Diplomats, Government Officials, and Employees of Designated Organizations
Diplomatic applicants must meet specific requirements to qualify for a diplomatic (A) visa under immigration law. The consular officer will determine whether you qualify for a diplomatic visa.
For an A-1 or A-2 visa, you must be traveling to the United States on behalf of your national government to engage solely in official activities for that government.
Officials wishing to travel for pleasure should follow the instructions for visas for Business or Pleasure.
Application Procedures
Applicants who work for the Government of Mali, another government recognized by the United States, or designated international organizations who are traveling on official business may apply without an appointment Monday through Thursday (except U.S. and Malian holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the consular section.
Applicants must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160 and should provide the confirmation page to their protocol or appropriate official. The protocol or appropriate official should bring the required documentation, as outlined below, to the Consular Section.
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.
Required Documentation
At the time of the request, protocol or appropriate officials will need to provide the following:
- A Diplomatic note. The diplomatic note is written confirmation by the sending government or organization; this must contain the applicants’ full name, position and clearly states the specific purpose for travel and length of the mission.
- A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States
- DS-160 confirmation sheet (this is obtained after completing and submitting the form)
- One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
Officials Applying for a Visa for Business or Pleasure: Application Procedures
Officials wishing to travel for pleasure should follow the instructions for visas for Business or Pleasure.
Requests for business/tourists visas in diplomatic or official passports can continue to be made without an appointment any Monday or Tuesday (except U.S. and Malian holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
At the time of the request, applicants should also present a diplomatic note (or mission order), the DS-160 confirmation sheet, the original fee receipt from Banque International du Mali, S.A. (BIM), and one color photo on a white background. Applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate their ties to Mali and the reason for their trip to the United States; applicants may be asked to provide documentation. All applicants for business/tourist visas are subject to U.S. fingerprint requirements and all applicants except certain diplomatic passport holders are subject to the visa application fee.
Individuals without a diplomatic note (or mission order), including the children of diplomatic or official passport holders, will be asked to make an appointment.
Do not fax, e-mail, or send any documentation to the Embassy; it will be thrown away. Bring all documents with you to the Embassy.