What is the difference between an embassy and a consulate? A comparison of their roles and duties.

※This column was translated using AI.

When you encounter trouble overseas, embassies and consulates can provide assistance. However, not many people know the difference between these two institutions. This article will explain the differences between embassies and consulates, based on their roles and duties.

1）Differences Between Embassies and Consulates
The primary difference between an embassy and a consulate lies in their diplomatic authority. Embassies possess the authority to conduct diplomatic activities and hold the highest rank among diplomatic facilities. On the other hand, consulates do not have the authority to conduct diplomatic activities and primarily serve the needs of their citizens in a foreign country.

Both are overseas diplomatic establishments, organs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and enjoy the inviolability of diplomatic premises as stipulated by international law such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Consequently, the host country's exercise of police power and other law enforcement authority is excluded. To put it simply, the application of the host country's laws is partially restricted.

It is a common misconception that diplomatic facilities such as embassies and consulates enjoy extraterritoriality. However, this was a concept based on the outdated notion that "places where diplomats reside are extensions of the national territory and thus outside the territory of the host country." It is important to note that diplomatic missions do not enjoy extraterritoriality.

■Overseas Diplomatic Establishments (ODE)
An overseas diplomatic establishment is an institution affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that plays a crucial role in conducting diplomacy with foreign countries. The term encompasses embassies, legations, consulates-general, consulates, consular agencies, and government Mission, with over 200 such missions stationed worldwide.

■Extraterritoriality
Extraterritoriality is a privilege that allows individuals or entities to be exempt from the laws and jurisdiction of a foreign country in which they are located.
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2）What is an Embassy?

■Role
An embassy serves as the official residence and workplace for an ambassador appointed by a sending state. Typically, there is only one embassy in the capital city of a host country. An ambassador, often referred to as an "Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary," possesses the legal authority to handle diplomatic and political matters, unlike a consul. Therefore, they represent their country in dealings with the host government. As the highest-ranking member of a diplomatic mission, an ambassador is responsible for protecting the interests of their home country and promoting cultural exchange. Currently, there are approximately 192 embassies worldwide.

■Duties
・Conducting negotiations and engaging in diplomatic relations with the host government.
・Gathering and analyzing information on the host country's politics, economy, and other relevant areas.
・Promoting Japanese culture and disseminating information about Japan to enhance the country's image.
・Issuing visas, certificates, and other documentation.
・Protecting the lives and property of Japanese nationals residing in the host country.
and so on.

3）What is a Consulate?

■Role
A consulate is an official post where a consul appointed by a sending state conducts official business. To ensure that both the embassy and the consulate can continue to function even in the event of an emergency such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster, consulates are typically located in major cities other than the capital where the embassy is situated. While supporting the role of the ambassador, consulates focus on non-diplomatic duties and provide services to citizens of their home country residing in the host country. Currently, there are 63 consulates worldwide.

■Duties
・Gathering and analyzing information on the host country's politics, economy, and other relevant areas.
・Promoting Japanese culture and disseminating information about Japan to enhance the country's image.
・Issuing visas, certificates, and other documentation.
・Protecting the lives and property of Japanese nationals residing in the host country.
・Handling commercial matters such as exports and imports.
and so on.
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4）The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Overseeing Embassies and Consulates
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is a government agency that, simply put, safeguards Japan's national interests. In addition to providing support for Japanese citizens traveling or residing abroad, as mentioned above, the MOFA also promotes Japanese culture and facilitates cultural exchange. Furthermore, it plays a central role in addressing global issues such as international terrorism, infectious diseases, and environmental problems, making it the heart of Japan's wide-ranging diplomatic activities.

5）List of Diplomatic Establishments in Japan (187 Countries)

■Asia (21 Countries)
India
Singapore
South Korea
Pakistan
Philippines
Vietnam
Maldives
Indonesia
Sri Lanka
People's Republic of China
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Malaysia
Mongolia
Cambodia
Thailand
Nepal
Timor-Leste
Brunei
Myanmar
Laos

■Oceania (12 countries)
Australia
Solomon Islands
New Zealand
Fiji
Kiribati
Tuvalu
Papua New Guinea
Marshall Islands
Samoa
Tonga
Palau
Micronesia

■North America (2 countries)
United States
Canada
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■Central and South America (31 countries)
Argentina
Ecuador
Cuba
Colombia
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Dominica
Nicaragua
Bahamas
Brazil
Peru
Mexico
Antigua and Barbuda
El Salvador
Guatemala
Jamaica
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Dominican Republic
Haiti
Paraguay
Venezuela
Bolivia
Uruguay
Guyana
Costa Rica
Suriname
Chile
Trinidad and Tobago
Panama
Barbados
Belize
Honduras

■Europe (53 countries)
Iceland
Albania
Ukraine
Estonia
Kazakhstan
Greece
Kosovo
Switzerland
Slovakia
Tajikistan
Germany
Vatican City
France
Belgium
Portugal
Monaco
Lithuania
Russia
Ireland
Armenia
Uzbekistan
Austria
North Macedonia
Kyrgyzstan
San Marino
Sweden
Slovenia
Czechia
Turkmenistan
Hungary
Bulgaria
Poland
Malta
Montenegro
Romania
EU
Azerbaijan
Italy
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Cyprus
Croatia
Georgia
Spain
Serbia
Denmark
Norway
Finland
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Moldova
Latvia
Luxembourg

■Middle East (15 countries)
Afghanistan
Israel
Oman
Saudi Arabia
Bahrain
United Arab Emirates
Iraq
Qatar
Syria
Jordan
Yemen
Iran
Kuwait
Turkey
Lebanon

■Africa (53 countries)
Algeria
Egypt
Eritrea
Gabon
Guinea
Côte d'Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Sierra Leone
Sudan
Senegal
Central African Republic
Nigeria
Burkina Faso
Botswana
Mali
Mozambique
Morocco
Rwanda
Angola
Eswatini
Ghana
Cameroon
Guinea-Bissau
Comoros
Sao Tome and Principe
Djibouti
Seychelles
Tanzania
Tunisia
Namibia
Burundi
Madagascar
South Africa
Mauritius
Libya
Lesotho
Uganda
Ethiopia
Cape Verde
Gambia
Kenya
Republic of the Congo
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Equatorial Guinea
Chad
Togo
Niger
Benin
Malawi
South Sudan
Mauritania
Liberia
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6）Other Related Organizations

■What is a Legation?
A legation is a place where a diplomatic envoy of one country, appointed by the sending state, is stationed for the purpose of conducting official business. Diplomatic envoys include envoys extraordinary and plenipotentiary, ministers resident, and chargés d'affaires, but the term "envoy" generally refers to an envoy extraordinary and plenipotentiary. While an envoy ranks below an ambassador, there is little difference in the duties or authority they possess.

■Consulate-General
A Consulate-General is a type of consulate. When the head of a consulate is a Consul-General, it is called a Consulate-General. If the head is a Vice Consul, it is called a Vice Consulate, and if it is a Consular Agent, it is called a Consular Agency. The establishment of consulates is optional, and the number of consulates in a country varies.

■Honorary Consulate
An Honorary Consulate is established in a country or city where there is no permanent overseas diplomatic establishments of the home country, but where there is a need to provide protection and assistance to the citizens of that country residing in the region. Unlike career diplomats stationed at embassies or consulates, Honorary Consuls are appointed from among local citizens.

■Government Mission
A Government Mission is a type of diplomatic mission that represents the Japanese government in international organizations. For example, the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations is located in New York, where the UN headquarters is situated, and the Permanent Mission of Japan to the European Union is located in Brussels, where the EU is headquartered.

7）When You Encounter Trouble Overseas
Most people directly interact with embassies or consulates when they encounter trouble while traveling abroad. So, what kind of assistance can you expect from an embassy or consulate when you're in trouble overseas? Please refer to the following illustration published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's Overseas Safety website.



参考：Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Overseas Safety Website: What Embassies and Consulates Can and Cannot Do

8）Summary
In this article, we've explored the differences between embassies and consulates, focusing on their roles and responsibilities. To sum it up, embassies primarily handle diplomatic and political affairs, while consulates focus on providing protection and assistance to their citizens. If you encounter any trouble while traveling abroad, please refer to the illustration provided and seek assistance from the nearest embassy or consulate. Remember, in English-speaking countries, "embassy" and "consulate" refer to these diplomatic missions, respectively.
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