Date of publication:
01/07/2026
Ethiopia
Do domestic laws and policies recognize a valid travel document issued by another State for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?
Assessment by population
Analysis
The laws in Ethiopia recognize a valid travel document issued to a refugee by another State as a formal documentation constituting evidence of the refugee’s identity. Article 32 (3) of the Refugees Proclamation makes reference to national immigration laws and international instruments regarding how refugee travel documents are regulated. As such, the Immigration Proclamation, under article 3(1) and 6(1), requires possession of a valid travel document for any foreigner who wants to enter into and depart from Ethiopia. The definition of travel document under the Immigration Proclamation, Art 2(4), includes ‘any passport or other travel document, issued by foreign state recognized by the Government of Ethiopia or international or regional organization, bearing the identity and nationality of the holder’. Therefore, refugee travel document issued by a State duly recognized by the Ethiopian Government bearing the identity and nationality of the holder, is recognized in Ethiopia.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Refugees Proclamation No.1110/2019
- Year: 2019
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Freedom of movement, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Family life, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/decreees/natlegbod/2019/en/30352
Legal provision
Article 32(3) - Identity Paper and Travel Document
The preparation, validity and issuance of refugee travel documents as well as other relevant details thereto of recognized refugees and asylum- seekers shall be determined in accordance with applicable immigration laws as well as international instruments.
Immigration Proclamation No. 354/2003
- Year: 2003
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Freedom of movement
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/docid/44e04ed14.html
Legal provision
Article 2(4) Definitions
Travel document means any passport or other travel document, issued by the Ministry or the Authority or by foreign state recognized by the Government of Ethiopia or international or regional organization, bearing the identity and nationality of the holder.
Article 3(1) Requirements
Any foreigner who wants to enter into Ethiopia shall possess a valid travel document.