Visa Types
Diplomats & Government Officials
With the exception of a Head of State or Head of Government, who qualifies for an A-1 visa regardless of the purpose of his or her visit to the United States, the type of visa required by a diplomat or other government official depends upon his or her reason for entering the United States.
Foreign officials who intend to travel to the United States on official business must obtain an A-1 or A-2 visa prior to entering the Unites States. They cannot travel on tourist visas, or visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program for this purpose of travel.
To qualify for an A-1 or A-2 visa, 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. 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 particular 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; they require B-1 business visas.
Government officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature or traveling as tourists require the appropriate business visa or tourist visa, or if qualified they may travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program; they do not qualify for diplomatic visas.
Qualified A visa applicants traveling to the United States for assignments of less than 90 days will be issued visas annotated "TDY" (temporary duty).
Spouses, Children, & Partners
Immediate family members of A visa holders who are taking up an official assignment in the United States are in many cases entitled to the same visa classification. Immediate family members are defined as the spouse and unmarried sons and daughters of any age who are members of the A visa holder's household. Ummarried partners who are recognized as the principal alien's dependant by the sending government, while not eligible for derivative A visas, may apply for B-1/B-2 visas, if otherwise qualified. B-1/B-2 visa applicants are required to pay visa application and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable.
Documents Required for A-1 or A-2:
- Letter from the relevant Ministry of the Government of Slovenia describing the applicant's position and purpose and duration of travel
- The most common format is a Diplomatic note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing the applicant's Government position and the purpose and duration of travel
Special Courtesies for A-1 and A-2 Applicants
Applicants for A-1 or A-2 visas are not required to have an interview appointment, nor are they required to appear in person at the Embassy. A representative may submit the required documents on the applicant's behalf. A-1 and A-2 visas will be ready on the next business day after receipt of the required documents. A-1 and A-2 visas are issued free of charge.