The official website for the Ethiopian Embassy in the USA is http://www.ethiopianembassy.org/. The main embassy in Washington, DC, is located at 3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008, with phone numbers (202) 364-1200 general, (202) 274-4552 for passports, and (202) 587-1685 for visas. Working hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM or split 9:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:00, closed weekends.
Key Services
Yellow card (Ethiopian Origin ID) renewal at the DC embassy requires a passport copy, photos, application form, and $167-$200 fee via money order; processing takes up to 3 months as cards issue from Ethiopia.
Power of Attorney involves online application, valid ID (passport/Origin ID), appointment for digital signing, and fee; property-related needs Origin ID.
Duty-free papers processing time varies (15+ days pre-shipment advised), often needing employer sponsorship and MFA authentication; no fixed DC timeline specified.
Getting Yellow Card in USA
Apply via DC Ethiopian Embassy online or mail with passport, birth certificate proof of origin, photos, and fee; renew before expiry (valid 5 years), or explain delays over 6 months. No full embassy service in Los Angeles—use Consulate General at 3460 Wilshire Blvd Suite 308, phone (213) 365-6651.
Demographics
Washington, DC metro hosts 100,000-250,000 Ethiopians, largest community outside Africa per embassy and local estimates.
Embassies in DC
175 nations maintain embassies in Washington, DC.
For 2026, the Embassy of Ethiopia in Washington, D.C. continues to modernize its services, transitioning most consular tasks to digital platforms like Digital MOFA. Below is the complete 2026 guide to the Embassy’s contact details, services, and community statistics.
🏛️ Ethiopian Embassy: Contact & Location
- Official Website: ethiopianembassy.org
- Consular Services Portal: digitalmofa.com (Primary for 2026)
- Washington D.C. Address: 3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
- D.C. Phone Number: (202) 364-1200
- USA General Contact: * Washington D.C. Main: (202) 364-1200
- Passport Services: (202) 274-4552
- Yellow Card Services: (202) 587-1686
- Los Angeles Consulate: (213) 365-6651 (3460 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 308, LA, CA 90010)
🕒 Working Hours
- General Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Walk-in Consular Services: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
- Telephone Inquiries: Best reached between 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST.
📑 Consular Services (Yellow Card & POA)
Ethiopian Yellow Card (Origin ID) Renewal
In 2026, all Yellow Card renewals are processed through the Digital MOFA app or website.
- How to get/renew: Submit an application on digitalmofa.com, upload a valid foreign passport, and proof of Ethiopian origin (old passport, birth certificate, or parent’s ID).
- Fees: Approximately $300 ($200 immigration fee + $100 software/service fee).
- Processing Time: Usually 15–20 business days once approved.
Power of Attorney (POA/Wikilina)
- Process: Apply online via Digital MOFA. You must schedule a video call for verification or visit the embassy in person.
- Fees: $62 for Ethiopian ID holders; $95 for others (Payment by Money Order only if mailing).
- Processing Time: Usually issued within 24–48 hours after the verification interview.
📦 Duty-Free Papers for Returning Residents
If you are moving back to Ethiopia and applying for duty-free privileges for household goods or a vehicle:
- Processing Time: It typically takes 3–6 weeks to receive the necessary support letters and “privilege documents” from the Embassy/Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Tip: Ensure all shipping manifests and “Bill of Lading” documents are authenticated by the Embassy at least 15 days before your shipment arrives in Djibouti.
📊 Community & D.C. Stats
- How many Ethiopians are in Washington D.C.? While official census data shows roughly 35,000 within the city limits, the D.C. Metropolitan Area (including Maryland and Northern Virginia) is home to an estimated 200,000 to 250,000 Ethiopians, making it the largest community outside of Ethiopia.
- How many Embassies are in D.C.? There are over 175 embassies currently operating in Washington, D.C.