Developed in partnership with Japan’s Toppan Security Company, the new e-passport contains an electronic chip that stores the holder’s personal and biometric information, including fingerprints and facial recognition data. This development follows similar initiatives in countries like the Dominican Republic and Monaco.
The passport design incorporates advanced anti-fraud technologies and celebrates Ethiopian heritage through interior pages featuring national landmarks such as Aksum, Gondar, the Great Wall of Jegol, and the country’s coffee production history.
Local production of the e-passport will help Ethiopia reduce foreign currency spending and may create revenue opportunities through passport production services for other nations. At the launch, President Taye Atskeselassie noted that the e-passport “will not only bolster the image of our nation but also demonstrate the high regard we have for our citizens and their identity.”
The Immigration and Citizenship Service is also implementing a new visa sticker and electronic visa system as part of broader updates to Ethiopia’s travel documentation. Deputy Director Ato Biki explained that digital visa processing addresses security weaknesses found in the manual system.
The modernized system allows visa applicants to submit applications and payments online, improving both security and processing speed. All residency permits, visas, and passports will now be processed through the digital system, replacing the previous handwritten approach.
Sources: Addis Insight, ENA
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February 21, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
