Diplomatic and Government Officials
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Overview
As a courtesy to the diplomatic community, A and G visa applicants may drop off their visa application packet at our Diplomatic Window which is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Below is a short list of necessary documents for an application. Please carefully read the More Information section for detailed descriptions regarding classifications of visas and other regulations.
Official Travel
1. Valid passport with at least six months validity and two empty pages
2. Completed DS-160
3. Appropriate Diplomatic Note
4. Visa photo (5cmx5cm, recent, on white background, no glasses)
5. Itinerary
6. Invitation letter or supporting documents as necessary
Employees of designated International Organizations – G Visas
1. Valid passport with at least six months validity and two empty pages
2. Completed DS-160
3. Appropriate Invitation Letter or letter from employer
4. Visa photo (5cmx5cm, recent, on white background, no glasses)
5. Itinerary (for Lao nationals only)
Do not pay an MRV visa application fee through this site, as it will not be refunded. 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.
More Information
Official Travel-Lao Nationals
A and G visas may be issued to diplomats and other government officials for official travel to the United States. Generally, the type of visa required by a diplomat or other government official depends upon their purpose of travel to the United States. There are very specific requirements which must be met by applicants in order to qualify for A or G visas under U.S. immigration law. Most applications for diplomatic and official visas for Lao nationals must be submitted to the U.S. Embassy Consular Section through the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Applications for diplomatic and official visas may be submitted directly to the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section by email at conslao@state.gov. A diplomatic note must accompany these visa applications. (See the procedure below).
Official Travel-Third Country Nationals
Third country national applications for diplomatic and official visas may be submitted directly to the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section from accredited diplomatic missions in Laos by email at conslao@state.gov. A diplomatic note must accompany these visa applications. (See the procedure below).
G Visa Type Applicants- Employees of designated international organizations
Please note that G applications must be submitted to the U.S. Embassy by the Lao MOFA if the applicant is employed by the Lao affiliation of a designated international organization. If the applicant is not employed by the Lao affiliation but rather is a direct hire of the overarching international organization, is proceeding to the United States on behalf of that international organization, and thus eligible for a G4 visa, the applicant does not need to go through MOFA. In this case, the applicant can submit the application himself/herself.
Applications for G visas may be submitted directly by email at conslao@state.gov. All G-1 through G-3 visa applications must be accompanied by a diplomatic note. For those applicants who are direct hires of the international organization, an official letter requesting the issuance of a G-4 visa may be presented instead of the diplomatic note.
Additional Information
For additional information, please visit this web page or consult with your government or agency's administrative office responsible for visa issues.
You can visit the Department of State website for additional information about qualifying for Diplomatic and Official visas and for more specific information about A visas and G visas.
Please note: The Embassy is closed during American and most Lao holidays. Please see this link for holidays observed by the Embassy.
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 tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport. If you have read all of the available guidance and still have questions, please email conslao@state.gov.