Bahrain Visa Photo Requirements: Size & Specifications

Your Bahrain visa photo must be 35mm x 45mm (standard passport size) or 2 x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm), taken within the last 6 months, in full color, with a white background. For the e-visa online application at evisa.gov.bh, you need a digital JPEG file between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels, under 2 MB in size, with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. Getting your photo wrong is one of the top reasons for visa delays and rejections, so follow every specification below carefully.

Bahrain Visa Photo Size and Dimensions

Bahrain visa photos follow ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards, which are the same standards used for passport photos worldwide. You can submit photos in two accepted sizes depending on where and how you apply.

For in-person applications at a Bahraini embassy or consulate, bring at least two physical printed photos in one of the sizes above. For the online e-visa application, you only need a digital file (detailed in the next section).

Both sizes are accepted. If you are unsure which to use, the 35mm x 45mm format is the international standard and is universally accepted by Bahraini authorities.

Digital Photo Requirements for E-Visa Application

When applying for a Bahrain e-visa online at evisa.gov.bh, you must upload a digital photograph. The system has specific technical requirements that differ slightly from the physical photo specifications.

How to upload your photo on evisa.gov.bh:

1. Log in to your e-visa account at evisa.gov.bh
2. Start a new application or continue an existing one
3. When you reach the “Upload Documents” section, click “Choose File” next to the photo field
4. Select your JPEG file from your device
5. The system will automatically check if your photo meets the size and format requirements
6. If the photo is rejected, adjust the dimensions or file size and try again

Tip: If your photo file is too large, reduce the JPEG quality to 85-90% using any standard image editor. This typically brings file sizes under 1 MB while maintaining acceptable print quality at 300 DPI.

For a complete walkthrough of the entire application process, see our guide on how to apply for a Bahrain e-visa.

Background, Lighting, and Composition

The background and lighting of your visa photo are critical. Poor lighting or the wrong background color is one of the most common reasons photos are rejected.

Background requirements:

• Plain white or off-white background
• No patterns, textures, or shadows on the background
• No other objects, furniture, or people visible in the frame
• The background must be uniform and evenly lit

Lighting requirements:

• Even, diffused lighting from the front (no harsh side shadows)
• No shadows on your face or behind your head on the background
• Natural daylight or soft artificial light works best
• Avoid flash directly from the camera (causes red-eye and harsh shadows)

Composition and framing:

• Your face must occupy 70-80% of the total photo area
• Center your face horizontally in the frame
• The top of your head to your chin should measure between 25mm and 35mm (physical) or equivalent proportion for digital
• Show your full head including hair, from the top to the bottom of your chin
• Include your shoulders and the top portion of your chest
• Leave a small margin (5-10%) above the head and on both sides

Expression, Pose, and Appearance

Bahrain visa photos must show a neutral, natural appearance. The goal is for the photo to accurately represent how you look for identification purposes.

Expression rules:

• Neutral facial expression (no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows)
• Mouth must be closed
• Eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Look directly at the camera

Pose rules:

• Face the camera straight on (no tilted head)
• Both ears should be visible if possible (not mandatory for religious headwear)
• Shoulders should be square to the camera
• Do not turn your head to the side

Clothing:

• Wear normal everyday clothing (no uniforms unless religious attire)
• Avoid white clothing that may blend into the background
• Avoid heavily patterned or bright clothing that draws attention away from your face
• Religious attire is permitted

Headwear, Glasses, and Accessories

Bahrain follows standard ICAO guidelines on headwear and accessories in visa photos. The rules balance religious accommodation with identification needs.

Headwear:

• Religious headwear (hijab, turban, kippah, etc.) is permitted
• The full face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the forehead
• No part of the face may be covered by the headwear
• The headwear must not cast shadows on the face
• Non-religious headwear (hats, caps, beanies) is NOT allowed

Glasses:

• Remove glasses if possible for the clearest photo
• If you must wear glasses for medical reasons:
• The frame must not cover any part of your eyes
• No tinted or colored lenses (clear prescription only)
• No reflections or glare on the lenses
• The frame must not be too thick to obscure your eyes

Other accessories:

• Earrings and small jewelry are acceptable as long as they do not obscure your face
• Headphones, earbuds, and wireless devices must be removed
• Medical bandages on the face should be removed if possible; if not, a written explanation may be required

Children and Infant Visa Photos

Children, including infants, need their own visa photo for a Bahrain visa application. The same general specifications apply, with some age-specific adjustments.

For infants (0-2 years):

• The photo must show only the baby, with no parent or hands visible
• The baby’s eyes should be open if possible (relaxed for newborns)
• A white background is required (place the baby on a white blanket or sheet)
• The baby’s face should occupy 70-80% of the photo, same as adults
• If the baby cannot support their head, lay them on their back on a white surface and photograph from directly above

For children (2-12 years):

• Same specifications as adult photos
• The child should face the camera with a neutral expression
• A parent or guardian may hold the child out of the frame to keep them still
• Toys or pacifiers must not be visible in the photo

For teenagers (13+ years):

• Identical requirements to adult visa photos

Each child, regardless of age, must have their own individual photo. Group photos or photos showing a parent holding a child are not accepted.

Common Photo Rejection Reasons

Understanding why photos get rejected can save you time and prevent delays in your Bahrain visa application. Here are the most common reasons photos are rejected:

If your photo is rejected during the e-visa application:

The evisa.gov.bh system will notify you if your uploaded photo does not meet specifications. You can re-upload a corrected photo without restarting your application. Fix the specific issue mentioned in the rejection message and try again.

For a complete list of all required documents beyond the photo, see our Bahrain visa requirements guide.

How to Take a Bahrain Visa Photo at Home

You do not need to visit a professional photographer. A smartphone camera is sufficient if you follow these steps:

1. Set up your background: Stand or sit in front of a plain white wall. Remove any decorations, frames, or objects from the background area.
2. Position your lighting: Face a window for natural light, or use two lamps placed at 45-degree angles on either side of your face for even illumination.
3. Position yourself: Stand about 1 meter (3 feet) from the wall to avoid casting shadows on it. Hold the camera at eye level, about 1.5 meters (5 feet) away.
4. Frame the shot: Center your face in the frame. Your head should fill about 70-80% of the image. Include your shoulders.
5. Take the photo: Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Take several shots and pick the best one.
6. Edit if needed: Crop to the correct dimensions (35x45mm or 2×2 inches). Adjust brightness if needed. Save as JPEG under 2 MB.

Free online tools can help you crop and resize your photo to the correct Bahrain visa specifications. Search for “passport photo resizer” to find options that preset the correct dimensions.

FAQ

What is the photo size for a Bahrain e-visa?
The physical photo should be 35mm x 45mm or 2 x 2 inches. For the digital e-visa upload, the image must be 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels in JPEG format, under 2 MB.

Can I wear a hijab or turban in my Bahrain visa photo?
Yes. Religious headwear is permitted as long as your full face is visible from the bottom of the chin to the forehead, with no shadows cast by the headwear.

Can I smile in my Bahrain visa photo?
No. Bahrain visa photos require a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes open.

Can I wear glasses in my visa photo?
You should remove glasses if possible. If you must wear them for medical reasons, use clear prescription lenses with no tint, no glare, and frames that do not cover your eyes.

What happens if my visa photo is rejected?
You can re-upload a corrected photo during the e-visa application process at evisa.gov.bh without restarting your application. Fix the specific issue mentioned and try again.

Do children need their own visa photo?
Yes. Every applicant, including infants, must have an individual visa photo. The same size and background requirements apply to all ages.

What file format is accepted for the e-visa photo upload?
JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg) is the only accepted file format. The file must be under 2 MB.

Do I need professional passport photos for a Bahrain visa?
No. You can take your own photo at home using a smartphone, as long as you follow the size, background, lighting, and composition guidelines in this article.

Last updated: July 2026. Visa photo requirements are subject to change. Always verify current specifications at the official Bahrain e-visa portal (evisa.gov.bh) before applying.