Last reviewed: 7 September 2026. To meet Bahrain eVisa passport requirements, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in Bahrain. You must upload a colour scan of the biographical (photo) data page in JPG, PNG, or PDF format, with the MRZ legible at a minimum of 300 DPI. This independent resource is not affiliated with NPRA or any government entity; the eVisa portal is at evisa.gov.bh. Always verify on evisa.gov.bh before applying.
Bahrain eVisa Passport Validity: The Six-Month Rule
The Bahrain eVisa passport requirements mandate that your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Bahrain, not from your application date. If you arrive on 15 December 2026, your passport must remain valid until at least 15 June 2027. Source: gov.uk.
Visit eVisa vs. Residency Validity Requirements
| Visa Type | Passport Validity Required | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Visit eVisa | At least 6 months from arrival | gov.uk |
| Golden Residency / Self-Sponsorship | More than 6 months at application | services.bahrain.bh |
What If Your Passport Expires Within Six Months?
The Bahrain eVisa passport requirements specify that applications with passports expiring within six months face rejection. Immigration authorities will deny entry at the border if the passport lacks the required validity. Renew your passport before applying. Presenting a lost or stolen passport also results in denied entry per gov.uk.
Passport Scan Specifications: Formats, Resolution and File Size
The Bahrain eVisa passport requirements mandate a colour scan in JPG, PNG, or PDF format at a minimum 300 DPI resolution, under 2 MB file size, with the MRZ fully legible and all four corners of the biographical page visible.
Accepted File Formats and Resolution
Per the Bahrain eVisa passport requirements, accepted formats are JPG/JPEG, PNG, PDF (JPG recommended). Scans must be in full colour; monochrome submissions are typically rejected by the automated validation system. Minimum resolution is 300 DPI for biometric data extraction.
| Specification | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File format | JPG, PNG, PDF | JPG recommended |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum | Lower resolution may cause rejection |
| File size | ~2 MB maximum | Reduce dimensions while maintaining DPI |
| Colour mode | Colour mandatory | Black-and-white scans typically rejected |
MRZ Legibility and Anti-Glare Tips
The two-line Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of the bio-data page must be fully visible and sharp. Avoid flash glare on laminated pages, remove finger shadows, and use a flatbed scanner or a high-quality phone scanning app to capture all four corners without cropping.
Which Passport Pages to Scan and Supporting Documents
Only the biographical photo data page with the MRZ fully visible is required for Bahrain eVisa passport requirements, alongside supporting documents including a bank statement and return ticket.
Required Passport Page
The Bahrain eVisa passport requirements mandate a colour scan of the biographical (photo) data page only. The two-line MRZ at the bottom must be fully visible. Visa stamp and endorsement pages are not required. Dual nationals must scan the passport they will travel with. Carry 1-2 blank pages for arrival and departure stamps.
Supporting Documents Checklist
- Bank statement – covering the last 3 months, ending balance of at least 1,000 USD, under the applicant’s name, clear copy
- Confirmed return or onward ticket – may be requested at the border per gov.uk
- Accommodation proof – hotel booking in Bahrain or ID card of a relative or friend
Eligibility, Application Process and Special Cases
The Bahrain eVisa passport requirements cover 200+ nationalities; UK passport holders are eligible (List No. 30 on evisa.gov.bh). GCC nationals enjoy freedom of movement and may enter with a national ID card. Processing takes 3-5 working days; the fee is non-refundable.
Visa Types and Fees
| Visa Type | Entries | Fee (BHD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-week | Single | 9 |
| 3-month | Multiple | 16 |
| 1-year | Multiple | 44 |
| 5-year | Multiple | 64 |
Visa on Arrival fees: 5 BHD (2-week single), 12 BHD (3-month multiple), available at Bahrain International Airport for 60+ nationalities.
Emergency Passports and Dual Nationals
Beyond standard Bahrain eVisa passport requirements, special cases apply. Apply at evisa.gov.bh:
Create an account
Select visa type
Upload passport scan and supporting documents
Pay the non-refundable fee
Download the approved eVisa within 3-5 working days
UK Emergency Travel Documents may not qualify; contact the Bahrain Embassy in London before applying. Dual UK-Bahrain nationals must use their Bahraini passport for entry and exit. A damaged MRZ leads to rejection. For queries, email [email protected].
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with transmission risk per gov.uk. Overstaying results in penalties, legal issues, and potential cancellation of work visas. Travel bans may be imposed for immigration violations.
A valid eVisa does not guarantee entry. Fees are non-refundable if entry is refused (evisa.gov.bh).
Bahrain eVisa Passport Requirements FAQ
Common questions about Bahrain eVisa passport requirements regarding validity, scan formats, and entry guarantees.
Does my passport need 6 months validity from arrival or application date for a Bahrain eVisa?
From your arrival date, not the application date. Residency permits require strictly more than 6 months of validity.
What file formats are accepted for the Bahrain eVisa passport scan?
JPG, JPEG, PNG, and PDF. JPG is the recommended format.
Can I upload a black-and-white scan of my passport?
No. Colour scans are mandatory; monochrome or black-and-white scans are typically rejected.
What is the maximum file size for the passport upload?
Approximately 2 MB. Compress or convert to JPG if exceeding this limit while maintaining a minimum of 300 DPI.
Which passport page should I scan for the Bahrain eVisa?
The biographical data page only. The two-line MRZ must be fully visible and legible.
How do I enter my name if it has accents or special characters?
Match MRZ encoding (ASCII). Accented letters appear as base characters. Enter the name exactly as encoded in the MRZ.
Do I need blank pages in my passport for Bahrain entry stamps?
Yes, carry at least 1-2 blank pages for arrival and departure stamps.
Does holding a Bahrain eVisa guarantee entry at the border?
No. If refused, no part of the fee is refunded. Carry printed copies of all supporting documents.
Can I use a UK Emergency Travel Document for a Bahrain eVisa?
ETDs may not be accepted. Contact the Bahrain Embassy in London before applying.
How long does Bahrain eVisa processing take?
Approximately 3 to 5 working days.
