NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS
Diplomatic and Official Visas
The type of visa required by a diplomat or other government official depends upon his or her
reason for entering the United States. A Head of State or Government qualifies
for an A-1 visa regardless of the purpose of his or her visit to the United
States.
To qualify for an A-1 or A-2 visa, the individual concerned must be traveling to the United
States on behalf of his or her national government to engage solely in
official activities for that government. The fact that there may be government
interest or control in a given organization is not in itself the defining factor
in determining whether or not the applicant qualifies for an A visa; the
particular duties or services to be performed must also be of an inherently
governmental character or nature. Local government officials representing their
state, province, borough, or other local political entity do not qualify for "A"
visa status; they require B-1/B-2 visas.
Government officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions
of a commercial nature or traveling as tourists require the appropriate
H, L or
B visa, or if qualified,
travel without a visa; they do not qualify for diplomatic visas.
Foreign officials who travel to the United States on official business must obtain an
"A" visa prior to their entry. They cannot travel on tourist’s visas, or
visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.
APPLICATION FEES
Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa application fees. Applicants for
diplomatic and official visas are also exempt from visa application fees.
SPECIAL CONSULAR HOURS FOR DIPLOMATIC VISAS
Complete application may be brought to consular section between 10:00a.m -12:00p.m. any work day.
IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS
The spouse and unmarried sons and daughters of any age who are members of the household may
apply for derivative diplomatic visas. Partners who are recognized as the
principal alien's dependant by the sending government, not eligible for
derivative A visas, but may apply for B-1/
B-2 visas, if otherwise qualified.
B-1 / B-2 visa applicants are required to pay visa application and reciprocal issuance
fees, if applicable.
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