Ethiopian Laissez-Passer Photo

A Return-Home Portrait for Ethiopia’s Temporary Travel Document

An Ethiopian laissez-passer supports an urgent journey home when an ordinary passport cannot serve that trip. The Ethiopian embassy in Washington describes a temporary document for a single return to Ethiopia. Its limited purpose makes the applicant’s current portrait especially useful alongside an expired passport copy: one records present appearance, while the other helps establish the existing identity record.

Washington’s checklist requests two recent colour passport-size photographs, with a white background, visible ears and the applicant’s name on the reverse. It also asks for the passport’s personal-information page and evidence of the applicant’s status in the United States. The embassy explicitly distinguishes this service from a fingerprint submission.

Prepare the two prints as a matching set and handle them carefully when adding the requested identification on the back. Review photo quality and framing before printing, preserving a natural facial expression and a recognizable likeness. Keep the pictures with the form and supporting identity documents, rather than assuming the old passport photograph is enough.

The published Washington procedure allows applications in person or by post with the specified return arrangements. Applicants elsewhere can use the embassy and consulate directory to reach their responsible mission. Explain the intended journey when requesting assistance: this document is for returning to Ethiopia once, and is not a replacement passport for continuing international travel.