National Identification and Visas

Are you looking forward to your upcoming Bahrain adventure? Ensure a delightful and trouble-free journey to the Kingdom of Bahrain by ensuring you have the two essentials: a valid passport for entry and, for many nationalities, a visa. The great news is that visa applications can frequently be completed online, making your travel preparations more convenient. Remember to have these critical documents on hand for an enjoyable and worry-free experience in the Kingdom.

In Bahrain, regulations for visas and entry permits are managed by Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), operating under the oversight of the Ministry of Interior. While travellers are generally required to present a valid passport, and in some cases a visa, nationals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) can enter Bahrain using their national ID cards.

NPRA’s digital transformation journey is marked by several significant achievements, including the launch of the Digital Residency Program, which streamlines residents' access to services. It also introduced the ePassport system, enhancing travel security and convenience.

As part of its digital transformation initiatives, Bahrain launched a passport delivery service to facilitate transactions for citizens. This service allows them to issue and replace passports without visiting service centres, following simple steps on the eGovernment portal, bahrain.bh. Developed in collaboration with the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) and the logistics company, Tam, this initiative reflects NPRA’s commitment to providing exceptional services with high quality and efficiency, in line with the Kingdom's vision and strategic goals. The service features advanced security measures, including a verification code sent via SMS to ensure the safe collection of passports.

The Golden Residency Program is another key accomplishment, designed to attract skilled professionals and investors with long-term residency options. Within the area of tourism, this program has simplified entry processes, boosting efficiency.

Additionally, the development of a comprehensive Smartphone Application for iOS and Android under NPRA showcases its commitment to accessible, efficient, and user-friendly digital services, reflecting a strategic move towards mobile-first solutions.

The NPRA virtual assistance service on NPRA’s website provides direct support through the Chatbot to facilitate responsiveness for enquiries related to passports, residency, and visas.

NPRA is actively contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by implementing a project aimed at reducing paper and ink consumption in operational processes by 80% by 2024, utilizing alternative digital technologies.

Bahrain provides every citizen and resident with a national Identity number and ID Card to centralize their government transactions. The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) made all ID card and civil records services available online through the National Portal, bahrain.bh. A total of 95% of identity card and civil registry transactions are now completed through electronic channels, compared to in-person visits.

To enhance the customer experience for Identity Cards and Civil Registry Services, the iGA provided remote customer service. This service offers direct support for issuing and renewing identity cards and updating civil registry information through live communication with specialists via video calls.

On the other hand, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is tasked with processing work permits for expatriate employees and their dependents.

The Ministry of Health in Bahrain has relaxed COVID-19 measures since February 2022, eliminating the requirements for PCR tests and proof of vaccination for visitors. However, it is essential for travellers to stay updated on any changes in travel policies and to ensure they are covered by travel insurance. Compliance with all legal and financial obligations is key to a smooth exit from Bahrain after your visit.