Bahraini passport renewal online: process, documents, and photo requirements
If your Bahraini passport is due for renewal, you may be able to submit the application online via Bahrain ePassport services instead of visiting an NPRA service center for the initial request. Here, you’ll find a clear guide to the online renewal process, including the required documents, fees, processing times, and photo requirements.
Table of contents
- Can you apply for a Bahraini passport online?
- Online Bahraini passport application process step-by-step
- Documents required for a Bahraini passport application
- Bahraini passport photo requirements
- Get your Bahraini passport photo for NPRA application online!
- Bahraini passport fees
- Bahraini passport processing time
- How to submit a baby passport application at NPRA?
- FAQ
Can you apply for a Bahraini passport online?
Yes. Bahraini citizens can apply for a new passport or renew an existing one through Bahrain’s national eGovernment portal (bahrain.bh), using an eKey account.
The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), under the Ministry of Interior, handles passport issuance, renewal, and replacement. The NPRA website provides service information, while applications are submitted through the unified Bahrain eGovernment Portal or the MyGov app after signing in with eKey.
Online Bahraini passport application process step-by-step
The online process is completed through Bahrain’s eGovernment services. Before starting, make sure you have an active eKey or eKey 2.0 account linked to your CPR/National ID. If you do not have one, register through the eKey service before accessing the passport application. Below, we explain how to apply for a Bahraini passport online.
Follow these steps:
- Access the portal: Go to the official Bahrain eGovernment Portal. For some first-time passport services, you may also be directed to the NPRA website.
- Select the passport service: Choose the relevant service, such as Renew Bahraini Passport or first-time passport issuance, and start the application.
- Sign in: Log in with your eKey 2.0 credentials. Authentication is required to access the passport service.
- Complete the application form: Enter the requested personal information. For a newborn’s application, provide the child’s Personal Number.
- Upload the documents: Attach the required documents listed further in the article.
- Choose the issuance option and pay: Select standard or express issuance, where available, and pay the applicable fee.
- Submit the application: Check all details carefully and submit the form. The system will provide an application number that you can use to track the request.
- Collect the passport: Once the passport is ready, visit the designated passport branch to collect it. Bring the required original documents for verification.
Documents required for a Bahraini passport application
The documents you need depend on whether you are applying for your first Bahraini passport or renewing an existing one.
Core documents
- Bahraini National ID (CPR card). Bring the original and a copy.
- Passport application form. Complete it online through bahrain.bh or use the relevant NPRA form when applying in person.
- Recent photo that meets Bahrain passport photo specifications.
First-time Bahraini passport application
First-time applicants, particularly minors and citizens who have never held a Bahraini passport, may need additional documents alongside the core requirements:
- Birth certificate: Original and copy. If issued outside Bahrain, the certificate generally needs authentication by the relevant embassy and Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Parents’ identification: Copies of the father’s Bahraini ID, passport, or nationality documents, as well as the mother’s ID or passport where required by NPRA.
- For minors: A parent or legal guardian must submit the application. NPRA may also request both parents’ IDs and, where applicable, a marriage certificate to verify the child’s parentage.
Renewal of an existing Bahraini passport
A standard renewal usually requires fewer documents than a first-time application. Prepare the following:
- Current or previous Bahraini passport. For online applications, upload a clear digital copy or scan; for in-person applications, bring the original and a copy.
- CPR card. Original and copy.
- Recent passport-sized photo.
- Online application: Complete the renewal request through bahrain.bh after signing in with eKey.
Bahraini passport photo requirements
The most commonly cited size for a Bahraini passport image is 40 × 60 mm (4 × 6 cm). However, NPRA introduced updated Bahraini e-passport specifications in March 2023, changing the Bahrain passport photo size to 32.5 × 43 mm (933 × 1244 pixels). Because these dimensions may not yet appear in all official bahrain.bh service documents, check the latest requirements on Bahrain eGovernment Portal or the NPRA website before submitting your application.
Other photo requirements for Bahrain passport renewal include:
- Digital format: JPEG or JPG, with a file size of 1 MB or less.
- The face should occupy about 70–80% of the photo height, remain centered, and face the camera directly.
- Show the entire face without tilting the head.
- Use a plain white background with no patterns, objects, textures, or shadows.
- Keep a neutral expression with the mouth closed. Do not smile or show your teeth.
- Hair must not cover the eyes or obscure the face.
- Avoid glasses. If NPRA permits them for medical reasons, there must be no glare and both eyes must remain clearly visible.
- Religious or medical head coverings are permitted, provided they do not obscure the face. The area from the chin to the forehead must remain visible without shadows.
- Use a recent photo, typically taken within the previous 6 months.
Here is an example of a Bahraini passport photo:
Get your Bahraini passport photo for NPRA application online!
With Visafoto, you can get a high-quality photo for your documents without having to visit a photo studio. Read on to learn how to take a passport photo that complies with government requirements in just a few minutes. It only takes two simple steps!
- Take a clear photo in natural light and upload it to the Visafoto tool below.
- Choose Bahrain and passport as the country and document type.
Visafoto then adjusts the image to the required format, including the background, dimensions, and head positioning. You receive a digital file for online applications and a printable version.
The tool can also improve image quality when necessary by adjusting lighting, sharpening details, and correcting framing. You can even photograph an existing passport photo with your phone and use the image for processing. If the original image already meets the required quality standards, Visafoto keeps the necessary details unchanged.
Original photo:
Photo after Visafoto processing:
Visafoto reports a 99.7% acceptance rate and more than 1,000,000 approved images. If your photo is rejected, the service provides a full refund. Customer support is available 24/7 to help with technical issues.
Bahraini passport fees
You can pay the applicable fee through bahrain.bh or at an NPRA service counter. Below is a breakdown of the listed passport charges.
First issuance:
- Adults under 60: BHD 12.
- Applicants aged 60 and over: BHD 6.
- Children: around BHD 10.
Renewal:
- Adults under 60: BHD 15.
- Applicants aged 60 and over: BHD 7.500.
Passport replacement:
- Damaged passport: BHD 10.
- Lost passport: BHD 50.
Additional services:
- Home delivery: BHD 2.900 for delivery of the new passport.
- Express processing: An additional BHD 10 per transaction applies to fast-track services. The services are available online and at designated service centers.
Bahraini passport processing time
The time required to receive a Bahraini passport depends on the service selected and the type of application.
Inside Bahrain:
- Standard/home delivery: Usually 3–5 working days.
- Minors and complex applications: First-time applications or cases requiring additional verification may take 1–2 weeks or longer, depending on the documents and NPRA workload.
- Express service: Processing can take as little as 24 hours or 2 hours at designated service centers.
For Bahraini citizens abroad:
- Standard service: Passport replacement through an embassy can take around 7-10 working days.
- Express service: An expedited option is available for citizens who need a passport urgently for travel.
How to submit a baby passport application at NPRA?
A baby’s first Bahraini passport is issued through NPRA, with the application submitted by a parent or legal guardian. You can start the request online through Bahrain eGovernment Portal, but the child may need to visit an NPRA service center for biometric procedures, including a photo and, where required, fingerprints.
Who can apply for a child:
- The child must be a Bahraini national by birth or registration.
- A parent or legal guardian must submit the application. This can be the father, mother with the required documentation, or a court-appointed guardian.
- Passports for minors are generally issued with a 5-year validity, or until the child reaches 18, depending on the current NPRA rules.
Online application steps:
- Open the service: Visit the official Bahrain eGovernment Portal (bahrain.bh) or use the NPRA-Bahrain app.
- Sign in: Log in with your eKey 2.0 account.
- Select the passport service: Choose Issuance of a First Passport for a Newborn Child.
- Enter the child’s details: Provide the newborn’s Personal Number and verify it. The system will then display the child’s name for you to review and confirm.
- Upload the required documents: Submit digital copies of the requested documents, such as the child’s photo, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and parents’ passports.
- Select issuance and collection options: Choose between Normal and Quick Issuance. You can collect the passport from a designated branch in Manama, Isa Town, or Muharraq, or select postal delivery if available.
- Pay the fee.
FAQ
How early can I renew my Bahraini passport before it expires?
You can renew your Bahraini passport online up to one year before its expiry date.
Can I renew a child’s Bahraini passport through my eKey account?
Yes. A father can use his eKey account to renew passports for his children. A mother can renew her children’s passports through her account.
Can I renew passports for my family members through my account?
Yes. A father can renew the passports of his wife and children through his eKey account on bahrain.bh. However, a mother can only renew her children’s passports. Have the required documents ready and arrange for NPRA biometric procedures when necessary.
Is the Bahraini passport photo 32.5 × 43 mm or 4 × 6 cm?
Both sizes are referenced. The standard printed passport photo is usually 4 × 6 cm. However, in March 2023, the NPRA introduced new e-passport requirements, including a change in photo size to 32.5 × 43 mm (933 × 1244 pixels). Since this information is not yet reflected in the official service PDFs, you should always follow the exact size shown on the bahrain.bh application screen or on the official NPRA website at the time of your application. These sources contain the definitive and most current requirements.
How can I check my Bahrain passport application status?
Sign in to bahrain.bh with your eKey account and open NPRA → Passport Services → Request Status Enquiry. Enter your application or reference number to view the current status and expected completion date.