Check with the office. The official pages for this service leave out some details, or are older than a year. Use this page as a starting point and confirm fees and documents before you apply.
The Ethiopian Origin ID (often called the yellow card) is for foreign citizens of Ethiopian descent. It gives visa-free entry to Ethiopia, the right to own property and easier access to residence and work.
Where to apply in Australia
Embassy of Ethiopia, Canberra (Deakin ACT) lists an Ethiopian Origin ID service page; the national Immigration and Citizenship Service page does not describe an embassy process.
BROWSER NEEDED: canberra.mfa.gov.et (blocks automated access).
Contact details for every office are on the page of the embassy and consulates of Ethiopia.
How to apply
Apply online or at an immigration office in Ethiopia; proxy applications are not accepted. Contact the embassy to confirm whether it can lodge from Australia.
Applications are handled through Immigration and Citizenship Service https://ics.gov.et.
Documents you need
- Application form
- Foreign passport valid for more than 6 months
- Machine-readable Ethiopian passport or authenticated birth certificate
- Copy of an Ethiopian parent's Kebele ID or passport
- One recent passport photo
- Court decision for name changes (translated if not in Amharic or English)
- Death certificate if family documents are unavailable
- For applications made inside Ethiopia: copy of the entry visa and entry stamp
Fees and processing time
- Official fee: USD 300 regular, USD 400 urgent (adults); USD 200 regular, USD 300 urgent (children under 18)
Good to know
ICS page published 25 Aug 2024, last modified 3 Feb 2026. Related pages: origin ID for children and by marriage. Requirements and fees from the Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) pages, which describe applications lodged in Ethiopia; the ID cannot be issued by proxy for adults and late renewal incurs a daily penalty. Confirm with the Embassy in Canberra whether it accepts applications.
Official sources
- ics.gov.et/services/ethiopian-origin-id
- ics.gov.et
- ics.gov.et/services/ethiopian-origin-id-for-children-under-18-years…
Check before you apply
This page summarises information published by Ethiopia's official channels, last checked on 25 octubre 2026. Fees and requirements can change at short notice, so confirm with the office that will handle your case.
Spotted a change? Let us know.