What is the difference between official, business and tourist visa?

Question

I want to know espesially the differnce between official and business visa, and what is each one of them for?

Answer 1

Visa type (diplomatic, official and regular) is distinct from visa classification (A, B, C, D, E etc.). A person with a visa for business could have a diplomatic, official or regular type visa.

An otherwise eligible applicant would qualify for a diplomatic visa if within one of the categories listed in 22 CFR 41.26(c), regardless of the visa classification.

The official visa provides for officials who, for some reason—such as lack of a diplomatic passport—cannot qualify for diplomatic visas. As with the diplomatic visa, the official visa is designed to facilitate entry into the United States, but does not carry any privileges or immunities beyond those implicit in the visa classification itself.

All other visas are called "regular." Visa types and visa classifications are two different things.

Answer 2

A business visa is to conduct business in the US (it is usually coupled to a tourist visa [B-1/B-2 visa]). A tourist visa is to be a tourist in the US, visit relatives, etc. There is no "official visa" but government officials can get one of the following classes of visa A, G, or NATO.