Diplomatic Window 

Travelers who are Official Representatives of:

• The Royal Thai government;
• Recognized International Organizations (IMF, World Bank, WHO etc.); or
• Embassies or Consulates located in Bangkok;

AND

• Who are being sent to the United States on official government or international organization business, require a “NOTE VERBALE” from the sending organization or, in the case of Thai officials, from the Foreign Ministry.

These applicants should be directed to consult with their administrative offices that normally take care of their visa issues.
 
Procedures for Bangkok:
 
The Embassy will maintain a Diplomatic and Official Visa window for diplomats, national level government officials, and International Organization employees traveling to the U.S. on official business who qualify for A1, A2, G1, G2, G3, and G4, or C3 (diplomatic) visas.  The window will be open on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 13:30-15:00.  Applicants should be directed to consult with their administrative offices that normally handle visa issues.

Applicants unsure whether they meet the qualifications for a diplomatic or official visa should submit completed DS-156 and DS-157 visa application forms and a Diplomatic Note or Note Verbale from the Foreign Ministry or International Organization, to the Diplomatic Window during the times specified above.  Applicants should not pay the $131 application fee unless instructed by a consular officer. Effective January 1, 2008, the MRV fee will increase to $131.  At the same time, the exchange rate will decrease to 34 baht per dollar, making the new MRV fee to be 4454 baht.  Any visa applicants who have paid the prior $100 application fee before January 1, 2008 will be processed only if they are scheduled and appear for a visa interview before January 31.  Applicants who paid the prior $100 application fee and appear for a visa interview after January 31, 2008 must pay the difference $31 before they will be interviewed. Applications should be delivered to the Embassy by diplomatic courier a minimum of four working days prior to departure.  A consular officer will review the application and determine whether the applicant qualifies for a diplomatic visa.

All “A”, “G”, C2, and C3 visa applicants, and diplomatic passport holders applying for any visa are exempt from the visa application fee. The visa application fee is nonrefundable, even if paid in error.

If the applicant qualifies for a diplomatic or official visa, the Embassy waives the fingerprinting requirement and the visa application fee.  The Embassy processes the visa, which will be ready for pick-up at the diplomatic window on the following Monday or Wednesday during diplomatic window hours.

If the applicant does not qualify for a diplomatic or official visa, the Embassy returns the application to the applicant or courier.  The applicant will be directed to book a B1/B2 visitors visa appointment through the online appointment booking system or call center.  Such applicants must pay the visa application fee (unless they have a diplomatic passport) and bring the receipt to the Embassy on the day of the interview.  Applicants must be able to provide, at the time of their visa interview, a diplomatic note attesting to their purpose of travel.

NOTE: Diplomats wishing to have their visas issued by Consulate General Chiang Mai should contact the Consulate General directly via diplomatic courier.