Ethiopia Passport Photo

Ethiopia Passport Photo -- Complete Guide

Ethiopia's passport system is administered by the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency (INSA, formerly known as INDA -- the Immigration, Nationality and Documents Authority). The agency processes over 800,000 passport applications annually from its headquarters in Addis Ababa and regional offices across the country. Since transitioning to the e-Passport in 2018, Ethiopia has enforced ICAO biometric photo standards at all processing locations. Non-compliant photos are the leading cause of application delays at INSA offices.

Specifications are consistent with INSA guidelines and apply to all Ethiopian passport types -- ordinary, diplomatic, service, and travel documents. Ethiopian nationals abroad apply through embassies and consulates, where the same photo rules apply but printed photos are typically required rather than live capture.

Official Photo Requirements

Physical dimensions:

• 35 x 45 mm (413 x 531 pixels at 300 DPI)
• Head height: 25-35 mm, chin to crown
• Face centered in the frame

Digital specifications (where accepted):

• Format: JPEG
• Minimum: 600 x 600 pixels
• Maximum file size: 2 MB
• Full colour only

Background and lighting:

• Plain white background -- no blue, grey, or cream
• Completely shadow-free -- no shadows on the face or behind the subject
• Even, balanced lighting from the front
• Accurate skin tone -- no colour manipulation

Expression and pose:

• Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
• Face directly toward the camera -- no angle
• Full face visible from hairline to chin and ear to ear
• No tilting, turning, or raised eyebrows

Clothing and accessories:

• Glasses must be removed -- all types, including clear prescription
• Religious head coverings are permitted (netela, hijab, turban) provided the full face from the hairline to the chin is completely visible and no shadow falls on the face
• Ethiopian Orthodox head coverings (netela or shash) are commonly worn and accepted as long as the face remains unobstructed
• No hats, scarves worn for fashion, or decorative headwear
• No military or security uniforms

Recency: Must reflect your current appearance. Taken within the last 6 months.

INSA Application Process

Addis Ababa headquarters: The main INSA office near Meskel Square processes the largest volume of applications. The building has dedicated photo capture stations where your biometric photo, fingerprints, and signature are recorded digitally. For most in-person applications at the Addis headquarters, you do not need to bring printed photos -- the system captures everything on-site.

Regional offices: INSA operates regional passport offices in Dire Dawa, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, Mekelle, Jimma, and other cities. These offices also have biometric capture equipment, but some may still request printed backup photos. Bring two 35x45mm printed photos as insurance.

Ethiopian embassies and consulates: Missions in Washington DC, London, Berlin, Riyadh, Dubai, Nairobi, and other cities process passport applications for Ethiopians abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates consular services globally. You must bring printed 35x45mm photos -- typically 4 copies. Processing times from abroad range from 8-16 weeks, sometimes longer.

Online appointment system: INSA launched an online appointment booking system in 2024, reducing the famously long queues at the Addis Ababa office. Book your appointment through the INSA website before visiting.

How to Take Your Ethiopian Passport Photo at Home

Camera setup: Use a smartphone with at least 5 megapixels. The rear camera produces significantly better results than the front camera. Position the phone at face height on a tripod, shelf, or stack of books. Stand 1.2-1.5 metres away. Use a 3-second timer or have someone else press the shutter.

Background: Find the whitest wall in your home. Many homes in Addis Ababa and other cities have walls painted in light pastels that look white but photograph with a colour tint. Test by taking a quick photo and examining the background on your phone screen. If it is not pure white, use a large piece of white poster board, a white sheet, or a white shower curtain hung behind you. Stand 15-20 cm away from the background.

Lighting: Addis Ababa's highland daylight, which is bright and slightly diffused due to altitude, is excellent for passport photos. Stand facing a window during the morning hours. If natural light is not available, use two lamps positioned at 45-degree angles on either side of your face. Avoid the single overhead bulb commonly used in Ethiopian homes -- it creates deep shadows.

Netela or hijab considerations: If wearing a traditional Ethiopian netela (white cotton shawl) or a hijab, make sure it does not blend into the white background. A white netela against a white background can make the photo look overexposed. If your head covering is white, ensure the edges are visible by slightly adjusting the contrast or by having the covering wrap snugly so the boundary between fabric and background is clear.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Ethiopia

• INSA photo stations -- Free (included in the passport application fee). Available at the Addis Ababa headquarters and major regional offices. The most reliable option since the equipment is calibrated to INSA specifications.
• Photo studios near INSA offices -- ETB 50-100. Numerous studios operate around Meskel Square and along Churchill Avenue in Addis Ababa. They specialize in passport-compliant photos and typically have white backdrops permanently set up.
• Sheger Photo / Studio One -- ETB 80-150. Professional studios in the Bole and Piassa areas of Addis Ababa. Higher quality prints and digital copies available.
• Photo studios in Dire Dawa and Hawassa -- ETB 30-80. Regional prices are lower. Studios near government offices in these cities are familiar with passport requirements.
• Internet cafes with printing -- ETB 20-50. Some internet cafes in Addis and regional cities offer basic photo printing. Quality is inconsistent -- check the print before accepting.

Budget tip: Create your photo digitally using an online passport photo tool set to 35x45mm, then print it at any photo studio or printing shop. A single photo print costs ETB 10-20, and you can fit four passport photos on one 4x6 sheet. This is the most economical approach, especially for diaspora Ethiopians who need to find compliant printing abroad.

Photos for Children and Infants

Ethiopian passports for minors follow the same 35x45mm specifications. Children under 18 require parental consent documentation in addition to compliant photos.

Infants: Photograph the baby lying on a plain white sheet, shooting from directly above. The baby's eyes should be open. No pacifiers, toys, or other objects in the frame. No other person's hands or body visible.

Young children: Seat the child in front of a white wall. Both eyes must be open and looking toward the camera. A neutral expression is required -- no laughing or crying.

Common Rejection Reasons

1. Shadows -- The most frequent cause of rejection at INSA offices. Shadows on the face from overhead lighting or shadows on the background from standing too close to the wall.
2. Background not white -- Light blue, cream, and grey are all rejected. The background must be uniformly white.
3. Head covering obscuring the face -- Netela, hijab, or other coverings that partially cover the forehead, cheeks, or chin.
4. Glasses -- All eyewear must be removed, even if the lenses are clear.
5. Photo too old -- If your appearance has changed since the photo was taken, INSA staff may require a new photo.
6. Wrong dimensions -- Submitting 2x2 inch (US format) or 3x4 cm (European format) instead of the required 35x45mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to bring photos to the INSA office in Addis Ababa? A: For most in-person applications at the Addis headquarters, no -- your photo is captured digitally at the office. However, bring two printed 35x45mm photos as backup, as some processing queues may still request them.

Q: Can I wear a netela in my Ethiopian passport photo? A: Yes. Traditional Ethiopian head coverings (netela, shash) and religious head coverings (hijab, turban) are permitted, provided the full face is visible from the hairline to the chin. The covering must not cast shadows on the face.

Q: How long does Ethiopian passport processing take? A: Standard processing at INSA in Addis Ababa takes 3-4 weeks. Expedited processing is available for urgent travel (additional fee). Applications through Ethiopian embassies abroad take 8-16 weeks.

Q: Is the e-Passport photo different from the old passport photo? A: The physical dimensions are the same (35x45mm), but the e-Passport system uses stricter digital screening. Photos that were accepted under the old system may be rejected by the biometric scanner. Ensure your photo meets all current specifications.

Q: What if I have changed my appearance since my last passport photo? A: If your weight, hairstyle, facial hair, or other features have changed significantly, you must take a new photo that reflects your current appearance. INSA staff will compare your face to the submitted photo during biometric capture.

Q: Can I use the same photo for my Ethiopian passport and my Ethiopian origin ID? A: The specifications are the same, but each application requires its own set of photos. The biometric systems for passports and origin IDs are separate.