be waived for organizing, registering and legalizing death certificates, as well as for certifications related to repatriating remains to Lebanon. Legalization of school attestations and certificates will also be fully exempt, simplifying processes for Lebanese families abroad.
