Lebanese Passport Photo
Requirements
Australia 2025
Living in Australia and renewing your Lebanese passport? DGSS requirements include strict biometric age rules, a plain white shadow-free background, and a DHL FastTrack express option that cuts 4-month waits to 3-7 weeks. This guide covers every official rule.
Quick Reference - 2025 DGSS
Photo dimensions35 × 45 mm
Head height (hair-chin)25-35 mm
Eye height from bottom29-35 mm
BackgroundPlain white · shadow-free
Photo recencyWithin 6 months
ExpressionNeutral · mouth closed
Tinted glassesNot permitted
Number required2 identical prints
Ages 16-59First biometric → Lebanon
Processing time2-4 mo. or 3-7 wks (DHL)
35mm
45mm
Ages 16-59 biometric restriction. If aged 16-59 and never obtained a biometric Lebanese passport (LR prefix, with chip), you cannot renew at an Australian consulate - you must first visit Lebanon. Those under 16 or over 59 are exempt.
What's in this guide
Biometric age restriction (16-59) - most misunderstood rule
If aged 16-59 and NEVER obtained a biometric Lebanese passport (LR prefix, has a chip), you cannot renew at an Australian consulate. You must first travel to Lebanon to get your first biometric at a DGSS office. Citizens under 16 and over 59 are exempt.
DHL FastTrack cuts processing to 3-7 weeks vs 2-4 months
Standard diplomatic pouch takes 2-4 months. DHL FastTrack (fasttracklb.dhl.com) reduces this to 3-7 weeks. Register online before your consulate appointment - cannot be done on the day.
PassPhoto applies DGSS specifications - verified for Lebanese consulate review
Select Lebanon, upload your photo. We apply the correct plain white background, compliant 25-35mm head height, shadow-free processing, and produce two professional prints. Delivered Australia-wide in 1-2 days - ready for your Sydney or Melbourne consulate.
Real results
Your photo, compliant.
Drag the slider to see exactly how we turn an everyday selfie into a DGSS-compliant 35×45mm photo with plain white, shadow-free background.
Common mistakes
DGSS-ready
Before
After
35 × 45mm · Plain white · Shadow-free
Original photo
PassPhoto result
Shadow on background
Coloured background
Plain white, shadow-free
DGSS compliant
Drag to compare · Touch-friendly
Photo size
35 × 45 mm
Background
Plain white
Prints
2 required
Official specifications
The exact DGSS numbers - verified.
These are the official requirements from the Lebanese Directorate General of General Security (DGSS), checked for Lebanese passport applications submitted at Australian consulates.
| Requirement | Official Specification | Important Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Photo dimensions | 35mm wide × 45mm high 3.5cm × 4.5cm standard format | Standard ICAO biometric format - same as Australian, Italian and most other passports. Head (top of hair to chin) must measure 25-35mm. Two identical prints required for consulate applications. | Required |
Head height | 25-35 mm Top of hair to bottom of chin | Eye height should be 29-35mm measured from the bottom of the photo. Head must be centred, facing directly forward. Both eyes must appear at the same horizontal level. No tilting, no turning. | Required |
Background colour | Plain white Completely shadow-free | Plain white background - unlike UK photos which require light grey. Completely uniform with no shadows, patterns or gradients. Shadows are the most common cause of consulate photo rejections. | DGSS Spec |
Photo recency | Within the last 6 months | Standard 6-month recency window - same as Australia, Italy, USA and Japan. Unlike the UK (1 month), Lebanese photos have generous timing flexibility. Photos must represent your current appearance. | Required |
Expression | Neutral - mouth closed | Neutral facial expression with mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. Lebanese biometric passport chips store facial recognition data - expression must be completely neutral for accurate biometric processing. | Required |
Tinted glasses | Not permitted Sunglasses or tinted lenses banned | Tinted glasses and sunglasses are not permitted. Clear prescription glasses are conditionally accepted if eyes are fully visible and there are no flash reflections. Removing all glasses eliminates any risk of rejection. | Not Allowed |
Number of photos | 2 identical prints For consulate applications | Two identical printed photos required for all consulate passport applications. For applications at DGSS in Lebanon directly: 3 photos with name, ID number and place of registered residence certified by the local mukhtar. | Required |
Biometric restriction | Ages 16-59 first biometric in Lebanon | Lebanese citizens aged 16-59 who have NEVER obtained a biometric passport (LR prefix, with chip) cannot do so for the first time at a consulate abroad. They must attend a DGSS office in Lebanon. Those under 16 or over 59 can obtain their first biometric at the consulate. | Biometric Rule |
Processing time | 2-4 months (standard) / 3-7 weeks (DHL) | Standard route: application sent via diplomatic pouch, takes 2-4 months. DHL FastTrack: register at fasttracklb.dhl.com before appointment, reduces to 3-7 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before passport expiry. | Choose One |
Head coverings | Religious/medical only | Hijabs, turbans and religious coverings are permitted. The full face must be clearly visible - forehead, both cheeks, chin. No shadows on the face from the covering. | Conditional |
Digital editing | Not permitted | No beauty filters, skin smoothing, red-eye correction, brightness adjustments or AI enhancement. Background replacement for plain white is acceptable when professionally done. Always disable phone beauty modes before taking the photo. | Not Allowed |
Detailed requirements
Every DGSS rule, explained clearly.
These requirements apply to all Lebanese passport applications submitted at Lebanese consulates in Australia - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Plain White Background
Plain white background, completely free of shadows, patterns or gradients. Unlike UK or Hong Kong passport photos, no grey alternatives are permitted - white only. The background must be a single uniform tone with no variation.
Shadows on the background are the most common cause of Lebanese consulate photo rejections in Australia. Stand at least 50cm from any background wall and use balanced lighting on both sides of your face.
Head Position and Size
Head height (top of hair to chin) must be 25-35mm in a 45mm photo. Eye height must be 29-35mm from the bottom of the photo. Head must be centred, facing directly forward, perfectly level - no tilting or turning to either side.
Head must be symmetrical in the frame. Both eyes at the same horizontal level. PassPhoto calibrates all head measurements automatically when you select Lebanon.
Neutral Expression - No Smile
A completely neutral expression is required - mouth gently closed, no smile, no frown, no raised eyebrows. Both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera lens. The Lebanese biometric passport stores facial recognition data and requires a neutral baseline expression.
Look directly at the lens - not the screen. Completely relax your face. Eyes open, mouth closed, no expression. This is what the biometric chip is calibrated to process accurately.
Glasses - Tinted Banned, Clear Conditional
Tinted glasses and sunglasses are completely banned in Lebanese passport photos. Clear prescription glasses are conditionally permitted only if: eyes are fully visible without obstruction and there are no flash reflections on the lenses. Removing all glasses is always the safer option.
Clear glasses: if frames cover any part of the eye, or if there is any visible glare or reflection, the photo will be rejected. Removing glasses is always the safer choice for Lebanese passport photos.
Hijab & Religious Coverings
Hijabs and other religious head coverings are permitted - a significant consideration for Muslim Lebanese Australians, who represent approximately 40% of the Lebanese Australian community. The covering must not cast any shadows on the face or background. The full face must be completely visible.
Ensure even face lighting with no shadow from the hijab. Dark or contrasting hijab colours work best against a white background. Face from forehead to chin and ear to ear must be fully visible and evenly lit.
Lighting - Shadow-Free Critical
Uniform, shadow-free lighting is essential. Lebanese consulate reviewers in Australia specifically flag photos with shadows on the background or face. Single overhead lights and phone flash both create common shadow problems that cause rejection.
Position yourself at least 50cm from background walls and ensure the room is well-lit from multiple angles before photographing. For hijab-wearing applicants, the face must be evenly lit on both sides.
Clothing - Avoid White
Wear everyday civilian clothing. Uniforms and official attire are not permitted. Because Lebanese passports require a white background, wearing a white top can cause shoulders and clothing to visually blend with the background - making it difficult for biometric systems to locate the head boundary.
Navy, charcoal, dark green, dark red and similar tones work well. For hijab-wearing applicants, a dark or bold-coloured hijab against the white background is both compliant and helps the biometric system accurately identify facial boundaries.
Children's Photos - ICAO Rules
Children's Lebanese passport photos follow ICAO biometric standards with age-based exceptions. Babies under 1 year do not need eyes open. Children under 16 can obtain biometric passports at the consulate - unlike adults 16-59 who must first obtain in Lebanon. Both parents or guardian must attend the consulate appointment for minors.
For infants: lay on a plain white sheet, photograph from above. This naturally produces the correct background. Ensure no shadows from the sheet edges or from hands supporting the baby's head.
Apply 3 Months Before Expiry
Standard processing via diplomatic pouch takes 2-4 months. Lebanese consulates globally recommend applying at least 3 months before your passport expires. If you have travel booked, use DHL FastTrack (3-7 weeks) - but even then, apply well in advance.
Never book non-refundable travel before receiving your new passport. Being passport-less for months is a common outcome for Lebanese Australians who apply too late.
Lebanon-specific biometric rule
The biometric age restriction -
ages 16-59 explained.
This is the rule that causes the most confusion and wasted consulate trips for Lebanese Australians. Lebanon's biometric passport system - introduced in August 2016, issued exclusively by the DGSS - requires that your fingerprints and facial data be enrolled in person in Lebanon for your very first biometric passport. Consulates abroad can only replace or renew existing biometric passports.
How to check if you have a biometric passport
Look at your passport number. Biometric passports start with "LR" and have an electronic chip symbol on the cover. Machine-readable (older, navy blue) passports start with "RL". If your current passport is RL and you're aged 16-59, you may only be eligible for a 1-2 year extension at the consulate, not full renewal.
Machine-readable (RL) passport holders aged 16-59
You can get a one-time exceptional 1 or 2 year extension from the consulate, subject to signing an affidavit committing to obtain a biometric passport in Lebanon on your next visit. After this single extension, no further renewals are possible through the consulate until a biometric is obtained.
Apply 3 months before expiry
Lebanese consulates globally recommend applying at least 3 months before your passport expires. Processing via diplomatic pouch takes 2-4 months. If you need to travel urgently, DHL FastTrack reduces this to 3-7 weeks, but even then, apply well in advance.
Biometric passport rules by age - at Australian consulates
Under
16
16
Can obtain or renew at the consulate even without previous biometric. Both parents or guardian must attend. Passport valid 5 years.
Consulate OK
16-59
First biometric must be obtained in Lebanon from DGSS. Consulate can only renew existing biometric (LR) passports, or grant a one-time 1-2 year extension of RL passports.
Restricted
60+
Exempt from the restriction. Can obtain a new biometric passport at the consulate even without previous biometric. Passport valid 10 years.
Consulate OK
Lost passport
Emergency Travel Documents may be issued for return to Lebanon only. Police report required. Valid 3 months.
Emergency only
Biometric passports (LR prefix, with chip) introduced in Lebanon in August 2016. Passports valid 5 or 10 years. Issued exclusively by the Lebanese DGSS.
Express service - unique to Lebanon
DHL FastTrack -
3-7 weeks instead of 4 months.
The Lebanese DGSS's standard processing via diplomatic pouch takes 2-4 months from Australia. DHL FastTrack is an officially supported express processing service available through Australian Lebanese consulates that reduces processing to 3-7 weeks - for an additional fee paid directly to DHL.
Register on DHL before your consulate appointment
You must complete the DHL FastTrack application online at fasttracklb.dhl.com before attending the consulate. After payment, DHL emails you an 11-page PDF that must be printed and brought to your appointment. Do not show up without the DHL paperwork if you want express processing.
DHL FastTrack available through Sydney and Melbourne consulates
Both the Lebanese Consulate-General in Sydney and Melbourne support DHL FastTrack. The cost covers up to 3 passports in the same application. This is the most popular option among Lebanese Australians who need their passport within 1-2 months rather than 4.
How to use DHL FastTrack
fasttracklb.dhl.com - do this BEFORE your appointment
1
Visit fasttracklb.dhl.com
Select Lebanon. Under the main menu you will see two options - "Lebanese" and "Palestinian." Choose the option that applies to you, then click "New Passport Request."
2
Complete the online form and pay
Fill in your personal details and passport information. Pay the DHL FastTrack fee by Visa or Mastercard. The cost covers up to 3 passports in the same application.
3
Print all 11 pages of the DHL PDF
After successful payment, DHL emails you an 11-page PDF. Print every page - do not cut or trim any pages. Bring this printout to your consulate appointment.
4
Attend consulate with DHL paperwork + all other docs
Bring your DHL printout along with your current passport, two compliant passport photos, Lebanese ID card or civil status document, and any other required documents.
5
Receive passport in 3-7 weeks
Your new passport is returned to Australia via DHL courier. Standard processing without FastTrack takes 2-4 months via diplomatic pouch. Always apply well before your passport expiry.
Renewing from Australia
Lebanese passport renewal from Australia -
step by step.
Lebanese passport renewals from Australia require an in-person consulate appointment. The Sydney consulate requires email appointments - no walk-ins. Here is the complete process.
Check your passport type - biometric or machine-readable?
Before anything else: is your current passport biometric (LR prefix, has a chip symbol on cover) or machine-readable (RL prefix, older navy blue)? If biometric, you can renew at the consulate. If machine-readable and aged 16-59, you can only get a 1-2 year exceptional extension. If under 16 or over 59, you can apply at the consulate. Knowing your eligibility first saves wasted trips.
Check passport number: starts with LR = biometric (can renew at consulate). Starts with RL = machine-readable (extension only for ages 16-59).
Take your passport photo - 35×45mm, plain white background
Take a compliant passport photo on a plain white background, neutral expression, no tinted glasses. Must be taken within 6 months of your appointment date. Upload to PassPhoto and select Lebanon - we apply the correct white background, compliant head proportions, and produce two printed identical photos ready for the consulate. Delivered in 1-2 days Australia-wide.
Order PassPhoto prints at least 3 days before your consulate appointment. Two identical prints required - do not cut or alter the photos after printing.
(Optional but recommended) Register for DHL FastTrack
If you want your passport within 3-7 weeks instead of 2-4 months, register on the DHL FastTrack portal (fasttracklb.dhl.com) before your appointment. Select Lebanon, complete the form, pay the additional fee by card, and print all 11 pages of the PDF you receive by email. Bring this printout to your appointment - this cannot be done at the consulate on the day.
DHL FastTrack is the most popular option for Lebanese Australians who need the passport within a specific timeframe. Register before your appointment - bring the printed 11-page PDF on the day.
Book your consulate appointment
Sydney consulate: email info@lebconsyd.org.au with your name, service required (passport renewal), and all relevant documents attached. Appointment hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-12:30pm. Melbourne consulate: contact the consulate directly. Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth: contact your relevant consulate with jurisdiction over your state. Do not attend without an appointment.
Email the consulate with all documents attached. Sydney in particular asks you to email before attending. Include your passport copy, ID, and outline of your request to get the fastest response.
Attend with all required documents
Bring to your appointment: current Lebanese passport (original + 2 copies of the main page), two compliant passport photos, Lebanese national ID card (بطاقة الهوية) or individual civil status (إخراج قيد فردي) - both sides, copies required - proof of Australian residency status, DHL FastTrack printout if applicable, and applicable fees in cash or bank cheque only (consulates do not accept credit cards or private cheques).
Bring original documents AND copies of everything. Lebanese consulates in Australia require certified copies - not just originals. Check specific requirements with your consulate as each state's consulate may have slight variations.
Wait and receive your new passport
Standard (diplomatic pouch): 2-4 months. DHL FastTrack: 3-7 weeks. Your new passport is returned via the consulate or by mail depending on the consulate and service. Lebanese biometric passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. Apply well before expiry - being passport-less for months is common if you apply too late.
Apply at least 3 months before your passport expires. If you have travel booked before the standard processing time, use DHL FastTrack. Do not book non-refundable travel before receiving your new passport.
Payment: Lebanese consulates do not accept credit cards or private cheques
The Lebanese Consulate-General in Sydney (and most others in Australia) only accept payment by bank cheque, money order, or cash for consular fees. Check the current fee schedule with your consulate before attending.
Side by side comparison
Lebanese vs Australian passport photos -
what's different.
Lebanese and Australian passport photos share the same background colour (white) and similar size, but the head height measurement, renewal process and biometric rules are completely different.
Lebanese Passport Photo (DGSS)
Directorate General of General Security - 2025
Photo size35 × 45 mm
Head height25-35 mm (hair to chin)
BackgroundPlain white - shadow-free
Photo recencyWithin 6 months
Tinted glassesNot permitted
Hijab/religious coveringPermitted
ProcessingConsulate - 2-4 mo. or DHL 3-7 wks
Biometric restrictionDiff Ages 16-59 first biometric in Lebanon
Australian Passport Photo
Australian Passport Office - 2025
Photo sizeSame 35-40 × 45-50mm
Head height32-36mm Different
BackgroundSame White or light grey
Photo recencySame Within 6 months
GlassesAll glasses banned Different
Hijab/religious coveringSame Permitted
ProcessingPost office / online Different
Guarantor requirementSome cases Different system
Important distinction
Consulate application vs applying in Lebanon directly -
different photo requirements.
The number of photos required and how they must be prepared differs depending on whether you are applying through an Australian consulate or at a DGSS office in Lebanon directly.
Lebanese Passport Photo Requirements - Consulate (Australia) vs DGSS (Lebanon)
These requirements differ - check which applies to your situation
Applying through Australian Consulate
Number of photos2 identical prints
Photo size35 × 45 mm
BackgroundPlain white, shadow-free
CertificationNot required
Name on backNot required
Who attendsApplicant (or parents for minors)
Applying at DGSS in Lebanon directly
Number of photos3 photos
Photo size4.5 × 3.5 cm (same format)
BackgroundPlain white
CertificationCertified by local mukhtar
Name & ID on photoName + ID number + residence required
Who attendsApplicant in person at DGSS office
PassPhoto prints are prepared for Australian consulate applications
Our Lebanese passport photo service produces 2 identical 35×45mm prints - compliant for all Australian Lebanese consulate applications. If you are applying directly at a DGSS office in Lebanon, you will need 3 photos with your name, ID number and place of registered residence printed and certified by your local mukhtar. This certification cannot be done in Australia.
Quick reference
Do's & Don'ts for Lebanese passport photos.
YOU MUST DO THIS
Photo size exactly 35mm × 45mm
Plain white background - completely shadow-free
Head height 25-35mm (hair to chin)
Take the photo within 6 months of the appointment
Completely neutral expression - no smile, no frown
Bring two identical printed photos to the consulate
Uniform lighting - no shadows on face or background
Both eyes open, looking directly at camera lens
Wear contrasting clothing against white background
Hijab or religious covering: full face visible, no shadows
YOU MUST NEVER DO THIS
Have shadows on the background - most common rejection
Use a photo older than 6 months
Wear tinted glasses or sunglasses
Smile or have any expression other than neutral
Wear a white top that blends with the background
Apply beauty filters, portrait mode, or AI enhancements
Attend the consulate without an appointment (Sydney)
Attend without cash or bank cheque - no cards accepted
Assume you can renew if aged 16-59 with no biometric (RL)
Tilt or turn your head or look away from the camera
Avoid rejection
Why Lebanese passport applications
are delayed or rejected in Australia.
These are the most common causes of delays, rejection and wasted consulate trips for Lebanese Australians. Many of these are preventable with preparation.
Attending as an RL (machine-readable) holder aged 16-59 expecting full renewal
The most commonly misunderstood rule. Lebanese citizens aged 16-59 holding an RL passport cannot renew it with a new biometric passport at the Australian consulate. They can only get a one-time 1-2 year extension. First biometric must be obtained at a DGSS office in Lebanon. Many Lebanese Australians have had their appointment cancelled on the day due to this rule.
Check RL vs LR prefix
Shadows on the photo background - most common photo rejection
Home photos taken against a white wall with a single overhead light or phone flash create shadows behind the head. Lebanese consulate reviewers specifically check for shadows on the background. Even a subtle shadow around the head region will cause the photos to be rejected, requiring new photos and potentially a new appointment date.
Stand 1m+ from wall, even lighting
Missing DHL FastTrack paperwork - express processing not applied
Lebanese Australians who want DHL FastTrack processing but arrive at the consulate without having registered online and printed the 11-page PDF will not be able to use the express service on that day. The DHL registration must be completed online at fasttracklb.dhl.com before the appointment.
Register DHL before appointment
Incorrect or missing identity documents (Lebanese ID or civil status)
Lebanese passport applications require your Lebanese national ID card (بطاقة الهوية) or individual civil status extract (إخراج قيد فردي) - front and back copies. The ID card must not be expired by more than 10 years in most cases. Australian documents do not substitute for Lebanese identity documentation - always bring Lebanese documents alongside Australian residency proof.
Lebanese ID + copies essential
Attending without a prior appointment (Sydney consulate)
The Consulate-General of Lebanon in Sydney operates exclusively by appointment due to staff shortages. Attending without a prior email appointment means you will not be seen that day. Email info@lebconsyd.org.au with your documents and nature of your request to book. Appointment hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-12:30pm.
Email first - no walk-ins Sydney
Photo beauty filters and skin smoothing from smartphones
Modern smartphones apply automatic skin smoothing, facial slimming, and lighting correction. These create digitally altered images that fail DGSS biometric photo standards. The consulate reviewer checks for unnaturally smooth skin texture and altered facial geometry. Always shoot in standard photo mode with all enhancements disabled.
Disable all phone beauty modes
Payment method refused - no credit cards accepted
Lebanese consulates in Australia do not accept credit cards, debit cards or private cheques for consular fees. Only cash and bank cheques (money orders) are accepted. Lebanese Australians who arrive for their appointment without the correct payment method cannot complete their application that day. Always check the current fee schedule and bring cash or a bank cheque.
Cash or bank cheque only
Applying too close to passport expiry
Processing time for Lebanese passports from Australia is 2-4 months via standard route. Lebanese Australians who apply within 2 months of their passport expiry and do not use DHL FastTrack risk being passport-less for a period. This creates serious problems for those with travel booked, employment requiring valid ID, or residency obligations. Apply at least 3 months before expiry.
Apply 3+ months before expiry
Step by step
How to take your Lebanese passport
photo at home.
The plain white background must be completely shadow-free - this is where most home photos fail. Follow these steps for a consulate-accepted result.
Confirm your eligibility before taking any photos
Check your passport type first: LR (biometric, can renew at consulate) or RL (machine-readable, extension only for ages 16-59). If you're under 16 or over 59, you have more flexibility. Knowing your eligibility means you won't waste time or money on photos for an appointment you're not eligible to make.
Before photos: Confirm passport prefix (LR = biometric, RL = machine-readable) → Confirm your age eligibility → Book your consulate email appointment → Take your photos.
Set up a plain white, shadow-free background
Use a white wall, hang a white sheet, or use white poster board. Stand at least half a metre from the background wall - this is the single most important step for eliminating shadows. Set up two light sources at roughly 45° on each side of your face, or position yourself directly facing a large window on an overcast day.
Shadow elimination checklist: 50cm+ from wall ✓ | Two balanced light sources ✓ | No flash ✓ | No harsh overhead light ✓ | Test shot: zoom into background area - zero visible shadow around head and shoulders ✓
Hijab or religious covering: face fully visible, no shadows
If wearing a hijab or religious head covering, ensure the full face - forehead, both cheeks, chin, both sides - is completely visible and evenly lit. The covering must not cast any shadow on the face or the white background. Dark or contrasting hijab colours work best against the white background.
Hijab photo tip: Position lighting slightly forward of your face to prevent the hijab casting shadows on your cheeks. Take multiple test shots and review carefully for any shadow on the face from the fabric.
Disable all phone enhancements - strictly neutral expression
Turn off Portrait Mode, Beauty Mode, Smart HDR, Skin Smooth, and all AI enhancement or live filters. Shoot in the standard camera mode. Look directly at the lens - completely neutral expression, mouth gently closed, both eyes fully open. Head perfectly straight, no tilt. Take 15-20 photos and review on a large screen.
Phone settings to check: Portrait Mode OFF ✓ | Beauty/Skin Smooth OFF ✓ | HDR set to auto or off ✓ | No live filters applied ✓ | Standard photo mode only ✓
Upload to PassPhoto - receive two printed photos in 1-2 days
Upload your best photo to PassPhoto and select Lebanon. We apply a clean white background, resize to 35×45mm with the correct head proportions (25-35mm head height), and print two identical photos on professional photo paper. Expert human review checks all DGSS requirements including shadow detection, expression and head positioning before printing and dispatch.
Why PassPhoto for Lebanese photos: Shadow-free white background is the technical challenge - and the most common reason photos are rejected at Sydney and Melbourne Lebanese consulates. PassPhoto applies DGSS specifications and reviews every order - two prints delivered Australia-wide in 1-2 days, ready for your consulate appointment.
Lebanese consulates in Australia
Which consulate serves your state.
You must apply at the Lebanese consulate with jurisdiction over the state where you officially reside. You cannot choose a different consulate for convenience.
Sydney
Consulate General of Lebanon
Address
155 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Book appointment
Email only: info@lebconsyd.org.au - attach all documents. No walk-ins accepted.
Appointment hours
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:30pm. Appointment required - contact by email only.
Jurisdiction
NSW, ACT and surrounding areas. Home to approximately 70% of Australia's Lebanese community in Greater Sydney.
Payment
Cash or bank cheque only. No credit cards, debit cards or private cheques accepted.
Melbourne
Consulate General of Lebanon
Appointments
Contact the consulate for appointment bookings. Check the consulate website for current hours and requirements.
Jurisdiction
VIC and TAS. Melbourne's Lebanese community is concentrated in the north and west - Hume, Merri-bek and Whittlesea areas.
DHL FastTrack
Available. Register at fasttracklb.dhl.com before your appointment and bring the printed 11-page PDF.
Important note
Old Model 2003 (navy blue) passport applications not accepted as of January 2023. Holders must apply for biometric passport at DGSS in Lebanon directly.
Payment
Cash or bank cheque. Check with the consulate for current fee amounts before attending.
Other States
Brisbane · Adelaide · Perth · Canberra Embassy
Canberra (Embassy)
Embassy of Lebanon in Canberra. Serves ACT-based applicants. Contact for current appointment process.
Brisbane
Honorary Consulate serves QLD. Contact directly for passport service availability - some honorary consulates have limited passport services.
Adelaide & Perth
SA and WA residents contact the relevant consulate. You must apply at the consulate covering the state where you reside.
Key rule
You must apply at the consulate covering the state where you reside. Contact the Lebanese Embassy in Canberra if uncertain about which consulate to use.
DGSS Compliant
35×45mm, plain white shadow-free background, 25-35mm head height, and ICAO biometric standards applied for every Lebanese passport order.
Human Expert Review
Every photo checked by a trained expert - shadow detection, expression, head proportions and background compliance verified before printing.
Consulate Acceptance Guarantee
Free reprint if the Lebanese consulate rejects your PassPhoto order for any compliance reason. We stand behind every order.
Prints in 1-2 Days
Two identical photos on professional photo paper. Delivered Australia-wide - Bankstown, Lakemba, Sydney, Melbourne, wherever you are.
Frequently asked questions
Lebanese passport photo questions answered.
35mm wide × 45mm high (3.5cm × 4.5cm). Head height (top of hair to bottom of chin) must be 25-35mm. Eye height should be 29-35mm from the bottom of the photo. Two identical printed photos required for consulate applications. Plain white background, completely shadow-free. PassPhoto calibrates all of these measurements automatically when you select Lebanon.
It depends on your age. If you are aged 16-59 and have never obtained a biometric Lebanese passport (LR prefix, with chip), you cannot get one at the Australian consulate. Your first biometric must be obtained at a DGSS office in Lebanon. However, the consulate can grant a one-time 1-2 year extension of your machine-readable (RL) passport. If you are under 16 or over 59, you can obtain a biometric passport at the consulate even without a previous biometric.
Two options: Standard (diplomatic pouch): 2-4 months from appointment date. DHL FastTrack (express): 3-7 weeks with an additional fee. DHL FastTrack is officially supported — register at fasttracklb.dhl.com before your consulate appointment, pay online, print all 11 pages, and bring them to your appointment. The Lebanese consulate recommends applying at least 3 months before your passport expires.
DHL FastTrack (fasttracklb.dhl.com) is an officially supported express processing service that reduces standard 2-4 month processing time to 3-7 weeks. You register online before your consulate appointment, pay the DHL fee by card, and receive an 11-page PDF to print and bring to the consulate. Available through both the Sydney and Melbourne Lebanese consulates.
Yes — appointments are mandatory at the Sydney consulate. The Consulate-General of Lebanon in Sydney does not accept walk-ins. You must email info@lebconsyd.org.au with your name, service required, and copies of all relevant documents attached. Appointment hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-12:30pm. Arriving without a confirmed appointment means you will not be seen that day.
Plain white — completely shadow-free. This is the same as Australian passport standards, but opposite to UK passport photos which require light grey or cream. The background must be a uniform, clean white with absolutely no shadows, gradients or patterns. Shadows on the background are the single most common reason photos are rejected at Australian Lebanese consulates.
Yes. Hijabs and religious head coverings are permitted in Lebanese passport photos. The full face — forehead, both cheeks, chin — must be completely visible and evenly lit. The covering must not cast any shadows on the face or on the white background. Dark or contrasting hijab colours work best against the white background. This is a well-established and explicitly accepted requirement in Lebanese DGSS guidelines.
Lebanese passport photo requirements for Australians — the full picture
Lebanese passport photo requirements in Australia are set by the Directorate General of General Security (DGSS), Lebanon's primary national security and identity authority.DGSS The DGSS specifies a 35×45mm format photo with plain white background and a head height of 25-35mm measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin. Unlike South Korean photos (which require both ears be visible) or Indian photos (which require specific face width ratios), Lebanese photos are relatively straightforward in their technical requirements — the primary challenge is achieving a completely shadow-free white background.
The biometric age restriction — applying to Lebanese nationals aged 16-59 who have never held a biometric passport — is the single most important non-photo rule to understand before visiting any Australian Lebanese consulate. Lebanese Australians who attend expecting a full renewal but hold an RL-prefix machine-readable passport and are aged 16-59 will have their application rejected on the day. The consulate can only issue a one-time exceptional extension in this situation. First-time biometric applicants in this age group must attend a DGSS office in Lebanon in person to enrol their biometrics — this cannot be done at any consulate outside Lebanon.
For the passport photo itself, shadows on the background are the most common cause of rejection at Australian Lebanese consulates. Modern smartphone cameras — particularly with flash enabled or single overhead lighting — create concentrated shadow behind the head when the subject stands close to a wall. Standing at least 50cm from the background and using balanced lighting from two sides eliminates this problem. The second most common photo rejection cause is digital enhancement: smartphone beauty modes, portrait mode skin smoothing, and AI face adjustments all create images that fail DGSS biometric standards. PassPhoto's Lebanese passport photo service applies DGSS specifications — plain white background, correct 25-35mm head height in 35×45mm format, and shadow-free processing — before expert human review. Two prints are produced on professional photo paper and delivered Australia-wide in 1-2 business days.
PassPhoto is an independent service — not affiliated with the DGSS or the Lebanese Government. Requirements are sourced from official DGSS publications at general-security.gov.lb and the Consulate-General of Lebanon in Sydney — verified September 2025.
Plain white. Shadow-free.
Consulate-ready. Today.
Consulate-ready. Today.
Upload your photo. We apply the DGSS white background, correct head proportions, and produce two printed photos on professional paper - delivered anywhere in Australia in 1-2 days, ready for your Sydney or Melbourne consulate appointment.