Diplomats and Official Government Travel

Foreign Diplomats and Official Government Travelers seeking to enter the U.S. on official government business or on behalf of an international organization may apply for the appropriate official visa at the U.S. Embassy in Doha.  The U.S. Embassy in Doha generally does not require an interview for those applying for A or G official visas; however, a consular officer can request an interview if necessary to determine an applicant's qualifications for the visa.

Official Government Travel

To qualify for an official (A) visa, you must be traveling to the United States on behalf of your 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 if you qualify for an A visa; the particular duties or services that will be performed must be governmental in character or nature, as determined by the United States Department of State, in accordance with U.S. immigration laws. Government officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature, or traveling as tourists, require the appropriate visa, and do not qualify for A visas.  The U.S. Embassy in Doha makes a special accommodation for bearers of "Diplomatic" passports who wish to obtain a tourist visa.  Please read below for further information.

Foreign officials who are traveling to the United States on official business must obtain an A visa prior to their entry.  They cannot travel on tourist's visas, or visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. Likewise, A visa holders should NOT travel to the U.S. using their A visa soley for the purpose of personal tourism, private business or to study.

International Organizations

To qualify for a international organization (G) visa, the purpose of your intended travel to the United States must be pursuant to official duties.  Permanent mission members of a recognized government to an international organization are eligible for a G-1 visa. Representatives of a recognized government traveling to the United States temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization are eligible for G-2 visas and representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments are eligible for G-3 visas. G-4 visas are issued to individuals who are proceeding to the United States to take up an appointment at a designated international organization, including the United Nations. See the listing of designated International Organizations.

Application Procedures

Visa application forms should be delivered via driver or other appropriate representative to the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Doha between 8 and 10 a.m. on any Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, excluding holidays.  Each application must include the following forms and documentation:

• An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, signed and completed.  Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form, DS-156 to access the electronic version of the DS-156. 
  
  
• A diplomatic or official note.  The diplomatic or official note is written confirmation by the sending government of the applicant’s status. A-3 applicants must also have a diplomatic note to confirm the official status of employers.
  
  
• A passport valid for travel to the United States
  
  
• One photograph - See the print photo format found in the Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements. If the confirmation page includes a photo image, then the photo upload function has succeeded and no separate print photograph is required.

Visa Fees

Individuals who establish entitlement to an official visa classification (A and G) are exempt from paying visa fees. Additionally, individuals holding "Diplomatic" passports may also be exempt from visa fees regardless of visa classification and purpose of travel, including tourist travel.  If you hold a "Diplomatic" (and not "Special") passport and are applying for a tourist visa, please do not pay the visa fee at CommercialBank.

Immediate Family Members

Immediate family members are defined as the spouse and unmarried sons and daughters of any age who are members of the principal applicant's household. Immediate family also includes close relatives of the principal applicant or spouse who are related by blood, marriage or adoption and are not members of some other household, will reside regularly in the household of the principal applicant, and are recognized as dependents by the sending government. An unmarried partner, even if recognized as the principal applicant's dependent by the sending government, would not be eligible for a derivative A visa, but may apply for a B visa, if otherwise qualified. B visa applicants are required to pay visa application and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable.

Personal Employees

Personal employees, attendants, domestic workers, or servants of individuals who hold a valid A or G visa may be issued an A-3 or G-5 visa, respectively, if they meet the qualifications for Domestic Employees.  As part of the application process, an interview at the embassy or consulate is required.  Additionally, as part of the visa interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly completed.  Proof that the applicant will receive a fair wage, sufficient to financially support himself, comparable to that being offered in the area of employment in the U.S. is required in the form of a written and signed contract.  In addition, the applicant needs to demonstrate that he/she will perform the contracted employment duties. The consular officer will determine eligibility for the visa.

Tourist Travel for Diplomats

Bearers of "Diplomatic" passports may apply for tourist visas without an appointment and are not required to pay the visa fee at CommercialBank.  However, you must still appear for a personal interview and fingerscans and provide the forms required for Tourist or Business Travelers.  For your convenience, we ask that you notify the Consular Section of your intention to apply for a tourist visa via email at ConsularDoha@state.gov before you come to the U.S. Embassy.