OFFICIALS, DIPLOMATS & REPRESENTATIVES OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Chinese Diplomatic (red), Service (green) & Public Affairs (brown) passport holders (collectively known as “waiban”) traveling to or through the United States on official business must obtain the appropriate visa prior to their entry.
Visa Types:
Who Qualifies for a Diplomatic Visa:
Individuals qualify for diplomatic visas only if they are traveling to the United States on behalf of their national government to engage solely in official activities for that government. For international organizations, the visit to the United States must be for official business.
Waiban passport holders traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature, or traveling as tourists, do not qualify for diplomatic visas. Local government officials representing their state, province, city, or other local political entity also do not qualify for diplomatic visas.
Waiban passport holders should submit visa applications to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry will arrange for materials to reach the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section.
Applicants for diplomatic or official visas do not require fingerprinting and are exempt from paying the visa application fee. A visa interview is also not required, although the U.S. Embassy may request a personal interview.
A visa application for a diplomatic or official visa must include:
OTHER TRAVEL
For diplomatic and service passport holders who do not qualify for diplomatic or official visas, visa application materials should be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry will deliver applications to the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section and will schedule visa interviews. Due to appointment and processing wait times, it is recommended that waiban applicants start the application process well in advance of their planned travel dates.
Waiban passport holders who do not qualify for diplomatic or official visas must comply with the same procedures as the general public, including interviewing, fingerprinting, payment of the visa application fee, and submitting Electronic Visa Application Forms DS-156 and DS-157). See How to Apply.
Please note that the Department of State is not singling out any particular country or mission for fingerprinting. This security enhancement is a worldwide policy and all U.S. visa-issuing Embassies and Consulates are required to collect fingerprint scans in connection with nonimmigrant visa applications.
At the time of the interview, waiban passport holders should prepare their documentation according to the visa classification for which they are applying. See Visa Types and Recommended Documents. In addition to the specific recommended documents, waibans should provide an invitation letter from the U.S. partner stating details such as a intended itinerary, discussion topics, people they will meet, and who will pay for their trip. Failure to present the necessary documents may delay qualified travelers from receiving their visas.
Waiban passport holders may also use Drop-off service for renewal of a previous visa if they satisfy the U.S. Embassy’s visa renewal requirements. See Visa Renewal Service. They should ask their local waiban office about the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs drop box service.
Government officials who are traveling to or through the United States on official business must obtain the appropriate visa prior to their entry. They cannot travel on tourist visas or visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program.
Visa Types:
Individuals qualify for diplomatic visas only if they are traveling to the United States on behalf of their national government to engage solely in official activities for that government. For international organizations, the visit to the United States must be for official business.
Officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature, or traveling as tourists, do not qualify for diplomatic visas.
A visa application for a diplomatic or official visa must include:
Diplomatic Note: the note must include the name and title of the applicant as well as the purpose and length of their trip to the United States.
Passport: valid for at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.
Applicants for diplomatic or official visas are exempt from paying the visa application fee and do not require fingerprinting. A visa interview is also not required, although the U.S. Embassy may request a personal interview.Applicants for diplomatic or official visas can arrange for a representative from their embassy or organization to submit their application materials to the U.S. Embassy Consular Section Monday-Friday from 2pm-4pm. without making an appointment.
OTHER TRAVEL
The Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”) enables nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. See VWP Countries. Nationals who are not from a VWP country must obtain a visa in order to travel to the United States.
A special application procedure is set up for visa applicants from foreign diplomatic missions & international organizations in China. The following individuals may come in and submit their visa applications Monday-Friday from 2pm-4pm. without making an appointment:
- Members of foreign diplomatic missions and consular offices, who are accredited in China
- Representatives of international organizations in China
- Family members of the above applicants
Required Documentation:
Visa Application Forms: signed and completed
DS-156 and
DS-157.
- Diplomatic Note: the note must include the name and title of the applicant as well as the purpose and length of their trip to the United States.
- Passport: valid for at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.
- Photograph: one recent 2x2 inch color photo glued to the DS-156. See Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
- Original receipt of visa application fee.
Interview & Fingerprint:
Applicants need to appear in person at the Embassy for a brief visa interview, and are also required to be fingerprinted (except for children under the age of 14 and adults 80 years of age or over).
Visa Processing & Return of Passport:
Normally, we are able to return passports and visas within two business days of the visa interview. The applicant will be notified when the visa is available for pick up. Applicants should inform the consular officer at the time of the interview if they need to travel urgently.
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