Embassy of the United States Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

What Documentation Do I Need to Apply?

• Form DS-160. When answering the question "Purpose of Trip to U.S." on the "Travel Information" section, choose "Other" from the dropdown menu. A second dropdown menu will appear, choose the appropriate category.
• A diplomatic note. The diplomatic note is written confirmation by the sending government of the applicant's status. A-3 and G-5 applicants must have a diplomatic note included with their applications to confirm the official status of employers.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.
• Two 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format here.
• Visa processing and issuance fees. Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from paying visa fees for all types of visas. Official passport holders are not charged for official visas, but are required to pay the $160 non-refundable visa application fee and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable, for all non-official visas.
• Visa application forms and supporting documents should be delivered to the Embassy's consular section Monday - Thursday between 2 - 3 p.m. and Friday between 9 -10 a.m. Visas will usually be available for pick-up two business days later. We cannot provide same day service. Applications subject to administrative processing may take longer to process.

Do I Qualify for a Diplomatic (A) or International Organization (G) Visa?

• Diplomats (A visas) : To qualify for an A-1 or A-2 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. 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 diplomatic visas. You must follow the procedure here and apply for a appropriate visa.
• International Organizations (G visas) : To qualify for a G visa, your visit to the United States must be for official business. 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. Officials of International Organizations traveling to the United States to perform non-official functions of a commercial nature or traveling, as tourists, require the appropriate visa, and do not qualify for diplomatic visas. You must follow the procedure here and apply for the appropriate visa.

Please note: Foreign officials who are traveling to the United States on official business must obtain an A or G visa prior to their entry. They cannot travel on tourist's visas nor can they travel under the Visa Waiver Program.

Are My Family Members Also Eligible for Official A and G Visas?

Only immediate family members qualify for A and G visas. 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 and who will reside regularly in the household of the principal applicant and are recognized as dependants 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 or G visa, but may apply for a B visa.

Do I Need an Interview?

The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania can waive a personal appearance for many types of diplomatic visas but may request an interview. Personal employees, attendants, and servants of A and G visa holders, that is, applicants for A-3 or G-5 visas, are required to be interviewed.