A-1/A-2 Visas For Diplomats & Foreign Government Officials

Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials can apply for either the A-1 or A-2 visa, nonimmigrant visas that enable foreign officers of permanent diplomatic missions or consular posts to be admitted to the US to engage in official, governmental activities. There are a number of steps to obtain the visa that vary according to the US Embassy or Consulate where you apply.

Additional documents to have prepared: Passport, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, photo, and a diplomatic note with confirmation from your country of your status and purpose of your travels.

In order to be eligible for either the A-1 or A-2 diplomatic visa, you must adhere to one of the following:

1. Be an immediate family member of an A-1 diplomatic visa holder
2. Be a representative of a foreign state that has formal diplomatic ties with the U.S.
3. Officers of diplomatic missions (e.g., ambassadors, public ministers, career diplomats, or consular officers).
4. Traveling to the US on behalf of your national government to participate in official, governmental duties or services.

Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials Who Require A-1 Visas

1. Head of State or Government, regardless of the purpose of travel.
2. Official coming to serve at a foreign embassy or consulate in the US (e.g., Ambassador or Consul).
3. Government minister or cabinet member coming for official activities.
4. European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) delegation representatives.
5. Immediate family members of an A-1 visa holder.

Officials and Employees Who Require A-2 Visas

1. A full-time employee assigned by that government, coming only to work at a foreign embassy or consulate in the US to perform duties which take place at an embassy.
2. Government official representing your government, coming to the US based on a written request of your country to perform official, government-related duties.
3. Foreign military members stationed at a U.S. military base or assigned to a foreign embassy or consulate in the US.
4. Staff of European (EU) and African Union (AU) delegation representatives.
5. Immediate family members of an A-2 visa holder.

Government Links

1. Visas for Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials (State Department)