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Missions and their work

Diplomatic missions are always stationed in capital cities of countries; consular missions can be elsewhere in that country.

A consular mission is also known, depending upon its importance, as a:

• consulate-general
• consulate
• vice-consulate
• consular agency

In a Commonwealth country, a diplomatic mission is known as a 'high commission'. In a non-Commonwealth country, it is known as an 'embassy'.

The main work of a British consul is to protect the interests of UK nationals. Consular staff can provide you with practical advice, assistance and support. Their typical work includes:

• issuing passports and emergency passports
• registering births and deaths
• handling cases of child abduction and forced marriages
• assisting Britons who have been detained or imprisoned, fallen ill or been the victim of a crime

They also use their local knowledge to assess the risks to British nationals.

• Searchable list of UK embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas (opens new window)
• Foreign travel advice (opens new window)