<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="humanitarian-visas" data-vt-code="NATO-1 – NATO-7"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/humanitarian-visas">Humanitarian & other</a><span>›</span><span>NATO-1 – NATO-7</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>NATO</span><span>No visa fee</span><span>Form DS-160</span><span>Status of Forces Agreement</span></div> <h1><span>NATO-1 – NATO-7</span> NATO Officials, Staff and Forces</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For representatives of NATO member states, NATO officials and experts, civilian staff of NATO forces and headquarters, their families, and their personal employees (NATO-7).</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: State Department · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/nato">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Visa fee</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No fee</a> for NATO visas</dd></div><div><dt>NATO-1 to NATO-5</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Normally exempt from inspection</a></dd></div><div><dt>NATO-6</dt><dd>Admission for <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">duration of status</a></dd></div><div><dt>NATO-7</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 3 years</a>, extensions of up to 2 years</dd></div><div><dt>Interview</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Usually waived</a> for NATO-1–6; required for NATO-7</dd></div><div><dt>Forces under SOFA</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Often visa-exempt</a>; family members need NATO-2 visas</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Armed forces personnel may not need a visa — their families do.</strong> Many NATO armed forces personnel attached to NATO Allied Headquarters in the U.S. on official business, or entering under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement, are <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exempt from passport and visa requirements</a> and present military ID and NATO travel orders. The exemption does not cover immediate family: each family member needs a passport and a NATO-2 visa.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">NATO visas are for people entering under the Agreement on the Status of NATO, National Representatives and International Staff (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 41.25</a>), the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (London, June 1951) or the Paris Protocol on international military headquarters (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(s)</a>). Officials and employees traveling for official NATO purposes <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">must use a NATO visa</a> and cannot use another visa or the Visa Waiver Program.</p> <p class="b"><strong>NATO-1</strong>: principal permanent representatives of member states resident in the U.S. and their official staff, and NATO’s most senior officials. <strong>NATO-2</strong>: other member-state representatives, advisers and experts, dependents of members of a force, and force members if issued visas. <strong>NATO-3</strong>: official clerical staff accompanying a representative. <strong>NATO-4</strong>: other NATO officials. <strong>NATO-5</strong>: experts employed on missions for NATO. <strong>NATO-6</strong>: civilians employed by a force or attached to NATO headquarters. <strong>NATO-7</strong>: attendants, servants and personal employees of NATO-1 to NATO-6 holders. Immediate families are included in each class.</p> <p class="b">Only the security and terrorism grounds of inadmissibility apply to NATO-1, -2, -3, -4 and -6 applicants (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 41.21(d)</a>). NATO-7 employees may work only for the NATO principal from whom they derive status.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">NATO-1 to NATO-6 applicants must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Be traveling under the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Agreement on the Status of NATO, National Representatives and International Staff, the NATO Status of Forces Agreement, or the Paris Protocol</a> as a representative, official, expert, civilian employee or family member.</li><li>Present a diplomatic note and/or travel orders confirming status, duties, length of stay and accompanying dependents.</li><li>Use the NATO visa for official travel; commercial or tourist trips need the appropriate other visa.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">NATO-7 personal employees</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Must be attendants, servants or personal employees of a NATO-1 to NATO-6 holder, authorized to work <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">only for that person</a>.</li><li>Must <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">attend an interview</a> and reapply for visas outside the United States.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">Immediate family</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Spouse, and unmarried sons and daughters under 21 (or under 23 if full-time post-secondary students), living in the principal’s household (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 41.21(a)(3)</a>).</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">NATO-1 to NATO-5</th><td><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Normally exempt from inspection</a> on arrival.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">NATO-6</th><td>May be admitted for <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">duration of status</a>.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">NATO-7</th><td>Up to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 years</a>; extensions of up to 2 years, with the employer’s statement that this is the sole employment.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Passport</th><td>NATO-1, -2, -3, -4 and -6 holders may present a passport <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">valid only long enough</a> to apply for admission.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Visa renewal in the U.S.</th><td>NATO-1 to NATO-6 holders on assignment use <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form DS-1648</a>; NATO-7 holders must reapply abroad.</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">NATO visas are fee-exempt at the State Department, and related USCIS filings are free.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Visa application fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No fee</a></td><td>—</td><td>A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO and diplomatic visas are exempt (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department fee page</a>; see also <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 22.1, item 22(a)</a>, which lists A, G, C-3, NATO and diplomatic visas).</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-539 (NATO-7 extension or change of status)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-106.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No fee</a></td><td>—</td><td>8 CFR 106.2 sets no I-539 fee for A, G and NATO nonimmigrants; the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS fee schedule</a> (edition 10/01/26) lists $0 for filings into or out of A, G or NATO status.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-566 (dependent employment, change of status)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-106.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No fee</a></td><td>—</td><td>Covers NATO-1 to NATO-6 dependents.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-765 (dependent employment authorization)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$0</a></td><td>—</td><td>No fee for dependents of NATO-1 to NATO-6 principals filing under category (c)(7).</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Issuance (reciprocity) fees: official representatives of an international or regional organization of which the U.S. is a member are <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exempt</a> (item 24(a)).</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Interview</dt><dd>Usually waived for NATO-1–6</dd><dd class="n">NATO-7 interviews are required (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Dept.</a>).</dd></div><div><dt>Where to apply</dt><dd>Any designated post</dd><dd class="n">NATO visas are <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exempt</a> from the country-of-residence rule.</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">Times vary by post. Dependent employment requests go through the State Department and USCIS; check <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a>.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Confirm whether a visa is needed</div><div class="tx">Forces personnel on official business may be visa-exempt; family members are not.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Obtain the note or travel orders</div><div class="tx">Issued by NATO or the member state, listing duties and dependents.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Complete Form DS-160</div><div class="tx">Or Form DS-1648 for NATO-1 to NATO-6 renewals in the U.S.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Submit at the embassy or consulate</div><div class="tx">No fee; interviews are usually waived except for NATO-7.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Maintain status</div><div class="tx">NATO-7 holders track their admission period and extend if needed.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the applicant and NATO</h3><ul><li><span>Passport valid for travel (at least six months beyond the stay unless exempt).</span></li><li><span>DS-160 confirmation page and photo.</span></li><li><span>Diplomatic note and/or NATO travel orders with the required details.</span></li><li><span>Visa-exempt forces personnel: official military ID and NATO travel orders.</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">Immediate family members receive a visa in the principal’s class; families of visa-exempt forces personnel need NATO-2 visas.</p> <p class="b">Dependents of NATO-1 to NATO-6 principals may seek employment authorization under formal bilateral agreements or informal reciprocal arrangements, upon a favorable recommendation by SACLANT as described in <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(s)</a>, and an EAD issued under <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-274a.12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 274a.12(c)(7)</a>.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">NATO status is temporary and does not itself lead to permanent residence. A NATO visa holder who qualifies in a family, employment or other immigrant category and adjusts in the U.S. uses <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-566" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form I-566</a> for the change from NATO status.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/a"><div class="c">A-1 / A-2 / A-3</div><div class="n">Diplomats and foreign government officials</div><div class="tx">For embassy and consular officials.</div></a><a href="/visa/g"><div class="c">G-1 – G-5</div><div class="n">International organization visas</div><div class="tx">For missions to and staff of other international organizations.</div></a><a href="/visa/c-1"><div class="c">C-1</div><div class="n">Transit visa</div><div class="tx">C-3 covers officials merely in transit.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Do NATO military personnel need a U.S. visa?</summary><p>Many are <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exempt</a> when attached to NATO Allied Headquarters on official business or entering under the Status of Forces Agreement. Their families still need passports and NATO-2 visas.</p></details><details><summary>Is there a fee for NATO visas?</summary><p>No. NATO visas are <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exempt from the application fee</a>.</p></details><details><summary>How long can a NATO-7 employee stay?</summary><p>Up to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 years initially</a>, with extensions of up to 2 years at a time.</p></details><details><summary>Are NATO visa holders affected by the 2025–2026 travel bans?</summary><p>Valid NATO-1 to NATO-6 visas are <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">excepted</a>; NATO-7 is not listed among the exceptions.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Visas for Employees of International Organizations and NATO</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Fees for Visa Services</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(s) — NATO nonimmigrant aliens</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.21" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 41.21 — Foreign officials, general</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-274a.12" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 274a.12 — Classes authorized to accept employment</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-106.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 106.2 — USCIS fees</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Interview Waiver Update September 18, 2025</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Jul 15, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Residence rule for visa interviews; A, G, NATO exempt.</strong> Nonimmigrant applicants must generally apply in their country of nationality or residence; the guidance does not apply to A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO or diplomatic- and official-type visas. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Dec 16, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 expands entry suspensions.</strong> Effective Jan. 1, 2026 for nationals of 39 countries; valid A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1–G-4 and NATO-1–6 visas are excepted. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Interview waivers narrowed; official visas still eligible.</strong> From Oct. 1, 2025 most applicants need an interview, but A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1–G-4 and NATO-1–6 applicants and diplomatic- or official-type visa applicants remain eligible for a waiver. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10949 restricts entry from 19 countries.</strong> Effective June 9, 2025, with exceptions for valid A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1–G-4 and NATO-1–6 visas. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10669/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/nato">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Humanitarian & other", "item": "https://visatypes.com/humanitarian-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "NATO-1 – NATO-7", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/nato"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Do NATO military personnel need a U.S. visa?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Many are exempt when attached to NATO Allied Headquarters on official business or entering under the Status of Forces Agreement. 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