外交人員及政府官員

本頁:


Important Notice

Do not pay a visa processing fee through this site without contacting the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Consular Section first, as it will not be refunded.

Overview

A-1, A-2, C-3, and G-1 through G-4 visas may be issued to diplomats and other government officials for official travel to the United States. Generally, the class 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, C-3, G or NATO visas under U.S. immigration law.

Depending on the purpose of your intended travel and other facts, you may also qualify for other type of visa classification.  Please read the below information and the Common Nonimmigrant Visas page to determine your visa classification.

Note: Employees of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) may not receive A or G nonimmigrant visa classification.  Representatives of Taiwan employed by TECRO currently receive E nonimmigrant visas and are admitted to the United States in E-1 nonimmigrant classification.  TECRO employees and their dependents as well as Taiwan representatives should contact Taiwan Council for U.S. Affairs (TCUSA) regarding their visa applications for official travels. 

Visa Descriptions and Qualifications

A-1, A-2 Visas
A visas are generally issued upon presentation of a diplomatic note from the appropriate host country office or foreign mission.

Diplomats and other foreign government officials traveling to the United States to engage solely in official duties or activities on behalf of their national government must obtain A-1 or A-2 visas prior to entering the United States. They cannot travel using visitor visas or under the Visa Waiver Program. If an A-1 or A-2 visa applicant is coming to the United States for an assignment that is to last less than 90 days, the visa is annotated "TDY." Normally, the personal interview requirement for bona fide A-1 and A-2 visa applicants who are citizens of, or accredited to, the host country is waived. However, there may be circumstances within which the consular officer will ask for an interview.

A-3 Visa
Issued to the attendants and personal employees of persons in A-1 or A-2 status.

C-3 Visa
Issued to an accredited official of a foreign government intending to proceed in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on official business for that government. Members of the immediate family, attendants, servants, or personal employees of such an official may also be issued C-3 visas when appropriate.

G-1 Visa
Issued to members of a permanent mission of a recognized government, to an international organization, regardless of rank, and to members of their immediate families. G-1 visas are also issued to the mission's secretaries, chauffeurs and custodial employees, except domestic employees, who are issued G-5 visas.

G-2 Visa
Issued to representatives of a recognized government and to members of their immediate families traveling to the United States temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization. G-2 officials may represent their governments at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly or as TDY officers to that country's mission to the international organization. G-2 visas may be issued to military officers who are assisting the UN Secretariat with peacekeeping matters. Family members may also be issued G-2 visas.

G-3 Visa
Issued to representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments, regardless of rank, and to members of their immediate families. G-3 visas should also be issued to representatives of such governments so as to participate in temporary meetings of designated international organizations (e.g., a meeting of the UN General Assembly and Security Council).

G-4 Visa
Issued to personnel of any rank who are proceeding to the United States to take up an appointment at a designated international organization (including the United Nations). Members of their immediate families may also be issued G-4 visas, except their domestic employees, who are issued G-5 visas. Officers and employees of designated international organizations, who are not assigned in the United States, may be accorded G-4 classification if they intend to transit the United States. The number of entries should be limited to the official request. G-4 visas may also be issued to personnel of any rank on the payroll of a designated international organization proceeding to the United States on behalf of that organization.

G-5 Visa
Issued to the attendants and personal employees of persons in G-1 through G-4 status. Note: If a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) were to be employed by a foreign mission in the United States, he or she would be eligible for A visa status if he or she would be willing to surrender his or her permanent residence card.

How to Apply

Applications for A-1, A-2, C-3, and G-1 through G-4 visas must be submitted to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Consular Section through official channels via designated couriers or special appointment arrangements. A diplomatic note or, for international organizations, an official letter must accompany all A-1, A-2, C-3, and G1 through G-4 visa applications. 

If you are applying for a visa as an official or employee of a foreign government or international organization, or as their dependent or attendant, please follow the steps below.  Note: Taiwan TECRO employees and their dependents as well as Taiwan representatives should contact Taiwan Council for U.S. Affairs (TCUSA) regarding their visa applications.    

Step 1: Choose your visa classification

Determine your visa classification by reading this page or the Common Nonimmigrant Visas page.  Each visa class explains the qualifications and application items.  Choose the visa classification that applies to your situation.  Make sure you are familiar with the type of visa that is appropriate for your purpose of travel. Be sure to also review the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 online application 

Complete the online visa application for each applicant.  Be sure to read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form carefully.  All information must be correct and accurate. 

Step 3: Schedule an appointment 

Contact AIT at ConsularTaipei@state.gov to arrange an appointment.  Please be sure to include the following information in your email.  We will respond to your email within 5 working days.  Depending on your type of passport and the purpose of your travel, the visa classification, fee, and interview requirements differ.  We will inform you if an interview or any visa fees are needed.

  • Subject line: Foreign government official /or International organization employee
  • Names of all visa applicants including dependents and other members of household
  • Visa classification you are planning to apply
  • Type of passport you will be using for your visa application-diplomatic, official, regular, or other (please specify)
  • Scanned copy of DS-160 confirmation pages for all applicants
  • Scanned copy of passport cover and bio page for all applicants
  • Scanned copy of a diplomatic note (for foreign government officials) or an invitation letter (for international organization employees)- This note or invitation letter should include the following information concerning the principal applicant:
    • Name and date of birth
    • Position and title
    • Place of assignment or visit
    • Purpose of travel
    • Brief description of duties; For G1, G3 and G4 visa application, please also include work hours per week.
    • Travel date
    • Anticipated length of stay or tour of duty in the United States, and
    • The names, relationships, and dates of birth of any dependents and other members of household who will be accompanying or joining the principal applicant
  • Two preferred appointment dates. We process foreign government official and international organization visas on Monday and Friday mornings at 10:30, except AIT closure days. Please request dates at least 5 working days from today’s date.
  • Your contact phone number in Taiwan during office hours. 

Step 4: Submit your documents to AIT 

Visit the American Institute in Taiwan on the date and time of your appointment.  Bring all the required items below and supporting documents:  

  • A printout paper copy of the appointment confirmation you received from AIT.
  • A printout paper copy of the DS-160 confirmation page for each applicant. Please make sure the printed bar codes are clear.  Incomplete, incorrect, or unclear barcodes will NOT be accepted and will result in cancellation of your appointment.
  • Current passport and, if applicable, other passport(s) with current, valid U.S. visa(s).
  • One photograph, 2x2 inches (5x5cm) with a white background, taken within the last six months.  Photos that do not meet the requirements will NOT be accepted.
  • (For foreign government officials) a diplomatic note - This note is written confirmation from your country’s government of your status and purpose of travel; or
    (For international organization employees) an official letter from your organization requesting the issuance of a G visa.
    See Step 3 above for content requirements.

Please review AIT’s security regulations prior to your visit.  In particular, please note the rules regarding Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs). 

Step 5: Receive your documents 

You can check your visa application status here.  If your application is approved, your passport will be returned to you via courier unless prior arrangements have been made with the Consular Section.  If you choose to have your passport delivered to a designated address, you will be charged an additional courier fee (pay on delivery).

More Information

For more 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 and NATO visas