Bahrain Passport Power: Global Mobility And Visa-Free Access

The Bahraini passport is a powerful tool that allows citizens of the Kingdom of Bahrain to travel internationally. Ranked 45th in the world according to the Visa Restrictions Index in 2023, the Bahraini passport provides visa-free access to a number of countries, with a medium mobility score. The passport has undergone a recent upgrade to include biometric data, further enhancing its security and functionality. With a population of 1.5 million people, Bahrain is a developing country with a focus on diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas. The Bahraini passport is a testament to the country's progress and its citizens' freedom to explore the world.

The Bahraini passport is ranked 45th in the world according to the Visa Restrictions Index

The Bahraini passport is issued to citizens of Bahrain for international travel. There are four types of Bahraini passports: ordinary, diplomatic, special, and travel documents. The ordinary, diplomatic, and special passports have 66 pages, while the travel document has 34 pages. The passport is valid for six years for adults and three years for children. It typically takes two weeks to issue a new passport.

The passport has a gold block design of the Kingdom of Bahrain emblem on the front cover, with "Kingdom of Bahrain" written in both Arabic and English. The information page is also printed in both Arabic and English and includes the type of passport, serial number, holder's name, date of birth, gender, issue date, and validity date. The latest version of the Bahraini passport, introduced in March 2023, is biometric and includes a polycarbonate page with the holder's image, chip, and antenna holding biometric data.

The Bahraini passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a number of countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Central African Republic, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), and the United Arab Emirates. However, as of 2024, there are varying visa requirements for Bahraini citizens traveling to different countries. Some countries, such as the United States, offer e-visa options, while others, such as the United Kingdom, provide visa exemptions for certain purposes or durations. It is always recommended to check the latest visa requirements and regulations before traveling.

In 2023, Bahraini citizens had visa-free access to 50 countries

In 2023, Bahraini citizens could enter 50 countries without a visa. This number has since increased to 87 countries, according to one source, while another source states that Bahraini citizens now have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 102 countries and territories. This increase in visa-free travel has improved the ranking of the Bahraini passport, which is now placed at 48th or 63rd in the world, depending on the ranking system used.

The Bahraini passport is issued by the Ministry of Interior and is available to Bahraini citizens for international travel. There are four types of Bahraini passports: ordinary, diplomatic, special, and travel documents. Ordinary, diplomatic, and special passports have 66 pages, while the travel document has 34 pages. The passport is valid for international travel and is recognised around the world.

Bahrain started issuing biometric passports on March 20, 2023. The passport has a gold block design of the Kingdom of Bahrain emblem on the front, with the text "Kingdom of Bahrain" and the type of passport in both Arabic and English. The data page includes information such as the passport holder's name, date of birth, gender, and validity date, printed in Arabic and English. The page opposite the bio-data page contains the holder's image, signature, and occupation.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an Arab country located in the Middle East, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people. The official language is Arabic, and the legal system is a mix of Islamic Sharia law and English common law. The country has an open economy, with a GDP of approximately $44.1 billion and a high per capita income of $29,103. While the country used to rely heavily on oil production, the government has successfully diversified its economy, with only 30% of GDP now coming from this sector.

There are four types of Bahraini passports: ordinary, diplomatic, special, and travel documents

The Bahraini passport is issued to citizens of Bahrain for international travel. There are four types of Bahraini passports: ordinary, diplomatic, special, and travel documents.

Ordinary passports are granted to Bahraini citizens. The cover of the passport is embossed with a gold block design of the Kingdom of Bahrain emblem, with the text 'KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN' and 'PASSPORT' in both Arabic and English. Ordinary passports have 66 pages and are valid for 10 years. The data page displays the holder's information, including their name, date of birth, gender, date of issue, and validity date.

Diplomatic passports are granted to high-ranking officials, including the King, the Crown Prince, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, and members of the diplomatic corps. Diplomatic passports also have 66 pages.

Special passports are granted to certain government employees, judges, former ministers, and other individuals deemed eligible by the King. Special passports have the same number of pages as diplomatic passports.

Travel documents are issued to Bahraini citizens under emergency circumstances. These documents have 34 pages, fewer than the other three types of passports.

In addition to the four types of passports, it is worth noting that Bahrain started issuing biometric passports in 2023. The data page of these passports includes the holder's image in three positions, captured using three different technologies. The polycarbonate page contains a chip and antenna that hold the biometric data.

Bahrain started issuing biometric passports in March 2023

The Bahraini passport is issued to citizens of Bahrain for international travel. In March 2023, Bahrain introduced a new initiative for its citizens—the e-Passport. This new biometric passport, issued from 20 March 2023, contains an electronic chip embedded in the cover, which stores the holder's biographic and biometric information, such as a digital photograph, fingerprints, name, date of birth, and signature. The e-Passport allows for faster travel and transit, enabling holders to quickly cross international borders using the smart gate function. The design of the e-Passport is inspired by the Kingdom's cultural and historical significance, with the cover embossed with the Kingdom of Bahrain emblem in gold. The passport is available in four types: ordinary, diplomatic, special, and travel documents.

The e-Passport is available to all citizens of Bahrain aged 18 or older. To apply, citizens need to provide proof of citizenship, residence in Bahrain, a valid eKey account, and proof of age. The cost of the e-Passport for first-time issuance is BD 12, and BD 15 for replacing an old passport. The processing time is typically 5 days for first-time issuance and 2 days for renewal.

The introduction of the e-Passport initiative is part of Bahrain's efforts to enhance the convenience and security of both domestic and international travel for its citizens. The use of biometrics technology in passports allows for a smoother and more secure travel experience, as demonstrated by the UK's recent trial of biometric e-gates, which aimed to reduce friction at border controls.

In terms of visa requirements, in 2023, the Bahraini passport ranked 45th in the world, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 102 countries and territories, an improvement from 89 in 2019.

Bahraini passport holders require a visa to enter about 142 destinations

The Bahraini passport is ranked 63rd on the Guide Passport Index, with a medium mobility score. This means that Bahraini citizens can enter 87 countries either without a visa or with a visa on arrival. These countries include Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. However, a visa is required for entry to about 142 other destinations worldwide.

The Bahraini passport has improved its ranking over the years. In 2023, Bahraini citizens had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 102 countries, ranking the passport 45th in the world according to the Visa Restrictions Index. The increase in accessible countries can be attributed to the Bahraini government's efforts to develop the country's economy and reduce its dependency on the oil and gas sector. Historically, 60% of Bahrain's GDP was generated from oil production and processing, but this has decreased to 30% through a focus on tourism and the banking sector.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an Arab country in the Middle East, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people, half of whom are foreigners. The official language is Arabic, and the legal system combines Islamic Sharia law with English common law. The country has an open economy, with a GDP of around $44.1 billion and a high per capita income of $29,103. The official currency is the Bahraini Dinar, which currently exchanges at a rate of 0.38 to the USD.

Bahrain's culture is heavily influenced by Islam, with 70% of the population being Muslim. The country consists of four governorates: Capital, Northern, Southern, and Muharraq. It is surrounded by the sea, except for its connection to the mainland via a bridge to Saudi Arabia. Bahrain also shares a border with Qatar.

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