Cyprus requires biometric passports for Lebanese visa filings since Sept. 1

Cyprus stopped accepting non-biometric Lebanese passports for all new visa filings submitted through its embassy in Beirut.

Biometric requirement takes effect in Beirut

The policy took effect Sept. 1, requiring Lebanese citizens to hold a machine-readable biometric passport before scheduling consular appointments, the Cyprus Embassy in Lebanon confirmed. Previously, applicants could submit older non-biometric paper booklets to obtain short-stay or entry permits.

The change aligns with Lebanon's ongoing phaseout of legacy travel documents. Under updated Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidelines, document format directly dictates entry screening, making older Lebanese booklets ineligible for new visa stickers at the consular post in Beirut.

Two-passport rule for existing visas

Travelers who already hold an unexpired long-term visa inside a canceled, non-biometric passport don't need to submit a fresh application. Consular authorities confirmed that border officials allow entry under a dual-passport rule if the traveler carries:

• The canceled non-biometric passport containing the unexpired Cyprus visa

• A valid Lebanese biometric passport showing identical personal details

• Standard supporting documentation required at the border crossing

Anyone exploring extended stays or studying Cyprus's residency rules should verify their document type before submitting paperwork or traveling.

Action required for new applicants

Remote workers, tourists and Lebanese expats planning upcoming travel must secure a biometric booklet from Lebanese General Security before booking embassy slots. The embassy did not introduce new consular fees alongside the document mandate, the mission noted. Those who attempt to file with non-biometric documents will face rejection at the Beirut consular window.