Honorary consuls are recognised in international law and theoretically enjoy the same privileges as career diplomats. Often they are locals appointed in cities too insignificant for professional consulates. Most work without pay.
Do honorary consuls get diplomatic passports?
The ability to obtain a diplomatic passport or an appointment as an honorary consulate is an honor that is reserved for a very select few. Diplomatic passports and honorary consul appointments both offer multiple benefits.
Are consuls diplomats?
states regularized the position of consuls as state officials, though they were not considered diplomats ....... The appointment of consuls is merely notified; they are entitled to some but not all diplomatic privileges......
What is the difference between a consul and a diplomat?
is that consul is an official residing in a foreign country in order to protect the interests of citizens from his or her nation while diplomat is a person who is accredited, such as an ambassador , to officially represent a government in its relations with other governments or international organisations.
How do you address an honorary consul?
Addressing a letter to a consul general is simple. You just use the person’s normal prefix for the person’s name: Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc. When addressing a letter you should write “Mr. John Smith. ” In the following line, write “Consul General.” Then, begin a new line to list the street address.
Do family members of diplomats have diplomatic immunity?
Like those of diplomatic agents, the recognized family members of administrative and technical staff enjoy the same privileges and immunities from the host country’s criminal jurisdiction as their sponsors. Since these family members have no official duties to perform, they enjoy no immunity from civil jurisdiction .
How does one become a diplomat?
A diplomat must be versed in foreign relations; therefore, the most recognizable route to a career in diplomacy is a bachelor’s and then master’s degree in a major like international relations, political science, cultural anthropology, sociology, or foreign policy.
How do you become an honorary consul?
To become an honorary consul you must work with a diplomatic consultant , sometimes also called a diplomatic broker or must have a very strong international political network of your own. Your consultant needs to know and understand your situation and intentions to connect you with the best suitable option.
What are the duties of a consul?
Consul, in foreign service, a public officer who is commissioned by a state to reside in a foreign country for the purpose of fostering the commercial affairs of its citizens in that foreign country and performing such routine functions as issuing visas and renewing passports .
How long do consul generals serve?
A consul is distinguished from an ambassador, the latter being a representative from one head of state to another, but both have a form of immunity . ... A less common usage is an administrative consul, who takes a governing role and is appointed by a country that has colonised or occupied another.
How do I write a letter to an honorary consul?
All consuls ... full time or honorary ... are addressed orally on in writing as ‘Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr. (Name)’ ... . whichever honorific to which they are normally entitled.
Do honorary consuls have diplomatic status?
Honorary consuls also enjoy diplomatic immunity , which means that their offices and homes cannot be searched by law enforcement officers.
Do honorary consulates issue visas?
However, they are not authorized to provide all services , e.g. they are not allowed to issue visas.
Why are diplomats above the law?
As a result of their title, diplomats are exempt from being prosecuted by the state in open court when they are suspected to be guilty of a crime . Not only are these agents free from the criminal jurisdiction of the state, they are also immune from administrative and civil jurisdiction.
Does the wife of a diplomat have diplomatic immunity?
No matter: the VCDR extends immunity to family members who form part of the diplomat’s household. While every country may define “family” differently, diplomats’ spouses enjoy co-extensive immunity .
Can I use my diplomatic passport for personal travel?
With the exception of those traveling with courtesy diplomatic passports, bearers of special-issuance passports must use a regular passport for all personal travel , including personal travel originating from the United States.
