Obtaining a Bahraini Passport: The Complete Guide

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Obtaining a Bahraini passport may seem like a complex process, but with the right information, it becomes significantly more accessible. This guide walks you through the various steps, providing practical tips and essential details to facilitate your application process.

Whether it’s required documents, eligibility criteria, or processing times, each aspect is carefully examined to give you a clear and precise understanding.

Dive into this informative article to discover how to navigate Bahrain’s administrative system with confidence and achieve your goal with assurance.

Procedures for Obtaining a Bahraini Passport

Required Documents for Bahraini Passport Application:

• National ID card (CPR) or equivalent
• Official application form properly completed
• Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after intended entry)
• Recent passport photos meeting international standards
• Proof of accommodation (lease, hotel booking, invitation letter)
• Recent bank statements (for certain nationalities or categories)
• Employment contract or official letter from sponsor/employer if applicable
• Medical certificate attesting to physical fitness in specific cases
• Recent criminal record extract, sometimes required depending on profile and category

Application Process Steps

Step	Details
Document preparation	Gather all required documents and verify their validity
Application submission	Online via NPRA portal, LMRA, or in person at competent offices
Appointment scheduling	Recommended for in-person submission; mandatory at some centers
Fee payment	By card/wire transfer online or on-site
Processing	Average timeframe between 2 to 6 weeks depending on category
Notification/collection	Via email/official portal; possible pickup at relevant office

Available Online Platforms

Applications can be submitted on:

• The official NPRA portal (Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs)
• The LMRA portal (Labour Market Regulatory Authority) for employment-related visas

Typical Timeframes & Associated Fees

Standard processing times:

• Between 2 and 6 weeks depending on type and volume of applications

Standard fees:

• Vary by category: generally between 30 BHD and 60 BHD

Application Submission Locations

Non-exhaustive list:

• Main NPRA office in Bahrain
• Bahraini consulates/embassies abroad
• Official online platforms

Specific Conditions by Category

Minors:

• Application submitted by parent/legal guardian
• Provide birth certificate + parental identification

Renewal:

• Present old passport + updated supporting documents

Urgent Application:

• Circumstantial proof required (medical/professional travel)
• Additional fees applicable
• Expedited processing within few days

Other Special Situations:

• Investors, retirees, property owners: provide specific documentation related to status
• Journalists/NGOs: prior accreditation required

Essential Documents Checklist:

• Valid passport
• CPR card/Bahrain ID
• Official form
• ID photos
• Proof of accommodation
• Bank statements if requested
• Medical certificate/criminal record if required

Cost of Obtaining a Passport in Bahrain

Cost of Obtaining a Passport in Bahrain

Passport Category	Validity Period	Standard Fee (BHD)	Main Remarks
Adult Passport	10 years	20	Standard biometric passport
Child Passport	5 years	10	For minors under 18 years

The above amounts are common estimates based on official rates applied by the Kingdom of Bahrain. Amounts may vary slightly according to government updates.

Cost Variations by Validity Period:

The adult passport is typically issued for 10 years, the child passport for 5 years.

There are no passports with validity periods shorter or longer than these standards, except in special cases (early replacement, loss, etc.).

Potential Additional Fees:

Expedited Processing / Express Service:

A surcharge may apply for expedited or urgent processing.

This amount generally ranges between 5 and 10 BHD additional depending on desired speed (issuance within 24 to 48 hours).

Replacement for Loss or Damage:

Additional fees are charged in case of passport loss or damage (approximately 20 BHD).

Government Regulations on Identity Document Costs:

Passport issuance fees are set by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) and are periodically revised by ministerial decree.

Any changes to fees or issuance conditions are officially published by NPRA and available on their official website.

The state ensures passport accessibility for all its citizens, with specific procedures for social or humanitarian cases (possible exemptions or reductions upon application).

Important Points to Remember:

• Fees must be paid upon application submission, online or in person
• The passport must be collected in person or by legal representative for minors
• Proof of identity, address, parentage, and nationality are systematically required
• Biometric control (fingerprints and digital photo) is mandatory for all applications

Example Process for Standard Application:

1. Prepare necessary documents (form, supporting documents, photo, fee payment)
2. Submit application on NPRA official website or at authorized center
3. Provide biometric data
4. Wait for passport availability notification
5. Collect document upon presentation of identification

Additional Information:

Any fee increase or regulatory change is announced through official channels and takes effect on the date specified in the decree.

For citizens abroad, applications are made through embassies, with similar fees but sometimes longer processing times.

Note: The cost of a Bahraini passport remains among the most accessible in the Gulf region, particularly for children and simple renewals.

Express and emergency services are strictly regulated and reserved for justified situations.

Processing Times for Bahraini Passport

Application Type	Estimated Processing Time
Standard passport application (electronic or sticker)	3 to 5 business days
Residence, work, or long-stay visa application	2 to 6 weeks (variable)

Standard processing for a Bahraini passport or eVisa application typically takes 3 to 5 business days. For more complex visas or statuses (work, residence), the timeframe can reach 2 to 6 weeks depending on the period and type of application.

Expedited processing options: There is no systematic expedited processing procedure officially announced for Bahraini passports or eVisas. However, in cases of proven emergency situations (medical, professional, family reasons…), it’s possible to request priority processing from the embassy or competent service, with supporting documentation. Acceptance of expedited requests remains at the discretion of authorities and is not guaranteed.

Factors Influencing Processing Times

• Time of year: Processing times may lengthen during peak periods (holidays, national celebrations, academic start)
• Accuracy and completeness of application: Incomplete applications, missing or non-compliant documents, or form errors significantly extend processing time
• Type of application: Residence, work, or study visas often require additional verifications, prolonging processing times
• Exceptional circumstances: Unforeseen events, regulatory changes, or administrative peak activity

Tips for Fast and Efficient Processing

• Prepare a complete application compliant with the official list of required documents
• Verify passport validity (often at least 6 months after planned return date)
• Translate documents into English or Arabic by certified translator if necessary
• Pay application fees upon submission
• Scan and keep digital copies of each submitted document
• Submit application as early as possible, ideally several weeks before planned departure date
• Regularly check administration notifications and progress status via official portal

Official Sources for Updated Information

• Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) portal
• Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) portal for work visas
• Bahraini embassy and consulate websites
• Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs

For all applications, it’s strongly recommended to consult official websites to verify the latest updates and regulatory requirements.

Why Choose the Bahraini Passport?

Advantages of the Bahraini Passport

• Extended international mobility
  Bahraini passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 87 to 89 destinations, including China, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Malaysia, Morocco, Thailand, Singapore, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and most Gulf countries.

Visa-Free Countries (examples)	Visa-on-Arrival Countries (examples)
Saudi Arabia	Bangladesh
China	Indonesia
United Arab Emirates	Maldives
Turkey	Nepal
Malaysia	Sri Lanka
Morocco	Tajikistan
Thailand	Uzbekistan
Singapore	Cambodia

• International recognition and document ranking
  The Bahraini passport ranks among the best in the region, holding 58th position worldwide in 2025 according to international rankings. This positioning reflects strong diplomatic recognition and favorable mobility agreements.

• Economic and commercial opportunities
  Being a Bahraini citizen allows you to:
  • Benefit from a stable and attractive business environment, thanks to a developed financial sector, protective regulatory framework, and absence of income tax, wealth tax, and capital gains tax
  • Create, develop, and manage local or international businesses with great administrative ease
  • Access Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets and regional trade facilities

• Quality of life for holders
  Citizens enjoy:
  • High quality of life (modern infrastructure, sunny climate, political stability)
  • A cosmopolitan society, welcoming to foreign talent and investors
  • Facilitated access to public services, healthcare, and education

• Administrative facilities and social benefits
  Benefits include:
  • Simplified procedures for hiring domestic staff
  • Quick obtaining of driver’s licenses, bank account opening, and access to local administrative services
  • Access to social programs and state protection for citizens

• Government efforts to strengthen international position
  The Bahraini government invests in initiatives to:
  • Diversify the economy (beyond oil, toward finance, tourism, technology services)
  • Attract foreign talent and investors through programs such as Golden Visa or investment visas
  • Conclude bilateral agreements to facilitate international mobility for its citizens

Benefits for New Citizens

• Access to a growing international mobility network
• Political stability and legal security for investments
• Integration into an open community, benefiting from Gulf region infrastructure and economic dynamism

The Bahraini passport is thus a lever for mobility, economic opportunities, and integration into a stable, modern society recognized internationally.