Preparing Your Ethiopian Laissez-Passer Photo
If you need an emergency travel document to return to Ethiopia, you must provide the correct printed photos with your application. Use this guide and the tool above to prepare your pictures properly.
Understanding the Laissez-Passer Photo Requirements
The Embassy requires two recent, color, passport-size photographs with a white background; ears must be visible, and the applicant’s name must be written on the back[1].
The embassy calls for passport-size photographs but does not publish measurements. Confirm the accepted dimensions with the Embassy before printing.
Background and Color Specifications
Your photo must feature a white background[1]. The embassy requires you to submit two recent color passport-sized photographs with your application[1]. Black and white pictures are not acceptable for this process.
Make sure your lighting is bright and even across the entire background so there are no dark shadows, patterns, or gray spots behind your head. A clean, solid background keeps the focus entirely on you and meets the basic standards of the embassy.
Head Position and Visible Features
The source does not specify head-height measurements. It does require ears to be visible in the photographs[1].
Brush your hair back if it covers your ears so the person reviewing your application can see them easily. Keep your head straight, avoid tilting it to the side, and look directly into the camera lens with a natural posture.
Writing Your Name on the Back
Once you have your printed pictures ready, you must follow a unique instruction for this specific document. You are required to write your name on the back of each printed photo[1].
Use a soft pen or pencil that does not bleed through the paper or smudge the front side. Write clearly so the text remains legible. This step helps the embassy staff keep track of your paperwork and connect the pictures directly to your identity when they process your emergency travel request.
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can take your photo at home before you print it out to save time and money. Stand facing a bright window to get natural, soft lighting on your face without harsh glares.
You may take the picture at home, but the source does not specify camera distance, expression, or mouth position. Follow the Embassy’s published requirements for the print[1].
Printing and Preparing Your Sheet
The Embassy requires two printed, passport-size photographs[1]. It does not publish exact photo dimensions.
Print this sheet at any local photo kiosk that handles standard picture printing. Carefully cut out your two required photos using sharp scissors along the edges of the template. Keep the cuts clean so the final pictures look neat and professional.
Common Reasons for Refusal
The Embassy requires a white background, visible ears, and the applicant’s name on the back of each photo[1].
Poor lighting, blurry images, or incorrect sizing can also cause your application to pause. Double-check all of these physical details before you send your application to the embassy.
Frequently asked questions
What size should my Ethiopian laissez-passer photo be?
The authority publishes no single official size, but 35×45 mm is the size most often used. Confirm this requirement with the embassy before printing.
How many photos do I need to submit?
You must submit two recent color passport-sized photographs with your application[1].
What background color is required?
The embassy explicitly requires a white background[1].
Do I need to write anything on the photos?
Yes, you must write your name on the back of each printed photo[1].
Are my ears required to be visible?
Yes, your ears must be visible in the photographs[1].