About the Corps
The Utah Consular Corps serves as a vital bridge between Utah and the global community. Comprising both career and honorary consuls, we represent a diverse array of nations and foster strong relationships with the state.
As representatives of our respective countries, we play a crucial role in promoting international understanding, cooperation, and economic development. Our members are dedicated to serving the needs of their citizens residing in Utah, providing consular assistance, and facilitating cultural exchange programs.
We actively engage with government officials, businesses, and community organizations to strengthen ties between Utah and the nations we represent. Our efforts contribute to the state’s economic growth, enhance its global reputation, and enrich the cultural fabric of our community.
Whether assisting with consular matters, promoting trade and investment, or organizing cultural events, the Utah Consular Corps is committed to making a positive impact on both Utah and the countries we serve.
The Utah Consular Corps (UCC) was founded in 2001 in the spirit of the upcoming 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic & Paralympic Games. The Utah Consular Corps is an organization consisting of Career and Honorary Consuls in the State of Utah. They are members of a country’s foreign service or are local residents that have been appointed by a foreign government to perform consular duties. The Utah Consular Corps aims to increase diplomatic relations, commerce, and cultural diplomacy between Utah, it’s residents, and international governments.
Who we are /
Our mission is to foster diplomacy and strong, cooperative relationships between Utah and the rest of the world.
Our Mission /
We will work diligently to be present in our community and serve as a connection to the world while bringing prosperity to the countries that we represent, as well as the State of Utah. Our goal is to become one of the States with the most honorary and career consuls representing nations around the world, furthering diplomacy and fostering friendship based upon mutual interests. Through this, we will be a conduit for business, educational, and cultural endeavors.
Our Vision /
Founded in 2001, the Utah Consular Corps was formed to specifically address the demands of the 2002 Winter Olympics, but continues to serve the following purposes:
Foster relationships between Utah residents, foreign consular officers, and citizens of foreign countries
Foster cooperation of Utah consuls with Utah-based international cultural, athletic, civic, and economic events
Increase communication and fellowship among the foreign consular officers serving in Utah
Serve as a resource to inform the Consuls and the public about consular duties, responsibilities, and practices
What we do /
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Consular Officers develop economic, commercial, scientific and cultural relationships between their respective country of representation and the area in which they serve. Consular officers also safeguard the interests of the country of origin and its citizens traveling or resident in their present consular district.
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Promoting commerce through trade, technology transfer and bilateral investments
Facilitate scientific, academic, cultural, business and professional exchanges
Arrange official visits to their representative countries as well as respective visiting officials to the consular's district
Provide useful economic, social, cultural and tourist information about their country of representation
Issuing passports and other official documents
Issuing visas to the country of origin
Assisting travelers in distress, especially when facing problems with local law enforcement or immigration authorities
Signing death certificates
Legalizing or delivering official documents
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Embassies must submit a diplomatic note to request approval from The Department of State’s Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) to establish a new consular post headed by an honorary consular officer. The note must contain a detailed justification for the request.
To be eligible for appointment as an honorary consular officer, and to retain such status, a person must:
be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR);
not hold an office of profit or trust with the U.S. Government or a position with a state, county, or other municipality of the United States and which is considered by such entity to be incompatible with the duties of an honorary consular officer;
obtain permission from the Secretary of the Department concerned, if he or she holds a commission as a Reserve Officer in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces;
reside full-time in the area where the embassy is requesting representation; and
be age 21 or over.
OFM expects that foreign governments will seek to nominate individuals of good standing and reputation in the community.
The Department will review the complete application package and provide its approval or denial in a diplomatic note to the Embassy.
Please refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website for additional information and details: https://www.state.gov/honorary-consular-officers-posts/
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Many countries have official missions in the United States to connect with their citizens and the U.S. government. These missions include embassies in Washington, D.C., and consulates in various cities. Both are staffed by professional diplomats. Additionally, some countries have honorary consulates, which are typically run by local residents who volunteer their time.
Looking for the consulate closest to you? Head to the U.S. Department of State website. This website offers a searchable list of all diplomatic missions in the United States.
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Read the document HERE.
Frequently asked questions /
Utah Diplomatic Service Award
On the esteemed occasion of the inaugural gala of the Utah Consular Corps, held on December 14, 2023, the Utah State Legislature formally established the prestigious Diplomatic Service Award. This distinguished accolade represents the preeminent recognition bestowed by the State of Utah upon individuals who have demonstrably fostered robust diplomatic relations between the international community and the state.
During its inauguration, retiring Consuls Gary J. Neeleman of Brazil and David Utrilla of Peru became the first consuls to be given the award.
