Ethiopian Passport Application and Photo

Efficiently obtaining an Ethiopian passport is essential for international mobility.

This article provides an informative overview of the Ethiopian passport application process, including documentation guidelines, specific photo criteria, and tips on where to get a professional passport photo.

Table of contents

• Types of Ethiopian passports
• How to apply for an Ethiopian passport online
• How to apply for an Ethiopian passport in person?
• Documents required for Ethiopian passport application
• Ethiopian passport photo specifications
• Ethiopian Passport Photo App
• Ethiopian passport fees
• Ethiopian passport validity and renewal
• Ethiopian passport processing time

Types of Ethiopian passports

Ethiopian passports are mainly divided into three types, each designed to meet the specific needs of Ethiopian nationals:

Ordinary passport
This is the common passport available to Ethiopian citizens for routine travel. It features biometric technology, has a burgundy cover, and includes 64 pages. The passport is valid for 5 years and is the most frequently issued.

Diplomatic passport
This is provided to Ethiopian diplomats and senior officials who travel internationally on official assignments. It offers special privileges and protections as per international agreements.

Official passport
Designed for government personnel traveling for official duties, this passport offers certain rights akin to the diplomatic passport, safeguarding official business.

Besides these main types, there are other documents like Emergency Travel Documents, which are issued in urgent circumstances when a citizen needs to travel but doesn't have access to their regular passport.

How to apply for an Ethiopian passport online

To apply for an Ethiopian passport online, here's what you need to do:

1. Go to the specialized Ethiopian online passport service — Digital INVEA website or download the Digital INVEA app for your iOS or Android device.
2. Sign up and create a personal account on the portal.
3. Fill out the application form provided.
4. Upload the necessary documents and passport photos, making sure they comply with the required size and format guidelines.
5. Pay the applicable fee.
6. Once you've submitted your application, print the confirmation page, which includes your appointment date and time. You need to attend this appointment in person, bringing along all your original documents.
7. For an Ethiopian passport application status check, use the Digital INVEA website or download the Digital INVEA app.

How to apply for an Ethiopian passport in person?

To apply for your Ethiopian passport at the consulate or embassy, follow these simple steps:

1. Complete two copies of the application form.
2. Make the required payment. You can use cash, banker's drafts, or postal orders, payable to the Ethiopian Embassy.
3. Submit your application personally at the designated embassy or consulate. Bring your filled-out forms, passport-sized photos, proof of citizenship, and payment receipt. Be ready to provide your fingerprints, which are needed for processing your passport application.
4. Once approved, you will receive your passport.

Documents required for Ethiopian passport application

When applying, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready:

• A valid Kebele Identity card.
• An authenticated birth certificate.
• A completed application form.
• Four recent color passport-sized photographs.
• Additional documents might be required for urgent applications, such as medical letters or foreign residence permits.

Ethiopian passport photo specifications

To make sure your passport application goes smoothly, your Ethiopian passport photo should meet these criteria:

• The Ethiopia passport photo size should be 30 mm wide and 40 mm tall (3 cm x 4 cm).
• Your head should be centered, covering about 70-80% of the photo space.
• Leave approximately 2.5 mm between the top of your head and the top edge of the photo.
• Use a plain white background that’s free of any shadows or patterns.
• The photo should be bright and clear, with natural skin tones, good contrast, and appropriate brightness.
• It should feature a close-up of your head and part of your shoulders.
• Make sure the photo is in sharp focus, with no marks, creases, or lines.
• Lighting should be even, with no shadows on your face or behind you.
• Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression.
• Your eyes should be open and visible, with no hair covering your face.
• Typically, glasses are not allowed unless necessary for medical reasons; if worn, ensure the frames and lenses don’t obscure your eyes.
• Avoid any red-eye effect in the photo.

Ethiopian Passport Photo App

For a quick and affordable way to get an Ethiopian passport-sized photo that meets all requirements, try online tools like the 7ID App. This professional software effortlessly helps you create an ID, passport, and visa photos straight from your smartphone. Available for both iPhone and Android, it fits everyone’s needs.

Using the 7ID app is straightforward: just upload your photo, choose your document type and country, and the app will automatically adjust your photo to fit the official passport photo specifications. This covers the right size, format, background color, and proper alignment for your face and eyes.

You'll receive both a digital file for an Ethiopian online passport application, and a print-ready file suitable for standard paper sizes such as 10×15 cm, A4, A5, or B5. If you're not satisfied with the results, we provide a free photo replacement. If the photo is rejected by passport authorities, a full refund is offered.

Additionally, 24/7 customer support is available to assist with any queries or issues.

Ethiopian passport fees

The Ethiopian passport price in Birr is 5000. The fee for expedited service in 2 days is 25 000 Birr. The fee for expedited service in 5 days is 20 000 Birr.

Here are the current online and Ethiopian embassy passport renewal fees:

• Standard Ethiopian passport renewal cost: 5000 Birr.
• Renewal with address change: 5000 Birr.
• Renewal with name and picture change: 12 500 Birr.
• Fast-track passport renewal (2 Days): 13 000 Birr, with an extra cost of 33 000 Birr.
• Fast-track passport renewal (5 Days): 13 000 Birr, with an extra cost of 28 000 Birr.

The new Ethiopian passport payment system requires applicants to pay the fee through authorized banks or online platforms before submitting their application.

Ethiopian passport validity and renewal

Ethiopian passports are now valid for 10 years for citizens aged 25 and above, a change made to offer more convenience for travelers from the earlier 5-year validity. Passports can be renewed every 10 years in line with this extended validity.

How to renew a passport in Ethiopia online? — Access the Digital INVEA website or download the Digital INVEA app. Complete the online application form for passport renewal. Once finished, upload all necessary documents and submit your application via the app or website.

How to renew an Ethiopian passport at the consulate or embassy? — Visit the nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate with all required documents and a filled-out passport renewal application form. Make the payment and submit your form.

Ethiopian passport processing time

The usual processing time for a new Ethiopian passport is about 10 business days. Expedited services can reduce this time to 2 to 5 business days, depending on how fast you need it and the specific service you choose.

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