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Diplomatic Visas A-1/A-2
 

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

Government officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature or traveling as tourists require the appropriate visa category or if qualified travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program; they do not qualify for diplomatic visas.
Qualified A visa applicants traveling to the United States for assignments of less than 90 days will be issued visas annotated "TDY" (temporary duty).

Important note: Foreign officials who intend 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 sons and daughters of any age who are members of the household. Partners who are recognized as the principal alien's dependant 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.  Application procedures are the same as for the principal applicant.

Required documents may be submitted to our office for NATO visa either by the applicant or a third party, without appointment any working day Monday to Friday 12-1 pm.  Our office is closed for the public on the last Wednesday of every month and on official American and Greek holidays.

Documents required for Diplomatic A-1/A-2 visa are:

  1. Valid passport that has been signed by the applicant as well as any previous passport/s with visa/s.
  2. If previous passport has been kept by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs please make sure that this is reported in the Note Verbal.
  3. Electronically completed DS-160 application form and print the confirmation page containing the barcode (see step 4).
  4. One photograph that meets the required specifications (see step 5). Even if you have successfully uploaded the photo to the DS-160 please bring one with you on the day of your appointment.
  5. Note Verbal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your Embassy.

    Please Note:     The Note Verbal should list the name of the official travelers and specify their title or official status.  It should also specify the date of departure from Greece, and the purpose of the trip and length of stay in the United States.  The purpose of travel must be noted in the Note Verbal with as many details as possible.  Please send the Note Verbal including contact name and telephone before you submit your documents by faxing it our office at 210 725 3025.

Visa processing and issuance fees

Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from paying visa fees for all types of visas. Official passport holders are not charged for official visas, but are required to pay visa application and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable, for all non-official visas.

There are no application or issuance fees for “A” visas.

Reminder: We always recommend that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non refundable ticket should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport.