If you've ever been traveling, or even if you live in a large city, you may have come across consulates and embassies, big, important-looking buildings, often old and dignified, situated on tree-lined boulevards and surrounded by guards. But do you know the difference? If you plan on doing any traveling, or if you're thinking of moving to another country, you should be familiar not only with where your country's embassies and consulates are, but also what they do and what differentiates them.

The Embassy

An Embassy is a very important link between the governments of two countries. An Embassy, also called a "diplomatic mission," is a permanent link between two countries. For example, the United States has embassies in most countries as a way of representing its interests abroad. The head of an embassy is called an ambassador, and he or she serves as the representative and mouthpiece of his or her government in the foreign country. Embassies attend to the diplomatic necessities of their nation as well as providing services for their citizens abroad.

The Consulate

The consulate provides some similar functions of the embassy only without the banner of operating under the diplomatic aegis of the country. The head of the consulate is called the consul. The consulate is meant to foster trade between countries and to provide services similar to those of the embassy to the citizens of its country abroad. These services include issuing visas and representing the needs of expatriate citizens. Consulates are usually located in large cities and cities with particularly heavy tourist traffic so as to provide service to as many of its citizens as possible.

Traveling and Living Abroad

If you are traveling or living abroad, you should learn the locations of your nation's embassies and consulates in the area in which you will be staying. Consulates will be able to help you with unexpected problems that arise during your stay involving visas, passports, etc. If you are traveling to a developing nation, the consulate may provide a degree of safety net should you be charged with a crime and have little recourse for legal representation.

However, it's important to understand that an embassy is present in a nation first and foremost to represent the interests of its country, not necessarily to convenience expatriates. You should treat embassies and consulates with respect, but be aware that they are there should you require their services.

For more information about immigration law, visit http://www.austin-immigration-lawyers.com

Joseph Devine