U.S. Embassy & Consulates
in Mexico

Who qualifies for an A-1 or A-2 visa?

1. The individual concerned must be traveling to the United States on behalf of his or her national government to engage solely in official activities for that government.
2. The particular duties or services to be performed must also be of an inherently governmental character or nature.

Who does not qualify for an A-1 or A-2 visa?

1. Local government officials representing their state, province, borough, or other local political entity do not qualify for “A” visa status. They require B-1 or B-2 visas.
2. Government officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature or traveling as tourists require the appropriate H, L, or B visa. They do not qualify for diplomatic visas.

Foreign officials who intend to travel 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.

Many diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa fees for most visa classifications. Please use the contact us form for questions about your specific case.

Qualified A visa applicants traveling to the United States for assignments of less than 90 days will be issued visas annotated “TDY” (temporary duty).

Required documentation:

1. Valid passport with blank pages
2. The confirmation page from the completed DS-160 application form: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
3. One color photograph, 5 cm x 5 cm, white background. More details located here. 
4. A Note Verbale including:

• • Name and date of birth
  • Position and title
  • Place of assignment or visit
  • Purpose of travel
  • Brief description of duties
  • Travel date
  • Anticipated length of stay or tour of duty in the United States
  • Names, relationships, and dates of birth of any dependents and/or other members of household who will be accompanying or joining the principal applicant

Process at the U.S. Embassy

Deliver the application packet to the U.S. Embassy via the Rio Danubio Entrance between 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Indicate that you are delivering official visa applications.  If you are applying at a consulate, please contact the consulate where you intend to process your application for more information here.

The Embassy is closed for U.S. and Mexican holidays.

Note:  The average delivery time is five business days. Some cases can require additional processing time.

 

A-3: Personal Employee of an A-1 or A-2 Visa Holder

Applicants for this visa require:

1. A completed Pre-Notification Form for Domestic Workers  emailed to DomesticWorkers@state.gov. This document must be completed three days prior to completing and submitting the DS-160 visa application.
2. The confirmation page  from the completed DS-160 application form:  https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
3. One color photograph, 5 cm x 5 cm, white background. More details located here. 
4. Valid passport (at least 6 months)
5. Original letter/employment contract from the employing international organization official describing nature of work, position, place, and length of stay in the United States.
6. Applicants are required to submit contracts in English and in their native language, signed by both the employer and the employee, including the following:

• • A work schedule (including holidays, sick days, and vacation days)
  • A provision for medical insurance
  • A guarantee that the employee will be compensated at or above the Federal, State, or Prevailing Minimum Wage (whichever is greater) for an eight-hour work day
  • A guarantee the employee will not accept any other employment while working for the employer
  • A guarantee the employer will not withhold the passport, employment contract or personal effects of the employee
  • The employer’s agreement to abide by all federal, state and local laws in the United States
    • Sample contracts are available in both English and Spanish. 

Please send the Diplomatic note by email to DipVisaMex@state.gov to schedule an appointment.