Nonimmigrant Visas

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In general, a citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States temporarily must first obtain a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport.

For information regarding the new VWP/ESTA eligibility requirements, click here.

European Travel Info & Health Advisory:  advice on travel for UK citizens and Global Health Advisory

Travel restrictions for travel to the United States changed on November 8.  Also, while we continue to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services, visa appointments remain extremely limited and routine visa services have not resumed. In addition to checking the information on this page, ensure you visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for important information about travel to the United States and visa services in the UK at this time, and keep checking that webpage for any updates.

With the exception of a Head of State or Government who qualifies for an A-1 visa regardless of the purpose of the visit to the United States, the type of visa required by a diplomat or other government official depends upon the reason for entering the United States.

Government officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature or traveling as tourists require the appropriate H, L or B visa, or if qualified, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program; they do not qualify for diplomatic or official visas.

The chart on this page contains many different purposes of temporary travel and the related nonimmigrant visa categories available at Travel.State.gov.

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