Instructions for dropping-off passports and visa documents
Beginning February 5, 2021, passport and visa document courier services will no longer be available through the visa application website for visa applicants in Addis Ababa. If you qualify for waiver of your in-person appearance for a visa interview, or have been requested to submit documents for your visa application, you must bring the documents, along with a courier-in confirmation page, and a valid ID to the Consular Section (address below).
Applicants who qualify for waiver of their an in-person interview must also provide the following to the Consular Section:
- Confirmation page of the completed DS-160.
- One color photo measuring 5cm x 5cm. The background of the photo must be white. No glasses.
- Applicant’s current passport and expired passports with previously issued visas.
- Proof of MRV fee payment.
The days and times available for dropping-off passports and visa documents are Monday-Thursday, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
The Consular Section is closed on U.S. and Ethiopian holidays.
U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa
Consular Section
Entoto Road
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Instructions for return delivery of passport and visa documents through EMS-Ethiopia
Passport return delivery services may be arranged through EMS-Ethiopia at the U.S. Embassy following the visa interview.
Visa applicants who choose to use the EMS service will have the option of picking up their passports and visa documents at EMS locations in the following cities: Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, Mekele, and Dire Dawa.
Applicants will receive a text message from EMS advising them when their passport or visa documents are ready for pick up.
A service charge for passport and document delivery will apply at the time of document pick up, depending on the delivery location. Visa applicants will be responsible for all costs for this service.
Instructions for return delivery of passport and visa documents through a courier other than EMS-Ethiopia
If you wish to have your passport or visa documents returned to you via a courier other than EMS, please provide us with one pre-paid, self-addressed envelope per person at the time of your visa interview. Visa applicants will be responsible for all costs associated with this delivery option and will not receive a refund from the Consular Section if the service is not required.
Important:
Passports and visa documents will only be delivered to addresses in Ethiopia.
Pick-up will be mandatory if incomplete envelopes, slips, or stamps are presented.
The Consular Section will not be responsible for loss, damage, delay, or failure of delivery of passports by EMS-Ethiopia or any other courier.
