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.

• 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

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/

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.

Read the document HERE.