Diplomatic/Official (A/C3/G)
Diplomats and Other Government Officials
Visa Service for Diplomatic/Official at US Embassy Seoul is open on weekdays from 8:30 - 11:30 am or 12:30 - 4:00 pm, except U.S. and Korean holidays. Visa applications can be made in person through the Diplomatic Visa Window during the hours noted above, or through Ilyang (1588-0002) or Hanjin (1588-0011) couriers. If applying by courier, 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 B1/B2 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 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, a United States military installation, or a "miscellaneous foreign government organization" (MFGO) that has been accredited by the Department of State's Protocol Office. The first step in accrediting an organization as an MFGO, if it is not accredited already, is to contact the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Note: Government 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 B1/B2 visas, if otherwise qualified. B-1/B-2 visa applicants are required to pay visa application and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable.
Official Transit
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 is classifiable C–3. Members of the immediate family, attendants, servants, or personal employees of such an official receive the same classification as the principal alien.
International Organizations Visas
International Organizations: To qualify for a G visa the individual must be entering the United States in pursuance of official duties.
- G1 - Members of a permanent mission of a recognized government to an international organization
- G2 - Representatives of a recognized government traveling to the United States temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization
- G3 - Representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments
- G4 - Personnel proceeding to the United States to take up an appointment at a designated international organization, including the United Nations
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 B1/B2 visas, if otherwise qualified. B-1/B-2 visa applicants are required to pay visa application fee 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), please submit the following documents through either Ilyang (1588-0002) or Hanjin (1588-0011) couriers, or drop them off at Embassy Seoul weekdays between 8:30 - 11:30 am or 12:30 - 4:00 pm.
- Your valid passport
- Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF DS-156) (Note:the EVAF version of the DS-156 is required)
- One 5.0 x 5.0 cm color photo, taken within the last six months against a white or off-white background
- Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is required to be submitted with Form DS-156 by male C3 visa applicants between the age of 16 and 45
- Diplomatic note
Visits for Other Purposes: If you are planning to travel to the United States for purposes other than the visa categories noted above, please click one of the links below.
The following persons are not required to pay a visa application fee:
- All A, C-2, C-3, G or NATO visa applicants, including household staff qualifying for those categories
- All applicants holding a diplomatic passport
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 are subject to the electronic passport (e-passport) requirement. This includes the Republic of Korea. 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.
If you have a question about your status as a Korean government official seeking a visa, before you apply please inquire by fax at 02-725-6843 or e-mail at seoulninfo@state.gov, stating your question, office, contact person's name, telephone and fax number, and email address.
Domestic servants applying for A3 and G5 visas must schedule an interview through Visa Information Web Services at www.us-visaservices.com or by calling 003-08-131-420, and apply with the following required documents. A3 and G5 applicants are exempt from the application (MRV) fee. However, they are required to be interviewed and finger scanned at the time of their appointment.
Required Documents for A3 and G5 visas
- A passport valid for travel to the United States with any plastic/leather cases removed.
- A completed and signed Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF DS-156) with photo (See "photo requirements") for each applicant.
- Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is required to be submitted with Form DS-156 by all male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the age of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality or place of application.
- Your old passport containing your previously issued U.S. visa, if applying for a renewal.
- A courier service receipt from Ilyang: 1588-0002 or Hanjin: 1588-0011.
The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act
The Department of State wants to ensure that each nonimmigrant is aware of his/her rights, as well as protections and resources available, when working in the United States. To learn more, review the Nonimmigrant Rights, Protections and Resources pamphlet, here.
Updated: October 21, 2009