Embassy

An embassy is the chief diplomatic mission of one country located in the capital city of another, and is headed by an ambassador who is accredited to the host government. The embassy serves as the primary channel for political dialogue and represents the sending state’s government, policies, and interests at the highest level.

Its primary functions include political diplomacy, negotiation, and reporting on developments in the host country, as well as protecting the sending state’s citizens abroad, issuing visas, assisting nationals with emergencies, and coordinating economic, cultural, and public-diplomacy efforts. The embassy also serves as a contact point for citizens seeking consular services provided by the host state.

Structure: The mission is led by an ambassador, aided by counselors, attachés, and staff in sections such as political, economic, consular, and public diplomacy. The premises typically include the chancery and the ambassador's residence. The legal basis is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, which defines privileges and immunities for diplomats and the inviolability of diplomatic premises.

Embassies differ from consulates; consulates handle local citizen services in other cities. Some states appoint non-resident ambassadors, who are based in other capitals but accredited to multiple countries. In international organizations, states maintain permanent missions. Historically, the modern concept of resident embassies emerged in the early modern period; the Vienna Convention provides the current framework.