If you’re an Ethiopian citizen living in the United Kingdom and need to renew, replace, or apply for a new passport, – apply for an Ethiopian Passport services-, the process has recently changed. Previously, you could submit your application directly at the Ethiopian Embassy in London. However, as of 2025, all Ethiopian passport applications must be completed online through the official Digital INVEA (Immigration, Nationality, and Vital Events Agency) portal or mobile app.
⚠️ Important Notice: Explore Ethiopia Blog is a personal, unofficial information site. This blog is for educational and informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) or any Embassy. We do not process passport applications, handle payments, or receive official documents. For official services, please visit digitalinvea.com or ethiopianpassportservices.gov.et.
Table of Contents
What are Major 2025/2026 Updates: What’s New?
- Mandatory Digital ID (Fayda): The Ethiopian government is rolling out the “Fayda” National ID. While primarily for residents in Ethiopia, diaspora members are increasingly being asked for digital verification. Ensure your details match your “Digital Invea” profile exactly.
- New Biometric Passports: Ethiopia has begun transitioning to e-passports with embedded chips. This may require some applicants to attend a one-time biometric session at the London Embassy, even if the application is started online.
- Video Signature Verification: To combat fraud, the Digital Invea app now often requires a “Video Signature” where you record a short clip of yourself to verify your identity.
Updated Fee Structure (Estimate)
Note: Fees are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and were significantly adjusted in late 2024.
| Service Type | Estimated Fee (USD/GBP) |
| Standard Renewal (32 pages) | ~$200 – $250 |
| Lost Passport Replacement | ~$300+ |
| Urgent Service (Expedited) | ~$350 – $400 |
| Correction of Bio-data | ~$250 |
Payments must be made via credit/debit card directly through the app/portal.
🧾 Who Can Apply for an Ethiopian Passport from the UK?
Eligibility remains strict. You can apply if:
- You are an Ethiopian citizen (possessing a previous passport, birth certificate, or authenticated Kebele ID).
- You are legally residing in the UK (holding a valid BRP or settled status).
- Dual Nationality Note: Ethiopia does not officially recognize dual citizenship for adults. If you have acquired British citizenship, you should apply for an Ethiopian Origin ID (Yellow Card) instead of a passport.
Common Reasons to Apply:
- First-time passport issuance
- Renewal (expired or full passport)
- Replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged passport)
- Name change or bio-data updates
🛑 What to Do if Your Passport is Lost or Stolen
If your Ethiopian passport has been lost or stolen while in the UK:
- Police Report: Report it to the UK police and obtain a crime reference number
- Online Declaration: Submit a lost passport declaration through the INVEA portal. Within the Digital Invea app, select “Lost Passport.” You will need to upload the police report.
- Verification: Lost passport cases often require a brief virtual interview or an in-person visit to the Embassy at 17 Princes Gate, London.
💻 How to Apply for an Ethiopian Passport: Step-by-Step
Follow these updated instructions to avoid common technical bugs reported on social media:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download & Register: Download the Digital Invea app (iOS/Android) or visit digitalinvea.com
. Tip: Use a Gmail or Outlook account; some users report delays receiving verification codes on Yahoo/iCloud. Visit the official site:https://www.digitalinvea.com or download the INVEA mobile app - Choose Your Service: Select Renewal, New, or Lost Passport.
- Document Upload (Strict Guidelines): * Photo: Must be a high-resolution digital photo with a plain white background. No glasses, no headbands (unless religious), and shoulders must be visible.
- BRP/Visa: A clear scan of your UK residence permit.
- Old Passport: Scans of the information page and the last page.
- The “One-Sitting” Rule: Social media users on YouTube advise completing the application in one session. The “Save for Later” feature is known to occasionally glitch or lose uploaded documents.
- Payment: Use a UK card with “International Transactions” enabled. You will receive a confirmation email with an Application ID.
🔐 Important: In-person embassy visits are no longer accepted for passport applications unless specifically required for biometric collection.
🔍 How to Track Your Ethiopian Passport Application Status
Tracking & Processing Times:
- Standard Processing: 6–10 weeks.
- Expedited: 3–4 weeks (availability varies).
- Tracking: Use the “Track Application” button in the app. If the status says “Under Investigation,” it usually means a document (often the photo) was rejected. Check your email (including Junk) immediately.
You can check your application progress online through the INVEA portal:
Tracking: Here’s how:
- Log in to your INVEA account
- Go to the “Track Application” section
- Enter your Application ID or Reference Number (sent via email/SMS)
If no update appears, contact:
- INVEA Appointment Hotline (Ethiopia): 📞 +251 8133
- Ethiopian Embassy in London: Visit the Embassy website
5 Essential Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early – Processing delays are common
- Follow photo guidelines strictly – Most rejections are due to improper photos
- Keep digital copies of all submitted documents
- Use Chrome/Firefox for best portal compatibility
- Save confirmation emails for future reference
Essential Tips from the Diaspora Community
- Browser Choice: If using a laptop, Google Chrome is the most stable browser for the Invea portal.
- Avoid “Brokers”: YouTube creators warn against third-party “agents” on Telegram promising 1-week passports. These are often scams. Always use official channels.
- Check Expiry Early: Do not wait until you have 1 month left. Many airlines require at least 6 months of validity to let you board.
- The London Embassy: While applications are online, the Embassy still provides support. Phone: +44 20 7589 7212 . Website: ethioembassy.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I still apply by post? A: No. The Embassy no longer accepts paper applications by post. Everything must go through Digital Invea.
Q: My “Video Signature” keeps failing. What should I do? A: Ensure you are in a brightly lit room with a neutral background and that your face is clearly visible without shadows.
Q: Do I need to send my physical old passport to London? A: Usually, no. You keep your old passport until the new one arrives, at which point the old one is electronically cancelled. However, follow the specific instructions sent to your email after approval.
✈ Final Suggestions
Ethiopia’s transition to fully digital passport applications through the INVEA system makes the process more efficient but requires careful attention to detail. By following this guide, preparing your documents properly, and applying well in advance of your travel dates, you can ensure a smooth passport application experience from the UK.
Did you find this guide helpful? Requirements for Ethiopian Passport for future reference and share it with fellow Ethiopian citizens in the UK who may need passport services.
Did this update help you? Bookmark our Ethiopian Passport Guide for future changes and share it with the community in the UK!
