Consular services are the help and advice provided by the diplomatic agents of a country to its citizens who are living or traveling overseas. These services are provided by consular officers who may be honorary consuls or members of the countrys diplomatic service. The type and amount of consular services provided depend on the situation, and there are limits to the help that can be given. Some examples of consular services include:
- Provision of replacement travel documents
- Advice and support in the case of an accident, serious illness, or death
- Advice and support to victims of serious crime overseas, and arranging for next-of-kin to be informed
- Visitation contact with incarcerated nationals
- Liaison with local police officials in the case of nationals abducted or missing overseas
- Loans to distressed travelers
- Help during crises, such as civil unrest and natural disasters
- Facilitating the overseas payment of social welfare benefits
- Registering citizen births abroad
- Providing a list of local doctors and lawyers for medical and/or legal issues
- Supervising their flag vessels in foreign harbors
Consular services commonly do not extend to storing luggage or valuables, intervening in commercial disputes on behalf of their nationals, providing travel agency, banking, or postal services, money changing, translation and interpreting services, legal advice or advocacy, negotiation of special treatment, bail, or early release from prison, criminal investigation, or employment services.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States Department of State provides passport services to U.S. citizens, issues visas to enter the U.S., manages the Diversity Visa Lottery, and provides services to U.S. citizens abroad.
