Renewing Expired Bahrain Passports While Living Overseas

If you are a Bahraini citizen living outside of the Kingdom of Bahrain and need to renew your expired passport, you can do so through the National Portal, bahrain.bh, using the Passport Renewal service. After submitting your application, an authorized delivery company will collect your expired passport and transport it to NPRA in Bahrain. Your new passport will be delivered to your location within 2 to 3 weeks. Alternatively, you can visit a Bahraini embassy or consulate abroad to submit your request in person or through a legal representative. If there is no diplomatic mission in your country of residence, you can contact the nearest Bahraini mission.

Applying online via the National Portal

To renew your Bahraini passport while living abroad, you can apply through the National Portal, bahrain.bh, using the "Passport Renewal" service. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to renew your expired Bahraini passport online:

• Visit the National Portal: Go to the website bahrain.bh, which is the official National Portal of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• Select "Passport Renewal": On the website, look for the "Passport Renewal" service. This service is specifically designed for citizens who need to renew their passports while abroad.
• Complete the Application: Provide the required information and follow the instructions on the website to complete the passport renewal application form. Make sure to have your old passport details and other relevant documents ready.
• Upload Required Documents: During the application process, you will be asked to upload certain documents, such as a personal picture that adheres to the passport photo requirements. Ensure your photo meets the specified standards to avoid any delays or rejections.
• Submit the Application: Once you have completed the application and uploaded all the necessary documents, submit your passport renewal request.
• Return your expired passport: After submitting your application, an authorized delivery company will contact you to collect your expired passport from your location. They will transport it securely to the NPRA in Bahrain.
• Wait for Processing: The processing time for passport renewal can vary, but it typically takes around 2 to 3 weeks, depending on your location. During this time, your new passport will be processed and printed.
• Receive your New Passport: Your new Bahraini passport will be delivered to your specified address securely. The National Portal provides a convenient and safe way to receive your passport without having to visit the passport office in person.

By following these steps, you can conveniently renew your expired Bahraini passport while living abroad through the National Portal of the Kingdom of Bahrain. This online process simplifies the passport renewal procedure, ensuring that citizens can obtain their new passports efficiently and securely, regardless of their current location.

Visiting Bahraini embassies and consulates abroad

If you are a Bahraini citizen living outside of Bahrain and need to renew your passport, you can visit a Bahraini embassy or consulate to submit your request. Here are the steps you need to take:

Step 1: Locate Your Nearest Embassy or Consulate

Find the nearest Bahraini embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If there is no diplomatic mission in your country, get in touch with the nearest Bahraini mission to your country of residence.

Step 2: In-Person Attendance or Legal Representative

Once you have located the appropriate embassy or consulate, you will need to attend in person or have a legal representative present to perform the service.

Step 3: Submit Your Request

At the embassy or consulate, you will need to submit your request for a passport renewal. Make sure to bring all the required documents, including your expired passport, and ensure that your request is submitted correctly and completely.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

After submitting your request, you will need to wait for the embassy or consulate to process your application. The time it takes to receive your new passport may vary depending on your location, but it is typically within 2 to 3 weeks.

Step 5: Receive Your New Passport

Once your request has been processed and your new passport is ready, you will be able to collect it from the embassy or consulate, or they may deliver it to you directly.

Remember to bring all the necessary documents and ensure that you meet all the requirements for passport renewal. The staff at the embassy or consulate will be able to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Passport photo requirements

To renew an expired Bahraini passport while living abroad, you must submit your application through the National Portal, bahrain.bh, using the "Passport Renewal" service. An authorised delivery company will then collect your expired passport and transport it to NPRA in Bahrain. Your new passport will be delivered to you within 2 to 3 weeks.

• The photo must be sized at 4x6 cm.
• The head height should be approximately 38mm.
• The distance from the top of the photo to the top of the hair should be 6mm.
• The photo should be in colour.
• The background should be plain white.
• The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
• Facial features should be clearly visible and reflect natural skin tones.
• You must face forward and look straight into the camera.
• The head must be held upright.
• You must have a neutral facial expression.
• Your eyes must be open and visible.
• Red eyes should be avoided.
• The digital photo must be of high resolution, at least 300 DPI.

Regarding attire, choose clothing that contrasts well with the background. Any kind of uniform is not allowed. Headwear is prohibited, but religious headwear such as a veil, hijab, or ghutra is permitted as long as your face is fully visible and no shadows are cast on your face.

For those who wear glasses, ensure that:

• The eyes are recognisable behind the glasses.
• There are no reflections.
• The edges of the glasses or frames do not cover any part of the eyes.
• Thick frames are avoided.
• Tinted glasses, sunglasses, or coloured contact lenses that obscure the original eye colour are not worn.

Passport delivery

Bahraini citizens living abroad can choose to have their new passports delivered to their home address. This service is offered by the iGA in collaboration with the NPRA at the Ministry of Interior. It provides a convenient and secure way to receive passports without visiting the passport office.

To use this service, citizens can submit their applications for passport renewal via the National Portal, bahrain.bh. During the application process, they can select the home delivery option. The passports will be delivered securely to the specified address, ensuring the safe delivery of these important documents.

The process typically takes 2-3 weeks, depending on the applicant's location. Alternatively, citizens can choose to collect their new passports in person from Bahraini embassies or consulates abroad. In this case, in-person attendance or that of a legal representative is required. If there is no Bahraini diplomatic mission in the applicant's country of residence, they should contact the nearest Bahraini mission.

Contacting the nearest Bahraini mission

If you are a Bahraini citizen living abroad and need to renew your passport, you can do so by visiting the nearest Bahraini embassy or consulate. Here are the steps you need to take:

• Locate the Nearest Bahraini Embassy or Consulate: Find the contact information for the nearest Bahraini embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You can usually find this information on the website of Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or through an online search.
• Inquire About the Passport Renewal Process: Contact the embassy or consulate by phone, email, or in person to inquire about the specific requirements and procedures for renewing your passport. Each diplomatic mission may have slightly different processes, so it is essential to get information directly from them.
• Gather the Required Documents: Typically, you will need to provide your expired or expiring passport, a completed renewal application form, and any necessary supporting documents, such as proof of identity and citizenship. Some embassies or consulates may also require passport-sized photographs that adhere to specific guidelines.
• Schedule an Appointment: In some cases, you may need to schedule an appointment for passport renewal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many diplomatic missions operate on an appointment-only basis to ensure the safety of their staff and visitors. Check with the nearest Bahraini mission to find out their current operating procedures.
• Attend the Appointment: If an appointment is required, make sure to arrive on time and bring all the necessary documents with you. The embassy or consulate staff will guide you through the rest of the renewal process.
• Provide Your Biometric Information: As part of the passport renewal process, you may be required to provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photograph. This information is used to enhance the security features of your new ePassport.
• Pay the Applicable Fees: There may be fees associated with renewing your passport. These fees vary depending on your location and the specific embassy or consulate. Again, inquire about the fee structure during your initial contact with the diplomatic mission.
• Wait for Passport Processing: The processing time for passport renewal can vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors. The embassy or consulate will provide you with an estimated timeline and inform you of any delays.
• Receive Your New Passport: Once your passport is ready, you will be notified by the embassy or consulate. You may be required to pick up your new passport in person or have it delivered to your location by an authorized delivery company.

Remember, it is essential to maintain the validity of your passport when living abroad. Each country has different entry and exit requirements, so always check the expiration date of your passport before planning any international travel. By following the steps outlined above and staying in contact with the nearest Bahraini mission, you can ensure a smooth and efficient passport renewal process.

Frequently asked questions