Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 17, 2026

A visa

An A Visa is a category of non-immigrant visas allowing travel to the United States issued to ambassadors, diplomats, government officials, and their support staff.

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A Visa
TypeNon-immigrant visa for diplomats and foreign government officials1
PurposeOfficial travel to the United States for diplomatic or governmental duties1
Categories
  • A-1: Ambassadors, ministers, diplomats, consular officers, and their immediate family
  • A-2: Other government officials or staff and their families
  • A-3: Personal employees, attendants, or servants of A-1 and A-2 visa holders
Eligibility
  • Traveling to the United States on behalf of national government to engage solely in official activities
  • Duties must be governmental in character or nature, as determined by the U.S. Department of State1
Application Process
  • Initial request made through the U.S. Department of State by the applicant's home country
  • Complete standard visa application process
  • Interview may be required (mandatory for A-3 applicants)1
OversightU.S. Department of State1
Special Privileges
  • Diplomatic immunity (extent varies by position)2
  • Tax exemptions (varies based on card type)3
  • Exemption from certain U.S. taxes2
  • Ability to engage in diplomatic functions without interference2

An A Visa is a category of non-immigrant visas allowing travel to the United States issued to ambassadors, diplomats, government officials, and their support staff.

Types

A-1

The A-1 visa is granted to many people such as ambassadors, ministers, diplomats, consular officers, and their immediate family members.a6 While government officials normally do not qualify for an A-1 visa if they are traveling for non-official, non-governmental purposes, heads of state and heads of government always qualify and must apply for an A visa regardless of their purpose of travel.7 Visitors on an A-1 visa cannot be tried under US law for a crime, and may travel to and from the country an unlimited number of times. There is no maximum length of stay for individuals admitted on an A-1 visa, and there is no requirement to maintain a foreign residence.6

A-2

The A-2 visa is granted to certain government officials, employees, their immediate families,a and their technical and support staff.6 This includes military personnel traveling for reasons not related to NATO.b Those typically admitted under an A-2 visa include:

  • Individuals traveling to work at a consulate or embassy in the US
  • Individuals traveling to the US on the written request of their home country
  • Members of foreign militaries stationed at US military installations
  • Representatives from the African Union or European Union7

There is a maximum limit of 5 years (no renewal possible) on the duration of stay for A-2 visa holders, and no requirement to maintain a foreign residence.6

A-3

The A-3 visa is granted to attendants, servants, and employees of those in the US under A-1 or A-2 visas.6 A-3 recipients fall into two categories: those paid by the principal applicant's home government, and domestic employees paid by the principal applicant themselves. The maximum duration of stay is three years, and individuals are exempt from US taxes.6

Notes

Notes

  1. Effective October 1, 2018, the unmarried domestic partner of a government official is no longer eligible for a derivative A-1 or A-2 visa. The only exception is in the case of countries where same-sex marriage is not legally available, but the sending nation accepts accreditation of U.S. same-sex spouses with the same privileges and immunities as opposite-sex spouses.45
  2. Those whose travel directly relates to NATO will normally qualify for one of the seven NATO visa classes.
References

References

  1. "Visas for Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  2. "Diplomatic (A and G) Visas, Explained". Boundless Immigration. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  3. "PS 93-2 Sales and Use * * Tax Exemptions for Diplomatic Personnel". State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  4. "Notice 18-1029". United States Department of State. July 6, 2018.
  5. Miexler, Eli (October 2, 2018). "Trump Administration Halts Visas for Unmarried Same-Sex Partners of Diplomats". Time.
  6. Immigration pocket field guide. Matthew Bender & Company, Inc. 2013. p. 50.
  7. "Visas for Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials". US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
External links