France stops accepting non-biometric Lebanese passports for Schengen visas

The French Consulate General in Lebanon has announced that non-biometric Lebanese passports will no longer be accepted for Schengen visa applications submitted through the TLScontact center in Beirut. This decision aligns with new Lebanese regulations that are progressively invalidating older passports in favor of biometric documents.

According to a statement on the consulate's official X account, Lebanese passports issued under the 2003 model, including those starting with 'RL,' are no longer valid for Schengen visa applications as of June 25, 2026. Applicants must possess a biometric passport to submit their application.

Individuals who have already scheduled a visa appointment with TLScontact using a non-biometric passport are advised to postpone their appointment until they obtain a new biometric travel document. This measure stems from a decision by the Lebanese Directorate General of State Security to gradually phase out non-biometric passports, adhering to international travel document security standards recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Furthermore, the State Security has indicated that starting October 1, 2026, Lebanese passports from the 2003 model will be unusable for departing Lebanon, marking their definitive end for international travel. The Schengen visa allows short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Schengen member states for tourism, business, or family visits. This specific rule applies only to holders of non-biometric Lebanese passports and is not a general change for all Schengen visa applicants.