Bahrain and the rest of the GCC are set to adopt the latest technologies to make passenger journeys faster, smarter and more seamless across regional and international airports.
Biometric data is already in use but could be deployed more extensively in the coming months and years, alongside systems such as Digital Travel Credentials (DTC), artificial intelligence (AI), and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
This was revealed by Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) Under-Secretary Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa during the Border Management and Technologies Summit Middle East 2025, being held at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Manama.
The two-day event is being organised by the Interior Ministry in co-ordination with the International Border Management and Technologies Association.
“We are proud to say that more than 300,000 e-passports have been issued since its inception on March 20, 2023,” Shaikh Hisham said during his keynote speech.
“This includes not only citizens in Bahrain, but also those living abroad in around 40 countries.
“According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, the Bahraini passport grants visa-free entry to 88 countries. This ranks us fifth in the Arab world, and 59th worldwide. Therefore, it is more imperative than ever to ensure that movement of passengers in Bahrain, whether by land, sea or air, is more streamlined and seamless than ever before.”
Shaikh Hisham said that the GCC, as a whole, was looking into adopting biometric data to automate and speed up identity verification.
“We can use fingerprints and facial recognition technology to analyse passenger data during their departure and before their arrival to the kingdom,” he said.
“This way, we can have all the information of the passenger on hand when they arrive, and make the immigration process much easier.
“We can also use DTC, which would transform traditional travel documents into secure digital credentials passengers could store and use on their phones in accordance with international standards.
“Of course, in return we will also accept digital documents issued by other countries.”
Shaikh Hisham also discussed the possible use of a smart traveller data tracking analysis system that uses AI to identify criminals or people who could pose a threat or risk to travellers or the host countries.
“The system can analyse data at multiple ports of entry and monitor how risky they are by using AI,” he said.
“This contributes to faster verification and real-time decision-making – meaning passengers deemed low-risk will be able to get through security and immigration much quicker.”
He also said ETAs, such as the one between Bahrain and the UK, can help process travel documents more efficiently.
“The number of travellers is constantly increasing,” he said. “ETAs will help passengers complete official procedures and documentation before their arrival in the kingdom, ensuring minimal disruptions while crossing Bahrain’s borders.”
The ETA replaces Electronic Visa Waivers (EVW) and removes the visa requirement for short stays to the UK for Gulf and Jordanian nationals.
Nationals of Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan can make unlimited visits to the UK over a two-year period, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner, for just £10 (BD4.760). Previously, Gulf nationals paid £30 (BD14.310) through the EVW scheme.
Other sessions yesterday included talks on Interpol Support in Regional Security, as well as discussions on securing borders in Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan.
The conference continues today with talks on US Entry and Exit Systems, the Future of the UK Border, and Implementation of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
It concludes tomorrow with a visit to King Fahad Causeway.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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