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embassy or consulate
Embassies · High Commissions · Consulates · Permanent Missions — addresses, opening hours, contact details and services across 195 countries
Embassies & high commissions
A country's main diplomatic mission, almost always based in the host nation's capital. Between Commonwealth members the same role is called a "high commission" instead of an embassy — otherwise the two are identical in function.
Consulates & consulates general
Smaller mission offices, usually in major cities outside the capital, focused on assisting citizens with passports, visas and notarial services rather than government-to-government relations.
Permanent missions & trade offices
Representation to an international organisation rather than to another country's government directly — permanent missions to the UN, EU and other bodies, plus trade and representative offices for territories without full diplomatic status.
Embassies & consulates - by country
Every country page lists both the foreign missions based there and that country's own missions abroad. Browse the countries with the most mission data, or view the full country directory.
Embassies & consulates - by city
Mission density varies a lot from city to city — capitals cluster embassies, while trade and financial hubs cluster consulates. Start with the busiest cities below, or browse the full city directory.
Embassy, high commission, or consulate — what's the difference?
The names sound interchangeable, but each type of mission has a distinct role. Knowing which one you need before you travel saves a wasted trip.
Embassy / High Commission
A country's main diplomatic mission, based in the host nation's capital. Handles government relations and, usually, the fullest range of consular services. "High commission" is simply the Commonwealth term for the same thing.
Consulate
A smaller office, often in a major city outside the capital, focused on passports, visas and notarial services for citizens rather than government-to-government relations.
Permanent Mission
Represents a country at an international body — the UN, EU or similar — rather than at another country's government directly. Concentrated in Geneva, New York, Brussels and Vienna.
What consular services actually cover
Consular services are the practical, citizen-facing work a mission does day to day. Coverage varies by mission, but common services include:
- Passports and travel documents — renewals, replacements, and emergency travel documents for a lost or stolen passport.
- Visas — processing visa applications for people wanting to travel to the mission's home country.
- Notarial services — witnessing signatures, authenticating documents, and issuing powers of attorney for use back home.
- Civil registration — registering a birth, marriage, or death abroad for a citizen's own records.
- Emergency assistance — support for citizens who are arrested, hospitalised, or otherwise in crisis while abroad.
Applying for a visa: what to expect
Requirements differ by mission and visa category, but most applications follow a similar shape:
Before you apply
Check whether the mission requires an appointment — most visa services do — and confirm the exact document list on the mission's own listing, since requirements can change without much notice.
What's usually required
A valid passport, a completed application form, a passport photo, and supporting documents such as proof of travel plans, accommodation, or financial means. Some countries now offer online or e-visa applications for eligible nationalities.
Processing time
Anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the mission and visa type — always confirm current processing times directly with the mission before booking non-refundable travel.
Lost passport or emergency abroad
- Report a lost or stolen passport to local police first, to get a police report — most missions ask for one.
- Contact your home country's nearest embassy or consulate to apply for an emergency travel document or passport replacement.
- If arrested or detained, ask officials to notify your consulate — consular staff can visit and ensure fair treatment, though they cannot intervene in local legal proceedings.
- Keep the after-hours emergency contact number for your mission somewhere separate from your main travel documents.
Visiting a mission: etiquette and practical tips
- Bring a valid passport plus any appointment confirmation and the specific documents requested for your service.
- Arrive early — security screening at embassies and consulates can take longer than expected.
- Missions observe both the host country's public holidays and their own country's national holidays, which can mean unexpected closures — always check current hours before visiting.
- Phones, cameras and some electronics may not be permitted inside — check the mission's own guidance beforehand.
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Every mission type, one search
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Open any result for its address, opening hours and contact information, plus a direct link to maps for directions.
Frequently asked questions
Everything travellers and citizens ask us about finding and using embassies and consulates.