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Ethiopia Extends Passport Service Hours to Meet Growing Demand
Addis Ababa, September 12, 2025 — In a move aimed at easing the mounting demand for travel documents, Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) has announced a significant extension of its passport service hours across the country. Beginning September 2, 2018 Ethiopian Calendar (corresponding to September 12, 2025 Gregorian Calendar), ICS branches in Addis Ababa—notably the Gotera and Tikur Anbessa offices—as well as regional cities will now serve applicants for longer hours six days a week and introduce extended evening service on Sundays.
New Service Schedule
Under the new schedule, passport services will be available Monday through Saturday until 10:00 PM, giving applicants far more time to process their requests beyond the previous closing times. On Sundays, services will continue until 6:00 PM, a rare move among government agencies in Ethiopia, reflecting the urgency to accommodate the surge in demand for passports.
The extended hours apply to all passport-related services including:
- New passport applications
- Emergency and urgent issuance
- Passport renewals
- Lost or damaged passport replacements
Applicants can also initiate or track their applications via the institution’s official online portals: www.immigration.gov.et and www.ethiopianpassportservices.gov.et.
Responding to Soaring Demand
The decision to extend service hours comes amid a noticeable increase in passport applications, driven by Ethiopia’s growing diaspora connections, expanded international business links, and rising outbound travel. Long queues and delays have been common at major branches, prompting public calls for more efficient service.
An ICS spokesperson noted that the move is designed to “reduce waiting times, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure that citizens can obtain travel documents without unnecessary delays.” The late-evening operations, in particular, are expected to help applicants who cannot visit offices during standard business hours.
Digital and Regional Access
Beyond Addis Ababa, regional immigration offices will follow the same extended schedule, making it easier for citizens outside the capital to access timely passport services. The integration of digital services through the official websites allows applicants to book appointments, track progress, and receive updates, reducing the need for multiple in-person visits.
Public Reception and Future Plans
Travelers and businesses have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a much-needed reform in public service delivery. Travel agents expect smoother planning for clients needing urgent passports, while families with members living or working abroad anticipate fewer bureaucratic delays.
The ICS has hinted that this is part of a broader modernization strategy, which may include more automated passport issuance systems, expanded e-passport services, and improved coordination with Ethiopia’s embassies abroad.
Key Takeaway
The extended working hours—Monday to Saturday until 10:00 PM and Sunday until 6:00 PM—represent a landmark shift in Ethiopia’s public service operations. By embracing longer hours and enhancing digital platforms, the Immigration and Citizenship Service is responding to the realities of an increasingly mobile and globally connected Ethiopian population.
