Passport renewal in Ethiopia
Renewing an Ethiopian passport involves submitting an application to the relevant immigration authority, either domestically or through a diplomatic mission. Applicants must provide current identification, proof of citizenship, and photographs that meet specific biometric standards.
It is generally advised to begin the renewal process at least 6 months before the current passport expires. This allows sufficient time to account for variations in processing speeds, appointment availability at regional offices or consulates, and potential postal delays.
Start 180 days ahead
A six-month buffer accounts for high volumes of applications and potential logistical delays in document issuance and shipping.
The process
- 1Verify the specific application requirements on the official Immigration and Citizenship Service portal or your nearest embassy's website.
- 2Complete the official application form provided by the authority.
- 3Collect the required supporting documentation, including photographs meeting international biometric standards.
- 4Submit the application and the required fee to the authorized office or embassy.
- 5Track the application status through the official portal as instructed by the issuing office.
- 6Collect the new passport in person or arrange for secure delivery if permitted by the issuing office.
What to bring
- Current or expired passport
- Completed application form
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of Ethiopian nationality
- Payment receipt for application fees
Who handles it
ኢሚግሬሽን እና ዜግነት አገልግሎት (Immigration and Citizenship Service - ICS)
Fees for passport services are subject to change and vary depending on the type of application and the location of the office; consult the official ICS website or your local embassy for the most current price list.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure that your photograph strictly adheres to the requested dimensions and background color, as non-compliant photos are a common cause of rejection.
- Confirm whether your specific location requires an in-person appointment, as policies can vary significantly between different diplomatic missions.
- Ensure all provided documentation is authentic, as inconsistencies can lead to significant delays in processing.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Other documents in Ethiopia
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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