ICS Quick Summary (2026)
- Official Portal: www.ethiopianpassportservices.gov.et
- Standard Fee: 5,000 ETB
- Mandatory ID: Fayda (National ID)
- Hotline: 8133
For a “new” application, ICS is stricter than for renewals. You must list these clearly:
- Fayda ID (National Digital ID): As of 2026, you cannot apply without a verified Fayda number.
- Authenticated Birth Certificate: Must be from your local Vital Events Registration Agency (VERA).
- Supporting Letter: For some cases (e.g., business or medical), a supporting letter may be required.
- Passport Photo: Digital file, 3x4cm, white background, taken within 6 months.
Step-by-Step ICS Application Process
- Account Registration: Visit the ICS portal and sign up with your phone number.
- Select “New Passport”: Choose the “New Application” option from the dashboard.
- Data Entry: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your Fayda ID.
- Document Upload: Scan and upload your birth certificate and ID. Ensure files are under 240KB.
- Payment: Use Telebirr or CBE Birr. Standard is 5,000 ETB; Urgent (2 days) is 25,000 ETB.
- Schedule Appointment: Choose your nearest ICS branch (Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, etc.) for fingerprints.
2026 ICS Passport Fees Table
| Service Type | Timeframe | Total Cost (ETB) |
| Standard New | 1–2 Months | 5,000 ETB |
| Urgent (5-Day) | 5 Working Days | 20,000 ETB |
| Super Urgent | 2 Working Days | 25,000 ETB |
ICS Troubleshooting
Most people search for “ICS new passport application” because they are stuck. Add this section to reduce bounce rates:
- “No Appointment Slots”: ICS releases new slots daily at 12:00 AM (midnight). Refresh the page then.
- Payment Not Reflecting: If your Telebirr payment doesn’t show up, wait 30 minutes. If it still fails, use the “Check Payment Status” tool on the homepage with your transaction ID.
- Fayda ID Errors: If the system says “ID not found,” ensure your Fayda ID is fully activated. It can take 48 hours after your Fayda registration for the ICS system to “see” it.
FAQ
Q: Can I apply for an ICS passport without a Kebele ID? A: No, for new applications, you generally need a Kebele ID or a supporting document from your local administration to verify your residency before Fayda ID registration.
Q: Where is the ICS Head Office? A: It is located at Black Lion (Tikur Anbessa), Addis Ababa.