Are you an Ethiopian citizen residing in the United States with an expired, lost, or damaged passport? This guide explains how to renew or replace your Ethiopian passport while abroad, covering fees, processing times, and required documents. As an Ethiopian citizen residing in the United States, you can renew your expired passport through one of the foreign offices in the country.
The Ethiopian authorities will only be able to issue an electronic passport, as the old manual blue passport has been discontinued. This guide walks you through the requirements, fees, application steps, and tips to ensure a successful passport renewal through the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the Ethiopian Consulate in Los Angeles.
1. Who Can Renew or Replace an Ethiopian Passport?
You must apply if your passport is:
- Expired (or expiring within 6 months)
- Lost or stolen (requires police report)
- Damaged (torn, water-damaged, or unreadable)
2. What are Requirements for Passport Replacement?
1.1. Requirements to Renew an Ethiopian Passport
- Original and Copy of the current or expired Ethiopian Passport
- Two Completed Application Form (you can get it from the embassy/consulate
- Two recent passport-sized photos (white background, 35mm x 45mm
- Copy of US visa or Green Card if applicable
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, etc)
- Renewal fee
1.2. Requirements to Replace/ for Lost, Damaged or Stolen an Ethiopian Passport
- Police report if an Ethiopian Passport is stolen or lost
- Notarized Affidavit explaining how the passport was lost or damaged
- Copy of old passport if available
- Additional Ethiopian ID, driver’s license, etc, and
- Additional documents may be requested
If you want to get a new passport in the United States, the first thing you need to do is locate the Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate General office that has jurisdiction in the area you are in. You can find 5 (five) main offices in the US:
- the Embassy of Ethiopia in DC
- the Consulate in Houston
- the Consulate General in Los Angeles
- the Consulate in New York
- the Consulate General in Seattle
Once you locate the office where you can access consular services, gather the required documents for your passport renewal. If you have applied for an electronic passport earlier, they will already have them. The Embassy states that they might ask for additional paperwork, depending on the case. It’s advisable to send the requested document as soon as possible, to avoid delays.
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How to Renew Ethiopian Passport Online | Complete Step-by-Step Guide | እንዴት ፓስፖርት እንደምታደሱ
3. How to Make Application
You can apply online or through the nearest consular office. But first you must gather required information. Online applications are facilitated through platforms like Digital Invea- Mobile App or the Ethiopian Embassy’s e-government service. Digital INVEA - Mobile is designed to streamline passport and origin ID services for the Ethiopian diaspora.
3.1. Online Application: Using Digital Invea - Mobile App
- Downloading the Digital Invea - Mobile App
- Create an account and fill in personal details
- Upload required documents
- Make the payment, and
- Submit the application
2.2. In Person Application :
Visit the Ethiopian Embassy (D.C.) or Consulate (L.A.)
2.3. Passport Photo Online
I used Passport Photo Online and got a verified, compliant digital passport photo from a simple selfie. The whole process took about five minutes. The prints arrived just a few days later. I saved time and money and my passport application was accepted!
The AI system can remove any unwanted elements behind you, setting up the required white background. It will also be able to fix uneven lighting, removing shadows from your face.
After this, the app will analyze the photo, finding any minor discrepancy from the official requirements, giving you a 100% guarantee of compliance. You can have the printed pictures sent to you, or download the file right away and have it ready for an online application. All of this for 40% less than the average price for passport photos.
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3. Processing Time
The processing time for renewing an Ethiopian passport in the USA typically takes 3 to 4 months. It is recommended to submit applications and requested documents promptly to avoid delays.
The consular officer will only accept money orders. After you’ve applied, your renewed passport will be ready in 3 (three) to 4 (four) months.
Renew an Expired Ethiopian Passport in the US: FAQ
In this section, we will answer some of the most common questions about renewing an expired or lost passport at the Ethiopian embassy.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much does it cost to renew an Ethiopian passport? | The processing fee for an Ethiopian passport is $60 for 32 pages and $110 for 64 pages. |
| How long does it take to renew an Ethiopian passport in the US? | The total processing time for Ethiopian passport renewal in the US is between 3 (three) and 4 (four) months. |
| Can I renew my Ethiopian passport online? | Yes, just download the official INVEA app and get started. |
| How can I renew my Ethiopian passport in the US? | You have to find the nearest Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate and send them your application. |
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