Diplomats and Government Officials

The Diplomatic Visa Section is open Monday through Friday between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.  No appointment is necessary. Visa processing normally takes 5 working days and passports can be picked up during the hours noted above. Official or Diplomatic visas can be sent by courier or dropped off and picked up in person. There is no fee for Official or Diplomatic visas.

To qualify for a diplomatic/official 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. Local government officials representing their province or region do not qualify for "A" visa status and require business/tourist visas or under the Visa Waiver Program. Personal employees of diplomatic/official visa holders may, under certain conditions, obtain a diplomatic visa to accompany their employer.

Government officials traveling to the United States on non-governmental business or as tourists need a business/tourist visa or if qualified, may travel under the Visa Waiver Program.

Holders of diplomatic or official passports who wish to apply for business/tourist visas will be required to come to the Embassy to be fingerprinted and for an interview.

Important note: Foreign officials who intend to travel to the United States on official business must get a diplomatic or official visa and cannot travel on tourist visas, or under the Visa Waiver Program.

Family Members

The spouse and unmarried children of any age are eligible for diplomatic/official visas and application procedures are the same as for the principal applicant. Partners who are recognized as the principal applicant’s dependant by the sending government, while not eligible for diplomatic visas, may apply for business/tourist visas. All such visa applicants are required to come to the Embassy for an interview and pay visa application fees.