Bahrain Passport Photo Size 2026: A Complete Guide To Bahrain Passport Requirements And Photo Background

Bahrain Passport Photo Size 2026. A passport photo is one of the most important parts of any passport application. Even a small mistake in size, background, or lighting can cause rejection or delay. In Bahrain, passport photo rules are strict, especially for the new e-passport system.

This complete guide explains everything about Bahrain passport photo size, background rules, quality standards, children’s photo rules, online application steps, fees, and special cases.

If you are applying for a Bahrain passport, renewing it, or submitting photos online, this guide will help you avoid mistakes.

The official Bahrain passport photo size is:

• Size: 40 × 60 mm (4 × 6 cm)
• Aspect Ratio: 3:4
• Head Size: 38 mm (chin to top of hair)
• Top Space: 6 mm from top of photo
• Photo Type: Color only

This size applies to:

• New passport applications
• Passport renewal
• E-passport applications
• Children and adults

Using the wrong size is one of the most common reasons for rejection.

For 2026, Bahrain continues to follow strict biometric photo standards.

Key 2026 Updates:

• Image must not be edited or filtered
• Uniform lighting is mandatory
• No shadows or glare allowed
• Background must be pure white only
• Face must be clearly visible

Photos that look good but do not meet biometric standards may still be rejected.

The background color is very important.

Accepted Background:

• Plain white only
• No texture
• No patterns
• No objects or shadows

Not Allowed:

• Off-white or cream background
• Colored walls
• Curtains
• Studio backdrops with shadows

Even light shadows behind the head can cause rejection.

Bahrain now issues electronic passports (e-passport). These passports contain biometric data, so photo quality rules are stricter.

E-Passport Photo Rules:

• Digital color photo
• JPG or JPEG format
• No editing or retouching
• High resolution
• Face centered and straight

The photo must match your real appearance.

Your passport photo must be clear and sharp.

Quality Requirements:

• No blur
• No pixelation
• Natural skin tone
• Correct brightness
• No flash reflection

Camera Settings:

• Resolution: 300 DPI
• Lens Quality: Clear focus
• File Size: Under 300 KB recommended

Do not use screenshots or scanned photos.

Correct head and eye position is mandatory.

Head Size:

• 38 mm from chin to hair top

Eye Position:

• Eyes open and visible
• Looking directly at camera
• No red-eye effect

Head Placement:

• Head straight
• No tilt
• No rotation

Incorrect positioning can cause rejection.

Your facial expression must be neutral.

Allowed:

• Closed mouth
• Relaxed face
• Natural look

Not Allowed:

• Smiling
• Frowning
• Raised eyebrows
• Open mouth

Passport photos are not profile photos. Keep it simple.

What to Wear:

• Normal daily clothes
• Simple colors
• No uniforms

What to Avoid:

• White clothes (blend with background)
• Uniforms
• Costume outfits

Your clothes should clearly contrast with the white background.

Glasses:

• Not allowed normally
• Allowed only with medical proof
• No glare on lenses

Hats & Head Coverings:

• Not allowed
• Religious coverings allowed with declaration
• Face must be fully visible

Accessories:

• Jewelry allowed if face visible
• No headphones
• No Bluetooth devices

Children’s passport photos follow almost the same rules.

Special Rules for Infants:

• Only the child in photo
• White sheet background
• No parent visible
• Eyes may be partially open

For Older Children:

• Eyes open
• Neutral expression
• Same size and quality rules

Children photos are often rejected due to shadows or poor lighting.

Physical Application:

• Yes, printed photos required
• Good quality print
• No damage or folds

Online Application:

• Upload digital photo
• Printing not required

Always keep extra copies.

Who Can Apply:

• Children of a Bahraini father only

Follow some of these steps below:

1. Book appointment via Mwaeid app
2. Visit NPRA service center
3. Fill application form
4. Submit documents
5. Pay fees
6. Receive receipt by SMS

Father must be present for collection.

Here are some to apply form eGovernment Portal:

1. Login using father’s Ekey
2. Upload required documents
3. Attach passport photo
4. Pay fee after approval
5. Receive SMS updates

Passport is collected from selected center.

Mandatory Documents:

• Application form
• Passport photo (white background, 6×4 cm)
• Birth certificate (original + copy)
• Father & mother passports
• Marriage certificate

If Applicable:

• Death certificate of parent

• 14 working days
• SMS notification when ready

NPRA officially announced:

• Photo size: 32.5 × 43 mm
• Pure white background
• No editing
• Uniform lighting

Applications accepted via:

• NPRA website
• eGovernment portal
• Service centers

You can take photo using:

• Smartphone
• Digital camera

Upload photo and convert it to:

• 4×6 cm
• Correct background
• Correct head size

The photo must match NPRA rules exactly.

Medical exemptions are allowed only with proof.

Allowed With Documents:

• Glasses
• Head coverings

Doctor’s certificate is mandatory.

New photo required if:

• Facial surgery
• Major trauma
• Gender transition
• Major weight change

Not required for:

• Beard growth
• Hair color change

Visa photo rules may differ.

Always check:

• Bahrain visa photo size
• Embassy instructions

Bangladeshi citizens applying for Bahrain e-passport must ensure:

• Correct photo size
• White background
• Online submission format
• Clear facial features

Mismatch in photo specs may delay visa or passport approval.

• Wrong size
• Background not pure white
• Edited photo
• Head tilted
• Shadow behind head

Avoid these mistakes to save time.

• Use good lighting
• Follow size rules exactly
• Do not edit photo
• Keep face natural
• Double-check before upload

A correct photo means faster approval.

The Bahrain passport photo size and requirements are strict but easy to follow if done correctly. Whether you are applying for a new passport, renewal, or e-passport in 2026, following the exact photo rules will help you avoid rejection.