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Embassies, consulates and high commissions represent the UK in other countries through the British consul. Find out how the British consul works to protect the interests of UK nationals and dual nationals abroad, and how to find a British embassy or consulate.
Diplomatic missions are always in capital cities of countries; consular missions can be elsewhere in that country.
A consular mission may also be known, depending upon its importance, as a:
In a Commonwealth country, a diplomatic mission is known as a 'high commission'. In a non-Commonwealth country, it is known as an 'embassy'.
The main work of a British consul is to protect the interests of UK nationals. Consular staff can offer practical advice, help and support. Their typical work includes:
They also use their local knowledge to assess the risks to UK nationals.
If you are a dual national travelling abroad on your British passport in a third state (a country of which you are not a national), the British consul can offer you full support.
If you are travelling on the passport of your other nationality, you should normally go to that state's embassy, high commission or consulate.
If you are travelling in the state of your other nationality, the British consul would not usually become involved in any dealings you have with that state, unless there was a special humanitarian reason to do so.
