Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
When applying for a NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 visa, you must be traveling to the United States under the provisions of the Agreement on the Status of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or the Protocol on the Status of International Military Headquarters Established Pursuant to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that apply to your particular situation. Those who fall under this category include national representatives, international personnel, and close family members.
NATO Visa Eligibility
Officials and employees of international organisations and NATO are not eligible for any other visa category or the Visa Waiver Program. Please note that US law requires foreign organisations and NATO leaders and staff to obtain G-1 – 6 or NATO-1 – 7 visas if eligible. Exceptions are rare.
Non-Permitted Travel With NATO Visas
- The exception is a Head of State or Government who must always go to the US on an A-1 visa regardless of the reason for visit.
- Officials coming to execute commercial or non-governmental tasks do not qualify for G or NATO visas. You must apply for the correct visa category for your trip.
Passport and Visa Exemptions for NATO Forces
When visiting the United States on a visa-exempt basis, such people usually arrive via military aircraft or navy vessels. Your official military identity card and NATO travel orders must be shown. Note that the passport and visa exemption does not apply to immediate family members. As a result, if you are going with family members or will be joining you later, each individual must obtain a passport and a NATO-2 visa to enter the United States.
Many members of the military services are free from the need for a passport and visa if they are:
Traveling on official business for NATO Allied Headquarters in the United States
Entering the United States under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement
NATO Visas Required For Official Travels
Officials and employees of international organizations and NATO who want to enter the United States in order to carry out official responsibilities or participate in official activities are required to possess either a G-1 – 4 or NATO-1 – 6 visa in order to do so. Officials and employees of international organizations and NATO who are coming to the United States for official reasons are not authorized to enter the country on any other kind of visa or under the Visa Waiver Program.
Please be aware that in accordance with United States legislation, officials and workers of international organizations and NATO, as well as qualifying members of their immediate families, are required to obtain G-1 – 6 or NATO-1 – 7 visas, if entitled. There are very few exceptions to the rule.
Interviews for NATO Visas
For most visa applicants seeking abroad, an interview at the US embassy or consulate is necessary as part of the visa application procedure. Although a consular officer can request an interview, most embassies and consulates do not demand it for persons applying for G-1 – 4 and NATO-1 – 6 visas.
Interviews are necessary for personal employees, domestic workers, and attendants of the aforesaid visa holders applying for G-5 or NATO-7 visas. Review the information in the section below about personal employees.
Fees for NATO Visas
Visa expenses are waived for those who qualify for an official visa classification (A, G, C-3, NATO).
More on Visa Fees – Diplomatic passport holders who satisfy one of the qualifying categories may be free from visa fees, regardless of visa classification or purpose of travel. A diplomatic passport or its equivalent does not automatically qualify you for a no-fee diplomatic visa. The visa applicants eligibility for a fee waiver under US immigration laws will be determined by the consular officer. Official passport holders are not charged for official visas, however all non-official visas need payment of visa application and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable.
For detailed information on specific parts of the NATO 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, Indians must get a non-immigrant visa.
Complete the Visa Application Form Online
All G and NATO visa applicants must collect and provide the following documentation to the US Embassy or Consulate in their native country:
Passport valid for travel to the US – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the US (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). If your passport contains more than one person, each person who requires a visa must submit a separate application.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Confirmation Page of Form DS-160 (For applicants from countries other than the United States)
Photo — When completing the online Form DS-160, you will add your photo. Your photo must be from the last six months and be in the format described in the Photograph Requirements.
A diplomatic note and/or travel instructions – This document confirms your status and the official reason for visiting the United States in writing from an international organization or NATO. The diplomatic note and/or travel orders submitted with any G or NATO visa application outside the United States, as well as any request to change into such visa status in the United States, must include the following information: the officer or employees name, date of birth, position and title, the international organization or office where the individual will be serving, the purpose of travel, a brief description of his or her duties, travel date, and the anticipated return date.
If an immediate family member is applying separately from the principal visa applicant, a copy of the principal visa holder’s visa and I-94 (front and back) is necessary. A photocopy of the principal visa applicant’s admission stamp can be sent to the family member applying separately if the principal visa applicant entered the United States after the automation of Form I-94 and his or her Arrival/Departure Record was prepared electronically. Alternatively, the main applicant can get a paper Form I-94 and provide it to the family member who is filing independently.
It’s possible that you’ll need to provide more documentation.
People Also Asked
The NATO-2 visa is only awarded to qualified NATO officials, member state representatives, attaches, and their families.
To apply for a NATO Visa, you must make an appointment with the diplomatic visa section.