Diplomats and Other Government Officials

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Diplomats and Other Government Officials

Visa Service for Diplomatic/Official at US Embassy Tokyo is open Tuesdays through Thursdays between 14:00 and 15:00, except U.S. and Japanese holidays (in addition, when Monday is holiday, diplomatic/official service is not available on Tuesday). Visa application is submitted by messenger, mail, travel agent or in person through the Diplomatic Visa Window during the hours noted above. If applying by mail, application processing may take two to five workdays.

For all applicants, who are exempt from paying an application fee and are applying at the U.S. Consulate-General Osaka-Kobe, should contact the Consulate at NIVOsaka@state.gov to arrange an appointment.

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 travelling to the United States.

To qualify for an A-1 or A-2 visa, the individual concerned must be travelling 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 travelling to the United States as tourists need to apply for a B1/B2 visa unless they qualify to use the Visa Waiver Program. Holders of diplomatic or official passports who wish to apply for a B or C1/D visa will be required to come to the Embassy for an interview. Note: Diplomatic passport holders, regardless of visa categories, are not required to pay a visa application fee.

Qualified A visa applicants travelling 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: Bearers of official and diplomatic passports can use the Visa Waiver Program, provided they are entering the United States for tourist or transit purpose. If they are travelling to the United States on official business, including a temporary assignment of less than 90 days, the appropriate visa must be placed in the passport.

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
• G5 - Attendants, Servants and Personal Emplyees of G-1/G-2/G-3/G-4.

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 or G visas. Partners who are recognized as the principal alien's dependent by the sending government, while not eligible for derivative A or 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, except A3 and G5), please submit the following documents by messenger, mail or through a travel agent. Messengers may drop off visa applications at US Embassy Tokyo on Tuesdays through Thursdays between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

• Your passport
• On-line application form.
• One 5.0 x 5.0 cm color photo, taken within the last six months against a white or off-white background
• Diplomatic note
• One self-addressed "LetterPack 500"

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 to have an interview. Please submit the following documents in-person at the US Embassy Tokyo any Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 2 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. No parking is available.

NOTE: A3 or G5 visa applicants require an interview, but does not requrie visa application fee.

• Your passport
• On-line application form.
• One 5.0 cm x 5.0 cm color photo, taken within the last six months against a white or off-white background
• Diplomatic note
• Visa application fee. If you have a regular or official passport and are required to pay an application fee, see Pay the Visa Application Fee page.

Important Note for applicant who are required to pay an application fee

Please note that although you do not need to schedule an appointment for your interview, you are required to register your document delivery address and payment information on line. If this step has not been completed, the payment information cannot be confirmed on the system and your application will not be accepted. Please see here for detailed instructions on how to register.

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

• All applicants applying for A, C-2, C-3, G or NATO visas, including A-3, G-5, NATO-7 (household staff qualifying for the above categories)
• All applicants applying for visas with diplomatic passports