Bahrain eVisa photo requirements - passport photo specifications guide

Bahrain eVisa Photo Requirements

Complete guide to photo specifications, format, and technical requirements for your Bahrain eVisa application

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Understanding Bahrain eVisa Photo Requirements

One of the most critical components of your Bahrain eVisa application is the passport photograph. Submitting a photo that does not meet the official requirements is one of the most common reasons for application rejection. This comprehensive guide will help you understand exactly what is needed to ensure your photo is accepted on the first submission.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has specific standards for eVisa photographs that align with international biometric photo requirements. These standards ensure that immigration authorities can properly verify your identity upon arrival. Whether you're applying for a tourist, business, or GCC resident visa, the same photo requirements apply to all applicants.

Essential Photo Specifications for Bahrain eVisa

Digital Format Requirements

Your Bahrain eVisa photo must be submitted in digital format as part of your online application. The photograph must meet specific technical specifications:

  • File format: JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png)
  • File size: Maximum 300 KB
  • Resolution: Minimum 600 x 600 pixels
  • Color: Color photograph (not black and white)
  • Quality: Clear, sharp focus with no pixelation

Physical Photo Dimensions

Even though the photo will be uploaded digitally, it should conform to standard passport photo dimensions:

  • Size: 4 x 6 cm (or 2 x 2 inches)
  • Head height: 25-35 mm from chin to crown
  • Head position: Centered in frame
  • Recent: Taken within the last 6 months
  • Quantity: One recent photograph required
Example of correct Bahrain eVisa biometric photo requirements

Biometric Photo Standards

Bahrain eVisa photos must comply with international biometric standards, which are designed to enable accurate facial recognition by immigration systems:

  • Facial expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
  • Eyes: Both eyes open, clearly visible, looking directly at camera
  • Head position: Face forward, no tilting or turning
  • Glasses: Allowed only if worn daily; frames must not obscure eyes
  • Head coverings: Religious headwear permitted if face is fully visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead

Background and Lighting Requirements

Background Color

White or light gray background is mandatory for Bahrain eVisa photos. The background must be:

  • Plain and uniform
  • No patterns or textures
  • No shadows on background
  • No objects visible
Lighting Standards

Even, natural lighting is essential for an acceptable photo:

  • No harsh shadows on face
  • No red-eye effect
  • No glare or reflections
  • Balanced exposure
Photo Quality

High-quality, professional standards must be maintained:

  • Sharp focus, not blurry
  • Proper contrast levels
  • True skin tone colors
  • No digital alterations

Common Photo Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

Avoid these frequent errors when preparing your Bahrain eVisa photograph

Common Mistake Why It's Rejected Correct Approach
Wearing sunglasses Eyes must be fully visible for biometric verification Remove sunglasses; prescription glasses allowed if no glare
Smiling or laughing Neutral expression required for official documents Keep mouth closed with natural, neutral expression
Photo too old Must reflect current appearance accurately Use photo taken within last 6 months
Shadows on face or background Shadows obscure facial features Use even lighting from front, avoid side lighting
Low resolution or pixelated Cannot verify identity with poor quality image Ensure minimum 600x600 pixels, high quality camera
Incorrect file format or size System cannot process incompatible files Save as JPEG or PNG, under 300 KB
Head covering obscures face Full face must be visible from chin to forehead Religious headwear OK if face fully visible
Photo filters or editing Digital alterations not permitted Use unedited photo showing natural appearance

How to Take a Perfect Bahrain eVisa Photo

Option 1: Professional Photo Studio

The most reliable way to ensure your photo meets all requirements is to visit a professional photography studio that specializes in passport and visa photos:

  1. Inform them you need a Bahrain eVisa photo
  2. They will ensure correct dimensions (4x6 cm or 2x2 inches)
  3. Professional lighting and white background guaranteed
  4. Request digital copy in JPEG format
  5. Verify file size is under 300 KB before leaving

Cost: Usually $10-$20 USD for digital and printed copies.

Option 2: Take Photo at Home

If you have a good quality camera or smartphone, you can take an acceptable photo yourself:

  1. Set up white or light gray wall/sheet as background
  2. Ensure good, even lighting (natural daylight works best)
  3. Position camera at eye level, 1-2 meters away
  4. Take photo with neutral expression, looking at camera
  5. Crop to correct dimensions using photo editing software
  6. Save as JPEG, check file size (under 300 KB)
  7. Verify resolution is at least 600x600 pixels

💡 Pro Tip: Use Online Photo Tools

Several free online tools can help you format your photo correctly for Bahrain eVisa requirements. These tools automatically crop, resize, and adjust your photo to meet official specifications. However, always verify the final result meets all requirements before uploading to your eVisa application.

Quick Reference: Photo Requirements Checklist

Use this checklist before submitting your Bahrain eVisa application

Technical Specs
  • ✓ JPEG or PNG format
  • ✓ Under 300 KB
  • ✓ Min 600x600 pixels
  • ✓ Color photo
Appearance
  • ✓ Recent (6 months)
  • ✓ Neutral expression
  • ✓ Both eyes open
  • ✓ Face forward
Background
  • ✓ White/light gray
  • ✓ Plain, no patterns
  • ✓ No shadows
  • ✓ No objects visible
What to Avoid
  • ✗ Sunglasses
  • ✗ Filters/editing
  • ✗ Smiling/laughing
  • ✗ Blurry images

Photos for Children and Infants

If you're applying for a Bahrain eVisa for a child or infant, special considerations apply while maintaining the same basic requirements:

  • Infants: Child must be alone in photo (no hands, toys, or other people visible)
  • Eyes open: Attempt to photograph with eyes open, though some flexibility for infants
  • Neutral expression: Same requirement applies to children
  • Recent photo: Given rapid growth, use photo taken within last 3 months for infants
  • White background: Can place infant on white sheet for proper background

Religious and Cultural Considerations

Bahrain respects religious and cultural practices regarding dress and appearance:

  • Hijab/headscarf: Permitted if worn for religious reasons
  • Face visibility: Entire face must be visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead
  • Ears visibility: Not required to be fully visible if covered by religious headwear
  • No face coverings: Niqab, burqa, or other face coverings cannot be worn in photo
  • Traditional dress: Allowed as long as it doesn't obscure facial features

Frequently Asked Questions About Bahrain eVisa Photos

Yes, you can wear prescription glasses in your Bahrain eVisa photo if you wear them daily. However, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible. The frames should not obscure your eyes or eyebrows. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are strictly prohibited.

If your photo doesn't meet the requirements, your entire eVisa application may be delayed or rejected. You will typically be notified and asked to resubmit a compliant photo. This can add several days to your processing time, so it's crucial to ensure your photo meets all specifications before initial submission.

Yes, modern smartphones with good cameras can produce acceptable photos for your Bahrain eVisa application. Ensure you have good lighting, a plain white background, and the camera is at eye level. After taking the photo, verify it meets all technical requirements (resolution, file size, format) before uploading.

Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and should accurately reflect your current appearance. If you have undergone significant changes in appearance (weight change, facial hair, hairstyle), you should take a new photo even if an older one is less than 6 months old.

Basic adjustments such as cropping to the correct size and adjusting brightness/contrast slightly are acceptable. However, filters, beauty effects, or significant alterations to your appearance are not permitted. The photo must be a true representation of how you look. Professional retouching that changes facial features will result in rejection.

For the online Bahrain eVisa application, you only need to submit a digital copy of your photograph. There is no need to print it unless specifically requested. The photo will be uploaded directly to the online application form along with your other required documents.

Ready to Apply for Your Bahrain eVisa?

Now that you understand the photo requirements, you're ready to complete your application. Make sure you have a compliant photograph prepared, along with your valid passport and other necessary documents. The entire application process takes just a few minutes, and you'll receive your approved eVisa within 24-72 hours.

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