Visa Application Procedures for Diplomats, Government Officials & Employees of International Organizations

Diplomats and Government officials

Embassy London accepts for processing the visa applications of all diplomatic, official or special passport holders accredited by their government to their missions in the United Kingdom and those of their immediate family.

Applying for the visa

A completed visa application form DS-156 is required for each person traveling, even children and babies listed in parents' passports. The requirement that applicants complete the supplemental visa application form DS-157 does not apply to those applying for A-1, and A-2 visas.

In addition to the DS-156, the applicant is required to furnish his or her passport, a color passport type photograph and a Note Verbale. The Note Verbale should list the names of the official travelers and specify their title or official status. It should also specify the date of departure from the United Kingdom, and the purpose of the trip and length of the proposed stay in the United States.

Applicants are required to schedule an appointment with the Diplomatic Visa Section to apply for the visa. Diplomatic missions who wish to submit visa applications on behalf of their diplomatic personnel and other government officials and their immediate families by messenger to the Embassy's Diplomatic Visa Section may do so. In such cases the messenger will require an appointment. Please see "Scheduling an Appointment in the top, right-hand side of this page.

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 visa application and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable, for all non-official visas.

Traveling on behalf of the U.K. government

If you are traveling to the United States on behalf of the U.K. government you should have your department submit your application through the Home Office, Official Visa Department, U.K. Passport Services, Globe House, 89 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PN; phone number 0207 901 7542/2334 (the line is open between 15:30 and 16:30 only). Applicants who are applying for visas to serve at the U.K. Embassy or Consulates in the United States, should apply for visas through the Foreign and Commonwealth office. Members of the military should apply through the Defence Passenger Reservations Centre, Visa Section, 5th Floor, St Georges Court, London WC1A 2SH.

Employees of International Organizations

An application for a G visa cannot be processed without an official request from the appropriate international organization. This is sent either to the applicant or directly to the Embassy. If the request is being sent to the Embassy, you should confirm receipt by emailing e-mailing LondonDips@state.gov before applying for the visa.

Applying for the visa

Visa processing is by Embassy approved courier, or in person through a pre-arranged appointment with the Diplomatic Visa Section during the hours noted below. If applying through the courier service, a minimum of fifteen workdays should be allowed for the application to be processed.

A completed visa application form DS-156 is required for each person traveling, even children and babies listed in parents' passports. In addition to the DS-156, the applicant is required to furnish his or her passport and a color passport type photograph.

The requirement that applicants complete the supplemental visa application form DS-157 does not apply to those applying for G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas. The principal applicant may complete the DS-156 on behalf of his or her family members. The visa application form should either be delivered or couriered to the Embassy together with the passport, color passport type photograph and original official request from the International Organization, if not sent directly to the Embassy. If applying by courier, you must arrange a return delivery.

Visa processing and issuance fees

G visa applicants are exempt from paying the visa application fee.

NATO Representatives, Officials and Employees

A completed visa application form DS-156 is required for each person traveling, even children and babies listed in parents' passports. The requirement that applicants complete the supplemental visa application form DS-157 does not apply to those applying for NATO Visas. In addition to the DS-156, the applicant is required to furnish his or her passport and a color passport type photograph. Members of the HM Forces should apply for the visa through the Defence Passenger Reservations Centre (DPRC), Visa Section, 5th Floor, St Georges Court, London WC1A 2SH; phone number 0207 305 4806 or 0207 305 4844/5.

Visa processing and issuance fees

NATO applicants are exempt from paying the visa application fee.

The Diplomatic Visa Section

The Diplomatic Visa Section is open Monday through Friday between 12.00 p.m. and 12.30 p.m. except for American and British public holidays.

Visa processing is normally 48 hours.

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