Bahraini Passport Photo Guide and Requirements
Prepare your Bahraini passport application properly by following the official photo standards. Use the tool above to format your picture correctly at home.
Official Size and Submission Rules
The official size for a Bahraini passport photo is 40 by 60 millimeters, which translates to about 1.57 by 2.36 inches[1]. You are required to submit one recent printed photo with your application to the authorities[1][2]. The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, which is part of the Ministry of Interior, sets this dimension standard for all ordinary passport renewals and new requests[1].
Interestingly, the official photo guide does not set specific measurements for head height or eye line[1]. This means you have some flexibility with framing, but you must still center your face properly within the 40 by 60 millimeter frame. You can use the tool above to adjust your picture dimensions accurately before you print it out on paper.
Background and Paper Quality
Your photo must feature a plain white background without any textures, patterns, or shadows[1]. The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs requires a recent colour photo that is printed specifically on white photographic paper[1]. Avoid taking your picture against off-white, cream, or colored walls, as this can cause your application to be rejected.
When you take the photo at home, find a well-lit room and stand a short distance away from the wall to prevent your shadow from appearing behind you. Good lighting helps the camera capture your natural skin tones and makes the white background look clean and uniform.
Facial Expression and Head Position
The guide requires a neutral expression and says you must face forward and look directly at the camera[1].
The guide says your head should be upright and clear of shadows[1].
Glasses and Headwear Guidelines
If you wear glasses, your eyes must remain clearly visible, with no reflections. Frames must not cover any part of the eyes, thick frames should be avoided if possible, and tinted glasses or coloured contacts that hide your natural eye colour are not accepted[1].
Headwear is strictly permitted for religious or medical reasons only[1]. Even when wearing religious or medical headwear, your full face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead must remain completely visible.
Rules for Children and Infants
Children must be on their own in the photo[1].
Children under five do not have to look directly at the camera. Children under one do not have to have their eyes open. If a hand supports the child’s head, it must not be visible[1].
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking the Photo at Home
You can easily capture a compliant picture at home by following a few simple steps. First, find a room with bright, natural light facing a window to illuminate your face evenly. Second, hang a plain white sheet or stand against a solid white wall to meet the background requirements.
Third, place your camera or smartphone on a stable surface or tripod at eye level, roughly one to one and a half meters away from where you stand. Fourth, take several test shots with a neutral expression to confirm your shoulders and head are framed correctly. Finally, upload your chosen picture into the tool above to crop it precisely to the 40 by 60 millimeter size.
Printing Your Photo Correctly
Once your image is properly cropped to the 40 by 60 millimeter dimension, you need to prepare it for physical submission. Save the final file onto your smartphone, a memory card, or a USB flash drive. Take the file to a local photo kiosk or print shop and choose to print it as an ordinary 4 by 6 inch photo sheet.
Because the printed sheet will contain your passport photo at the correct size, you can take it home and cut it out carefully using a pair of sharp scissors or a paper cutter. Double-check your cut measurements against a ruler to verify it matches the required dimensions before submitting it with your application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size of a Bahraini passport photo?
The official size is 40 by 60 millimeters, which equals about 1.57 by 2.36 inches[1].
Can I wear glasses in my Bahraini passport photo?
Glasses are allowed only under conditional rules, so it is generally recommended to remove them to avoid application rejection[1].
Does the authority specify head height measurements?
No, the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs does not set specific measurements for head height or eye line[1].
What background color do I need for the photo?
You must use a plain white background with a recent colour photo printed on white photographic paper[1].
Can infants have their eyes closed in the photo?
Yes, infants under one year old do not need to have their eyes open, and children under five do not need to look directly at the camera[1].