Diplomatic and government officials who are traveling to the United States for official purposes can apply for a diplomatic or official visa.
These visas are issued to individuals who are traveling to the United States on behalf of their government or an international organization to engage in official activities.
How to Apply
To apply for a diplomatic or official visa, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
- Bring the following documents to the Consular Section: A diplomatic note from your government or organization
- Official travel orders
- A valid passport
- Online DS-160 application confirmation page
- One (1) photograph
Types of U.S. Diplomatic and Official Visas
There are several different types of diplomatic and official visas, each of which has its eligibility requirements. The most common types of diplomatic and official visas are:
A-1 visa: Issued to foreign government officials and their immediate family members who are traveling to the United States on behalf of their government to engage in official activities.
A-2 visa: Issued to employees, attendants, and personal servants of A-1 visa holders.
G-1 visa: Issued to representatives of foreign governments and members of their immediate family members who are traveling to the United States to take up an appointment at a designated international organization.
G-2 visa: Issued to representatives of foreign governments who are traveling to the United States temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization.
G-3 visa: Issued to representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments and members of their immediate family members who are traveling to the United States to participate in temporary meetings of designated international organizations.
G-4 visa: Issued to personnel of a designated international organization who are traveling to the United States to take up an appointment at that organization.
G-5 visa: Issued to the attendants and personal employees of G-1 through G-4 visa holders.
Additional Information
For more information about diplomatic and official visas, please visit the Department of State website.
Note:
Applicants for diplomatic and official visas are not subject to U.S. fingerprint requirements and will not be charged the non-refundable visa application fee.
Although personal appearances are generally not needed for these types of visas, the Embassy reserves the right to fingerprint and interview any applicant.
As a courtesy, the Embassy permits holders of diplomatic or official passports who are traveling for personal reasons (tourism, vacation, family visits, etc.) to apply through this channel.
However, they may be required to pay fees, provide fingerprints, and appear for an interview. All requests for visas for personal travel must be accompanied by a diplomatic note containing the information detailed above.