Non-Immigrant Visas

Diplomatic and Official Visas

The Diplomatic Visa Section is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., except for American and Vietnamese holidays. A messenger or the applicant himself/herself may submit applications to the Diplomatic Visa Window during the hours noted above. All holders of diplomatic passports as well as those holders of official passports who are traveling to the U.S. on official travel may submit applications during these hours.

Diplomats and Other Government Officials

With the exception of a Head of State or Government, who qualifies for an A-1 visa regardless of the purpose of his/her visit to the United States, the type of visa required by a diplomat or other government official depends upon his/her reason for traveling 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/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 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 and should apply for B-1/B-2 visas.

Government officials traveling to the United States as tourists or business travelers need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. Holders of diplomatic or official passports who wish to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa will be required to come to the Embassy for an interview.

Qualified A visa applicants traveling to the United States for assignments of less than 90 days will be issued visas annotated "TDY" (temporary duty).

Government officials coming for more than 90 days must be assigned to their embassy, a consulate, or a "miscellaneous foreign government organization" that has been accredited by the Department of State's Protocol Office.

Note: Foreign officials who are traveling to the United States on official business must obtain an "A" visa prior to their entry. They cannot travel on tourist visas.

Immediate family members are defined as the spouse and unmarried children of any age who are members of the household and are eligible for derivative A visas. Partners who are recognized as the principal alien's dependent by the sending government, while not eligible for derivative A visas, 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.

International Organizations and NATO Visas

International Organizations: To qualify for a G visa the individual must be entering the United States in pursuance of official duties.

• G1 - Members of a permanent mission of a recognized government to an international organization
• G2 - Representatives of a recognized government traveling to the United States temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization
• G3 - Representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments
• G4 - Personnel proceeding to the United States to take up an appointment at a designated international organization, including the United Nations

Immediate family members are defined as the spouse and unmarried children of any age who are members of the household and are eligible for derivative G visas. Partners who are recognized as the principal alien's dependent by the sending government, while not eligible for derivative G visas, 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.

Application Procedures

Official Duty: If you are planning to travel to the United States on official duty (A or G category visas), please submit the following documents by messenger or in person. Messengers may drop off visa applications Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

• Your passport
• Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF DS-156) (Note: the EVAF version of the DS-156 is required)
• One 5.0 x 5.0 cm color photo, taken within the last six months against a white or off-white background
• Diplomatic note

Visits for Other Purposes: If you are planning to travel to the United States for purposes other than the visa categories noted above, you must appear at the Embassy or Consulate in person. Please submit the following documents in person at the Embassy Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

• Your passport
• Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF DS-156) (Note: the EVAF version of the DS-156 is required)
• One 5.0 cm x 5.0 cm color photo, taken within the last six months against a white or off-white background
• Supplemental Visa Application Form (DS-157) for all male applicants from age 16 to 45.
• Diplomatic note
• Visa application fee. If you have a regular or official passport and are required to pay an application fee, see here for payment procedures

The following persons are not required to pay a visa application fee:

• All A, C-2, C-3, G or NATO visa applicants, including household staff qualifying for those categories