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U.S. Dept. of State
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Diplomatic and Government Official Visas

(日本語)

Frequently Asked Questions


Diplomats and Other Government Officials

Visa Service for Diplomatic/Official at US Embassy Tokyo is open on Tuesdays through Thursdays between 14:00 and 15:00, except U.S. and Japanese holidays. Visa application is 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.

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: Foreign officials who are travelling to the United States on official business must obtain an "A" visa prior to their entry. They cannot travel on tourist visas or visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

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 visas. Partners who are recognized as the principal alien's dependent 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.

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.

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 G visas. Partners who are recognized as the principal alien's dependent by the sending government, while not eligible for derivative 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.

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 note A3 or G5 visa applicants require 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.

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

Important Information:

Use of Emergency, Temporary, Official, or Diplomatic Passports under the Visa Waiver Program

Effective July 1, 2009, VWP countries' Emergency, Temporary, Official, or Diplomatic Passports will be subject to the electronic passport (e-passport) requirement. Bearers of non-electronic Emergency, Temporary, Official, or Diplomatic Passports issued after October 26, 2006 by VWP countries will be required to apply for U.S. visas or apply for a waiver at the port of entry. (Note: All passports issued by the eight VWP countries designated in 2008: Malta, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Republic of Korea and the Slovak Republic , including those issued before October 26, 2006, must be e-passports to be used for VWP travel.)