Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
An A-1 or A-2 visa is only granted to those who are going to the United States on behalf of their national government and are engaged exclusively in official activities on behalf of that country.
A-Visa Types
- A-1 Visa
- A-2 Visa
- A-3 Visa
Who Needs an A-Visa?
Diplomats and other foreign government officials who are going to the United States exclusively for the purpose of carrying out official responsibilities or engaging in official activities on behalf of their national governments are required to acquire A-1 or A-2 visas before entering the country. They are unable to travel on visiting visas or under the Visa Waiver Program, among other options.
With the exception of a Head of State or Government, who is eligible for an A visa regardless of the reason for his or her trip, your position within your country’s government and the purpose of your journey determine whether you need an A-1 or A-2 visa, depending on your nationality. Only a few exceptions apply to immediate family members of diplomats and government employees who are granted A-1 or A-2 visas. It is possible to get an A-3 visa if you work as a personal employee, attendant, or domestic worker for diplomats and government officials who have a valid A-1 or A-2 visa.
Qualifying For An A Visa
An A-1 or A-2 visa is only available to those who are coming to the United States on behalf of their national government and are engaged exclusively in official activities on behalf of that country. The precise responsibilities or services that will be performed must be of a governmental nature or character, as established by the United States Department of State in conformity with U.S. immigration rules, before they may be accepted.
The necessary visas are required for government officials traveling to the United States to undertake non-governmental tasks of a commercial nature or to travel as tourists. A-visas are not required for government officials traveling as tourists. The fact that a certain organization may be subject to government interest or control is not in and of itself a decisive factor in assessing whether or not you qualify for an A-visa.
When is an A-Visa Neccesary?
A-1 Visas Are Required For The Following Kinds of Travel:
Traveling as a head of state or government, regardless of the reason for the trip
An official from a foreign country who is going to the United States to serve at a foreign embassy or consulate, such as an ambassador or consul general
A government minister or cabinet member who is visiting for official purposes is welcome
Representatives from the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) delegations
Immediate family members of an A-1 visa holder are permitted to enter the country
Officials & Employees Requiring A-2 Visas
- Full-time employee appointed by that government who comes to the United States only to serve at a foreign embassy or consulate and performs activities that would normally be performed at an embassy or consulate.
- For a period of not more than 90 days, a government official representing your government will travel to the United States on the basis of a written request from your nation to execute official, government-related responsibilities.
- Foreign military personnel stationed at a United States military facility or attached to a foreign embassy or consulate in the United States are considered foreign nationals.
- Representatives from the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) delegations
- Immediate family members of an A-2 visa holder are permitted to enter the country.
Visiting Offcials
Diplomats and other foreign government officials who are visiting the United States only to perform official responsibilities or activities on behalf of their home country must first obtain an A-1 or A-2 visa. They are not eligible for visiting visas or the Visa Waiver Program.
Except for a Head of State or Government, who is eligible for an A visa regardless of the reason of travel, your position within your country’s government and the purpose of your trip determine whether you need an A-1 or A-2 visa. With limited exceptions, immediate family members of diplomats and government employees are granted A-1 or A-2 visas. A-3 visas may be awarded to personal servants, attendants, or domestic workers for diplomats and government officials who have a valid A-1 or A-2 visa.
Reason for traveling to the U.S.A
You must be traveling to the United States on behalf of your national government to engage entirely in official activities for that government to qualify for an A-1 or A-2 visa. According to US immigration laws, the exact duties or services to be performed must be of a governmental kind or character, as defined by the US Department of State.
Government officials visiting the United States for non-governmental commercial purposes or as tourists must obtain the necessary visas and are not eligible for A visas. The fact that a certain organization may be subject to government interest or control is not a determining factor in assessing whether you qualify for an A visa.
For detailed information on specific parts of the USA visa process, you can refer to the links to the right to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
Other USA Visa Types
A Visa is required for any foreign national wishing to enter the United States. It could be a non-immigrant visa for a short period of time or an immigrant visa for a long period of time. To enter the United States, foreigners must get a non-immigrant visa.
Examples of Travel Purposes Not Permitted on A-1 Visas:
- Government officials coming to undertake commercial non-official or non-governmental duties, or tourists, must apply for the appropriate visa category for their trip purpose, such as a B-2 visa for tourism. (Note: Regardless of the purpose of travel, a Head of State or Government must travel on an A-1 visa.)
- Visitors (B) visas are required for local government officials representing their state, province, borough, or other local political units.
People Also Asked
Diplomats and other foreign government officials who are going to the United States exclusively for the purpose of carrying out official responsibilities or engaging in official activities on behalf of their national governments are required to acquire A-1 or A-2 visas before entering the country. They are unable to travel on visiting visas or under the Visa Waiver Program, among other options.
The A1 visa is available to a variety of different types of persons, including officers, heads of state, ambassadors, public ministers, professional diplomats, carrier couriers, and family members of those who have the visa. An A2 visa may only be issued to recognized officials who are going to the United States on behalf of their respective country governments.
You may be eligible for a Green Card under Section 13 if you can demonstrate that you entered the United States as an A-1, A-2, G-1, or G-2 nonimmigrant and that you were in the country for less than one year.