The Kingdom of Bahrain is set to initiate the issuance process of its new e-Passports on March 20, as part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts. The announcement was made by Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) of the Interior Ministry at a press conference. The e-Passports will be first issued to those whose passports have expired or are nearing expiry, according to Sheikh Hisham.
The new e-Passport design incorporates modern security technologies that have never been used before. It contains an electronic chip that enhances Bahrain’s global ranking and facilitates the process of obtaining visas for travel to various countries.
Colin Howell, a representative of HID, said that the data page of the passport comprises seven protected layers, which form the highest security standards ever. The design of the passport reflects Bahrain’s heritage, featuring important symbols such as horses, falcons, fisker fish, stars, and the star of Suhail.
The new passport design merges the past with the present, with pages featuring paintings of distinctive urban buildings that reflect the rich history and cultural stations of Bahrain. The e-Passport is described as a tale of beauty, civilization, and originality that highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to digital transformation and the implementation of advanced security measures.
