Lebanon Photo ID Tool — 35×45mm for Passport, Visa & Residency

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The Challenge

Lebanon requires 35×45mm biometric photos for passport, visa, and residency applications — authenticated by a Mukhtar with applicant details on the photo. Many online tools incorrectly list 2×2 inches (US format). Wrong dimensions = automatic rejection by General Security.

Lebanon photos are 35×45mm — NOT 2×2 inches

Many websites incorrectly list Lebanon as 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — this is WRONG
Official Lebanese General Security (DGGS) requires 35×45mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
Lebanese Embassy in Washington DC confirms 35×45mm dimensions
Using 2×2 inch US-format photos will result in rejection
Same 35×45mm format applies to passport, visa, and residency applications

One photo format for all Lebanese government documents

Lebanon uses standardised 35×45mm photos for biometric passports, all visa types (tourist, work, student, transit), biometric residency permits, and Palestinian travel documents issued by DGGS. Same dimensions, same biometric standards. Create one compliant photo and use it across multiple applications within the 6-month validity period. The critical difference from other countries: Lebanon requires Mukhtar authentication on every photo — applicant name, registration number, and place of registered residence must appear on the photo, signed and stamped by your local Mukhtar.

Lebanon photo requirements — will DGGS accept your photo?

35×45mm dimensions (NOT 2×2 inches — verify before printing)
Pure white background — no off-white, cream, or grey
Head height 30–36mm from chin to crown (use crop guidelines)
Taken within last 6 months
Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
Eyes open and fully visible, no hair covering eyebrows
No glasses unless medical exemption with signed doctor's statement
826×1063 pixels minimum at 600 DPI
Printed on matte photo paper
No shadows on face or background
Colour photo — black and white rejected
No filters, beauty mode, or digital alterations
Applicant name written on photo
Registration number and place of residence on photo
Signed and certified by local Mukhtar

Common rejection reasons at General Security offices

Wrong dimensions — using 2×2 inch US format instead of 35×45mm
Missing Mukhtar authentication (signature and stamp)
Applicant details not written on photo (name, registration number, residence)
Non-white background or visible shadows
Head size outside 30–36mm range
Glasses worn without medical exemption documentation
Photo older than 6 months
Low resolution or pixelated print
Glossy paper instead of matte
Hair covering eyebrows or eyes

Mukhtar authentication — required for all Lebanese ID photos

Print two or three identical 35×45mm photos on matte photo paper.
Write your full name (as registered in civil status records) on the back or margin of each photo.
Include your individual registration number (رقم السجل) and place of registered residence.
Visit your local Mukhtar (مختار) — the elected village or neighbourhood leader.
Mukhtar verifies your identity against civil registry records.
Mukhtar signs and stamps each photo confirming the photo represents the named individual.
Authenticated photos are now valid for passport, visa, and residency applications at DGGS.
Lebanese citizens abroad: check with your embassy or consulate — some embassies can substitute embassy authentication for Mukhtar certification.

How to print Lebanese ID photos at home

Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. DGGS requires matte — glossy may be rejected.
Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4–6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm — critical.
Print extras: You need 2–3 photos minimum, but print 4–6 for Mukhtar errors or future renewals.
Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '35×45mm on matte paper' — many shops default to 2×2 inch US format, so confirm dimensions.

Biometric vs machine-readable Lebanese passports

Since August 2016, Lebanon issues biometric passports (number preceded by 'LR') replacing older machine-readable navy blue passports (preceded by 'RL'). Biometric passports require in-person attendance at DGGS offices for fingerprint and biometric data collection. Photo requirements are identical for both types: 35×45mm, white background, Mukhtar-authenticated. Biometric passports are 48 pages, valid for 10 years ($600) or 5 years for minors under 18 ($300). Machine-readable passport extensions are limited: $60 for one year, $120 for two years, one-time only.

Taking passport photos of Lebanese children and babies

Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on floor.
Ensure only the child is visible — no hands, toys, or supports in frame.
Use natural window light or even overhead lighting, avoid direct flash.
Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred.
Children under 3 years: passport valid for 5 years (vs 10 for adults).
Minors under 18 require authorisation of both parents or legal guardian.
Parental authorisation must be certified by competent notary or General Security officer.
Mukhtar authentication still required for children's photos.
Take 10–20 shots — normal for babies. Try when calm and alert.

Lebanon photo — correct vs incorrect examples

35×45mm dimensions — correct Lebanese format

2×2 inches (51×51mm) — US format, will be rejected

Pure white background, no shadows

Off-white, cream, or grey background

Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open

Smiling, mouth open, or teeth visible

No glasses, clear face visibility

Wearing glasses without medical exemption

Mukhtar signature and stamp on photo

No Mukhtar authentication — automatic rejection

Printed on matte photo paper

Printed on glossy or regular paper

Lebanese visa and residency permit photos

All Lebanese visa types (tourist, work, student, transit, artist) and biometric residency permits use the same 35×45mm photo specifications as passports. The DGGS biometric residency permit programme — launched in 2015 for foreign nationals — requires identical photo standards. Visa applicants entering through Lebanese embassies abroad should confirm authentication requirements with their specific embassy, as Mukhtar authentication may not be available outside Lebanon.

Applying from abroad — embassy photo requirements

Lebanese embassies and consulates accept passport applications with the same 35×45mm photo specifications. Some US-based consulates reference '2×2 inches' as approximate guidance for American photo shops, but official DGGS specs remain 35×45mm and dimensions can be adjusted at the embassy. To avoid delays: bring correctly sized 35×45mm photos. Embassy authentication may substitute for Mukhtar certification — confirm with your specific diplomatic mission. Biometric passport applications at embassies are only available to those who previously obtained a biometric passport (fingerprints already on file), with exceptions for citizens under 16 or over 59.

Why many websites list wrong dimensions for Lebanon

Several passport photo websites incorrectly list Lebanon as 2×2 inches (51×51mm). This error likely stems from confusion with US format or outdated data from the pre-biometric passport era. The official Lebanese General Security website and Lebanese Embassy in Washington DC both specify 35×45mm. Some US consulates mention 2×2 inches as an approximation for American photo shops, which other sites then copy without verification. Always verify against official government sources — using wrong dimensions adds weeks to an already lengthy process.

Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services

Professional photo studio (Beirut/Tripoli): $10–20 for 4 photos
Photo booth (limited availability): $5–8, often non-compliant — high rejection rate
Embassy photo service (if available): $15–25 depending on location
This tool: Free — print at home for $0.30–0.60 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
Savings: $5–20 per application
Given passport fees ($600 adult / $300 minor), saving on photos is worth the effort

Official Lebanese Government Resources

Step-by-Step Workflow

Upload Photo

Position Head Using Guidelines

Select Enhancement

Print and Take to Mukhtar for Authentication

Specifications

Photo Size: 35×45 mm (width × height)
Resolution: 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
Head Height: 30–36 mm (67–80% of frame)
Background: White (strictly enforced)
Recency: Taken within last 6 months
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Paper Type: Matte photo paper
Authentication: Signed and certified by Mukhtar (مختار)
Quantity: 2–3 photos per application
Valid For: Biometric passport, visa, residency permit, travel documents

Best Practices

Lebanon requires 35×45mm — NOT 2×2 inches. Many websites have this wrong. Verify dimensions before printing.
Photos MUST be authenticated by your local Mukhtar — unauthenticated photos are rejected regardless of quality
Write your name, registration number (رقم السجل), and place of residence on each photo before visiting Mukhtar
Same 35×45mm format works for passport, visa, and residency — one photo session covers all applications
Pure white background required — use white wall or white backdrop, avoid any shadows
Print on matte paper — glossy prints may be rejected by General Security offices
Print at 600 DPI for sharp output — lower resolution risks pixelation and rejection
Bring extra copies — you need 2–3 minimum, but print 4–6 for Mukhtar process and future use
Remove all glasses unless medical exemption with signed doctor's statement
When printing at photo shops, explicitly say '35×45mm' — many default to 2×2 inch US format

Frequently Asked Questions

What size are Lebanese passport photos?

35×45mm (3.5×4.5 cm). Many websites incorrectly list 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — that is US passport format and will be rejected by Lebanese General Security. The official DGGS website and Lebanese Embassy in Washington DC both confirm 35×45mm.

Do Lebanon photos need Mukhtar authentication?

Yes. This is mandatory and unique to Lebanon. Each photo must include your name, registration number (رقم السجل), and place of registered residence, then be signed and certified by your local Mukhtar (مختار). Photos without authentication are rejected.

What is a Mukhtar and why do they sign my photo?

A Mukhtar (مختار) is an elected neighbourhood or village leader who serves as local civil registry authority. They verify your identity against official records and certify the photo represents the named individual. This is a legal authentication requirement for Lebanese government documents.

Can I get Mukhtar authentication from abroad?

Lebanese citizens abroad should check with their embassy or consulate. Some embassies substitute embassy authentication for Mukhtar certification. Contact your nearest Lebanese diplomatic mission for their process.

Is Lebanon passport photo the same as 2×2 inches?

No. Lebanon uses 35×45mm (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). The 2×2 inch format (51×51mm) is US standard. Some US-based consulates mention 2×2 as an approximation, but official DGGS specifications are 35×45mm.

Can I use the same photo for Lebanese passport and visa?

Yes. Lebanese passport, all visa types, and biometric residency permits use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo session works for multiple applications within the 6-month validity period.

What background colour for Lebanese photos?

Pure white only. Lebanese General Security strictly enforces this — off-white, cream, or grey backgrounds are rejected. Ensure no shadows on the background.

How much does a Lebanese biometric passport cost?

$600 for a 10-year biometric passport (adults), $300 for a 5-year biometric passport (minors under 18). Machine-readable passport extensions: $60 for one year, $120 for two years. Fees payable by money order or cashier's check at embassies.

How many photos do I need?

Two identical photos for standard passport application. Three photos for Palestinian travel documents. Print extras (4–6) for Mukhtar authentication needs, embassy requirements, and future renewals.

Can I wear glasses in Lebanese passport photos?

No, unless medically required with signed doctor's statement. Even with exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare or reflections, frames must not cover eyes.

Can I wear religious head covering?

Yes, if worn continuously in public for religious reasons. Submit a signed statement confirming it is part of recognised traditional religious attire. Face must remain fully visible with no shadows from the covering.

How recent must Lebanese photos be?

Within last 6 months. DGGS requires photos to reflect current appearance. Photos older than 6 months are rejected.