United States Department of State

Consular

Notification

and Access

Instructions for Federal, State, and Local Law 

Enforcement and Other Officials Regarding Foreign 

Nationals in the United States and the Rights of 

Consular Officials to Assist Them

Third Edition | September 201

CNA_Cover.indd 3 8/18/2010 
Revised September 2010
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Office of Policy Coordination and Public Affairs (CA/P)

Bureau of Consular Affairs

U.S. Department of State

2100 C St. NW, Room 4800

Washington, D.C. 20520

Telephone: (202) 647-4415

Fax: (202) 736-7559

Email: consnot@state.gov

Website: www.travel.state.gov/consularnotification

Twitter: @ConsularNotify

For urgent telephone inquiries outside normal business hours, you may call the Department of 

State Operations Center at (202) 647-1512.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

This manual contains instructions and guidance relating to the obligations of federal, state, and 

local government officials to provide information to foreign consular officers and to permit foreign 

consular officers to assist their nationals in the United States. It focuses on the obligations of 

consular notification and access that pertain to the arrest and detention of foreign nationals; 

the appointment of guardians for minor and adult foreign nationals; deaths and serious injuries 

of foreign nationals; and wrecks or crashes of foreign ships or aircraft on U.S. territory. It also 

addresses related issues pertaining to the provision of consular services by foreign consular 

officers to their nationals in the United States. The instructions and guidance in this manual 

pertain to all foreign nationals in the United States, regardless of their legal status. 

This manual is designed to help ensure that foreign governments can extend appropriate 

consular services to their nationals in the United States and that the United States complies with 

its legal obligations to such governments. These legal obligations arise primarily from treaties, 

which form part of the supreme law of the land under Article VI of the U.S. Constitution. The 

instructions and guidance contained in this manual must be followed by all federal, state, and 

local government officials, whether law enforcement, judicial, or other, insofar as they pertain to 

foreign nationals subject to the officials’ authority or to matters within the officials’ competence. 

Compliance with these instructions and guidance will also help ensure that the United States 

can insist upon rigorous compliance by foreign governments with respect to U.S. nationals 

abroad, and will help prevent both international and domestic litigation. The Department of State 

appreciates the assistance of all federal, state, and local government officials in helping to 

achieve these objectives.

If you have any questions not addressed in this manual, write or call:
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The text of this manual, which the Department of State updates periodically, is also available at 

www.travel.state.gov/consularnotification, along with the most up-to-date contact information for 

foreign embassies and consulates within the United States and other reference materials. All 

Department of State reference materials on this subject matter are available free of charge to 

U.S. law enforcement and other government officials. The Department also offers free training 

seminars on consular notification and access throughout the United States. Please visit the 

website listed above for further information and to request training. 

Additional requirements must be followed in cases pertaining to foreign diplomatic and consular 

officers and their families. For information on the treatment of such individuals, including in 

cases of arrests, call the Department of State’s Office of Protocol at (202) 647-1985. After hours, 

you may call the Protective Liaison Division of the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic 

Security at (571) 345-3146 or (866) 217-2089, or send a fax to (202) 895-3613. Further information 

about diplomatic and consular immunity can be found at www.state.gov/m/ds/immunities/c9118.

htm.
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PART 1 | BASIC INSTRUCTIONS 1

Summary of Requirements Pertaining to Foreign Nationals 2

Steps to Follow When a Foreign National Is Arrested or Detained 3

Mandatory Notification Countries 4

Flow Chart of Arrest or Detention Notification Procedures 5

PART 2 | DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON THE TREATMENT OF 

FOREIGN NATIONALS 6

Arrests and Detentions of Foreign Nationals 7

Notification Required at the Foreign National’s Request: The General Rule 7

Mandatory Notification: The Special Rule 7

Recordkeeping 8

Consular Access to Detained Foreign Nationals 9

Deaths, Serious Injuries, and Serious Illnesses of Foreign Nationals 9

Appointments of Guardians or Trustees for Foreign Nationals 10

Accidents Involving Foreign Ships or Aircraft 10

PART 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 11

Consular Officers 11

What is a “consular officer”? 11

What is a “consul”? What is a “consular official”? 11

How is a consular officer different from legal “counsel”? 11

What is an “honorary consul”? 11

How are diplomatic officers different from consular officers? 11

Should I treat a diplomatic officer the same as a consular officer? 11

How can I be sure that someone who claims to be a consular officer, a consul, an honorary 

 consul, or a diplomatic officer is in fact one? 12

Foreign Nationals 12

Who is a “foreign national”? 12

Is a foreign national the same as an “alien”? 12

Are “citizenship” and “nationality” the same thing? 12

Is a person with a “green card” (a “lawful permanent resident”) considered a foreign national? 12

But since “green card” holders are living in the United States permanently, why can’t I ignore 

consular notification requirements for them? Are the rules different for Polish Nationals? 12

Do I have to ask everyone I arrest or detain whether he or she is a foreign national? 13

Short of asking all detainees about their nationality, how might I know that 

 someone is a foreign national? 13

Are foreign nationals required to carry identity documents that indicate their nationality? 13

Do consular notification procedures have to be followed if I can’t verify a detainee’s nationality 

 through documentation? 13

Should I ask persons I arrest whether they are in the United States legally? 14

Should I treat undocumented and “illegal” aliens differently than aliens lawfully 

 present in the United States? 14

What about dual nationals? 14
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Which Officials Are Responsible for Providing Consular Notification to 

Foreign Consular Officers 14

Who is actually responsible for making the necessary notifications to the individual 

 or the consular officer? 14

Who is responsible for notifying the consular officers of arrests and detentions? 15

What is the responsibility of prosecutors for notifying consular officers of arrests 

 and detentions? 15

What is the responsibility of judicial officials for notification of arrests and detentions? 16

Who is responsible for notifying consular officers of deaths? 16

Who is responsible for notifying consular officers of a serious injury or illness? 16

Who is responsible for notifying consular officers of appointments of guardians? 16

Who is responsible for notifying consular officers of shipwrecks and aircraft crashes? 16

Why are state and local government officials expected to provide such notification? 16

Circumstances in Which Consular Notification Requirements Apply 17 

 What kinds of detentions create consular notification obligations? 17

Do I have to inform and notify even when the detention is only while a traffic citation is

 written, or for a similar brief time? 17

Should I notify the consulate any time I detain a foreign national who is a minor? 18

What if the minor is unaccompanied and I am unable to locate the parent or guardian? 18

If I have a foreign national who is hospitalized or quarantined, do I have to provide 

 consular notification? 18

What about consular notification for adults who are mentally incompetent or lacking 

 full capacity? 18

Are civil commitments of foreign nationals covered by consular notification requirements? 18

Are foreign nationals in immigration detention covered by the consular 

 notification requirement? 19

If I am a prison official taking custody of a foreign national long after his or her 

 initial arrest or detention, do I have to inform the foreign national that he or she 

 may have his or her consular officers notified, and to notify such officials where 

 requested or where the national is from a list country? 19

If I am a prison official taking custody of a foreign national who is being transferred

 to my prison from a different prison, do I have to go through consular notification procedures?19

Do I have to go through consular notification procedures if an already 

 detained foreign national is charged with a new offense? 19

Do I have to go through consular notification procedures upon the release or parole

 of an incarcerated foreign national? 20

Do I have to go through consular notification procedures if I am taking a foreign 

 national into custody for a parole violation (e.g., on a parole retake warrant) 

 and he or she was given consular information when originally arrested or detained? 20

Do I have to inform a foreign national that he or she may have his or her 

 consular officers notified even if I give him or her the Miranda warning? 20
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If law enforcement officials of the foreign national’s government are helping 

 with our investigation, should I still go through the process of notifying 

 consular officers? 21

Are there any circumstances in which I may comply with consular notification 

 requirements by notifying someone other than the consular official with 

 responsibility for my geographic area? 21

How Quickly You Must Give Consular Information to the Foreign National 21

How quickly do I need to inform the foreign national of the option to have his or 

 her consular officers notified of the arrest or detention? 21

Do I have to inform a foreign national of the option to have his or her consular 

 officers notified of the arrest or detention at the same time that I give the

 Miranda warnings? 22

If I inform a foreign national of the option to have his or her consular officers 

 notified of the arrest or detention at the same time I give the Miranda warnings,

 can I be sure of complying with notification requirements? 22

Manner in Which You Must Give Consular Information to the Foreign National 23

Does the foreign national have to be informed in writing about the option to have 

 his or her consular officers notified of the arrest or detention? 23

Does the foreign national have to be informed in his or her own language? 23

How do I figure out what country the foreign national is from, so that I know which

 consulate to notify? What if the national’s passport is from a country that no longer exists? 23

What about British nationals? 24

What if I can’t communicate with the foreign national? Can I notify consular officers 

 regardless of what the foreign national’s wishes may be? 24

How Quickly You Must Notify the Consular Officers of Their National’s Arrest 

or Detention 25

In a Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (“non-list country”) arrest 

 or detention case, if the foreign national requests that consular officers be notified,

 how quickly do I have to do so? 25

In a “mandatory notification” (“list”) country arrest or detention case, how quickly must 

 the notification be provided to consular officers? 26

Manner in Which You Must Notify the Consular Officers of Their National’s Arrest 

or Detention 26

Can I agree to specific requests by particular consular officers to notify them of arrests 

 or detentions that I am not required to tell them about? 26

Can I simplify the process by notifying consular officers of all arrests or detentions, 

 regardless of the foreign national’s wishes, instead of worrying about which countries are 

 “mandatory” (“list”) and which are not mandatory? 27

Are there any particular countries that we know want to be notified of arrests and 

 detentions even in cases where I am not required to give notification? 27
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Why doesn’t the Department of State encourage me to notify the consular officers of 

 the arrest or detention in all cases, regardless of whether the foreign national wants 

 me to notify them? Wouldn’t that be simpler? 27

Isn’t it wrong to follow “mandatory notification” procedures for list countries if the foreign 

 national doesn’t want his or her consular officers notified? What about the foreign national’s 

 privacy interests? What if the foreign national is afraid of his or her own government? 28

If the foreign national is from a “mandatory notification” (“list”) country and I notify the consular 

 officers as required, should I tell the foreign national? 28

Can I comply with consular notification requirements by simply letting the detained foreign 

 national have access to a telephone? 28

My detention facility only allows inmates to make collect calls when calling outside of the local 

 area. What should I do if a consulate refuses to accept a collect call from a foreign national 

 inmate? Do I have to allow the foreign national to call the consulate directly? 28

When I notify the consular officers, should I tell them the reasons for the detention? 29

 Is there a guiding principle I can follow in applying the consular notification requirements? 29

What Happens if You Failed to Notify 30

If I failed to go through consular notification procedures when I should have and the foreign 

 national is still in detention, what should I do? 30

If I failed to go through consular notification procedures but the foreign national is 

 now receiving consular assistance, should I still notify the foreign consular officers

 of the arrest or detention? 30

If I failed to go through consular notification procedures and the foreign national has

 already been released from detention, should I still go through the process of

 notification? 30

What remedy might the foreign national or his or her country have if I failed to go through 

 consular notification procedures? 31

How Consular Officers Will Provide Consular Access and Assistance 31

What can I expect a consular officer to do once notification of an arrest or detention has been 

 made? 31

Are consular officers obligated to provide assistance to their nationals? 32

Can I rely on the consular officer to arrange for legal counsel? 32

Is a consular officer entitled to act as legal counsel for a detained foreign national? 32

Are a consular officer’s communications with a detained foreign national privileged in 

 the same way communications with lawyers are privileged? Can the consular officer 

 take actions contrary to the foreign national’s interests? 32

Do I have to permit a consular officer to have access to a detainee? 33

Do I have to allow access by employees of the consulate who are not consular officers? 33

Do special rules apply if I detain an Iranian national? 33

Are consular officers entitled to visit whenever they want to? 34

Do consular officers have to comply with prison security regulations? 34

Is a consular officer entitled to meet or converse privately with a detained foreign national? 34

What is the role of a consular officer in a case involving the death of a foreign national? 35

Do I have to notify consular officers if a foreign national is seriously injured or ill? 35
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What is the role of a consular officer in a case involving the appointment of a guardian? 35

Are consular officers entitled to receive copies of a foreign national’s medical 

 records in cases involving the death of a foreign national or the possible appointment 

 of a guardian for a minor or incapacitated foreign national? 36

Is there a guiding principle I can follow with respect to consular access and dealing 

 with consular officers? 36

Contacting the Department of State 36

Do I need to notify the Department of State whenever I arrest or detain a foreign national? 36

How can I get answers to other questions? 37

PART 4 | LEGAL OVERVIEW 38

Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR) 39

 VCCR Article 5 40

 VCCR Article 36 41

 VCCR Article 37 42

Bilateral Agreements 42

Components of Table A through D 44

Customary International Law 46

Basis for Implementation 46

Table A: Provisions from Bilateral Agreements Requiring Mandatory Notification 47

Table B: Provisions from Bilateral Agreements Requiring Notification upon Request 53

Table C: Consular Agreement and Convention Status of All Countries 55

Table D: Countries with Bilateral Agreements Containing Provisions on 

 Consular Notification and Access 69

PART 5 | SUGGESTED STATEMENTS TO DETAINED FOREIGN NATIONALS 

NOTIFICATION FAX SHEETS, AND CONSULAR IDENTIFICATION CARDS 73

English 75

Arabic 76

Cambodian (Khmer) 77

Chinese 78

Creole 79

Farsi (Persian) 80

French 81

German 82

Greek 83

Hindi 84

Italian 85

Japanese 86
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Korean 87

Lao 88

Polish 89

Portuguese 90

Russian 91

Spanish 92

Tagalog (Filipino) 93

Thai 94

Vietnamese 95

Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of Arrests or Detentions 96

Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of the Possible Appointment of a Guardian

 or Trustee for a Foreign National 97

Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of the Death, Serious Injury, or Illness 

 of a Foreign National 98

Diplomatic and Consular Identification Cards 99

PART 6 | MODEL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE 102

PART 7 | CONTACT INFORMATION FOR FOREIGN EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES 

IN THE UNITED STATES 108

INDEX 129
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BASIC INSTRUCTIONS

PART ONE: BASIC INSTRUCTIONS

The following pages summarize the basic requirements regarding consular notification and 

access. They are designed to be distributed or posted as readily accessible instructions 

or notices to all federal, state, and local officials who may have contact with a foreign 

national in a situation triggering a requirement to notify the foreign national’s consular 

officers. 

These basic instructions and implementation tools, which may be freely photocopied and 

posted as notices, include: 

Summary of Requirements Pertaining to Foreign Nationals 

 Steps to Follow When a Foreign National Is Arrested or Detained 

 “Mandatory Notification” (“List”) Countries

 Flow Chart of Arrest or Detention Notification Procedures
BASIC INSTRUCTIONS

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SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FOREIGN NATIONALS

When foreign nationals from most countries are arrested or detained, they 

may, upon request, have their consular officers notified without delay of their 

arrest or detention, and may have their communications to their consular 

officers forwarded without delay. In addition, foreign nationals must be 

advised of this information without delay.

For foreign nationals of some countries, consular officers must be notified of 

the arrest or detention of a foreign national even if the foreign national does 

not request or want notification. 

Consular officers are entitled to communicate with and to have access to their 

nationals in detention, and to provide consular assistance to them, including 

arranging for legal representation. 

When a law enforcement or other government official becomes aware of the 

death, serious injury, or serious illness of a foreign national, consular officers 

must be notified. 

When a guardianship or trusteeship is being considered with respect to a 

foreign national who is a minor or an incompetent adult, consular officers 

must be notified. 

When a foreign shipwrecks or a foreign aircraft crashes in U.S. territory, 

consular officers must be notified.

These are mutual obligations that also apply to foreign authorities when they 

arrest or detain U.S. citizens abroad. In general, you should treat a foreign 

national as you would want a U.S. citizen to be treated in a similar situation in a 

foreign country. This means prompt and courteous compliance with the above 

requirements.
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BASIC INSTRUCTIONS

STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN A FOREIGN NATIONAL IS ARRESTED OR DETAINED

1. DETERMINE THE FOREIGN NATIONAL’S COUNTRY OF NATIONALITY. IN THE ABSENCE OF 

OTHER INFORMATION, ASSUME THIS IS THE COUNTRY ON WHOSE PASSPORT OR OTHER 

TRAVEL DOCUMENT THE FOREIGN NATIONAL IS TRAVELING. 

2. IF THE FOREIGN NATIONAL’S COUNTRY IS NOT ON THE LIST OF “MANDATORY

 NOTIFICATION” (“LIST”) COUNTRIES AND JURISDICTIONS (SEE PAGE 4 FOR THE LIST): 

Inform the foreign national, without delay, that he or she may have his or her consular 

officers notified of the arrest or detention and may communicate with them. For a suggested 

statement in several different languages, see Part Five on pages 73 through 95 of this 

manual.

If the foreign national requests that his or her consular officers be notified, notify the 

nearest embassy or consulate of the foreign national’s country without delay. Foreign 

embassy and consulate phone and fax numbers can be found in Part Seven on pages 108 

through 128 of this manual, and on the Department of State’s website at www. travel.state.

gov/consularnotification. A suggested notification fax sheet appears on page 96. 

Forward any communication from the foreign national to his or her consular officers without 

delay.

3. IF THE FOREIGN NATIONAL’S COUNTRY IS ON THE LIST OF “MANDATORY NOTIFICATION” 

(“LIST”) COUNTRIES: 

Notify that country’s nearest embassy or consulate, without delay, of the arrest or detention. 

Phone and fax numbers are in Part Seven on pages 108 through 128 of this manual, and 

you may use the suggested fax sheet on page 96 for making the notification. 

Tell the foreign national that you are making this notification and inform him or her, without 

delay, that he or she may communicate with his or her consular officers. A suggested 

statement to the foreign national in several different languages appears in Part Five on 

pages 73 through 95 of this manual.

Forward any communication from the foreign national to his or her consular officers without 

delay.

4. KEEP A WRITTEN RECORD OF:

What information you provided to the foreign national and when.

The foreign national’s requests, if any.

Whether you notified consular officers and, if so, the date and time of notification and 

the means used to notify them (e.g., fax or phone). If you used fax to notify the consular 

officers, you should keep the fax confirmation sheet in your records.

Any other relevant actions taken.
BASIC INSTRUCTIONS

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MANDATORY NOTIFICATION COUNTRIES (“LIST” COUNTRIES) 

1 Notification is not mandatory in the case of persons who carry “Republic of China” passports issued by Taiwan. Such persons should be 

informed without delay that the nearest office of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (“TECRO”), the unofficial entity 

representing Taiwan’s interests in the United States, can be notified at their request. TECRO’s offices are listed on pages 126-127; see 

also footnote 128 on page 66.

2 Mandatory only for foreign nationals who are not lawful permanent residents in the United States (i.e., “green card” holders). Otherwise, 

upon the national’s request. See the question “But since ‘green card’ holders are living in the United States permanently, why can’t I 

ignore consular notification requirements for them?” at page 12; see also footnote 18 on page 43.

3 The bilateral consular convention between the United States and the United Kingdom applies to British nationals from Great Britain 

(England, Wales, and Scotland); Northern Ireland; the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man; and the British 

Overseas Territories, including Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, and the Turks 

and Caicos Islands, along with other island territories. Residents of the Overseas Territories may be traveling on a passport issued by 

the territory with no indication that the territory is British. Nevertheless, for them and all others from a British possession listed above, 

consular notification and access should be provided to the nearest U.K. consulate. For advice on how to ascertain whether an arrested 

or detained person is a British national, see the question “What about British nationals” on page 24. For the U.S.–U.K. convention, see 

footnote 30 on page 47.

Albania

Algeria

Antigua and Barbuda

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Bahamas

Barbados

Belarus

Belize

Brunei

Bulgaria

China (including Macao and 

 Hong Kong)1

Costa Rica

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Dominica

Fiji

Gambia

Georgia

Ghana

Grenada

Guyana

Hungary

Jamaica

Kazakhstan

Kiribati

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

Malaysia

Malta

Mauritius

Moldova

Mongolia

Nigeria

Philippines

Poland2

Romania

Russia

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the 

 Grenadines

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Slovakia

Tajikistan

Tanzania

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia

Turkmenistan

Tuvalu

Ukraine

United Kingdom3

Uzbekistan

Zambia

Zimbabwe 
BASIC INSTRUCTIONS

“YES.“ “NO.“ Step 1. Make note in case file. 

Step 2. Notify nearest consulate without delay.

Step 3. Make record of notification in case file. 

Where fax sent, keep fax confirmation.

Step 4. Allow consular officers access to 

detainee if they subsequently request access.

(No further action required.)

Step 1. Make note in case file. 

Step 2. Do NOT inform the consulate.

ARRESTING A NON-U.S. CITIZEN

Consular Notification Process

Are you a U.S. citizen?

“YES, I am a U.S. citizen.”

(No further action required.)

“NO, I am not a U.S. citizen.“

STOP

Are you a national of one of these countries?

“YES.“ “NO.“ Inform detainee, without delay, that he or 

she may have consulate notified of 

arrest/detention.

Albania

Algeria

Antigua and Barbuda

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Bahamas

Barbados

Belarus

Belize

Brunei

Bulgaria

China1

Costa Rica

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Dominica

Fiji

Gambia

Georgia

Ghana

Grenada

Guyana

Hungary

Jamaica

Kazakhstan

Kiribati

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

Malaysia

Malta

Mauritius

Moldova

Mongolia

Nigeria

Philippines

Poland2

Romania

Russia

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Lucia

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Slovakia

Tajikistan

Step 1. Inform detainee that he or she may 

communicate with consulate, and that you 

must notify consulate of arrest/detention.

Step 2. Notify nearest consulate without delay.

Step 3. Make record of notification in case file. 

Where fax sent, keep fax confirmation.

Step 4. Allow consular officers access to 

detainee if they subsequently request access.

(No further action required.)

Do you want your consulate notified of your arrest/detention?

Tanzania

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia

Turkmenistan

Tuvalu

Ukraine

United Kingdom3

Uzbekistan

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Q.

Q.

Q.

A.

A.

A.

IN ALL CASES:

Do not inform consulate 

about detainee’s refugee 

or asylum status.

Detainee may 

communicate with 

consular officer and may 

request consular access 

at any time (whether 

previously declined or 

not).

Consular officers may 

have access to detainee 

regardless of whether 

detainee requests it. 

Even if detainee does 

not want to be visited, 

consular officers may 

still have one 

face-to-face visit.

NEXT

Bureau of Consular Affairs

U.S. Department of State 

Washington, D.C. 20520

P: 202-647-4415

F: 202-736-7559 

consnot@state.gov

1. Includes Hong Kong and Macao. Does not include Republic of 

China (Taiwan).

2. Mandatory only for non-permanent residents in the United States 

(i.e., those not holding a “green card”); for green card holders, 

notification is upon request.

3. UK includes Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Montserrat, 

and the Turks and Caicos islands. Residents’ passports bear the 

name of their territory and may also bear the name “United 

Kingdom.” Whether or not the passport bears the name “United 

Kingdom,” consular services for these persons are provided by UK 

consulates.

STOP STOP

STOP NEXT

For more information visit: http://travel.state.gov/consularnotification

(No further action required.)
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS

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PART TWO: 

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON THE 

TREATMENT OF FOREIGN NATIONALS

If you are a federal, state, or local law 

enforcement, judicial, or other government 

official, you should follow the instructions 

in this manual whenever you are taking 

official actions relating to a foreign national. 

These instructions pertain to: (1) the arrest 

and detention of foreign nationals; (2) the 

appointment of guardians for foreign nationals 

who are minors or incompetent adults; 

(3) deaths of or serious injuries to foreign 

nationals in the United States; and (4) crashes 

of foreign aircraft or wrecks of foreign ships in 

U.S. territory. These instructions also address 

issues pertaining to the provision of consular 

services by foreign consular officers to foreign 

nationals in the United States. They are 

intended to ensure that foreign governments 

can extend appropriate consular services to 

their nationals in the United States and that 

the United States complies with its legal 

obligations to such governments. 

The instructions in this manual are based 

on international legal obligations designed 

to ensure that governments can assist their 

nationals who live and travel abroad. While 

these obligations are in part matters of 

customary international law, most of them are 

set forth in the 1963 Vienna Convention on 

Consular Relations (VCCR), a multilateral treaty 

to which the United States and more than 170 

other countries are party. Other obligations are 

contained in bilateral agreements (sometimes 

called “conventions” or “treaties”). These are 

legally binding agreements between the United 

States and one other country. Treaties such 

as the VCCR and other consular conventions 

are binding on federal, state, and local 

government officials to the extent they pertain 

to matters within such officials’ competence 

as a matter of international law and the U.S. 

Constitution. See U.S. Const., art. VI, cl. 2 

(“all Treaties made . . . shall be the supreme 

law of the land”).

These instructions focus primarily on providing 

consular notification and access with respect 

to foreign nationals arrested or detained in 

the United States, so that their governments 

can assist them. The obligations of consular 

notification and access apply to U.S. citizens 

in foreign countries just as they apply to 

foreign nationals in the United States. When 

U.S. citizens are arrested or detained abroad, 

the U.S. Department of State seeks to ensure 

that they are treated in a manner consistent 

with these instructions, and that U.S. consular 

officers can similarly assist them. It is therefore 

particularly important that federal, state, and 

local government officials in the United States 

comply with these obligations with respect to 

foreign nationals here.

These instructions also discuss obligations 

relating to the appointment of guardians for 

foreign nationals who are minors or incompetent 

adults; to deaths of, serious injuries to, and 

serious illnesses of foreign nationals; and to 

accidents involving foreign aircraft or ships. 

Like the obligations of consular notification 

and access for arrest and detention cases, 

these are mutual obligations that also apply 

abroad.

The Department of State appreciates the 

continued cooperation of federal, state, and 

local law enforcement agencies, corrections 

officials, prosecutors, members of the 

judiciary, and other government officials in 

helping to ensure that foreign nationals in 

the United States are treated in accordance 

with these instructions. Such treatment will 

permit the United States to comply with its 

legal obligations domestically and to continue 

to expect rigorous compliance by foreign 

governments with respect to U.S. citizens 

abroad.
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ARRESTS AND DETENTIONS OF FOREIGN 

NATIONALS

Whenever you arrest or detain a foreign 

national in the United States, you must inform 

the foreign national, without delay, that he 

or she may communicate with his or her 

consular officers. In most cases, the foreign 

national then has the option to decide whether 

to have consular representatives notified of 

the arrest or detention. If the foreign national 

requests notification, you must notify the 

foreign national’s consular officers of the 

arrest or detention. In some cases, a bilateral 

agreement between the United States and 

the foreign national’s country may require 

you to notify the foreign national’s consular 

officers of an arrest or detention automatically, 

regardless of the foreign national’s wishes. 

Thus, you must notify consular officers that a 

national of their country has been arrested or 

detained if: (1) the foreign national requests 

notification after being informed of his or her 

option to make such a request; or (2) a bilateral 

agreement between the United States and the 

foreign national’s country requires notification 

regardless of the foreign national’s request. 

A list of all foreign embassies and consulates 

in the United States, with telephone and 

fax numbers, appears in Part Seven of this 

manual to facilitate notification in cases where 

notification is required.

NOTIFICATION REQUIRED AT THE FOREIGN 

NATIONAL’S REQUEST: THE GENERAL 

RULE

In all cases except those involving nationals 

from “mandatory notification” (“list”) countries 

(see next section), you must inform the foreign 

national without delay that he or she may have 

his or her consular officers notified of the 

arrest or detention, and that he or she may 

communicate with the consular officers. Once 

informed of the option to request consular 

notification, the foreign national then decides 

whether he or she wants notification to occur. 

Some foreign nationals will request that their 

consular representatives be notified of their 

arrest or detention, while others will not. If the 

foreign national requests notification, you must 

ensure that the nearest consulate or embassy 

of the foreign national’s country is notified of 

the arrest or detention without delay. This rule 

is set forth in Article 36(1)(b) of the VCCR, 

which applies to most countries.

Thus, the decision whether consular officers 

should be notified is for the foreign national 

to make unless the foreign national is from a 

“mandatory notification” (“list”) country. 

MANDATORY NOTIFICATION: THE SPECIAL 

RULE

In cases involving foreign nationals of certain 

countries, you must notify consular officers if 

one of their nationals is arrested or detained, 

regardless of whether the national requests 

or wants consular notification. The 57 

“mandatory notification” countries are listed on 

page 4 of this manual. They may be referred 

to in this manual and other Department of 

State guidance as “mandatory notification” 

countries, “list” countries, or “special rule” 

countries.

Mandatory notification requirements arise 

from bilateral agreements between the 

United States and these 57 countries. The 

terms of the bilateral agreements are not 

identical to one another, however. Mandatory 

notification generally must be made to the 

nearest consulate or embassy “without delay,” 

“immediately,” or within a specific period of 

time established in the agreement. 
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You should inform the foreign national that 

notification has been made and advise him or 

her of the option to communicate with his or 

her consular officers. The relevant provisions 

on mandatory notification in the United States’ 

bilateral agreements are reproduced in 

Table A on pages 47 through 52.4

Privacy concerns or the possibility that a 

foreign national may have a legitimate fear 

of persecution or other mistreatment by 

his or her government may exist in some 

mandatory notification cases. The notification 

requirement should still be honored, but it is 

usually possible to take precautions regarding 

the disclosure of information. For example, it 

is not necessary to provide information about 

why a foreign national is in detention unless 

the agreement specifically requires that the 

reasons be given. A list of countries with 

bilateral agreements requiring you to give 

such reasons appears under the question 

“When I notify the consular officers, should I 

tell them the reasons for the detention?” on 

page 29. Under no circumstances should 

any information indicating that a foreign 

national has or may have applied for asylum 

or withholding of removal in the United States 

or elsewhere be disclosed to that person’s 

government. If a consular officer insists on 

obtaining information about a detainee that 

the detainee does not want disclosed, the 

Department of State can provide more specific 

guidance.

RECORDKEEPING

Law enforcement agencies should keep 

written records sufficient to show compliance 

with the above notification requirements. At a 

minimum, these records should include:

The date and time the foreign national was 

informed that he or she could communicate 

with consular officers and, if applicable, could 

request that consular officers be notified 

without delay of the arrest or detention. If 

information was provided in writing, retain a 

copy.

Whether the foreign national requested 

notification, if applicable.

Whether the consulate was notified and, if 

so, the date and time of notification, method 

of notification, and confirmation of receipt, 

if available. (If notification is sent via fax, 

the law enforcement agency should retain a 

copy of the notification receipt printed by the 

fax machine.)

Other relevant actions taken.

From time to time, the Department of State 

receives inquiries and complaints from foreign 

governments concerning foreign nationals 

in detention. In such cases, the Department 

may ask the relevant law enforcement officials 

whether and when the foreign national was 

provided with information about consular 

notification and access; whether he or she 

requested that his or her consular officers be 

notified of the arrest or detention; and whether 

and when this notification was in fact given to 

the consular officers. The Department of State 

does not, however, maintain an inventory or 

tally of all foreign nationals jailed or imprisoned 

across the country, and cannot provide such 

information to foreign consular officers or 

foreign governments. Foreign consular officers 

may raise concerns about consular notification 

directly with the responsible federal, state, 

and local officials. Good recordkeeping will 

facilitate responding to these inquiries and to 

any consular notification issues that may be 

raised in litigation.

4 The United States has bilateral agreements on consular matters with many countries, only some of which contain “mandatory 

notification” provisions. Others contain a notification requirement similar to that of the VCCR—that is, that consular officers be notified 

upon the request of a detained foreign national. While the relevant portions of most of these agreements are essentially the same as 

those of the VCCR, in rare cases they differ in a significant way. For example, some bilateral agreements, in contrast to the VCCR, 

require the competent authorities (such as the local police who arrested the foreign national) to give consular officers information on why 

the foreign national has been detained (for the list, see the question “When I notify the consular officers, should I tell them the reasons 

for the detention?” on page 29). Other bilateral agreements require that consular officers be permitted to converse privately with their 

nationals (for the list, see the question “Is a consular officer entitled to meet or converse privately with a detained foreign national?” on 

page 34). Still others differ in the types of detentions that trigger the notification requirement (for the relevant language, see Table B on 

pages 53-54). Where doubts arise as to whether the VCCR or a bilateral agreement applies in a given case, contact the Department of 

State.
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS

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CONSULAR ACCESS TO DETAINED 

FOREIGN NATIONALS

The VCCR and the relevant bilateral 

agreements allow detained foreign nationals 

to communicate with their consular officers. 

Specifically, under the VCCR you must forward 

any communication by a foreign national to his 

or her consular representative without delay. 

Foreign nationals have no right to be released 

from detention to visit their consular officers, 

however, and no right to require that a consular 

officer visit them in detention or otherwise 

communicate with them or assist them. 

It is for the consular officer to decide whether, 

when, and how to respond to a notification 

that one of his or her nationals has been 

detained. Even where a foreign national has 

not requested a consular visit, the consular 

officers must be given access to the national 

and permitted to communicate with him or her. 

Such officers have the right to visit the national, 

to converse and correspond with him or her, 

and to arrange for legal representation. They 

must refrain from acting on behalf of the foreign 

national, however, if the national opposes their 

involvement. If the foreign national does not 

want consular assistance, the consular officer 

should be allowed an opportunity to confirm 

this fact directly (e.g., through a one-time, 

face-to-face visit). Consular officers may not 

act as attorneys for their nationals.

While visiting foreign consular officers cannot 

be restricted in the questions they pose to the 

detained foreign national, consular access and 

communication generally must be exercised 

subject to local laws and regulations. For 

example, consular officers may be required to 

visit during established visiting hours, and may, 

in accordance with local laws and regulations 

and applicable prison rules, be prevented 

from taking in prohibited items. They may 

also be prohibited from taking in recording 

devices, taking a statement from the foreign 

national under oath, having the national sign a 

statement, or otherwise engaging in formal law 

enforcement activities. Nevertheless, federal, 

state, and local rules of this nature must not 

be so restrictive as to defeat the purpose of 

consular access and communication.

The above requirements are set out in Article 

36 of the VCCR. Additional requirements 

may apply to particular countries because 

of bilateral agreements. For example, some 

agreements explicitly require that consular 

officers be permitted to converse privately 

with their nationals. (For the full list, see the 

question “Is a consular officer entitled to meet 

or converse privately with a detained foreign 

national?” on page 34.)

While some foreign governments make 

blanket requests for information on all foreign 

nationals incarcerated in the United States, the 

Department of State does not keep a prisoner 

inventory or tally for any country’s nationals. 

The Bureau of Prisons or state corrections 

bureaus may have such information and be 

willing to provide it, and representatives of the 

foreign government are free to contact these 

entities. Neither the Department nor these 

entities, however, has an obligation to provide 

blanket information.

DEATHS, SERIOUS INJURIES, AND 

SERIOUS ILLNESSES OF FOREIGN 

NATIONALS

If you become aware of the death of a foreign 

national in the United States, you must ensure 

that the nearest consulate of that national’s 

country is notified of the death without delay. 

This will permit the foreign government to 

make an official record of the death for its 

own legal purposes. For example, such notice 

will help ensure that passports and other 

legal documentation issued by that country 

are canceled and not reissued to fraudulent 

claimants. In addition, it may help ensure that 

the foreign national’s family and legal heirs, if 

any, in the foreign country are aware of the 

death and that the death is known for estate 

purposes in the foreign national’s country. 

Once notified of a death, consular officers 

may in some circumstances act to conserve 

the decedent’s estate, in accordance with 

the laws and regulations applicable in the 

jurisdiction.
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DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS

The requirement to notify a consular officer in 

cases of deaths is set out in Article 37(a) of the 

VCCR, and Article 5 recognizes the functions 

of consular officers relating to deaths and 

estates. Additional requirements may apply 

to particular countries because of bilateral 

agreements.

Although serious injuries and illnesses are 

not specifically covered in the VCCR, the 

Department of State encourages U.S. officials 

to consider notifying consular officers as a 

matter of courtesy if a foreign national is in such 

a critical condition that contacting the consular 

officers would be in that person’s best interests 

(e.g., if the foreign national is in a coma or is 

sent to the hospital with a life-threatening 

injury). Such notification may be particularly 

helpful if the foreign national’s relatives are in 

the home country.

APPOINTMENTS OF GUARDIANS OR 

TRUSTEES FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS

Whenever a probate court or other legally 

competent authority considers appointing a 

guardian or trustee for a foreign national who 

is a minor or an adult lacking full capacity, 

a court official or other appropriate official 

involved in the guardianship process must 

inform the nearest consular officers for that 

national’s country without delay. Notification 

would normally be required in the following 

situations:

A foreign national is taken into protective 

custody, either by an individual or a 

government agency

A petition to appoint a guardian for a foreign 

national is filed with a court

Legal proceedings are initiated in which a 

foreign national minor is named as a party 

and the individual’s parent or guardian 

cannot be located

The legal procedures for appointment of a 

guardian or trustee can go forward, but a 

consular officer should—if possible without 

prejudice to the appointment process—be 

permitted to express any interest his or her 

government might have in the issue. In some 

cases, consular officers may wish to assist in 

finding family members in the home country 

who could assist in caring for the minor or 

incompetent adult. The requirement to notify 

consular officers in cases of guardianship is 

set out in Article 37(b) of the VCCR, and Article 

5 recognizes the functions of consular officers 

relating to minors and incompetent adults. 

Additional requirements may apply to particular 

countries because of bilateral agreements. If 

a minor child or incompetent adult is arrested 

or detained, the requirements that pertain to 

cases of arrests and detentions of foreign 

nationals must also be followed. If the minor 

child or incompetent adult is from a “mandatory 

notification” country, you can make a single 

notification of the arrest or detention and of any 

possible need for a guardian. If the minor child 

or incompetent adult is not from a mandatory 

notification country but consular notification is 

required because a guardian may be needed, 

the requirement to notify consular officers that 

a guardian is needed should take precedence 

over the usual requirement to notify only if 

requested to do so by the foreign national. 

Again, you can make a single notification of 

the arrest or detention and of any possible 

need for a guardian.

ACCIDENTS INVOLVING FOREIGN SHIPS OR 

AIRCRAFT

If a ship or airplane registered in a foreign 

country wrecks or crashes in the United 

States, the nearest consular officers of that 

country must be notified without delay. This 

requirement is set out in Article 37(c) of the 

VCCR. Once notification has been made, 

consular officers may undertake to coordinate 

contacts with the victims’ families or to provide 

other emergency assistance on behalf of the 

foreign government concerned. Some of the 

other functions consular officers may undertake 

in cases involving shipwrecks or air crashes are 

enumerated in Article 5 of the VCCR. Additional 

requirements may apply to particular countries 

because of bilateral agreements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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PART THREE: 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS ABOUT CONSULAR OFFICERS

Q. What is a “consular officer”? 

A. For the purposes of this manual, a consular 

officer is an official of a foreign government 

accredited by the U.S. Department of State 

and authorized to provide assistance on 

behalf of that government to that government’s 

citizens in another country, regardless of 

whether a consular officer is assigned to a 

consular section of an embassy in Washington, 

D.C., or to a consular office maintained by the 

foreign government at a location in the United 

States outside of Washington, D.C. For other 

purposes, the officer assigned to an embassy 

is a “diplomatic officer.”

Q. What is a “consul”? What is a “consular 

official”?

A. The terms “consular officer,” “consular 

official,” and “consul” mean the same thing, 

for purposes of the issues discussed in this 

manual.

Q. How is a consular officer different from 

legal “counsel”? 

A. The term “consul” should not be confused 

with “counsel,” which means an attorney-at-law 

authorized to provide legal counsel and advice. 

A foreign consular officer is not authorized to 

practice law in the United States.

Q. What is an “honorary consul”? 

A. An honorary consul is a U.S. citizen or an 

alien who is a lawful permanent resident of 

the United States who has been authorized 

by a foreign government to perform consular 

functions on its behalf in the United States. 

An honorary consul should be treated as a 

consular officer for purposes of the issues 

discussed in this manual insofar as he or she is 

acting as an honorary consul. (Some honorary 

consuls serve only on a part-time basis, and 

may also engage in work unrelated to their 

work as honorary consuls.)

Q. How are diplomatic officers different from 

consular officers? 

A. A diplomatic officer or “diplomat” is an 

officer of a foreign government assigned to an 

embassy to represent that government to the 

host country. Many diplomatic officers are also 

authorized by their governments to perform 

consular functions, and thus to act as consular 

officers. As noted above, for the purposes of 

this manual, the term “consular officer” includes 

a diplomatic officer assigned to an embassy 

in Washington, D.C., who performs consular 

functions. 

Q. Should I treat a diplomatic officer the same 

as a consular officer? 

A. For the purposes of the issues discussed 

in this manual, you should treat a diplomatic 

officer and a consular officer similarly. Consular 

notification can be given to a diplomatic officer 

at an embassy if no consular officer is closer. 

A diplomatic officer should be permitted to 

conduct visits to detained foreign nationals and 

to perform the other kinds of consular functions 

discussed in this manual. 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q. How can I be sure that someone who claims 

to be a consular officer, a consul, an honorary 

consul, or a diplomatic officer is in fact one? 

A. Diplomatic and consular officers (including 

consuls and honorary consuls) have 

identification cards issued by the Department 

of State. Sample cards are shown in Part Five 

of this manual, on pages 99 through 101. If 

you have any doubt about the authenticity of a 

State Department identification card, you can 

call the Department’s Office of Protocol at (202) 

647-1985 to have the identity and status of the 

official verified during business hours (8:15 

a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern). Outside of those 

hours, you may call the Diplomatic Security 

Command Center at the Department of State 

at (571) 345-3146 or (866) 217-2089. You may 

also consult www.state.gov/m/ds/immunities/

c9118.htm.

QUESTIONS ABOUT FOREIGN NATIONALS 

Q. Who is a “foreign national”?

A. For the purposes of consular notification 

and the instructions in this manual, a “foreign 

national” is any person who is not a U.S. citizen. 

(There are rare situations in which a person is 

neither a U.S. citizen nor a foreign national—

i.e., is “stateless.” In such a case, consular 

notification requirements do not apply.)

Q. Is a foreign national the same as an 

“alien”?

A. Yes, for the purposes of this manual.

Q. Are “citizenship” and “nationality” the 

same thing?

A. Yes, for the purposes of consular notification 

and access. 

Q. Is a person with a “green card” (a “lawful 

permanent resident”) considered a foreign 

national? 

A. Yes. Lawful permanent resident aliens 

(“LPRs”), who have a resident alien registration 

card (Department of Homeland Security Form 

I-551), more commonly known as a “green 

card,” are not U.S. citizens. They retain their 

foreign nationality and must be considered 

“foreign nationals” for the purposes of consular 

notification. (As described immediately below, 

special rules apply to Polish nationals holding 

green cards.)

Q. But since “green card” holders are living 

in the United States permanently, why can’t 

I ignore consular notification requirements 

for them? Are the rules different for Polish 

nationals?

A. You must comply with consular notification 

and access requirements even if the foreign 

national you are dealing with is a lawful 

permanent resident alien (“LPR” or “green card” 

holder). The rules apply no matter how long the 

foreign national has lived in the United States. 

There generally is no reason, for purposes of 

consular notification, to inquire into whether 

a foreign national is in the United States on a 

green card or in some other status. 

In the case of Poland, however, Polish green 

card holders are subject to different rules. 

Under the bilateral convention between Poland 

and the United States, Poland is a “mandatory 

notification” country, but only with respect to 

“non-permanent residents.” That is, only Polish 

nationals who are not permanent residents 

are subject to “mandatory notification” 

requirements, and must accordingly be treated 

as nationals of a “mandatory notification” 

(“list”) country. Polish permanent residents, or 

green card holders, are to be treated like nonlist nationals—that is, they are exempt from 

the mandatory notification requirement. Polish 

green card holders must instead be informed 

that they can have their consular officers notified 

of their arrest or detention, with notification to 

consular officers being made only if the Polish 

green card holder requests it.5

5

 See footnote 18 on page 43.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q. Do I have to ask everyone I arrest or detain 

whether he or she is a foreign national? 

A. Routinely asking every person arrested 

or detained whether he or she is a U.S. 

citizen is highly recommended and is done 

by many law enforcement entities. Asking 

this question is the most effective way to 

ensure that you are complying with consular 

notification requirements. Moreover, asking 

everyone this question will reduce concerns 

about discrimination based on national origin 

or ethnicity. If a detainee claims to be a U.S. 

citizen in response to such a question, you 

generally can rely on that assertion and assume 

that consular notification requirements are not 

relevant. If you have reason to doubt that the 

person you are arresting or detaining is a U.S. 

citizen, however, you should inquire further 

about nationality so as to determine whether 

any consular notification obligations apply. You 

should keep a written record of whether the 

individual claimed to be a U.S. citizen and of 

any additional steps you took to determine the 

individual’s nationality.

Q. Short of asking all detainees about their 

nationality, how might I know that someone is 

a foreign national? 

A. If you do not routinely ask each person 

you arrest whether he or she is a U.S. citizen, 

you will need to develop other procedures for 

determining whether you have arrested or 

detained a foreign national and for complying 

with consular notification requirements. A 

driver’s license issued in the United States will 

not normally provide information sufficient to 

indicate whether the license holder is a U.S. 

citizen. Nor does the fact that a person has 

a social security number indicate that the 

person is necessarily a U.S. citizen. A foreign 

national may present as identification a foreign 

passport or consular identity card issued by his 

government or an alien registration document 

issued by the U.S. Government. If the person 

presents a document that indicates birth 

outside the United States, or claims to have 

been born outside the United States, he or 

she may be a foreign national. (Most, but not 

all, persons born in the United States are U.S. 

citizens; most, but not all, persons born outside 

the United States are not U.S. citizens, but a 

person born outside the United States whose 

mother or father is a U.S. citizen may be a U.S. 

citizen, as will a person born outside the United 

States who has become naturalized as a U.S. 

citizen.) Unfamiliarity with English may also 

indicate foreign nationality, though some U.S. 

citizens do not speak English. Such indicators 

could be a basis for asking the person whether 

he or she is a foreign national. You should keep 

copies of any identification presented and note 

in the file the basis on which you concluded 

the person was or was not a foreign national. 

Q. Are foreign nationals required to carry 

identity documents that indicate their 

nationality? Do consular notification 

procedures have to be followed if I can’t 

verify a detainee’s nationality through 

documentation?

A. Federal law requires that most foreign 

nationals carry immigration documents with 

them at all times while in the United States. 

See 8 U.S.C. § 1304(e). However, arresting 

officers will frequently come across aliens 

without documentation identifying their country 

of nationality. It is the arresting officer’s 

responsibility to inquire about a person’s 

nationality if there is any reason to believe that 

he or she is not a U.S. citizen.

In all cases where an arrestee claims to be 

a non-U.S. citizen, arresting officers should 

follow the appropriate consular notification 

procedures, even if the arrestee’s claim cannot 

be verified by documentation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q. Should I ask persons I arrest whether they 

are in the United States legally? Should I treat 

undocumented and “illegal” aliens differently 

than aliens lawfully present in the United 

States?

A. Consular notification and access 

requirements apply regardless of immigration 

status. There is no reason, for purposes of 

consular notification, to inquire into a person’s 

legal status in the United States. For purposes 

of consular notification you should make no 

distinctions based on whether the foreign 

national is in the United States “legally” or 

“illegally.” 

Q. What about dual nationals? 

A. If a person has more than one nationality, the 

appropriate consular notification procedures 

will depend first on whether one of the person’s 

countries of nationality is the United States. 

A person who is a U.S. citizen and a national 

of another country may be treated exclusively 

as a U.S. citizen when in the United States. 

In other words, consular notification is not 

required if the detainee has U.S. citizenship, 

regardless of whether he or she has another 

country’s citizenship or nationality as well. This 

is true even if the detainee’s other country of 

citizenship is a mandatory notification (“list”) 

country.

As a matter of discretion, however, the 

Department of State suggests that, when 

possible, you permit a visit from the consular 

officers of the detainee’s other country of 

nationality, as long as the detainee requests a 

visit and wishes to be visited by those consular 

officers. 

On occasion, moreover, the Department may 

ask you to allow a consular visit in cases where 

the other country permits U.S. consular officers 

to assist persons detained in that country 

who are both U.S. citizens and nationals of 

that country. Furthermore, allowing consular 

assistance will be particularly important in 

cases involving children, including those with 

two nationalities, who have no relatives in 

the United States. (For more information on 

minors, see the question “Should I notify the 

consulate any time I detain a foreign national 

who is a minor?” on page 18.)

A person who is not a U.S. citizen, but who 

is a citizen or national of two or more other 

countries, should be treated in accordance 

with the rules applicable to each of those 

countries. Therefore, the consular officers of 

both countries will need to be notified if the 

foreign national so requests. If either country is 

a mandatory notification country, its consular 

officers will need to be notified whether or 

not the foreign national so requests. If both 

countries are mandatory notification countries, 

the consular officers of both will need to be 

notified regardless of whether or not the foreign 

national so requests

QUESTIONS ABOUT WHICH OFFICIALS ARE 

RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING CONSULAR 

NOTIFICATION TO FOREIGN CONSULAR 

OFFICERS

Q. Who is actually responsible for making the 

necessary notifications to the individual or 

the consular officer?

A. The responsibility for consular notification, 

whether in the case of an arrest or detention, 

a guardianship, or a death lies with what are 

generally called “competent authorities” in 

the relevant international agreements. For the 

United States, this term is understood to mean 

those officials, whether federal, state, or local, 

who are responsible for legal action affecting 

the foreign national and who are competent, 

within their legal authorities, to give the 

notification required. This interpretation makes 

sense as a practical matter: compliance with 

the notification requirements works best when 

it is assumed by those government officials 

closest to the foreign national’s situation and 

with direct responsibility for it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

15

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Q. Who is responsible for notifying the 

consular officers of arrests and detentions? 

A. The law enforcement officers who actually 

make the arrest or who assume responsibility 

for the foreign national’s detention normally 

should provide the foreign national with the 

required consular notification information, and 

make any required notification to the foreign 

national’s consular officers, unless a relevant 

implementing statute, regulation, or instruction 

provides for a different procedure (or if the 

person’s foreign nationality is not known and 

cannot be determined at the time of arrest). For 

example, a jurisdiction might provide for the 

arresting officer to give the detainee consular 

information and for a different officer to notify 

the consulate. If the person’s foreign nationality 

is not known at the time of arrest, but becomes 

known later, it will be necessary to complete 

consular notification procedures at that time; 

this may mean that the responsibility for the 

procedures would have to be assumed by 

someone other than the arresting officer (e.g. 

a corrections officer, judicial official, etc.).

In cases involving arrests by officers of the U.S. 

Department of Justice, the responsibility for 

implementing consular notification procedures 

is governed by regulations at 28 C.F.R. § 50.5. 

As of the date of this manual’s publication, 

that regulation provided that the arresting 

officer (generally an official of the FBI or the 

U.S. Marshals Service) has responsibility for 

informing the foreign national of the relevant 

consular notification rights and requirements, 

and for conveying the foreign national’s wishes 

to the U.S. Attorney. The U.S. Attorney is 

responsible for providing notification to the 

appropriate consular official when required. 

(For cases involving detentions by Department 

of Homeland Security authorities, see the 

question “Are foreign nationals in immigration 

detention covered by the consular notification 

requirement?” on page 19).

In some jurisdictions, magistrate or other 

judges are being asked to verify or ensure at the 

time of arraignment that consular notification 

procedures have been or are followed. If the 

person’s foreign nationality becomes known 

prior to arraignment, however, consular 

notification procedures should be followed 

at that time, to ensure full compliance with 

applicable requirements.

Q. What is the responsibility of prosecutors 

for notifying consular officers of arrests and 

detentions? 

A. Because they do not arrest or detain 

foreign nationals, prosecutors are not normally 

responsible for providing foreign nationals 

with consular notification information or for 

notifying consular officers. They may be given 

responsibility for some or all of these functions 

by an implementing statute, regulation, or 

other instruction, however, and they may 

assist in ensuring that consular notification 

requirements are complied with even without 

such statute, regulation, or instruction. In 

addition, there may be circumstances in which 

foreign nationality becomes known only long 

after arrest and initial detention, e.g., as the 

result of a presentence report or in connection 

with a transfer to a prison. In such cases, it may 

be necessary for a prosecutor or prison official 

to assume responsibility for compliance.

Federal prosecutors are required to notify 

consular officers in cases involving arrests 

by officers of the U.S. Department of Justice, 

pursuant to regulations at 28 C.F.R. § 50.5. The 

arresting officer is responsible for informing 

the detainee that he or she may communicate 

with consular officers and have the consulate 

notified of his or her arrest or detention upon 

request. 

Prosecutors are strongly encouraged in all 

cases involving foreign nationals to inquire 

whether consular notification procedures 

have been followed. Such inquiries will help 

promote compliance with consular notification 

requirements, facilitate the provision of 

consular assistance by foreign governments 

to their nationals, and ensure that consular 

notification compliance does not become an 

issue in litigation. 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

16

CONSULAR

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Q. What is the responsibility of judicial officials 

for notification of arrests and detentions? 

A. The Department of State requests that 

judicial officials who preside over arraignments 

or other initial court appearances of foreign 

nationals inquire at that time whether consular 

notification procedures have been followed 

as required by the VCCR and any applicable 

bilateral agreement providing for mandatory 

notification. Some states have taken steps to 

have their magistrate judges address consular 

notification requirements at arraignment. Such 

inquiries will help promote compliance with 

consular notification procedures, facilitate the 

provision of consular assistance by foreign 

governments to their nationals, and ensure 

that consular notification compliance does not 

become an issue in litigation. 

Q. Who is responsible for notifying consular 

officers of deaths?

A. Notification to consular officers of a death 

of a foreign national should be made by the 

appropriate U.S. state or local authority, be it a 

coroner, medical examiner, or law enforcement 

official investigating the death. 

Q. Who is responsible for notifying consular 

officers of a serious injury or illness?

A. Notification of serious injuries and illnesses 

is not specifically required by the VCCR. 

Nevertheless, the Department of State 

encourages U.S. state and local officials to 

consider making consular notification if a 

foreign national is in such a critical condition 

that contacting the consular officers would 

be in that person’s best interests (e.g., if the 

foreign national is in a coma or is sent to the 

hospital with a life-threatening injury). Such 

notification may be particularly helpful if the 

foreign national’s relatives are in the home 

country.

In cases of serious injuries and illnesses, 

the competent authority will vary, but the 

Department of State encourages government 

officials in such situations to ensure that 

consular notification is made when appropriate. 

The Department of State should be contacted 

if there is any question about whether or not 

notification should be made in a particular 

case.

Q. Who is responsible for notifying consular 

officers of appointments of guardians? 

A. Notification should be made by probate 

or family court officials or by any other 

appropriate official involved in the guardianship 

process. In cases involving abuse, neglect, 

or abandonment of children, this may be the 

agency or entity acting to protect the child. 

Q. Who is responsible for notifying consular 

officers of shipwrecks and aircraft crashes? 

A. In the case of an accident or major disaster 

(such as an airplane crash or shipwreck), the 

competent authority may vary, but any federal, 

state, or local government officials responsible 

for investigating or providing aid or relief during 

such a situation should ensure notification of 

consular officers of the country in which the 

ship or airplane is registered. In addition, if 

the shipwreck or air crash results in the death 

of a foreign national, consular officers of the 

national’s home country must be notified of the 

death.

Q. Why are state and local government officials 

expected to provide such notification? 

A. State and local governments must 

comply with consular notification and access 

obligations because these obligations are 

embodied in treaties that are the law of the 

land under the Supremacy Clause in Article VI 

of the U.S. Constitution.

In addition, as a practical matter it is much 

more efficient for consular notification to 

occur at the local level. The VCCR and 

other consular conventions and agreements 

expressly provide for consular officers to 

interact directly with local government officials; 

consular officers are therefore not required to 

use their embassies in Washington, D.C., or 

the Department of State to communicate with 

local officials on consular matters. The federal 

government, however, would be responsible 

for addressing an international dispute with a 

foreign government concerning performance 

by state and local officials of obligations under 

the relevant treaties. 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

17

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES 

IN WHICH CONSULAR NOTIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS APPLY

Q. What kinds of detentions create consular 

notification obligations? 

A. Under Article 36, the VCCR’s requirements 

apply when a foreign national is “arrested or 

committed to prison or to custody pending trial 

or is detained in any other manner.” Most of 

the bilateral agreements use similarly broad 

language, and cover any form of detention. 

The term “detained in any other manner” is 

not defined in the VCCR, but the Department 

of State believes that it generally should be 

understood to cover any situation in which a 

foreign national’s ability to communicate with 

or visit consular officers is impeded as a result 

of actions by government officials limiting the 

foreign national’s freedom. The Department 

of State would not consider a “detention” to 

include a brief traffic stop or similar event in 

which a foreign national is questioned and 

then allowed to resume his or her activities. 

Immigration, civil, and criminal detentions are all 

covered. The placement of a foreign national in 

government-ordered quarantine for more than 

a short period of time, or committing him or 

her involuntarily to a mental health institution, 

would also be covered. (For more on this issue, 

see the question “If I have a foreign national 

who is hospitalized or quarantined, do I have 

to provide consular notification?” on page 18.)

While there are no specific exceptions for 

short detentions, potentially lasting less than 

24 hours, compliance with consular notification 

requirements may not be practicable. For 

example:

A foreign national is arrested on 

misdemeanor charges and is released 

several hours later after the booking process 

is completed.

A foreign national is arrested while 

intoxicated, is unable to understand 

consular notification information, and is 

held overnight and then released.

A foreign national is detained for several 

hours of questioning and then released. 

As a practical matter, consular officers 

will be more concerned about arrests for 

serious crimes and with detentions that 

last long enough to prevent the foreign 

national from communicating with his or her 

consular officers in essentially the same 

manner as he or she could if not detained. 

If a consular officer asks not to be notified 

about certain kinds of cases, you should 

ask that the request be confirmed in writing 

and consult with the Department of State.

Q. Do I have to inform and notify even when 

the detention is only while a traffic citation is 

written, or for a similar brief time? 

A. No. The VCCR’s requirements apply 

whenever a foreign national is arrested or 

detained in any manner, without distinguishing 

arrests that do not result in a significant 

detention. The primary purpose of the 

requirement is to ensure that a government 

does not place a foreign national in a 

situation in which the foreign national cannot 

communicate with or receive assistance from 

his or her own government. When a foreign 

national is stopped and released within a 

short period of time, this consideration is not 

relevant because the foreign national is free 

to contact consular officers independently.

The Department of State therefore does not 

consider brief routine detentions, such as for 

traffic violations or accident investigations, 

to be the type of situations in which consular 

notification procedures must be followed. 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

18

CONSULAR

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Q. Should I notify the consulate any time I 

detain a foreign national who is a minor? 

What if the minor is unaccompanied and I am 

unable to locate the parent or guardian?

A. You must notify the nearest consulate, 

without delay, if the minor is a national of a 

“mandatory notification” (“list”) country. If the 

minor is not a national of a list country, you 

should attempt to locate the minor’s parent or 

guardian and ask whether he or she wants you 

to notify the consulate of the minor’s detention. 

If you are unable to locate the legal guardian 

within 24 to 72 hours, or you believe the minor 

to be a victim of abuse or trafficking and that 

contacting the parent or guardian would place 

the minor in danger, you should notify the 

consulate unless, under the circumstances, 

there is reason to believe notification could 

be detrimental to the minor (e.g., if the minor 

is seeking asylum in the United States). In 

such cases, you should ask a court or other 

competent authority to determine whether 

notification would be in the best interests of the 

minor. Consular notification is required in any 

case if the court or other appropriate authority 

initiates proceedings to appoint a guardian or 

trustee for the detained minor.

Q. If I have a foreign national who is 

hospitalized or quarantined, do I have to 

provide consular notification? 

A. Usually. If the foreign national is hospitalized 

or quarantined pursuant to governmental 

authority (law enforcement, judicial, or 

administrative) and is not free to leave, under 

the VCCR and most bilateral agreements he 

or she must be treated like a foreign national 

in detention, and appropriate notification must 

be provided. Consular officers must be notified 

of the detention (regardless of the foreign 

national’s wishes) if the detention occurs in 

circumstances indicating that the appointment 

of a guardian for the foreign national is 

required (e.g., if the detention is the result of 

an involuntary commitment due to mental 

illness).

Q. What about consular notification for adults 

who are mentally incompetent or lacking full 

capacity?

A. In cases where a detained adult foreign 

national is believed to lack full capacity, you 

must notify the national’s consular officers 

if he or she is a national of a list country. If 

the individual is not a national of a list country, 

you should first determine whether his or her 

incapacity is likely to be temporary or to last 

for a significant period of time. If the foreign 

national is expected to recover his or her full 

capacity within 24 to 48 hours, you should wait 

until the individual has recovered and then ask 

whether he or she wants you to notify consular 

officers of the detention. If the foreign national 

requests notification, a responsible official must 

ensure that notification is given to consular 

officers without delay. If the individual is not 

expected to recover his or her full capacity 

within 24 to 48 hours, pretrial services officers 

should bring the issue of consular notification 

to the attention of the court or other appropriate 

authorities, which should determine whether 

notification would be in the best interests of 

the detained individual. Notification to consular 

officers is required in all cases where the 

court or other appropriate authority initiates 

proceedings to appoint a guardian or trustee 

for an incapacitated adult.

Q. Are civil commitments of foreign 

nationals covered by consular notification 

requirements? 

A. Usually. Under the VCCR and most bilateral 

agreements, a civil commitment is considered 

a detention. Even prior to the commitment, 

consular notification may be required by Article 

37 of the VCCR, which requires that consular 

officers be notified whenever it appears that a 

guardian is needed for a foreign national, e.g., 

because he or she appears to be mentally ill or 

legally incompetent.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

19

CONSULAR

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AND ACCESS

Q. Are foreign nationals in immigration 

detention covered by the consular notification 

requirement? 

A. Yes. Consistent with this requirement, 

the Department of Homeland Security 

has addressed consular notification in its 

immigration regulations relating to the detention 

of aliens prior to removal (8 C.F.R. § 236.1(e)). 

In addition, if an alien is not admitted at a port 

of entry, but is taken to a detention facility and 

held there, consular notification requirements 

apply. The Department of State does not, 

however, ordinarily consider foreign nationals 

who are found inadmissible at a port of entry 

and required to remain at the port of entry 

until they can depart the United States to be 

detained within the meaning of the VCCR and 

the relevant bilateral agreements. Immigration 

officials nevertheless are encouraged to 

permit such foreign nationals to communicate 

with consular officers as a matter of discretion, 

particularly if the detention becomes prolonged 

because onward transportation is significantly 

delayed. Permitting consular communications 

by foreign nationals held at ports of entry can 

in some cases help resolve obstacles to the 

foreign national’s admission. For example, a 

consular officer may be able to confirm whether 

or not a travel document suspected of being 

fraudulent is fraudulent or genuine. 

Q. If I am a prison official taking custody of 

a foreign national long after his or her initial 

arrest or detention, do I have to inform the 

foreign national that he or she may have his 

or her consular officers notified, and to notify 

such officials where requested or where the 

national is from a list country? 

A. The Department of State strongly 

recommends that consular notification 

procedures be followed routinely whenever 

a foreign national is transferred to a prison. 

There are a number of reasons for doing so. 

First, sometimes the fact that the person is a 

foreign national only becomes known when the 

person is transferred to a prison; in this case, 

prison officials themselves are responsible for 

completing consular notification procedures. 

Second, the transfer may also entail a transfer 

of the foreign national from one consular 

district to another, so that a new consular post 

will have jurisdiction over the foreign national. 

Third, a detained foreign national may decline 

consular notification or consular assistance in 

the early stages of a criminal proceeding but 

change his or her mind when faced with serving 

a sentence. Finally, following notification 

procedures when a foreign national comes into 

the prison system is a safeguard in case the 

procedures should have been followed earlier 

but were not. 

Q. If I am a prison official taking custody of a 

foreign national who is being transferred to my 

prison from a different prison, do I have to go 

through consular notification procedures?

A. The Department of State strongly 

encourages that consular notification 

procedures be followed routinely whenever a 

foreign national is transferred from one prison 

to another, for the reasons discussed in the 

immediately preceding answer.

Q. Do I have to go through consular notification 

procedures if an already detained foreign 

national is charged with a new offense?

A. No, but notification is encouraged. Provided 

you went through consular notification 

procedures when the foreign national was 

detained on the original charges, you do not 

have to go through such procedures again 

if charges against the individual are added. 

Nevertheless, the Department of State 

encourages you to do so, in order to permit 

the consulate to provide whatever additional 

consular services to the individual it may 

feel are warranted. The Department strongly 

encourages repeating the consular notification 

process if the new charges are significantly 

more serious than the original charges, and 

especially if they expose the foreign national 

to the possibility of the death penalty.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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CONSULAR

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AND ACCESS

Q. Do I have to go through consular notification 

procedures upon the release or parole of an 

incarcerated foreign national?

A. Possibly. A foreign national detainee who 

has been released to parole or to some other 

type of “aftercare” (e.g., to a halfway house) 

is generally able to establish contact with a 

consular official at his or her own discretion. 

Assuming that the competent authorities 

undertook consular notification procedures at 

the time of a foreign national’s initial detention 

(i.e., informed the national that he or she may 

have his consular officers notified, and notified 

such officials upon his or her request, or in 

any event where he or she is a national of a 

“mandatory notification” (“list”) country), there 

is no obligation to go through the procedures 

a second time when the national is released 

to parole or aftercare. At the same time, 

detaining authorities should keep in mind the 

purpose of consular notification requirements: 

to ensure that foreign nationals are not placed 

in situations in which they cannot receive 

assistance from their own governments. If 

it appears in particular circumstances that 

a detainee’s parole or release to aftercare 

could have the practical effect of impeding 

the detainee’s access to consular assistance, 

going through the procedures when there 

has been a change in the detainee’s status or 

location could be useful and could help prevent 

unnecessary complications.

Q. Do I have to go through consular notification 

procedures if I am taking a foreign national 

into custody for a parole violation (e.g., on 

a parole retake warrant) and he or she was 

given consular information when originally 

arrested or detained? 

A. Yes. If the foreign national is taken back 

into detention after a period at liberty, consular 

notification procedures must be followed again. 

The relevant international agreements make 

no exception for such re-arrests. In addition, 

the need or desire for consular assistance 

may exist each time the person is returned to 

custody.

Q. Do I have to inform a foreign national 

that he or she may have his or her consular 

officers notified even if I give him or her the 

Miranda warning? 

A. Yes. You must follow consular notification 

procedures with respect to detained foreign 

nationals in addition to providing Miranda 

or other warnings when required. Consular 

notification should not be confused with the 

Miranda warning. Neither can substitute for 

the other. 

The Miranda warning is given regardless 

of nationality to protect the individual’s 

constitutional rights against self-incrimination 

and to the assistance of legal counsel. The 

Miranda warning must be given prior to a 

custodial interrogation, regardless of when 

the interrogation occurs in relationship to the 

arrest or commencement of detention.

In contrast, the obligation to inform a foreign 

national that he or she may have consular 

officers notified stems from international 

legal requirements intended to permit foreign 

governments to provide their nationals with 

appropriate consular assistance. If the VCCR 

is the governing agreement, an arrested or 

detained foreign national must be informed 

“without delay” that he or she may have 

consular officers notified, regardless of when 

the Miranda warnings are given. 

For guidance on the timing of consular 

information and Miranda warnings, see the 

next section, “Questions About How Quickly 

You Must Give Consular Information to the 

Foreign National.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

21

CONSULAR

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AND ACCESS

Q. If law enforcement officials of the foreign 

national’s government are helping with our 

investigation, should I still go through the 

process of notifying consular officers? 

A. Yes. It is important to distinguish between 

a government’s consular officers and other 

officials, such as law enforcement officers, who 

have different functions and responsibilities. 

Even if law enforcement officials of the foreign 

national’s country are aware of the detention 

and are helping to investigate the crime in which 

the foreign national allegedly was involved, it is 

still important to ensure that consular officers 

are made aware of the arrest or detention 

when required. 

Q. Are there any circumstances in which 

I may comply with consular notification 

requirements by notifying someone other 

than the consular officer with responsibility 

for my geographic area? 

A. The VCCR provides for notification to the 

“consular post.” Consular officers are assigned 

to consular posts that have responsibility for 

consular districts, which are geographic areas. 

Consular officers have responsibilities and 

authority to act within their district. Thus, the 

original concept was that the consular officer 

with responsibility for the relevant geographic 

area would be notified. In practice, local 

authorities may not know the exact geographic 

areas served by each of the consulates in 

the United States. In cases of doubt, you 

should notify the nearest consulate or the 

consular section of the country’s embassy in 

Washington, D.C., which will have supervisory 

authority over all of that country’s consular 

officers in the United States. 

The Department of State considers that the 

objectives of consular notification are met 

when consular officers of the country have 

notice of the detention because, if they are 

not the consular officers who would actually 

provide consular assistance, they will be in 

a position to ensure that the proper consular 

officers are notified. In such cases, you should 

keep a written record of who was notified, and 

the individual’s location and title.

QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW QUICKLY YOU 

MUST GIVE CONSULAR INFORMATION TO 

THE FOREIGN NATIONAL

Q. How quickly do I need to inform the 

foreign national of the option to have his or 

her consular officers notified of the arrest or 

detention? 

A. The VCCR requires that a foreign national 

be informed “without delay” of the option to 

have a consular officer notified of the arrest 

or detention. There should be no deliberate 

delay, and notification must occur as soon as 

reasonably possible under the circumstances.

The obligation to provide such consular 

information is triggered by knowledge that 

the person is a foreign national. Once foreign 

nationality is known, advising the national that 

he or she may have consular officers notified 

must follow promptly. If it appears that the 

person is probably a foreign national, you 

should provide consular information and treat 

the person like a foreign national until and 

unless you confirm that he or she is instead a 

U.S. citizen. 

Ordinarily, you must inform a foreign national 

of the possibility of consular notification by or 

at the time the foreign national is booked for 

detention, which is a time when identity and 

foreign nationality can be confirmed in a safe 

and orderly way. If the identity and foreign 

nationality of a person are confirmed during a 

custodial interrogation that precedes booking, 

consular information should be provided at 

that time. (Note, however, that there is no 

requirement to stop the interrogation if the 

foreign national requests that consular officers 

be notified of the detention, but nevertheless 

agrees to provide a statement voluntarily.) 

The Department of State encourages judicial 

authorities to confirm during court appearances 

of foreign nationals that consular notification 

procedures have occurred as required. If 

foreign nationality only becomes known during 

arraignment, consular notification procedures 

should be followed at that time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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If the fact that the person is a foreign national 

only becomes known after arrest, booking, or 

arraignment, the required procedures must be 

followed at that time. In some cases, this may 

be only after the person has been convicted 

and transferred to a prison, transferred from 

one prison to another, or when a presentence 

report is prepared. Thus prosecutors, judicial 

officials, corrections officials, and others 

should be alert to the possible need to comply 

with consular notification procedures well after 

an arrest or initial detention.

Q. Do I have to inform a foreign national of 

the option to have his or her consular officers 

notified of the arrest or detention at the same 

time that I give the Miranda warnings? 

A. There is no requirement that consular 

information and Miranda warnings be given 

at the same time. On the other hand, some 

jurisdictions have found it convenient to 

combine these procedures, such as by 

including consular information on a card, 

script, or other written statement alongside the 

Miranda warnings. Such measures may help 

ensure compliance with consular notification 

requirements. Unlike when a detainee requests 

a lawyer after Miranda warnings, however, 

there is no requirement to delay an interview or 

interrogation while a consular officer is notified 

of a detention or travels to visit the detainee, if 

the detainee is willing to proceed. 

For a sample of consular information language 

that may be included on a card or script 

alongside the Miranda warnings, see page 75.

Q. If I inform a foreign national of the option 

to have his or her consular officers notified 

of the arrest or detention at the same time I 

give the Miranda warnings, can I be sure of 

complying with notification requirements?

A. In many cases providing consular information 

and Miranda warnings at the same time will 

result in compliance with consular notification 

requirements, but this may not always be the 

case. Consular information must be provided 

“without delay,” which generally means when 

you know that the person you have arrested 

or detained is a foreign national. This might or 

might not coincide with when Miranda warnings 

must be given. For example, there may be 

circumstances in which providing consular 

information only when Miranda warnings are 

given may result in consular information being 

provided later than it should be (e.g., if foreign 

nationality is known at the time of booking but 

any custodial interrogation, and hence the 

giving of Miranda warnings, occurs only later). 

The Department of State recommends giving 

consular information when a detainee is 

booked because that is a time when identity 

is formally recorded and foreign nationality 

is likely to become known. If not at booking, 

the Department encourages jurisdictions to 

otherwise identify the point in their arrest 

or detention procedures at which foreign 

nationality is most likely to be established, and 

to make that point the focus of their consular 

notification procedures. Consular notification 

procedures will ideally include double-checking 

for compliance at other times, one of which 

might be when Miranda warnings are given.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

23

CONSULAR

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MANNER IN WHICH 

YOU MUST GIVE CONSULAR INFORMATION 

TO THE FOREIGN NATIONAL

Q. Does the foreign national have to be 

informed in writing about the option to have 

his or her consular officers notified of the 

arrest or detention? 

A. You may inform the detainee orally or in 

writing, but the Department of State strongly 

recommends providing the information in 

writing, particularly when the foreign national 

does not clearly understand English. In addition, 

the Department of State strongly recommends 

that you maintain a written record of the fact 

the foreign national was provided with consular 

information and of whether or not the foreign 

national requested that his or her consular 

officers be notified. You may want to ask the 

foreign national to sign a statement confirming 

that he or she was advised about consular 

notification and that he or she either did, or 

did not, want consular officers to be notified. 

A sample statement for these purposes (in 

English and several other languages) can be 

found in Part Five, on pages 75 through 95 of 

this manual.

Q. Does the foreign national have to be 

informed in his or her own language? 

A. There is no requirement to inform a foreign 

national in his or her own language, but this is 

clearly preferable. Regardless of what language 

you use, you should seek to ensure that the 

foreign national understands what you are 

saying. Sample statements with translations 

appear in Part Five, on pages 75 through 95 of 

this manual, to facilitate providing information 

to foreign nationals notwithstanding language 

barriers.

Q. How do I figure out what country the 

foreign national is from, so that I know which 

consulate to notify? What if the national’s 

passport is from a country that no longer 

exists?

A. The best way is to check the foreign national’s 

passport or other identification documents, 

although many forms of identification (e.g., 

driver’s licenses and social security cards) 

do not indicate nationality. In the absence of 

credible documents indicating nationality, ask 

the foreign national what his or her nationality 

is. 

Some foreign nationals may be carrying a 

passport or other travel document bearing 

the name of a country that no longer exists, 

or exists with a different name. In rare cases, 

for example, you may encounter a national of 

a country that used to be part of the Soviet 

Union still in possession of an expired Soviet 

passport, or a national of the Czech Republic 

or Slovakia in possession of an expired 

passport issued by Czechoslovakia. More 

commonly, nationals of countries that made up 

the former Yugoslavia, especially the countries 

of Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo, may be 

carrying passports bearing the names of their 

individual countries or of the country they 

formerly composed: the “Federal Republic 

of Yugoslavia.” Kosovo nationals, moreover, 

may be using a travel document issued by the 

United Nations Mission in Kosovo or a passport 

bearing the name “Republic of Serbia.” In all 

such cases, you should attempt to ascertain 

from the foreign national his or her current 

country of nationality and, if he or she is unwilling 

to give such information, the country with 

which he or she wishes to establish consular 

communications. If requested to do so, and 

even if not so requested where the country in 

question is a “mandatory notification” (“list”) 

country, you must then contact that country’s 

consulate.

Residents of certain autonomous entities and 

territories, administrative regions, and other 

possessions may be carrying a passport that 

bears the name of their territory or entity along 

with the name of the country that has jurisdiction 

over it and provides its residents with consular 

services. Examples include certain overseas 

possessions of the United Kingdom (see 

the question “What about British nationals” 

immediately below); the Danish autonomous 

territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands; 

and the Chinese special administrative regions 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

24

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

of Hong Kong and Macao. 

Barring evidence to the contrary, you should 

consider these persons nationals of the country 

with jurisdiction over the person’s territory of 

residence. For advice on figuring out whether 

the arrestee or detainee is a foreign national 

in the first place, see the question “Short of 

asking all detainees about their nationality, 

how might I know that someone is a foreign 

national?” on page 13.

Q. What about British nationals?

A. British nationality can be difficult to ascertain, 

as the United Kingdom has many current and 

former overseas territories whose residents 

may or may not be British nationals. Under the 

laws of the United Kingdom, certain residents 

of its former territories may have retained 

their British nationality upon independence. 

These persons will usually be dual nationals 

of the United Kingdom and the other country. 

As described above (see the question “What 

about dual nationals?”on page 14), a person 

who is not a U.S. citizen, but who is a citizen 

or national of two or more other countries, 

should be treated in accordance with the 

rules applicable to each of those countries. 

The United Kingdom and many of its former 

territories are “mandatory notification” (“list”) 

countries and must be notified in the event 

one of their nationals is arrested or detained, 

regardless of the individual’s wishes.6

 The 

following former British territories are those that 

most frequently have residents who retained 

their British nationality upon independence, 

though this list is not exhaustive:

Antigua and Barbuda; Bahamas; Barbados; 

Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Kiribati; Saint Kitts 

and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and 

the Grenadines; Seychelles; Tonga; Trinidad 

and Tobago; Tuvalu

These persons may or may not be carrying 

a passport issued by the United Kingdom or 

other documentation indicating their British 

nationality. The best or only method of 

ascertaining whether an individual from one of 

the above countries is also a British national, 

and that the British consulate must therefore 

be notified, may be simply to ask the person to 

identify his or her nationalities.

Certain other territories currently belong to 

the United Kingdom. These are called “British 

Overseas Territories,” and their residents 

generally have British nationality. The British 

Overseas Territories do not have consulates 

of their own in the United States, even though 

they often do issue their own passports. Their 

residents rely on the consular services of the 

United Kingdom, so you will need to contact the 

nearest British consulate if you arrest or detain 

one of these persons. The British Overseas 

Territories are:

Anguilla; British Virgin Islands; Bermuda; 

Montserrat; Turks and Caicos

While these persons may be carrying a passport 

issued by the United Kingdom that contains 

the words “British” or “United Kingdom” on 

the cover or data page, they may be carrying 

a passport issued by their home territory (for 

example, Bermuda) with no indication of British 

nationality. Whatever the case, such persons 

are British nationals, and you must contact 

the nearest British consulate to inform it of the 

arrest or detention. Again, when in doubt, you 

may need to ask the individual to identify his or 

her nationalities. 

Q. What if I can’t communicate with the 

foreign national? Can I notify consular officers 

regardless of what the foreign national’s 

wishes may be?

A. Yes, but such a course of action is not 

recommended unless the foreign national 

cannot understand what you are saying. If 

the case is covered by the VCCR (which in 

most cases requires that a consular official 

be notified only if the foreign national requests 

notification), but you cannot communicate with 

the foreign national, you may notify the relevant 

consular post of the arrest or detention without 

ascertaining the foreign national’s wishes. You 

may also want to request the consular official’s 

6

 See footnote 19 on page 44, and footnote 30 on page 47.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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assistance with interpretation.

The VCCR and the bilateral agreements do 

not create any right belonging to the foreign 

national that would be violated by informing 

his or her consular officers of the arrest or 

detention without his or her consent.7

 However, 

except in certain cases involving minors and 

incompetent adults, the Department of State 

encourages respecting a foreign national’s 

desire not to have his or her consular officers 

notified when such a desire is known or 

ascertainable. (See the question “Why doesn’t 

the Department of State encourage consular 

notification in all cases, regardless of the 

foreign national’s wishes?” on page 27.) Some 

cases in which communication is not possible 

may involve minors or incompetent adults, 

where the VCCR provides for notification of the 

need for a guardian regardless of the foreign 

national’s wishes.

If the case is covered by a bilateral agreement 

that requires notification of the consular officer 

regardless of the foreign national’s wishes, 

then you should simply notify the consular 

officer as required. You may wish to advise the 

consular officer of the communication problem 

and to request assistance with interpretation. 

In all cases, you should be cautious about 

releasing information that a foreign national 

would not want released to his or her 

government. You should never indicate to the 

foreign national’s government that the foreign 

national has requested asylum or withholding 

of removal.

QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW QUICKLY YOU 

MUST NOTIFY THE CONSULAR OFFICERS OF 

THEIR NATIONAL’S ARREST OR DETENTION

Q. In a VCCR (“non-list country”) arrest or 

detention case, if the foreign national requests 

that consular officers be notified, how quickly 

do I have to do so? 

A. Without delay. Under the VCCR, you 

must notify the consular officer of an arrest 

or detention “without delay” after the foreign 

national has been informed about consular 

notification and access and has requested that 

notification be made.8

 

Notification of arrests and detentions outside 

of a consulate’s regular working hours is not 

required; notification can be provided in the 

ordinary course of business. In fact, in some 

countries notification is given by mail and 

takes considerably longer to be received. 

Nevertheless, while the VCCR might not be 

breached if notification takes several business 

days, the Department of State recommends 

that notification be given within 24 to 72 hours 

of the arrest or detention. This is the standard 

the Department uses for seeking notification 

of U.S. citizens arrested abroad. In cases of 

emergencies (e.g., detentions of persons with 

serious health problems, deaths, or serious 

accidents), however, the Department of 

State urges that efforts be made to contact 

consular officers outside of normal hours. 

Some consulates maintain 24-hour coverage. 

In other cases it is possible and convenient to 

leave a voice mail at the consulate or to send 

a fax even though the consulate is closed. 

(If you leave a voice mail, the Department 

of State recommends a follow-up call during 

normal business hours to ensure that it was 

received; if you send a fax, keep a copy of the 

confirmation printout.) 

7

 However, one bilateral consular convention—the convention between the United States and Ireland—does require you to refrain from 

contacting Irish consular officers if the detained Irish national, upon being informed about consular notification, requests that you not do 

so. For a citation to the convention, see footnote 55 on page 53.

8

 Table B on pages 53-54 lists 19 “non-list countries” that have a bilateral agreement with the United States providing for consular 

notification upon request in terms similar to the VCCR. Most of these agreements require you to inform the consular officer “immediately.” 

Most of these are also parties to the VCCR. Following the same guidance set forth above in the main text—that is, there should be no 

deliberate delay, and notification to the consular officer must occur as soon as reasonably possible under the circumstances—will in 

many cases ensure compliance with the bilateral agreements.
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Q. In a “mandatory notification” (“list”) 

country arrest or detention case, how quickly 

must the notification be provided to consular 

officers?

A. The bilateral agreements that provide 

for mandatory notification generally use 

such formulations as “without delay” and 

“immediately.” One provides for notification 

“without delay” and expressly states that 

this contemplates within three days or, if 

this deadline cannot be met because of 

communication or other difficulties, “as soon 

as possible thereafter.” A few provide that 

notification should occur “immediately” and not 

later than within two, three, or four days of the 

arrest or detention. These latter agreements 

are intended to be more protective than the 

VCCR, by providing an outside limit or goal for 

informing a consular officer of a detention.

Table A: Provisions from Bilateral Agreements 

Requiring Mandatory Notification, on pages 47 

through 52, reproduces the language from the 

mandatory notification bilateral agreements 

describing how quickly notification must be 

provided to consular officers. You should 

consult that language to determine whether 

notification must be provided within a certain 

number of days, “immediately,” or “without 

delay.” Following the same guidance as set 

forth in the immediately preceding answer will 

in many cases ensure compliance with the 

bilateral agreements; in other words, there 

should be no deliberate delay, and notification 

must occur as soon as reasonably possible 

under the circumstances. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MANNER IN 

WHICH YOU MUST NOTIFY THE CONSULAR 

OFFICERS OF THEIR NATIONAL’S ARREST 

OR DETENTION

Q. Can I agree to specific requests by 

particular consular officers to notify them of 

arrests or detentions that I am not required to 

tell them about? 

A. A jurisdiction may agree to notify consular 

officers of all arrests or detentions of their 

nationals if it can do so consistent with any 

applicable federal, state, or local privacy 

laws. It is not unusual for a consular officer 

to request notification in all or certain kinds 

of cases. Such a request might be made 

because of a policy to offer assistance to 

all of the foreign government’s nationals in 

detention or as a safeguard against arresting 

or detaining officials forgetting to inform the 

foreign national that he or she may request 

consular notification. U.S. consular officers 

often ask local authorities to notify them of all 

arrests of U.S. citizens, even when no treaty 

requires such automatic notification. As noted 

on page 25, the VCCR does not create any right 

belonging to the foreign national that would 

be violated by informing his or her consular 

officers of the arrest or detention without his 

or her consent.9

9

 Under a bilateral agreement, the rules are different for detained Irish nationals. See note 7 on page 25.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q. Can I simplify the process by notifying 

consular officers of all arrests or detentions, 

regardless of the foreign national’s wishes, 

instead of worrying about which countries 

are “mandatory” (“list”) and which are not 

mandatory? 

A. While the VCCR does not create any right 

belonging to the foreign national that would 

be violated by informing his or her consular 

officers of the arrest or detention without his or 

her consent,10 the Department of State does 

not encourage jurisdictions to adopt a blanket 

policy of notifying consular officers in every 

case regardless of whether notification is 

automatically required by a bilateral agreement 

(i.e., regardless of whether the foreign national’s 

country is a “mandatory notification” (“list”) 

country). As previously noted, however, there 

may be situations in which it is appropriate 

to honor specific requests to notify particular 

consular officers of arrests and detentions 

even when notification is not strictly required, 

if this can be done consistent with applicable 

privacy and other laws.

Q. Are there any particular countries that 

we know want to be notified of arrests and 

detentions even in cases where I am not 

required to give notification? 

A. Yes. The Government of Mexico has informed 

the Department of State of its desire to be 

notified of the detention of any minor, pregnant 

woman, or person “at risk” (meaning a person 

with an extremely serious mental or physical 

problem or a person who is charged with a 

crime that could result in capital punishment). 

Federal, state, and local officials may agree to 

notify Mexican consular officers of arrests and 

detentions in such cases, even if the individual 

does not request notification, if this can be 

done consistent with any applicable federal, 

state, or local privacy or other laws. 

Q. Why doesn’t the Department of State 

encourage me to notify the consular officers of 

the arrest or detention in all cases, regardless 

of whether the foreign national wants me to 

notify them? Wouldn’t that be simpler? 

A. The Department of State does not 

encourage a policy of automatically notifying 

consular officers whenever one of their foreign 

nationals is arrested or detained, for a number 

of reasons. There is no uniformly applicable 

treaty or other federal-level requirement that 

consular officers be notified of all arrests and 

detentions of foreign nationals. Without such a 

governing federal requirement, privacy laws in 

some states may not permit notification unless 

the foreign national consents.

In addition, foreign nationals may not want 

the fact of their arrest or detention disclosed 

unnecessarily.11 In some cases, a foreign 

national may be afraid of his or her government 

and may wish to apply for refugee status or 

asylum in the United States. Finally, some 

foreign consular offices may not have the 

capacity to deal with notifications in all cases. 

Learning only of cases in which the foreign 

national requests notification allows them to 

use their limited resources more efficiently.

10 Under a bilateral agreement, the rules are different for detained Irish nationals. See footnote 7 on page 25.

11 Moreover, one bilateral consular convention—the convention between the United States and Ireland—requires that you 

refrain from contacting Irish consular officers if the detained Irish national, upon being informed about consular notification, 

requests that you not do so. See footnote 7 on page 25, footnote 55 on page 53, and footnote 136 on page 70.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q. Isn’t it wrong to follow “mandatory 

notification” procedures for list countries if 

the foreign national doesn’t want his or her 

consular officers notified? What about the 

foreign national’s privacy interests? What if 

the foreign national is afraid of his or her own 

government? 

A. If the foreign national is from a “mandatory 

notification” (“list”) country, the consular 

officers must be notified of the arrest or 

detention even if the foreign national objects or 

claims to be afraid. If the foreign national is an 

asylum seeker, arrangements can be made to 

protect the foreign national while ensuring that 

the United States fulfils its obligation to notify 

his or her consular officers. You should never 

reveal to the foreign national’s government that 

the foreign national has or may have applied 

for asylum or withholding of removal. The 

Department of State requests that you contact 

it for specific guidance when faced with such 

a case. 

Q. If the foreign national is from a “mandatory 

notification” (“list”) country and I notify the 

consular officers as required, should I tell the 

foreign national? 

A. Yes. The foreign national should always 

be told that his or her consular officers 

have been notified and that he or she may 

communicate with them. While the mandatory 

notification bilateral agreements generally 

do not expressly require that the national be 

informed of such notification, informing the 

national about consular notification and access 

is provided for in the VCCR. Most countries 

with which the United States has a bilateral 

agreement also belong to the VCCR, and even 

in cases in which countries are not party to 

VCCR, the Department of State expects the 

same procedures to be followed as a matter 

of customary international law. If questions 

arise concerning which instrument governs a 

particular question—the VCCR or the bilateral 

agreement—contact the Department of State. 

Q. Can I comply with consular notification 

requirements by simply letting the detained 

foreign national have access to a telephone? 

A. No. It is the obligation of the government 

officials responsible for the arrest or detention 

to ensure that consular notification procedures 

are followed. When the foreign national requests 

that his or her consular officers be notified, 

or when notification is mandatory because 

the foreign national is from a “mandatory 

notification” (“list”) country, the government 

officials responsible for the detention must 

personally notify the consular officers or ensure 

(and be able to confirm) that it is provided. 

Providing access to a phone and relevant 

phone numbers is only sufficient to satisfy the 

obligation to permit consular communication 

(also in Article 36(1)(b) of the VCCR), and only 

then if you can confirm that the communication 

in fact occurred.

Q. My detention facility only allows inmates 

to make collect calls when calling outside of 

the local area. What should I do if a consulate 

refuses to accept a collect call from a foreign 

national inmate? Do I have to allow the foreign 

national to call the consulate directly?

A. VCCR Article 36(1)(a) states that “consular 

officers shall be free to communicate with 

nationals of the sending State and to have 

access to them,” and that “[n]ationals of the 

sending State shall have the same freedom 

with respect to communication with and access 

to consular officers of the sending State...” This 

obligation is satisfied by permitting the detainee 

to communicate by letter. The Department 

of State nevertheless encourages permitting 

telephone communications, including direct 

calls to consulates that do not accept collect 

calls, as long as the privilege is not abused.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q. When I notify the consular officers, should 

I tell them the reasons for the detention? 

A. A handful of bilateral consular agreements 

require you to give the foreign consular officer 

the reasons why the foreign national was 

detained:

Algeria: Only one bilateral agreement, the 

agreement with Algeria, requires you to 

inform the foreign consular officer of the 

reasons—in the words of the agreement, 

the “motivating circumstances”—behind 

the detention, whether or not the consular 

officer expressly asks you for the reasons.

Bulgaria, China (including Hong Kong 

and Macao), Czech Republic, Mongolia, 

Poland, and Slovakia: Bilateral agreements 

with these other six countries require you 

to inform the foreign consular officer of the 

reasons behind the detention only if the 

consular officer asks for the reasons.12

For all other countries, you do not have to 

inform the consular officer of the reasons 

why the foreign national was detained, as 

no such obligation exists under the VCCR 

or relevant bilateral agreements with other 

countries. Nevertheless, the Department of 

State recommends that, if the consular officers 

ask you the reasons, you provide them as a 

courtesy, if possible. Mexico, for example, has 

informed the Department that it would like to 

be advised of the reasons for the arrest of 

its nationals so that it can focus its consular 

resources on death penalty and other serious 

cases. The Department asks that, where 

possible, you comply with this request.

Generally you may use your discretion in 

deciding how much information to provide, 

consistent with privacy considerations and the 

applicable international agreements, in the 

initial notification of an arrest or detention. In 

doing so, you may wish to balance the privacy 

interests of the detainee with the interests of the 

foreign government in allocating its resources 

to respond first to the most serious cases. If a 

consular official insists that he or she is entitled 

to information about a foreign national that the 

foreign national does not want disclosed, the 

Department of State can provide guidance. 

In some cases, federal or state law may 

prohibit you from providing detailed information 

concerning the reasons for the detention. For 

example, certain laws may prohibit you from 

giving information to third parties concerning 

the medical condition of persons confined to a 

medical institution. Where you have detained 

a foreign national for medical reasons and 

the foreign consular officer asks to know the 

reasons for the detention—especially where 

the detainee’s nationality is Algerian, Bulgarian, 

Chinese, Czech, Mongolian, Slovakian, or 

Tunisian—contact the Department of State for 

guidance. 

Q. Is there a guiding principle I can follow 

in applying the consular notification 

requirements? 

A. Yes: reciprocity. Always keep in mind that 

these are mutual obligations. In general, you 

should treat the foreign national as you would 

want an American citizen to be treated in a 

similar situation in a foreign country. This 

means you should inform the foreign national 

promptly and courteously: (1) that he or she 

may communicate with consular officers 

and request consular notification; or (2) that 

you must notify the consulate because the 

detainee is from a “mandatory notification” 

(“list”) country. When required, you should 

promptly and courteously notify the foreign 

national’s nearest consular officers so that 

they can provide whatever consular services 

they deem appropriate. 

12 Similarly, if the foreign national is ultimately charged with a crime and his or her consular officers ask to know the charges, bilateral 

agreements with Bulgaria, China (including Hong Kong and Macao), the Czech Republic, Mongolia, Poland, and Slovakia require you

to tell them the charges. The agreement with Tunisia also requires you to tell the consular officers the charges, unless the detained 

Tunisian national expressly asks you not to do so.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

30

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AND ACCESS

QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU 

FAILED TO NOTIFY 

Q. If I failed to go through consular notification 

procedures when I should have and the 

foreign national is still in detention, what 

should I do? 

A. Consular notification is always “better 

late than never.” If the appropriate consular 

notification procedures were not followed at 

the time of the initial arrest or detention, you 

should follow the instructions in this manual 

as soon as you become aware that a foreign 

national is in your custody, so that the relevant 

foreign government is given the opportunity to 

provide consular assistance. You should go 

through consular notification procedures even 

if a different government entity (e.g., the police, 

where you are the prosecutor or a prison 

official) failed to provide consular notification 

in the first place.

Q. If I failed to go through consular notification 

procedures but the foreign national is now 

receiving consular assistance, should I still 

notify the foreign consular officers of the 

arrest or detention?

A. If the foreign national has already 

established contact with his or her consular 

officers, it is useful but not essential to remedy 

a failure to provide consular notification by 

going through the procedures described in this 

manual. The consular notification procedures 

are a mechanism to ensure that a foreign 

government can provide consular assistance 

to its nationals who are detained. Once the 

foreign government’s consular officers are 

aware of the detention it is not necessary, for 

the mere sake of formality, to follow consular 

notification procedures. Following consular 

notification procedures in such a case could 

be useful, however, to ensure that the foreign 

national understands his or her options and 

that there is an official record of compliance 

with the requirements, which may be helpful 

if compliance becomes an issue in litigation. 

In addition, if the foreign government officials 

involved are not consular officers (e.g., if they 

are foreign law enforcement officials), then 

consular notification procedures should still be 

followed. 

Q. If I failed to go through consular notification 

procedures and the foreign national has 

already been released from detention, should 

I still go through the process of notification? 

A. The appropriate action in such a situation 

will vary. If the foreign national is still subject 

to criminal proceedings arising from his or 

her arrest, it may be appropriate to advise the 

prosecutor that consular notification procedures 

were not followed or to take other steps to 

ensure that the foreign national or his or her 

attorney is aware of the option to communicate 

with consular officers. It may make sense to 

notify consular officers directly of the ongoing 

proceedings, particularly if the foreign national 

is from a “mandatory notification” (“list”) 

country. 

Such steps will ensure that the foreign 

government is given the opportunity to provide 

consular assistance for the remaining period 

of the proceedings. If proceedings against the 

foreign national have ended and he or she is 

no longer detained, so that consular assistance 

is unlikely to have any continuing relevance, 

there is little or no reason to follow notification 

procedures. In cases involving brief detentions 

(e.g., less than 24 hours), the Department of 

State does not believe any need exists to notify 

the consular officers where the detainee has 

already been released, even if consular officers 

were not notified during the detention.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q. What remedy might the foreign national or 

his or her country have if I failed to go through 

consular notification procedures?

A. The judicial remedies available to a foreign 

national alleging a violation of consular 

notification requirements vary by jurisdiction. 

Foreign nationals have sought money damages 

for alleged violations, though such suits are 

rarely successful. Some foreign nationals 

have also sought review of their convictions 

or sentences, claiming trial counsel provided 

ineffective assistance by not raising the 

consular notification violation at trial. The most 

significant consequence, however, is that the 

United States will be seen as a country that 

does not take its international legal obligations 

seriously.

In all cases where applicable consular 

notification procedures were not followed, you 

should determine the reason behind the failure 

and take steps to prevent similar mistakes in 

the future. If the country’s consular officers 

complain about the failure to follow proper 

procedures, it may be appropriate to apologize 

and to assure them that corrective actions have 

been or will be taken to prevent recurrences.

If the Department of State receives a complaint 

that consular notification was not provided as 

required, it will take whatever actions it deems 

appropriate, both at the international and 

domestic levels. The Department will likely 

request the relevant facts from the detaining 

federal, state, or local authority, and may 

intervene to ensure that consular access is 

permitted where the foreign national is still in 

detention. The Department will also work with 

the involved federal, state, or local detaining 

officials to improve future compliance.

QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW CONSULAR 

OFFICERS WILL PROVIDE ACCESS AND 

ASSISTANCE 

Q. What can I expect a consular officer to do 

once notification of an arrest or detention has 

been made? 

A. A consular officer may do a variety of 

things to assist a detained foreign national. 

The consular officer may ask to speak with the 

foreign national over the phone, may write to 

him or her, or may arrange one or more consular 

visits to meet with the detainee to discuss his 

or her situation and needs. A consular officer 

may assist in arranging legal representation, 

monitor the progress of the case, and seek to 

ensure that the foreign national receives a fair 

trial (e.g., by working with the foreign national’s 

lawyer, communicating with prosecutors, or 

observing the trial). The consular officer may 

speak with prison authorities about the foreign 

national’s conditions of confinement, and may 

bring the detainee reading material, food, 

medicine, or other necessities, if permitted by 

prison regulations. A consular officer will often 

get in touch with the foreign national’s family 

members, particularly if they are in the country 

of origin, to advise them of his or her situation, 

morale, and other relevant information.

The consular officer may also deliver 

correspondence addressed to the foreign 

national, subject to applicable regulations of the 

prison facility. These may include letters from 

the national’s family members or government, 

including correspondence from courts of the 

home country or the national’s lawyer in the 

home country on legal matters concerning 

the national. It is also within the scope of the 

consular officer’s duties to assist the foreign 

national in transmitting correspondence 

to these outside entities, as long as any 

assistance provided is in accordance with 

applicable rules and regulations of the prison 

facility. 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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As the purpose of the consular visit is to allow 

the consular officer the opportunity to provide 

consular services to the foreign national with 

a view to safeguarding the national’s own 

personal interests, the consular officer may 

not engage in law enforcement activities, such 

as taking or recording a statement from the 

national for use in a lawsuit or prosecution in 

the home country.

The actual services provided by a consular 

officer will vary in light of numerous factors, 

including the foreign country’s level of 

representation in the United States and available 

resources. For example, some countries only 

have an embassy in Washington, D.C., and will 

rarely be able to visit their nationals imprisoned 

in locations elsewhere in the United States. 

Other countries have consulates located in 

many major U.S. cities and may regularly 

perform prison visits throughout the United 

States. Each country has discretion in deciding 

what level of consular services it will actually 

provide.

Q. Are consular officers obligated to provide 

assistance to their nationals?

A. The VCCR and bilateral consular agreements 

do not require consular officers to provide 

assistance to their detained nationals. Some 

countries may have internal policies or laws 

obligating their consular officers to provide 

certain services, but most consular assistance 

is provided at the discretion of the consulate 

based on resources, workload, location of 

consulates in the United States, and other 

factors.

Q. Can I rely on the consular officer to arrange 

for legal counsel? 

A. No. If the foreign national has a right to 

counsel and requests that he or she be given 

a court-appointed lawyer, you should follow 

ordinary procedures for arranging counsel. 

While a consular officer is permitted to assist 

in arranging counsel, whether or not to assist 

is fully within the consular officer’s discretion.

Q. Is a consular officer entitled to act as legal 

counsel for a detained foreign national? 

A. No. Consular officers are not permitted to 

practice law in the United States. They may, 

however, participate in litigation as “friends of 

the court,” and they may assist a foreign national 

and his or her legal counsel in preparation of 

the foreign national’s defense, if the foreign 

national agrees. 

Q. Are a consular officer’s communications 

with a detained foreign national privileged in 

the same way communications with lawyers 

are privileged? Can the consular officer take 

actions contrary to the foreign national’s 

interests?

A. A consular officer is entitled to testimonial 

immunity concerning matters connected 

with the exercise of his functions, unless his 

government waives that immunity. In other 

words, the officer cannot be compelled to give 

testimony about what he or she has learned 

or done in the course of performing consular 

functions, unless his or her government waives 

such immunity. Even so, the Department of 

State expects consular officers to provide 

appropriate assistance to prosecutors and 

other U.S. authorities, e.g., by confirming the 

identity of their nationals, and helping the 

Department of Homeland Security to remove 

their nationals from the United States when an 

order of removal is final, regardless of whether 

the national wants to be removed.

A consular officer may take actions contrary 

to the foreign national’s interests, and is not 

required to preserve the confidences of the 

foreign national unless so required under the 

laws of his or her own country. For example, 

a consular officer may share information 

obtained in an interview with the detainee with 

law enforcement authorities of his or her home 

country. A consular officer may also assist 

arresting or detaining authorities by doing 

things such as reviewing identity documents to 

determine if they are authentic, assisting with 

interpretation, or helping to contact witnesses 

or other interested persons. 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q. Do I have to permit a consular officer to 

have access to a detainee? 

A. Yes—and you must allow one consular 

visit even if the foreign national doesn’t want a 

visit. Consular officers are entitled to visit and 

to communicate with their detained nationals. 

This is true even if the foreign national has not 

requested a visit, or specifically tells you that he 

or she does not want to be visited or contacted 

by consular officers. In situations where you 

have told the foreign national that he or she 

may have his or her consular officers notified, 

and the foreign national declines notification, 

the consulate may become aware of the arrest 

or detention anyway, through independent 

means. The consulate may also become aware 

because you notified them, as required where 

the foreign national’s country is a “mandatory 

notification” (“list”) country. In either case, 

where consular officers have become aware 

of the arrest or detention and request consular 

access, you must allow it.

If the foreign national does not want consular 

assistance, the consular officer should 

be allowed an opportunity to confirm that 

directly—for example, through a one-time, 

face-to-face meeting. In the event that an inperson, face-to-face meeting is not practicable 

(e.g., in a quarantine situation or an involuntary 

commitment where the foreign national poses 

a danger to himself and others), you should 

develop a mutually acceptable alternative. 

The Department of State can assist in these 

efforts. 

However, you should never reveal to the 

foreign national’s government that the foreign 

national has or may have applied for asylum 

or withholding of removal. If a consular 

officer insists on obtaining information about 

a foreign national that the national does not 

want disclosed, the Department of State can 

provide more specific guidance.

Q. Do I have to allow access by employees of 

the consulate who are not consular officers?

A. Not usually, but you may if you wish (see 

the exception for Iranian nationals described 

immediately below). As noted above, “consular 

officers” are officials of a foreign government 

accredited by the Department of State and 

authorized to provide assistance on behalf of 

the foreign government to that government’s 

citizens in another country. The VCCR 

contains no prohibition on visits by consular 

employees who are not consular officers, 

but who are approved by the consulate to 

conduct visits to detained foreign nationals. If 

the government authority responsible for the 

arrest or detention has no objection to allowing 

such persons to conduct visits, they may do 

so. The government authority should keep a 

record of the visit and verify that the person is 

indeed authorized by the consulate to conduct 

the visit. If the government authority does not 

wish to allow non-consular officers to conduct 

visits, it need not do so, as it has no obligation 

to allow consular access by such persons.

Q. Do special rules apply if I detain an Iranian 

national? 

A. Yes. As an exception to the rule described 

immediately above, if you arrest or detain a 

national of Iran you must allow consular access 

by “properly notified” employees of the Iranian 

Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan 

in Washington, D.C. These individuals do not 

possess consular identification cards. When 

faced with a request from the Iranian Interests 

Section for consular access, you should 

contact the Department of State to verify that 

the employees proposed to conduct the visit 

have been properly notified to the Department 

in accordance with the protecting power 

arrangements between Department and the 

Embassy of Pakistan, and are thus authorized 

to conduct such visits. Pakistani consular 

officers may also conduct consular visits to 

Iranian nationals. If you detain a dual U.S.-

Iranian national, see the quesion “What about 

dual nationals?” on page 14 of this manual.
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Q. Are consular officers entitled to visit 

whenever they want to? 

A. No. Law enforcement and corrections 

authorities may make reasonable regulations 

about the time, place, and manner of consular 

visits to detained foreign national, and consular 

officers may be required to visit during 

established visiting hours. In accordance with 

Article 36(2) of the VCCR, however, those 

regulations cannot be so restrictive that the 

purpose of consular assistance is defeated. 

The Department urges law enforcement 

authorities to grant foreign consular officers 

liberal access to detained persons, and to 

provide the consular officer every courtesy 

and facility consistent with local laws and 

regulations. Liberal visiting privileges are 

particularly important when consular officers 

have to travel long distances to visit their 

nationals. 

Q. Do consular officers have to comply with 

prison security regulations? 

A. Yes. For example, consular officers may be 

prohibited from taking in prohibited items, such 

as recording devices; or from taking statements 

from the foreign national under oath, having 

the national sign a statement, or otherwise 

engaging in formal law enforcement activities. 

If the consular officer questions having to 

follow a particular security rule, you should tell 

him or her to address the question directly to 

the Department of State. Such questions may 

arise occasionally because, while not exempt 

from security regulations, under rules relating to 

the privileges and immunities of diplomatic and 

consular officers, consular officers conducting 

prison visits are entitled to be treated with 

respect. 

Q. Is a consular officer entitled to meet or 

converse privately with a detained foreign 

national? 

A. The United States has bilateral agreements 

with the following countries requiring you to 

allow the foreign consular officers to converse 

with their national in private:

Antigua and Barbuda; Bahamas; Barbados; 

Belize; Brunei; Costa Rica; Cyprus; 

Dominica; Fiji; Gambia; Ghana; Grenada; 

Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Japan; Kiribati; 

Kuwait; Malaysia; Malta; Mauritius; Nigeria; 

Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint 

Vincent and the Grenadines; Seychelles; 

Sierra Leone; Singapore; Tanzania; Tonga; 

Trinidad and Tobago; Tuvalu; United 

Kingdom; Zambia; and Zimbabwe.

In cases of nationals of other countries, 

privacy is encouraged but not required. The 

VCCR and other bilateral agreements entitle 

consular officers to converse with their 

nationals, but they do not explicitly state that 

such conversations must be in private. The 

Department of State would normally expect the 

privacy of communications between consular 

officers and their nationals to be respected. 

The aim of consular access is for the consular 

officer to safeguard the interests of the 

foreign national by, for example, checking on 

the person’s welfare, helping arrange legal 

representation, and conversing with the person 

about the conditions of detention. This aim is 

best accomplished when the consular officer 

and foreign national are free to meet in private 

and converse in an unrestricted manner. The 

monitoring of consular conversations may have 

a chilling effect on the foreign national’s ability 

to communicate freely with the consular officer 

about issues that go to the core of consular 

assistance.

Nevertheless, the Department of State 

recognizes that in rare cases safety or security 

procedures at a detention facility may require 

that all communications with detainees be 

monitored, or the circumstances of a particular 

detainee may require that communications 

with him or her be monitored (e.g., the detainee 

is especially dangerous and may attack the 

consular officer). In general, you should 

be prepared to articulate specific safety or 

security concerns in cases where you believe 

you cannot provide a private meeting area to 

the consular officer and the detainee, or where 

you otherwise believe that monitoring the visit 

is essential. Where safety or security concerns 

are invoked, the measures taken to monitor the 
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visit must be tailored to address the articulated 

concerns, in order to enable full effect to be 

given to the purposes of consular visits to the 

greatest extent possible. In most cases where 

safety or security concerns are invoked, the 

presence of a security guard will be sufficient 

to allay the concerns. Where a decision is 

made to monitor the visit, whether in person or 

remotely, you should disclose to the detainee 

and to the consular officer that they will be 

monitored.

If a consular officer insists upon a private 

meeting but the detained national objects to 

meeting privately, you should seek guidance 

from the Department of State.

Q. What is the role of a consular officer 

in a case involving the death of a foreign 

national?

A. The VCCR authorizes consular officers to 

safeguard the interests of nationals of their 

country who have died in the United States, 

in accordance with applicable federal, state, 

and local laws and regulations. In addition, 

many bilateral agreements authorize consular 

officers to undertake specific activities related 

to the personal estates of deceased foreign 

nations, such as:

Acting as provisional or temporary 

conservator of the property of the deceased 

citizen until an administrator is appointed.

Acting as administrator of an estate of one 

of its nationals or of an estate in which one 

of its nationals may have an interest if no 

person having a superior right under the 

applicable local law is competent or willing 

to act.

Representing the interests of its nationals 

in estate proceedings within the consular 

officer’s jurisdiction.

Consular officers may also help identify the 

body of a deceased foreign national, notify 

next of kin, and help obtain and authenticate 

relevant documents. Notification of a death 

is particularly important because it allows 

foreign governments to cancel passports 

and other travel documents so that they are 

not fraudulently reissued, or fraudulently 

appropriated and used by a third party.

Q. Do I have to notify consular officers if a 

foreign national is seriously injured or ill?

A. Although serious injuries and illnesses 

are not specifically covered in the VCCR, the 

Department of State encourages U.S. officials 

to consider notifying consular officers if a 

foreign national is in such a critical condition 

that contacting the consular officers would be 

in that person’s best interest (e.g., if the foreign 

national is in a coma or is sent to the hospital 

with a life-threatening injury). If the foreign 

national is put into quarantine or involuntary 

medical confinement, under the VCCR the 

appropriate consular notification procedures 

must be followed. For more on this issue, see 

the question “If I have a foreign national who 

is hospitalized or quarantined, do I have to 

provide consular notification?” on page 18.

Q. What is the role of a consular officer in a case 

involving the appointment of a guardian?

A. Consular officers are in a unique position to 

assist courts and other competent authorities 

in determining what is in the best interests of 

a foreign national minor or incapacitated adult. 

Consular officers may be able to:

Help locate family in the United States or in 

the foreign national’s country of origin that 

may be authorized to act as the individual’s 

guardian or be willing to take on that role.

Facilitate communications between the 

foreign national and his or her family.

Help point out cultural differences that 

may be relevant in determining the foreign 

national’s best interests.

Obtain and authenticate relevant 

documents, such as medical or school 

records, in the foreign national’s country 

of origin. 

Arrange for legal representation for the 

foreign national.
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Article 5(h) of the VCCR authorizes a consular 

officer to safeguard “within the limits imposed by 

the laws and regulations of the receiving State, the 

interests of minors and other persons lacking full 

capacity who are nationals of the sending State, 

particularly where any guardianship or trusteeship 

is required with respect to such persons.” Yet 

Article 37(b) expressly recognizes that consular 

notification of guardianship procedures is not 

intended to interfere with such procedures; rather, 

notification is “without prejudice to the operation 

of the laws and regulations” concerning such 

appointments. Thus, the laws and regulations 

of the jurisdiction will determine whether, and in 

what manner, a consular officer may undertake 

particular activities on behalf of a foreign national 

in guardianship proceedings. In general, however, 

consular officers should be permitted to participate 

in guardianship proceedings if they so choose and 

should be permitted to present their views, either 

orally in writing, to the court or other competent 

authorities.

The actual services provided by a consular officer 

will vary in light of numerous factors, including 

the number of consulates and consular officers 

the foreign country has in the United States and 

available resources. As a result, you should not 

delay legal proceedings unless consular officers 

have expressed an interest in the case and the 

court or other competent authority determines 

that delaying the proceedings to permit consular 

officers an opportunity express their government’s 

views or to provide assistance is in the best 

interests of the foreign national.

Q. Are consular officers entitled to receive copies 

of a foreign national’s medical records in cases 

involving the death of a foreign national or the 

possible appointment of a guardian for a minor or 

incapacitated foreign national?

A. Be aware that federal or state privacy laws may 

impact whether you can provide consular officers 

with a deceased, minor, or incapacitated foreign 

national’s medical information. Should questions 

arise in this respect, contact the Department of 

State for guidance.

Q. Is there a guiding principle I can follow with 

respect to consular access and dealing with consular officers? 

A. Yes: reciprocity. Always keep in mind that these 

are mutual obligations. In general, you should 

permit a consular officer to perform consular 

functions in the same way that you would want 

an American consular officer to do so in a similar 

situation in a foreign country. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT CONTACTING THE 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Q. Do I need to notify the Department of State 

whenever I arrest or detain a foreign national? 

A. No. Your obligations are to notify the detainee’s 

consular officers if the foreign national so requests 

or if the national is from a “mandatory notification” 

(“list”) country. You do not need to inform the 

Department of State about the detention. In fact, 

the Department generally prefers that you not 

inform it (e.g., through courtesy copies or faxed 

notifications), since informing the Department 

often causes confusion about whether the foreign 

consulate has been informed properly and in 

a timely manner. On the other hand, it may be 

appropriate to inform the Department of unusual 

cases or anomalous situations not addressed in 

this manual, provided that you also simultaneously 

notify the detained individual and the appropriate 

foreign consulate when required to do so. If 

you have questions about any of the consular 

notification and access obligations or related 

matters addressed in this manual, the Department 

stands ready to provide information and advice. 
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Q. How can I get answers to other 

questions? 

A. Additional inquiries may be directed to 

the Office of Policy Coordination and Public 

Affairs (CA/P), Bureau of Consular Affairs, 

U.S. Department of State, 2100 C St. NW, 

Room 4800, Washington, D.C., 20520; 

telephone: (202) 647-4415; fax: (202) 736-

7559; email: consnot@state.gov. Urgent 

telephone inquiries after regular business 

hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern) may be 

directed to the Department’s Operations 

Center at (202) 647-1512. 

Further information on this topic, including 

updates and training resources, can be 

found on the Consular Notification and 

Access website: http://travel.state.gov/

consularnotification. You may also follow the 

Department’s Twitter feed, @ConsularNotify.
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PART FOUR: LEGAL MATERIAL

The materials in this section include: 

 

 Legal Overview

Vienna Convention on Consular Relations

 Bilateral Agreements

Components of Tables A through D

Customary International Law

Basis for Implementation

Table A: Provisions from Bilateral Agreements Requiring Mandatory 

 Notification

Table B: Provisions from Bilateral Agreements Requiring Notification upon 

 Request

Table C: Consular Convention and Agreement Status of All Countries

Table D: Countries with Bilateral Agreements Containing Provisions on 

 Consular Notification and Access
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LEGAL OVERVIEW

The following pages summarize and provide 

the basic legal authorities that pertain to 

consular notification and access. They 

include the key provisions of the VCCR and 

bilateral agreements providing for “mandatory 

notification,” as well as bilateral agreements 

providing for consular notification upon the 

detained foreign national’s request, and 

information concerning other treaties relevant 

to the provision of consular services.

A function of governments has long been to 

provide services to their nationals abroad. 

These “consular” services include certain legal 

services, such as notarizing documents or 

assisting with the estate of a national who dies 

abroad. They also include looking for missing 

nationals, determining whether nationals are 

safe, assisting in evacuating nationals from 

countries where their lives are in danger, 

and other similar “welfare and whereabouts” 

services. Another important consular service 

is the provision of assistance to nationals 

who are detained by a foreign government. 

Protecting such nationals may include 

attempting to ensure that they receive a fair 

and speedy trial with the benefit of counsel; 

visiting them in prison to ensure that they are 

receiving humane treatment; and facilitating 

communications with their families. 

The performance of consular functions was 

originally a subject of customary international 

law but not uniformly addressed in any treaty. 

Eventually, efforts were made to codify in 

international treaties the rights of governments 

to provide consular services to their nationals. 

Such treaties might be called “treaties,” 

“conventions,” or “agreements,” but all generally 

enjoy the status of a treaty in international 

law, in that they legally bind the countries that 

become parties to them.

When the United States first began to conclude 

international agreements on consular relations 

with other countries, the usual vehicle was 

a type of bilateral treaty known as a treaty 

of “friendship, commerce, and navigation.” 

Later, bilateral conventions dealing exclusively 

with consular matters—typically referred to 

as “consular conventions”—became more 

common. The United States concluded bilateral 

consular conventions with many countries 

throughout the twentieth century, though with 

less frequency after it became a party to the 

Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 

(VCCR).13 As a result of decolonization and 

the breakup of several countries following 

the end of the Cold War, a number of new 

countries succeeded to the bilateral treaty 

obligations already in force between the 

relevant predecessor country and the United 

States. These are discussed below in the 

section entitled “Bilateral Agreements.”

VIENNA CONVENTION ON CONSULAR 

RELATIONS

On April 24, 1963, the multilateral VCCR was 

concluded and countries throughout the world 

began ratifying it.14 The VCCR entered into 

force on March 19, 1967, and the United States 

ratified it on December 24, 1969. Today, most 

countries are parties to the VCCR, which to 

a large extent codified customary international 

law and thus represents the most basic 

principles pertaining to the performance of 

consular functions. The United States relies 

on the VCCR as the principal basis for the 

conduct of its consular activities, although 

most of the bilateral consular conventions and 

other agreements with consular provisions 

that the United States has concluded with 

other countries remain in force alongside the 

VCCR.

13 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, Apr. 24, 1963, 21 U.S.T. 77, 596 U.N.T.S. 261 (entered into force Mar. 19, 1967) (entered 

into force for the United States Dec. 24, 1969).

14 Another multilateral consular convention is the Havana Convention Relating to the Duties, Rights, Prerogatives and Immunities of 

Consular Agents, Feb. 20, 1928, 2 Bevans 714, 155 L.N.T.S. 291, reprinted in 26 AM. J. INT’L L. SUPP. 378 (1932) (entered into force Sept. 

3, 1929) (entered into force for the United States Feb. 8, 1932). Unlike the VCCR, this convention deals only with the privileges and 

immunities of consular officers. As of 2009, the parties to it were: Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, 

Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay.
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Because of its comprehensive nature and 

near-universal applicability, the VCCR now 

establishes the baseline for most obligations 

with respect to the treatment of foreign 

nationals in the United States, and for foreign 

governments’ treatment of U.S. nationals 

abroad. More than 170 countries are now party 

to the VCCR, which leaves approximately 20 

still outside the VCCR regime; as explained 

below, a smaller subset of these 20 also lacks 

a bilateral agreement with the United States 

dealing with consular matters.15 The VCCR 

provides rules for the operation of consulates 

and for the duties of consular officers of the 

“sending” country (that is, the country that 

has sent the consular officer abroad) in the 

“receiving” country (that is, the country to 

which the consular officer has been sent). 

Much of the VCCR addresses “privileges and 

immunities” of consular officers; for example, 

consular officers may not be sued for official 

acts.

The VCCR also addresses the services 

consular officers may provide to nationals in 

the receiving country. Article 5, reproduced 

below, enumerates several of these. Two 

additional articles—Articles 36 and 37—

address consular assistance to nationals, 

further underscoring the special importance 

the international community places on giving 

such assistance. Article 36(1)(a) states the 

fundamental rule that consular officers and 

their nationals may communicate with and have 

access to each other. To ensure the ability of a 

foreign national to communicate with his or her 

consular officers when he or she is in custody 

or some other form of detention, Article 36(1)(b) 

provides that the “competent authorities” of the 

receiving country (e.g., the police, prosecutor, 

or prison authorities) must inform the foreign 

national “without delay” that he or she may 

have his or her “consular post” notified of the 

arrest or detention without delay, and have any 

communications forwarded to the consular 

post without delay. If the foreign national “so 

requests,” these authorities must notify the 

consular post and forward communications. 

Article 36(1)(c), in turn, gives consular officers 

the right to visit their nationals in detention 

in the receiving country, to converse and 

correspond with them, and to arrange for their 

legal representation. This article expressly 

bars consular officers from taking action on 

behalf of a foreign national that the foreign 

national opposes. Article 36(2) stipulates that 

foreign nationals and consular officers must 

carry out the activities outlined in Article 36(1) 

in conformity with the “laws and regulations” of 

the receiving country, but that those laws “must 

enable full effect to be given to the purposes 

for which the rights ... are intended.”

Article 37 addresses consular functions in 

cases of death, major air and sea accidents, 

and where guardians are appointed for minors 

and others lacking legal competence. In each 

scenario, the “competent authorities” of the 

receiving country must notify the consular post 

of the affected foreign national or nationals. 

Article 37(b) expressly recognizes, however, 

that consular notification of guardianship 

procedures is not intended to interfere with 

such procedures. Rather, notification is “without 

prejudice to the operation of the laws and 

regulations” concerning such appointments.

The following is the full text of Articles 5, 36, 

and 37 of the VCCR:

Article 5: Consular Functions

Consular functions consist in: 

(a) protecting in the receiving State the 

interests of the sending State and of its 

nationals, both individuals and bodies 

corporate, within the limits permitted by 

international law; 

(b) furthering the development of commercial, 

economic, cultural and scientific relations 

between the sending State and the receiving 

State and otherwise promoting friendly 

relations between them in accordance with 

the provisions of the present Convention; 

(c) ascertaining by all lawful means conditions 

and developments in the commercial, 

economic, cultural and scientific life of the 

15 See footnote 24 on page 46.
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receiving State, reporting thereon to the 

Government of the sending State and giving 

information to persons interested; 

(d) issuing passports and travel documents 

to nationals of the sending State, and visas 

or appropriate documents to persons wishing 

to travel to the sending State; 

(e) helping and assisting nationals, both 

individuals and bodies corporate, of the 

sending State; 

(f) acting as notary and civil registrar and in 

capacities of a similar kind, and performing 

certain functions of an administrative nature, 

provided that there is nothing contrary thereto 

in the laws and regulations of the receiving 

State; 

(g) safeguarding the interests of nationals, 

both individuals and bodies corporate, of the 

sending State in cases of succession mortis 

causa in the territory of the receiving State, 

in accordance with the laws and regulations 

of the receiving State; 

(h) safeguarding, within the limits imposed 

by the laws and regulations of the receiving 

State, the interests of minors and other 

persons lacking full capacity who are 

nationals of the sending State, particularly 

where any guardianship or trusteeship is 

required with respect to such persons; 

(i) subject to the practices and procedures 

obtaining in the receiving State, representing 

or arranging appropriate representation 

for nationals of the sending State before 

the tribunals and other authorities of the 

receiving State, for the purpose of obtaining, 

in accordance with the laws and regulations 

of the receiving State, provisional measures 

for the preservation of the rights and interests 

of these nationals, where, because of 

absence or any other reason, such nationals 

are unable at the proper time to assume the 

defense of their rights and interests; 

(j) transmitting judicial and extra-judicial 

documents or executing letters rogatory or 

commissions to take evidence for the courts 

of the sending State in accordance with 

international agreements in force or, in the 

absence of such international agreements, in 

any other manner compatible with the laws 

and regulations of the receiving State; 

(k) exercising rights of supervision and 

inspection provided for in the laws and 

regulations of the sending State in respect of 

vessels having the nationality of the sending 

State, and of aircraft registered in that State, 

and in respect of their crews; 

(l) extending assistance to vessels and 

aircraft mentioned in sub-paragraph (k) of this 

Article and to their crews, taking statements 

regarding the voyage of a vessel, examining 

and stamping the ship’s papers, and, without 

prejudice to the powers of the authorities of 

the receiving State, conducting investigations 

into any incidents which occurred during the 

voyage, and settling disputes of any kind 

between the master, the officers and the 

seamen in so far as this may be authorized 

by the laws and regulations of the sending 

State; 

(m) performing any other functions entrusted 

to a consular post by the sending State 

which are not prohibited by the laws and 

regulations of the receiving State or to which 

no objection is taken by the receiving State 

or which are referred to in the international 

agreements in force between the sending 

State and the receiving State.

Article 36: Communication and Contact 

with Nationals of the Sending State

1. With a view to facilitating the exercise of 

consular functions relating to nationals of the 

sending State: 

(a) consular officers shall be free to 

communicate with nationals of the sending 

State and to have access to them. Nationals 

of the sending State shall have the same 

freedom with respect to communication 

with and access to consular officers of the 

sending State; 
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(b) if he so requests, the competent authorities 

of the receiving State shall, without delay, 

inform the consular post of the sending State 

if, within its consular district, a national of that 

State is arrested or committed to prison or 

to custody pending trial or is detained in any 

other manner. Any communication addressed 

to the consular post by the person arrested, 

in prison, custody or detention shall also be 

forwarded by the said authorities without 

delay. The said authorities shall inform the 

person concerned without delay of his rights 

under this sub-paragraph; 

(c) consular officers shall have the right to 

visit a national of the sending State who is 

in prison, custody or detention, to converse 

and correspond with him and to arrange for 

his legal representation. They shall also have 

the right to visit any national of the sending 

State who is in prison, custody or detention 

in their district in pursuance of a judgment. 

Nevertheless, consular officers shall refrain 

from taking action on behalf of a national 

who is in prison, custody or detention if he 

expressly opposes such action. 

2. The rights referred to in paragraph 1 of this 

Article shall be exercised in conformity with 

the laws and regulations of the receiving State, 

subject to the proviso, however, that the said 

laws and regulations must enable full effect to 

be given to the purposes for which the rights 

accorded under this Article are intended.

Article 37: Information in Cases of Deaths, 

Guardianship or Trusteeship, Wrecks, and 

Air Accidents

 

If the relevant information is available to the 

competent authorities of the receiving State, 

such authorities shall have the duty: 

(a) in the case of the death of a national of 

the sending State, to inform without delay 

the consular post in whose district the death 

occurred; 

(b) to inform the competent consular 

post without delay of any case where 

the appointment of a guardian or trustee 

appears to be in the interests of a minor or 

other person lacking full capacity who is a 

national of the sending State. The giving of 

this information shall, however, be without 

prejudice to the operation of the laws and 

regulations of the receiving State concerning 

such appointments;

(c) if a vessel, having the nationality of the 

sending State, is wrecked or runs aground 

in the territorial sea or internal waters of the 

receiving State, or if an aircraft registered 

in the sending State suffers an accident on 

the territory of the receiving State, to inform 

without delay the consular post nearest to 

the scene of the occurrence.

BILATERAL AGREEMENTS 

Prior to its 1969 ratification of the VCCR, 

the United States entered into many bilateral 

treaties on the conduct of consular relations. 

Since that time, the United States has concluded 

a small number of additional bilateral consular 

agreements and memoranda of understanding 

on consular matters. Despite this occasional 

practice, the United States today adheres to a 

general policy of not entering into new bilateral 

agreements on consular matters, and instead 

urges universal ratification and application of 

the VCCR.

Today, bilateral consular conventions—as well 

as bilateral agreements on a variety of different 

subjects including consular relations—remain in 
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force between the United States and more than 

120 countries. A comprehensive list of these 

agreements appears in Table C, beginning on 

page 55. Most of these countries, in turn, are 

also parties to the VCCR, as indicated in that 

table. For many countries, the United States 

has more than one bilateral agreement with 

consular provisions.

It is useful to divide the bilateral agreements 

into three categories. First, many of them—

especially those from the nineteenth and early 

twentieth centuries—are silent on consular 

notification and access when a foreign national 

is arrested or detained, but nevertheless 

contain other important provisions relevant to 

the provision of consular assistance. These 

agreements should be consulted if particular 

questions arise as to the treatment of a foreign 

national of a particular country (e.g., with 

respect to the handling of deaths and estates 

of foreign nationals in the United States).16

Second, several bilateral agreements contain 

a provision requiring that consular officers be 

notified when one of their nationals is arrested or 

detained, but only upon the national’s request, 

in terms similar to those of the VCCR.17 The 

relevant text of these “upon request” provisions 

appears in Table B, on pages 53 through 54.18

Third, bilateral agreements between the United 

States and 57 other countries require that 

consular officers be notified of the arrest or 

detention of one of their nationals automatically, 

regardless of whether the national wants such 

notification to occur. While these are commonly 

called “mandatory notification agreements” 

and the countries that are party to them are 

called “mandatory notification,” “list,” or “special 

rule” countries, a better term would have been 

“automatic notification” countries, because if 

requested by the foreign national after being 

informed, notification to the consular officers 

is also mandatory under the VCCR and the 

“upon request” bilateral agreements described 

in the previous paragraph. A complete list of 

the “mandatory notification” countries, and the 

relevant text of their mandatory notification 

provisions, appears in Table A.

While the mandatory notification requirement 

pertains to 57 countries, it flows from just 

14 bilateral agreements. This is because, in 

international practice relating to successor 

states, a treaty that applied to a country when it 

was part of or under the jurisdiction of another 

country may in some circumstances continue 

to apply to that country when it becomes 

independent. 

16 For example, bilateral agreements with Austria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and Thailand 

require, in certain circumstances, that consular officers be notified when one of their nationals dies in the United States. See footnotes 

64, 71, 91, 92, 95, 96, 99, 106, 116, and 125 below. This is also an express requirement in most of the bilateral consular conventions 

listed in the third column of Table C.

17 These are Belgium, Denmark, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Oman, 

Pakistan, Poland, South Korea, Suriname, Thailand, and Togo.

18 The bilateral agreement with Poland uniquely establishes different rules for Polish lawful permanent residents in the United States, on 

one hand, and all other Polish nationals, on the other. Polish “green card” holders—that is, lawful permanent resident aliens—must be 

informed of their right to request consular notification, and Polish consular officers must be notified only if the green card holder requests 

it. The arrest or detention of any other Polish national must be reported to Polish consular officers automatically, regardless of whether 

the Polish national requests it. For the citation to the bilateral agreement, see footnote 42 on page 50. The bilateral agreements with 

Denmark and Israel require that the foreign national actually be accused of a crime to trigger consular notification requirements, though 

Denmark is a party to the VCCR and, regardless of whether the foreign national is charged with a specific crime, both countries are 

required by customary international law to give the foreign national consular information, notify the consulate upon request, and allow a 

consular visit. See page 46 for a discussion of customary international law and footnotes 50 and 56 on pages 53 and 54 for a citation to 

the Danish and Israeli agreements.
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19 The former colonies are Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brunei, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, 

Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and 

the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Current 

British dependencies also covered by the bilateral consular convention between the United States and the United Kingdom are Anguilla, 

the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Residents of the Overseas Territories may be traveling 

on a passport issued by the territory with no indication that the territory is British. Moreover, certain residents of the former territories may 

have retained their British nationality upon independence alongside the nationality of the new country. For advice on how to ascertain 

whether an arrested or detained person is a British national, and therefore whether a British consulate must be notified of the arrest or 

detention, see the question “What about British nationals?” on page 24. For a citation to the U.S.-U.K. bilateral consular convention, see 

footnote 30 on page 47.

20 These are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and 

Uzbekistan. Beyond the U.K., Czechoslovakia, and Soviet Union successors, 11 other countries are “mandatory notification” countries: 

Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, China (including Hong Kong and Macao), Costa Rica, Hungary, Mongolia, Philippines, Poland (except with 

respect to detained Polish nationals who are lawful permanent resident aliens of the United States—i.e., “green card” holders), Romania, 

and Tunisia.

Thus, the 1973 bilateral agreement with 

Czechoslovakia today applies to two countries, 

the Czech Republic and Slovakia; the 1951 

bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom 

now applies to the United Kingdom itself along 

with 31 former British colonies;19 and the 1964 

bilateral agreement with the Soviet Union now 

applies to 12 former Soviet republics.20

COMPONENTS OF TABLES A THROUGH D

Table A lists the “mandatory notification” 

countries. Table B lists the countries with 

which the United States has a bilateral 

agreement requiring notification only “upon 

request.” As noted above, the VCCR’s duty 

to notify is triggered only when the national is 

“arrested or committed to prison or to custody 

pending trial or detained in any other matter,” 

and only if the national requests notification. 

By contrast, some of the bilateral agreements 

use different language to describe the event—

arrest, detention, etc.—that triggers the duty to 

notify. Tables A and B reproduce the language 

from the bilateral agreements describing this 

“triggering event.”

Moreover, several of the “mandatory notification” 

agreements in Table A set an absolute time limit 

for mandatory notification, but also express 

a preference for notification within a shorter 

time such as “without delay” or “immediately.” 

For these agreements, the column in Table A 

labeled “Preferred Time Limit” lists the preferred 

time for providing notification, and the column 

labeled “Absolute Time Limit” lists the time 

within which notification must be provided. 

Most of the agreements in Table A, and all of 

the agreements in Table B, have only one time 

limit—that is, the “absolute” time limit.

The full citation to each of these bilateral 

agreements, with dates of signature and 

entry into force, appears in the footnotes 

accompanying Tables A and B. Citations 

to “Bevans” are to the Treaties and Other 

International Agreements of the United States 

of America, 1776–1949, compiled under the 

direction of Charles I. Bevans. Citations to 

“U.S.T.” are to United States Treaties and Other 

International Obligations, which were calendaryear volumes published from 1950 to 1984. 

Citations to “T.I.A.S.” are to the Treaties and 

Other International Acts Series, issued by the 

Department of State; pre-1984 T.I.A.S. prints 

of treaties were also subsequently compiled 

in U.S.T. Citations to “S. Treaty Doc. No.” are 

to pamphlets printed by the U.S. Government 

Printing Office and issued by the United States 

Senate. Citations to “L.N.T.S.” are to the League 

of Nations Treaty Series; citations to “U.N.T.S.” 

are to the United Nations Treaty Series.

The large number of bilateral agreements and 

the many variations in their provisions makes 

it impossible to reproduce their text in this 

manual, beyond the provisions on consular 

notification that appear in Tables A and B. If 

issues arise as to provisions in the bilateral 

agreements that are not reproduced in this 

manual, the Department of State can assist in 

finding those provisions.
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Table C indicates the consular agreement 

status of all countries in the world, along 

with certain other jurisdictions. The second 

column indicates the year the VCCR entered 

into force between a given country and the 

United States. For those countries that ratified 

or acceded to the VCCR prior to 1969, “1969” 

appears in the first column, as that was the 

year the United States ratified the VCCR. For 

those countries not yet party to the VCCR, no 

year appears in the first column. The third 

column of Table C lists the bilateral consular 

convention or conventions between the country 

and the United States—if any—as well as other 

bilateral agreements dealing wholly or almost 

wholly with consular matters, and agreements 

amending such conventions or agreements. 

Where such an agreement exists for a given 

country, the column shows the year it entered 

into force between that country and the United 

States. Citations in the footnotes show the year 

of signature and other relevant information. 

The fourth column of Table C indicates, 

where applicable, the year of entry into force 

of other, more general agreements that include 

consular provisions of current relevance, such 

as treaties of “friendship, commerce, and 

navigation” with some provisions setting forth 

consular functions. The second, third, and 

fourth columns of Table C are not a definitive 

record, however, and do not list all agreements 

relevant to the work of consular officers. Most 

common among the agreements not listed 

are those relating principally to passport and 

visa matters; customs and entry privileges for 

consular officers; social security totalization; 

and international legal assistance.

The fifth column of Table C indicates, where 

applicable, the year a multilateral or bilateral 

prisoner transfer agreement entered into 

force between a given country and the United 

States. “COE” before the year indicates that 

the country is a party to the multilateral 1983 

Council of Europe (Strasbourg) Convention 

on the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners.21

“OAS” indicates that the country is a party 

to the multilateral 1993 Organization of 

American States Inter-American Convention 

on Serving Criminal Sentences Abroad.22

“B” indicates that a bilateral prisoner transfer 

agreement exists between the United States 

and that country. The sixth column of Table 

C indicates, where applicable, the year the 

1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects 

of International Child Abduction entered into 

force between a given country and the United 

States.23

Finally, Table D synthesizes certain information 

contained in Tables A, B, and C for quick 

reference. Additional information on the status 

of these and other treaties can be found in 

the State Department publication Treaties 

in Force, accessible from the website of the 

Office of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty 

Affairs at the Department of State, http://www.

state.gov/s/l/treaty.

21 Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners, Mar. 21, 1983, 35 U.S.T. 2867, 1496 U.N.T.S. 92 (entered into force July 1, 1985). 

The United States was a party to this convention when it entered into force.

22 Inter-American Convention on Serving Criminal Sentences Abroad, June 9, 1993, S. Treaty Doc. No. 104-35 (entered into force Apr. 

12, 1996) (entered into force for the United States June 24, 2001). For all countries that ratified this convention before 2001, the year 

listed in Table C is 2001—the year of the United States’ ratification.

23 Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, Oct. 25, 1980, T.I.A.S. No. 11,670, 1343 U.N.T.S. 89 (entered 

into force Dec. 1, 1983) (entered into force for the United States July 1, 1988). Articles 37 and 38 set forth the rules for determining 

whether the Hague Convention is in force as between a given country and another country. For updated data on which countries 

have accepted the accessions of other countries, see http://www.minbuza.nl/en/Key_Topics/Treaties/Search_the_Treaty_Databas

e?isn=000692#aanvaardingen. An updated list specific to United States is at http://travel.state.gov/family/abduction/hague_issues/

hague_issues_1487.html. As a result of this procedure, several countries have acceded to the Hague Convention, but because the 

United States has not accepted their accession, the Convention is not yet in force between the country and the United States. Table C 

accordingly does not list a year of entry into force with the United States for the following Hague Convention parties: Albania, Armenia, 

Belarus, Fiji, Georgia, Moldova, Nicaragua, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
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CUSTOMARY INTERNATIONAL LAW

While consular relations are now largely governed 

by the treaties discussed above, the United 

States still looks to customary international law as 

a basis for insisting upon adherence to consular 

notification and access requirements by a small 

number of countries not party to the VCCR or any 

bilateral agreement with a provision on consular 

notification and access.24 The Department of 

State takes the view that consular notification and 

access upon request as set forth in the VCCR is 

a universally accepted, basic practice that should 

be followed even for nationals of countries not 

party to the VCCR or other applicable bilateral 

agreements. Following this procedure also is 

consistent with the practice of U.S. consular 

officers, who seek similar treatment for U.S. 

citizens abroad. Thus, in all cases not covered by 

a mandatory notification agreement, the minimum 

requirements are to inform an arrested or detained 

foreign national that his or her consular officers 

may be notified upon request; to notify these 

consular officers if the national requests; and to 

permit the consular officers to provide consular 

assistance if they wish to do so.

Even these customary international law 

requirements will not apply to the arrest of a 

foreign national if the United States and the 

foreign national’s government have not made 

arrangements for the conduct of consular 

relations or, in the absence of such relations, 

for the performance of consular functions 

through other mechanisms, such as “protecting 

powers”—that is, third countries that have agreed 

to perform consular functions on behalf of the 

United States and the country with which it does 

not have consular relations. It could nevertheless 

be appropriate in such situations to inform the 

foreign national’s government of an arrest or 

detention as a matter of courtesy. Should such a 

case arise, you should contact the Department of 

State for guidance.

BASIS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Although the obligations of consular notification 

and access are not codified in any federal statute, 

they are binding on states and local governments 

as well as the federal government, by virtue of 

international law and the Supremacy Clause 

in Article VI of the United States Constitution, 

which provides that “all Treaties made, or which 

shall be made, under the Authority of the United 

States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; 

and the Judges in every State shall be bound 

thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws 

of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.” 

See also, e.g., Kolovrat v. Oregon, 366 U.S. 187, 

190 (1961). Therefore, implementing legislation 

is not necessary, and the VCCR and bilateral 

agreements can be implemented by executive, 

law enforcement, and judicial authorities through 

their existing powers. It is nevertheless open to 

government entities to adopt laws or regulations 

for the purpose of implementing these obligations. 

For example, California and Oregon have adopted 

implementing legislation,25 and both the U.S. 

Department of Justice (28 C.F.R. § 50.5) and 

the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (8 

C.F.R. § 236.1(e)) have adopted implementing 

regulations.

In addition, implementation can be undertaken 

directly on the basis of the relevant treaties and 

written guidance such as this manual, and through 

issuance of internal directives, orders, or similar 

instructions by appropriate federal, state, and 

local officials to their subordinates. For example, 

many police departments incorporate instructions 

on consular notification into their local manuals. 

The Wisconsin Department of Justice also has 

issued guidelines.26 

The Department of State encourages local 

law enforcement entities to develop practical 

guidance based on the instructions in this manual 

or to adapt the “basic instructions” at the front 

of this manual for general distribution to law 

enforcement officers in the field. The Department 

of State has created a model standard operating 

procedure (SOP) for law enforcement agencies to 

use as a template. This SOP appears on pages 

102 through 107.

24 These are Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Nauru, 

Palau, San Marino, Swaziland, Taiwan, and Uganda. On this question as concerns Israel, see footnote 18 on page 43.

25 See CAL. PENAL CODE § 834c (1999); OR. REV. STAT. §§ 181.642(2), 426.228(9)(a) (2007). 26 See WISCONSIN DEP’T OF JUSTICE, GUIDE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTACTS WITH FOREIGN NATIONALS, (Jan. 2008), at 4–6, available at http://

www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/LEGuide_ContactForeignNationals.pdf.
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TABLE A: PROVISIONS FROM BILATERAL AGREEMENTS REQUIRING MANDATORY NOTIFICATION

COUNTRY/JURISDICTION TRIGGERING EVENT PREFERRED TIME LIMIT ABSOLUTE TIME LIMIT

Albania27 Arrested or detained in any manner -- 72 hours28

Algeria29 Any measure taken to deprive person 

of liberty -- Without delay

Antigua and Barbuda30 Confined in prison awaiting trial or 

otherwise detained in custody -- Immediately

Armenia31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from time 

of arrest or detention, depending on 

conditions of communication

Azerbaijan31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from time 

of arrest or detention, depending on 

conditions of communication

Bahamas30 Confined in prison awaiting trial or 

otherwise detained in custody -- Immediately

Barbados30,32 Confined in prison awaiting trial or 

otherwise detained in custody -- Immediately

Belarus31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from time 

of arrest or detention, depending on 

conditions of communication

27 Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania 

Concerning the Re-Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, Mar. 15, 1991, art. 1(5), T.I.A.S. No. 12428 (effective Mar. 15, 1991).

28 According to the bilateral agreement, the competent authorities shall notify the consular officers within 72 hours and permit access by a consular officer to the 

person within 24 hours of such notification.

29 Consular Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, Jan. 

12, 1989, art. 33(1), S. Treaty Doc. No. 101-13 (entered into force July 30, 1997).

30 Convention, with Protocol of Signature, Between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, June 6, 1951, art. 

16(1), 3 U.S.T. 3426, 165 U.N.T.S. 121 (entered into force Sept. 7, 1952).

31 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, June 1, 1964, art. 12(2) & Protocol ¶ 1, 19 U.S.T. 5018, 

655 U.N.T.S. 213 (entered into force July 13, 1968).

32 Agreement Continuing in Force Between the United States and Barbados the Consular Convention of June 6, 1951 Between the United States and the United 

Kingdom, Sept. 14, 1972 & May 10, 1973, 24 U.S.T. 1803 (effective May 10, 1973).
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TABLE A: PROVISIONS FROM BILATERAL AGREEMENTS REQUIRING MANDATORY NOTIFICATION

COUNTRY/JURISDICTION TRIGGERING EVENT PREFERRED TIME LIMIT ABSOLUTE TIME LIMIT

Belize30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Brunei30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Bulgaria33 Any form of deprivation or 

limitation of personal freedom Immediately Three calendar days

China (including Hong Kong 

and Macao)34

Arrested or placed under any 

form of detention Immediately Four days35

Costa Rica36

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Cyprus30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Czech Republic37 Any form of deprivation or 

limitation of personal freedom Without delay Three calendar days

Dominica30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

33 Consular Convention, with Agreed Memorandum and Exchange of Letters, Between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, Apr. 

15, 1974, art. 38(2), 26 U.S.T. 687 (entered into force May 29, 1975).

34 Consular Convention, with Exchange of Notes, Between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China, Sept. 17, 1980, and Modifying 

Agreement Effected by Exchange of Notes, Jan. 17, 1981, art. 35(2), 33 U.S.T. 2973, 3048 (entered into force Feb. 19, 1982); Agreement Between the Government 

of the United States of America and the Government of the People’s Republic of China Regarding the Maintenance of the U.S. Consulate General in the Hong 

Kong Special Administrative Region, Mar. 25, 1997, art. 3(f)(2), T.I.A.S. No. 12,845 (effective July 1, 1997) (same consular notification and access language 

applies to Hong Kong and Macao). Mandatory notification procedures are not applicable to persons carrying “Republic of China” passports issued by Taiwan; 

see footnote 128 on page 66.

35 According to the bilateral consular convention, if notification within four days is impossible due to communications difficulties, the competent authorities should 

provide notification as soon as possible.

36 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Republic of Costa Rica, Jan. 12, 1948, art. 7(2)(b), 1 U.S.T. 247, 70 U.N.T.S. 27 (entered 

into force Mar. 19, 1950).

37 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, July 9, 1973, art. 36(1), T.I.A.S. No. 11,083 (entered into 

force Nov. 6, 1987).
49

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LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE A: PROVISIONS FROM BILATERAL AGREEMENTS REQUIRING MANDATORY NOTIFICATION

COUNTRY/JURISDICTION TRIGGERING EVENT PREFERRED TIME LIMIT ABSOLUTE TIME LIMIT

Fiji30,38 

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Gambia30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Georgia31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from 

time of arrest or detention, 

depending on conditions of 

communication

Ghana30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Grenada30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Guyana30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Hungary39

Detention pending trial or any 

other deprivation of personal 

liberty

Without delay Three days

Jamaica30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Kazakhstan31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from 

time of arrest or detention, 

depending on conditions of 

communication

Kiribati30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Kuwait30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

38 Agreement on Continued Application of the United States–United Kingdom Convention of June 6, 1951, Oct. 16 & Dec. 12, 1972, 23 U.S.T. 3770 (effective 

Dec. 12, 1972).

39 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Hungarian People’s Republic, July 7, 1972, art. 41(1), 24 U.S.T. 1141 (entered into force 

July 6, 1973).
50

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LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE A: PROVISIONS FROM BILATERAL AGREEMENTS REQUIRING MANDATORY NOTIFICATION

COUNTRY/JURISDICTION TRIGGERING EVENT PREFERRED TIME LIMIT ABSOLUTE TIME LIMIT

Kyrgyzstan31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from 

time of arrest or detention, 

depending on conditions of 

communication

Malaysia30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Malta30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Mauritius30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Moldova31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from 

time of arrest or detention, 

depending on conditions of 

communication

Mongolia40 Any form of limitation of 

personal freedom Without delay 72 hours

Nigeria30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Philippines41 Detained, arrested, in prison, or 

awaiting trial -- Immediately

Poland42

Polish non-permanent resident 

in United States detained or 

arrested43

-- Immediately

40 Consular Convention with the Mongolian People’s Republic, Aug. 2, 1990, art. 37(1), S. Treaty Doc. 102-14 (entered into force Apr. 5, 2007).

41 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines, Mar. 14, 1947, art. 7(2), T.I.A.S. No. 1741, 11 Bevans 74, 45 

U.N.T.S. 23 (entered into force Nov. 18, 1948).

42 Consular Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Polish People’s Republic, May 31, 1972, art. 29(2), 

24 U.S.T. 1231 (entered into force July 6, 1973).

43 The bilateral consular convention provides a different rule for Polish lawful permanent residents (i.e., holders of “green cards”): consular notification need only 

be provided if the person requests it. For more on the special rules applicable to detained Polish nationals, see footnote 18 on page 43.
51

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TABLE A: PROVISIONS FROM BILATERAL AGREEMENTS REQUIRING MANDATORY NOTIFICATION

COUNTRY/JURISDICTION TRIGGERING EVENT PREFERRED TIME LIMIT ABSOLUTE TIME LIMIT

Romania44 Any form of deprivation or 

limitation of personal freedom Without delay Two days

Russia31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from 

time of arrest or detention, 

depending on conditions of 

communication

St. Kitts and Nevis30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

St. Lucia30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

St. Vincent and the 

Grenadines30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Seychelles30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Sierra Leone30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Singapore30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Slovakia37 Any form of deprivation or 

limitation of personal freedom Without delay Three calendar days

Tajikistan31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from 

time of arrest or detention, 

depending on conditions of 

communication

Tanzania30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

44 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Romania, with Protocol, July 5, 1972, art. 22(1), 24 U.S.T. 1317 

(entered into force July 6, 1973).
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TABLE A: PROVISIONS FROM BILATERAL AGREEMENTS REQUIRING MANDATORY NOTIFICATION

COUNTRY/JURISDICTION TRIGGERING EVENT PREFERRED TIME LIMIT ABSOLUTE TIME LIMIT

Tonga30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Trinidad and Tobago30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Tunisia45 Arrest or any form of restriction 

on personal freedom -- Three days46

Turkmenistan31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from 

time of arrest or detention, 

depending on conditions of 

communication

Tuvalu30,47 

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Ukraine31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from 

time of arrest or detention, 

depending on conditions of 

communication

United Kingdom30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Uzbekistan31 Arrest or other form of detention Immediately

Within one to three days from 

time of arrest or detention, 

depending on conditions of 

communication

Zambia30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

Zimbabwe30

Confined in prison awaiting 

trial or otherwise detained in 

custody

-- Immediately

45 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Republic of Tunisia, May 12, 1988, art. 39(1), S. Treaty Doc. No. 101-12 (entered into 

force Jan. 15, 1994).

46 According to the bilateral consular convention, if notification within three days is impossible due to communications or other difficulties, notification shall be 

made as soon as possible thereafter.

47 Agreement on Continued Application to Tuvalu of Certain Treaties Concluded Between the United States and the United Kingdom, 32 U.S.T. 1310, 1222 

U.N.T.S. 293 (effective Apr. 25, 1980).
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TABLE B: PROVISIONS FROM BILATERAL AGREEMENTS REQUIRING NOTIFICATION UPON REQUEST

COUNTRY/JURISDICTION TRIGGERING EVENT TIME LIMIT

Belgium48,49 Taken into custody Immediately

Denmark50 Accused of a crime and taken into custody Immediately

Eritrea51 In custody Immediately

Ethiopia51 In custody Immediately

France52 Arrest and detention Immediately

Germany53 Taken into custody Immediately

Iran54 In custody Without unnecessary delay

Ireland55 Confined in prison, awaiting trial, or otherwise 

detained in custody Immediately

48 Consular Convention, with Exchange of Notes, Between the United States of America and Belgium, Sept. 2, 1969, art. 25(2), 25 U.S.T. 41 (entered into force 

Jan. 5, 1974).

49 Treaty of Friendship, Establishment and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Belgium, Feb. 21, 1961, art. 1(4), 14 U.S.T. 1284, 

480 U.N.T.S. 149 (entered into force Oct. 3, 1963).

50 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Denmark, Oct. 1, 1951, art. 3(2), 12 U.S.T. 908, 

421 U.N.T.S. 105 (entered into force July 30, 1961).

51 Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations Between the United States of America and Ethiopia, Sept. 7, 1951, art. 6(2), 4 U.S.T. 2134, 206 U.N.T.S. 41 (entered 

into force Oct. 8, 1953).

52 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and France, July 18, 1966, art. 34(1), 18 U.S.T. 2939, 700 U.N.T.S. 257 (entered into force Jan. 7, 

1968). See also Convention of Establishment Between the United States of America and France, Nov. 25, 1959, Protocol ¶1(a), 11 U.S.T. 2398, 401 U.N.T.S. 75 

(entered into force Dec. 21, 1960) (similarly providing for consular notification upon request).

53 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany, Oct. 29, 1954, art. 3(2), 7 U.S.T. 

1839, 273 U.N.T.S. 3 (entered into force July 14, 1956).

54 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights Between the United States of America and Iran, Aug. 15, 1955, art. 2(4), 8 U.S.T. 899, 284 U.N.T.S. 

93 (entered into force June 16, 1957).

55 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and Ireland, May 1, 1950, art. 16(1), 5 U.S.T. 949, 222 U.N.T.S. 107 (entered into June 12, 1954), 

as amended by Protocol Supplementary to the Consular Convention Between the United States of America and Ireland, Mar. 3, 1952, 5 U.S.T. 949, 222 U.N.T.S. 

107 (entered into force June 12, 1954). Special consular notification and access requirements apply to detained Irish nationals under this convention; see footnote 

7 on page 25. An earlier bilateral agreement that remains in force with Ireland similarly provides for consular notification upon demand of a foreign national 

accused of a crime taken into custody; see footnote 100 on page 61.
54

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE B: PROVISIONS FROM BILATERAL AGREEMENTS REQUIRING NOTIFICATION UPON REQUEST

COUNTRY/JURISDICTION TRIGGERING EVENT TIME LIMIT

Israel56 Accused of a crime and taken into custody Immediately

Japan57 Confined in prison awaiting trial or otherwise 

detained Immediately

Korea, South58 Under arrest or otherwise detained in custody Immediately

Luxembourg59 Taken into custody Immediately

Netherlands60 Taken into custody Immediately

Oman61 In custody As soon as possible

Pakistan62 Taken into custody Immediately

Poland42 Polish lawful permanent resident (i.e., “green 

card” holder) in U.S. detained or arrested Immediately

Suriname60 Taken into custody Immediately

Thailand64 In custody Immediately

Togo65 In custody Immediately

56 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and Israel, with Protocol, Aug. 23, 1951, art 3(2), 5 U.S.T. 550, 219 

U.N.T.S. 237 (entered into force Apr. 3, 1954).

57 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and Japan, with Protocol, Mar. 22, 1963, art. 16(1), 15 U.S.T. 768, 518 U.N.T.S. 179 (entered into 

force Aug. 1, 1964).

58 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea, Jan. 8, 1963, art. 5(2), 14 U.S.T. 1637, 493 U.N.T.S. 105 (entered 

into force Dec. 19, 1963). An earlier bilateral agreement that remains in force with South Korea also provides for consular notification upon demand of a foreign 

national taken into custody. See footnote 104 on page 61.

59 Treaty of Friendship, Establishment and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with Protocol, Feb. 23, 1962, 

art. 3(4), 14 U.S.T. 251, 474 U.N.T.S. 3 (entered into force Mar. 28, 1963).

60 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with Protocol, Mar. 27, 1956, art. 

3(2), 8 U.S.T. 2043, 285 U.N.T.S. 231 (entered into force Dec. 5, 1957) (entered into force for former Dutch colony of Suriname Feb. 10, 1963).

61 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations and Consular Rights Between the President of the United States of America and the Sultan of Muscat and Oman and 

Dependencies, with Protocol, Dec. 20, 1958, art. 2(2), 11 U.S.T. 1835, 380 U.N.T.S. 181 (entered into force June 11, 1960).

62 Treaty of Friendship and Commerce Between the United States of America and Pakistan, Nov. 12, 1959, art. 3(2), 12 U.S.T. 110, 404 U.N.T.S. 259 (entered 

into force Feb. 12, 1961).

63 The bilateral agreement provides a different rule for Polish nationals who are not lawful permanent residents: consular notification must be provided regardless 

of whether the national requests it. For more on the special rules applicable to detained Polish nationals, see footnote 18 on page 43. 64 Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Thailand, May 29, 1966, art. 1(2), 19 U.S.T. 5843, 652 

U.N.T.S. 253 (entered into force June 8, 1968).

65 Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations Between the United States of America and the Togolese Republic, Feb. 8, 1966, art. 2(1), 18 U.S.T. 1, 680 U.N.T.S. 

159 (entered into force Feb. 5, 1967).
55

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague 

Child Abduction 

Convention in 

relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Afghanistan -- -- 193667 -- --

Albania 1991 -- 199127 COE 2000 --

Algeria 1969 199729 -- -- --

Andorra 1996 -- -- COE 2000 --

Angola 1990 -- -- -- --

Antigua and 

Barbuda 1988 195230 -- -- --

Argentina 1969 -- 185468 -- 1991

Armenia 1993 196831 193369 COE 2001 --

Australia 1973 -- 181570 COE 2003 1988

Austria 1969 -- 193171 COE 1987 1988

Azerbaijan 1992 196831 193369 COE 2001 --

Bahamas 1977 195230 -- COE 1992 1994

66 As previously noted, “COE” before the year in this column indicates that the country is a party to the multilateral 1983 Council of Europe (Strasbourg) 

Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners. “OAS” indicates that the country is a party to the multilateral 1993 Organization of American States Inter 

American Convention on Serving Criminal Sentences Abroad.

67 Friendship and Diplomatic and Consular Representation: Provisional Agreement Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Afghanistan, Mar. 

26, 1936, 5 Bevans 1, 168 L.N.T.S. 143 (effective Mar. 26, 1936).

68 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation, Between the United States and the Argentine Confederation, July 27, 1853, 5 Bevans 61 (entered into force 

Dec. 20, 1854).

69 Arrangements Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Relating to the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 

Nonintervention, Freedom of Conscience and Religious Liberty, Legal Protection and Claims, Nov. 16, 1933, 11 Bevans 1248 (effective Nov. 16, 1933).

70 Convention to Regulate the Commerce Between the Territories of the United States and of His Britannick Majesty, July 3, 1815, Art. 4, 12 Bevans 49 (entered 

into force July 3, 1815).

71 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights Between the United States of America and the Republic of Austria, June 19, 1928, 5 Bevans 341, 118 

L.N.T.S. 241 (entered into force May 27, 1931).
56

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague 

Child Abduction 

Convention in 

relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Bahrain 1992 -- -- -- --

Bangladesh 1978 -- -- -- --

Barbados 1992 195230,32 -- -- --

Belarus 1989 196831 193369 -- --

Belgium 1970 197448 196349 COE 1990 1999

Belize 2000 195230 -- OAS 2005 1989

Benin 1979 -- -- -- --

Bhutan 1981 -- -- -- --

Bolivia 1970 -- 186272 COE 2004

B 197873 --

Bosnia and 

Herzegovina 1993 188274 188275 COE 2005 1991

Botswana 2008 -- -- -- --

Brazil 1969 -- 182976 OAS 2001 2003

Brunei -- 195230 185377 -- --

Bulgaria 1989 197533 -- COE 1994 2005

Burkina Faso 1969 -- -- -- 1992

Burma (Myanmar) 1997 -- 181570 -- --

72 Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Republic of Bolivia, May 13, 1858, 5 Bevans 721 

(entered into force Nov. 9, 1862).

73 Treaty Between the United States of America and the Republic of Bolivia on the Execution of Penal Sentences, Feb. 10, 1978, 30 U.S.T. 796, 1150 U.N.T.S. 

11 (entered into force Aug. 17, 1978).

74 Convention Between the United States of America and His Highness the Prince of Serbia, Defining the Rights, Immunities and Privileges of Consular Officers, 

Oct. 2 & 14, 1881, 12 Bevans 1233 (entered into force Nov. 15, 1882).

75 Treaty of Commerce Between the United States of America and Serbia, Oct. 2 & 14, 1881, 12 Bevans 1227 (entered into force Nov. 15, 1882).

76 Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation, Dec. 12, 1828, 5 Bevans 792 (entered into force Mar. 18, 1829).

77 Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation, June 23, 1850, 5 Bevans 1080 (entered into force July 11, 1853).
57

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague Child 

Abduction Convention 

in relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Burundi -- -- -- -- --

Cambodia 2006 -- -- -- --

Cameroon 1969 -- -- -- --

Canada 1974 193578 181570

COE 1985

OAS 2001

B 197879

1988

Cape Verde 1979 -- -- -- --

Central African 

Republic -- -- -- -- --

Chad -- -- -- -- --

Chile 1969 195280 183481 COE 1998

OAS 2001 1994

China 1979 197982

198234

-- B 1999

(Hong Kong)83

1997 (Hong Kong)

1999 (Macao)84

Colombia 1972 185185 184886 -- 1996

78 Arrangement Relating to Visits of Consular Officers to Citizens of Their Own Country Serving Sentences in Penal Institutions, Sept. 19, 1935, 6 Bevans 65 

(effective Sept. 19, 1935).

79 Treaty Between the United States of America and Canada on the Execution of Penal Sentences, Mar. 2, 1977, 30 U.S.T. 6263 (entered into force July 19, 

1978).

80 Reciprocal Agreement Relating to Free Importation Privileges for Consular Officers, Mar. 12, Apr. 16, & May 12, 1952, 3 U.S.T. 4293 (effective May 12, 1952).

81 General Convention of Peace, Amity, Commerce, and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Republic of Chile, May 16, 1832 & Sept. 1, 

1833, 6 Bevans 518 (entered into force Apr. 29, 1934).

82 Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the Mutual Establishment 

of Consular Relations and the Opening of Consulates General, Jan. 31, 1979, 30 U.S.T. 17 (effective Jan. 31, 1979). For other U.S.–China agreements on the 

opening of consulates general and the enlargement of consular districts, consult the Department of State publication Treaties in Force at http://www.state.

gov/s/l/treaty/.

83 Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Hong Kong for the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Apr. 15, 1997, 

S. Treaty Doc. No. 105-7 (entered into force Apr. 18, 1999).

84 The Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, cited in footnote 23, is in force between the United States and Hong Kong, and between 

the United States and Macao, but not between the United States and the remainder of China.

85 Consular Convention Between the Republic of New Granada and the United States of America, May 4, 1850, 6 Bevans 882 (entered into force Oct. 30, 

1851).
58

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague 

Child Abduction 

Convention in 

relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Comoros -- -- -- -- --

Congo (Brazzaville) -- -- -- -- --

Congo, Democratic 

Republic of 

(Kinshasa)

1976 -- -- -- --

Costa Rica 1969 195036 185287 COE 1998

OAS 2001 2008

Côte d’Ivoire

(Ivory Coast) -- -- -- -- --

Croatia 1992 188274 188275 COE 1995 1991

Cuba 1969 192688 -- -- --

Cyprus 1976 195230 -- COE 1986 1995

Czech Republic 1993 198737 -- COE 1993 1998

Denmark 1972 -- 182689

196150 COE 1987 1991

Djibouti 1978 -- -- -- --

Dominica 1987 195230 -- -- --

Dominican Republic 1969 -- -- -- 2007

Ecuador 1969 -- 184290 COE 2005

 OAS 2006 1992

86 General Treaty of Peace, Amity, Navigation and Commerce Between the United States of America and the Republic of New Granada, Dec. 12, 1846, 6 Bevans 

868 (entered into force June 10, 1848).

87 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Republic of Costarica [sic], July 10, 1851, 6 Bevans 1013 

(entered into force May 26, 1852).

88 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Republic of Cuba, Apr. 22, 1926, 6 Bevans 1149, 60 L.N.T.S. 371 (entered into force Dec. 

1, 1926).

89 General Convention on Friendship, Commerce and Navigation, Between the United States of America and H. M. the King of Denmark, Apr. 26, 1826, 7 Bevans 

1 (entered into force Aug. 10, 1826).

90 Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Navigation and Commerce, Between the United States of America and the Republic of Ecuador, June 13, 1839, 7 Bevans 296 

(entered into force Apr. 9, 1842).
59

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague 

Child Abduction 

Convention in 

relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Egypt 1969 -- -- -- --

El Salvador 1973 -- -- OAS 2007 2007

Equatorial Guinea 1976 -- -- -- --

Eritrea 1997 -- 195351 -- --

Estonia 1991 -- 192691 COE 1997 2007

Ethiopia -- -- 195351 -- --

Fiji 1972 195230,38 -- -- --

Finland 1980 -- 193492 COE 1987 1994

France 1970 196852 182393

196052

COE 1985

B 198594 1988

Gabon 1969 -- -- -- --

Gambia -- 195230 -- -- --

Georgia 1993 196831 193369 COE 1998 --

91 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights Between the United States of America and the Republic of Estonia, Dec. 23, 1925, 7 Bevans 620, 50 

L.N.T.S. 13 (entered into force May 22, 1926).

92 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights Between the United States of America and the Republic of Finland, Feb. 13, 1934, 7 Bevans 718, 152 

L.N.T.S. 45 (entered into force Aug. 10, 1934), as amended by Protocol Between the United States of America and Finland Modifying Treaty of February 13, 1934, 

Dec. 4, 1952, 4 U.S.T. 2047, 205 U.N.T.S. 149 (entered into force Sept. 24, 1953), as supplemented by Protocol Between the Government of the United States 

of America and the Government of the Republic of Finland to the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights of February 13, 1934, July 1, 1991, S. 

Treaty Doc. No. 102-34 (entered into force Dec. 1, 1992).

93 Convention on Navigation and Commerce Between the United States of America and His Majesty the King of France and Navarre, June 24, 1822, 7 Bevans 

822 (entered into force February 12, 1823) (extended to Madagascar in 1896), as amended by Agreement Modifying the Provisions of Article VII of the Convention 

of Navigation and Commerce of June 24, 1822, July 17, 1919, 7 Bevans 899 (entered into force Jan. 10, 1921).

94 Convention Between the United States of America and the Republic of France on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Jan. 25, 1983, 35 U.S.T. 2847 (entered 

into force Feb. 1, 1985).
60

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague 

Child Abduction 

Convention in 

relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Germany 1971 -- 192595

195653 COE 1992 1990 

Ghana 1969 195230 -- -- --

Greece 1975 190396 195497 COE 1988 1993

Grenada 1992 195230 -- -- --

Guatemala 1973 -- 185298 OAS 2005 2008

Guinea 1988 -- -- -- --

Guinea-Bissau -- -- -- -- --

Guyana 1973 195230 -- -- --

Haiti 1978 -- -- -- --

Holy See 1970 -- -- -- --

Honduras 1969 -- 192899 COE 2009 1994

Hungary 1987 197339 -- COE 1993 1988

Iceland 1978 -- -- COE 1993 1996

India 1977 -- 181570 -- --

Indonesia 1982 -- -- -- --

95 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights Between the United States of America and Germany, Dec. 8, 1923, 8 Bevans 153, 52 L.N.T.S. 133 

(entered into force Oct. 14, 1925), as amended by Agreement Concerning the Treaty Between the United States of America and Germany on Friendship, 

Commerce and Consular Rights of December 8, 1923, as Amended, June 3, 1953, 5 U.S.T. 1939, 253 U.N.T.S. 89 (entered into force Oct. 22, 1954).

96 Convention Concerning the Rights and Privileges of Consuls, Dec. 2, 1902, 8 Bevans 313 (entered into force July 9, 1903).

97 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Greece, Aug. 3, 1951, 5 U.S.T. 1829, 224 U.N.T.S. 

279 (entered into force Oct. 13, 1954).

98 General Convention of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Republic of Guatemala, Mar. 3, 1849, 8 Bevans 

461 (entered into force May 13, 1852) (articles relating to commerce and navigation terminated Nov. 4, 1874).

99 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights, Dec. 7, 1927, 8 Bevans 905, 87 L.N.T.S. 421 (entered into force July 19, 1928).
61

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague Child 

Abduction Convention 

in relation to U.S., year 

in force 

with U.S.

Iran 1975 -- 195754 -- --

Iraq 1970 -- -- -- --

Ireland 1969 195455 1950100 COE 1995 1991

Israel -- -- 195456 COE 1998 1991

Italy 1969 1878101 1949102 COE 1989 1995

Jamaica 1976 195230 -- -- --

Japan 1983 196457 1953103 COE 2003 --

Jordan 1973 -- -- -- --

Kazakhstan 1994 196831 193369 -- --

Kenya 1969 -- -- -- --

Kiribati 1982 195230 -- -- --

Korea, North 1984 -- -- -- --

Korea, South 1977 196358 1957104 COE 2005 --

Kosovo 2008105 188274 188275 -- --

100 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and Ireland, with Protocol, Jan. 21, 1950, 1 U.S.T. 785, 206 U.N.T.S. 

269 (entered into force Sept. 14, 1950) (Article 2(2) requiring consular notification upon the request of a foreign national accused of a crime and taken into 

custody).

101 Consular Convention Between the United States and Italy, May 8, 1878, 9 Bevans 91 (entered into force Sept. 18, 1878).

102 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Italian Republic, with Protocol, Feb. 2, 1948, 9 Bevans 261, 79 

U.N.T.S. 171 (entered into force July 26, 1949).

103 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and Japan, Apr. 2, 1953, 4 U.S.T. 2063, 206 U.N.T.S. 143 (entered 

into force Oct. 30, 1953). 

104 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea, with Protocol, Nov. 28, 1956, 8 U.S.T. 2217, 

302 U.N.T.S. 281 (entered into force Nov. 7, 1957) (Article 3(2) requiring consular notification upon the request of a foreign national taken into custody).

105 The VCCR is applicable as between the United States and Kosovo. On February 17, 2008, Kosovo issued its declaration of independence, in which it assumed 

the treaty and other international obligations of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to which Kosovo is bound as a former constituent part, 

including the VCCR.
62

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague Child 

Abduction Convention 

in relation to U.S., year 

in force 

with U.S.

Kuwait 1975 195230 -- -- --

Kyrgyzstan 1994 196831 193369 -- --

Laos 1973 -- -- -- --

Latvia 1992 -- 1928106 COE 1997 2007

Lebanon 1975 -- 1924107 -- --

Lesotho 1972 -- -- -- --

Liberia 1984 1939108 -- -- --

Libya 1998 -- -- -- --

Liechtenstein 1969 -- -- COE 1998 --

Lithuania 1992 -- -- COE 1996 2007

Luxembourg 1972 -- 196359 COE 1988 1988

Macedonia 1993 188274 188275 COE 1999 1991

Madagascar 1969 -- 189693 -- --

Malawi 1980 -- -- -- --

Malaysia 1991 195230 -- -- --

Maldives 1991 -- -- -- --

Mali 1969 -- -- -- --

Malta 1997 195230 -- COE 1991 2003

Marshall Islands 1991 -- 1986109 B 2004110 --

106 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights, Apr. 20, 1928, 9 Bevans 531, 80 L.N.T.S. 35 (entered into force July 25, 1928).

107 Convention Between the United States of America and France Regarding the Mandate for Syria and Lebanon, Apr. 4, 1924, 7 Bevans 925 (entered into force 

July 13, 1924).

108 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and Liberia, Oct. 7, 1938, 9 Bevans 607, 201 L.N.T.S. 183 (entered into force Dec. 21, 1939) 

(Article 6 giving consular officers a right of access to detained nationals).
63

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague 

Child Abduction 

Convention in 

relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Mauritania 2000 -- -- -- --

Mauritius 1970 195230 -- COE 2004 1993

Mexico 1969 1943111 --

COE 2007

OAS 2001

B 1977112

1991

Micronesia 1991 -- 1986109 B 2004113 --

Moldova 1993 196831 193369 COE 1991 --

Monaco 2005 -- -- -- 1993

Mongolia 1989 200740 -- -- --

Montenegro 2006 188274 188275 COE 2006 1991

Morocco 1977 -- 1837114 -- --

Mozambique 1983 -- -- -- --

Namibia 1992 -- -- -- --

Nauru -- -- -- -- --

Nepal 1969 -- 1947115 -- --

109 Agreement for the Implementation of the Compact of Free Association Between the Government of the United States of America and the Governments of the 

Marshall Islands and of the Federated States of Micronesia, Pub. L. 99-239, Title II, 99 Stat. 1770 (1986), as amended by Pub. L. 108-188, 117 Stat. 2720 (2003), 

48 U.S.C. § 1921 et seq.

110 Agreement Between the United States of America and the Marshall Islands on Extradition, Mutual Assistance in Law Enforcement Matters and Penal Sanctions, 

with Agreed Minute, Apr. 30, 2003, Title IV (entered into force May 1, 2004, with effect from Oct. 21, 1986).

111 Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the United Mexican States, Aug. 12, 1942, 9 Bevans 1076, 125 U.N.T.S. 301 (entered into 

force July 1, 1943) (Article 6(2) giving consular officers a right of access to detained nationals).

112 Treaty Between the United States of America and the United Mexican States on the Execution of Penal Sentences, Nov. 25, 1976, 28 U.S.T. 7399 (entered 

into force Nov. 30, 1977).

113 Agreement Between the United States of America and the Federated States of Micronesia on Extradition, Mutual Assistance in Law Enforcement Matters and 

Penal Sanctions, with Agreed Minute, May 14, 2003, Title IV (entered into force June 25, 2004, with effect from Nov. 3, 1986).

114 Treaty of Peace, Sept. 16, 1836, 9 Bevans 1286 (entered into force Jan. 28, 1837).

115 Agreement Relating to Friendship and Commerce, Apr. 25, 1947, 10 Bevans 1, 16 U.N.T.S. 97 (effective Apr. 25, 1947).
64

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague 

Child Abduction 

Convention in 

relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Netherlands 1985 -- 195760 COE 1988 1991

New Zealand 1974 -- 181570 -- 1991

Nicaragua 1975 -- -- OAS 2001 --

Niger 1969 -- -- -- --

Nigeria 1969 195230 -- -- --

Norway 1980 -- 1932116 COE 1993 1989

Oman 1974 -- 196061 -- --

Pakistan 1969 -- 181570 

196162 -- --

Palau -- -- 1986117 -- --

Panama 1969 -- --

COE 1999

OAS 2001

B 1980118

1994

Papua New Guinea 1975 -- 181570 -- --

Paraguay 1969 -- 1860119 OAS 2004 2008

Peru 1978 -- -- B 1980120 2007

Philippines 1969 194841 1946121 -- --

116 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights, June 5, 1928, 10 Bevans 481, 134 L.N.T.S. 81 (entered into force Sept. 13, 1932).

117 Agreement for the Implementation of the Compact of Free Association Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government 

of Palau, Pub. L. 99-658, 100 Stat. 3673 (1986), 48 U.S.C. § 1931 et seq.

118 Treaty Between the United States of America and the Republic of Panama on the Execution of Penal Sentences, Jan. 11, 1979, 32 U.S.T. 1565, 1280 

U.N.T.S. 363 (entered into force June 27, 1980).

119 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation Between the Governments of the United States of America, and of the Republic of Paraguay, Feb. 4, 

1859, 10 Bevans 888 (entered into force Mar. 7, 1860).

120 Treaty Between the United States of America and the Republic of Peru on the Execution of Penal Sentences, July 6, 1979, 32 U.S.T. 1471, 1233 

U.N.T.S. 139 (entered into force July 21, 1980).

121 Treaty of General Relations Between the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines, with Protocol, July 4, 1946, 11 Bevans 3 

(entered into force Oct. 22, 1946). See also Provisional Agreement Between the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines Concerning 

Friendly Relations and Diplomatic and Consular Representation, July 4, 1946 (effective July 4, 1946).
65

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague Child 

Abduction Convention 

in relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Poland 1981 197342 -- COE 1995 1992

Portugal 1972 -- -- COE 1993 1998

Qatar 1988 -- -- -- --

Romania 1972 197344 -- COE 1996 1993

Russia 1989 196831 193369 COE 2007 --

Rwanda 1974 -- -- -- --

Saint Kitts and Nevis 1983 195230 -- -- 1995

Saint Lucia 1986 195230 -- -- --

Saint Vincent and the 

Grenadines 1999 195230 -- -- --

Samoa 1987 -- -- -- --

San Marino -- -- -- COE 2004 2008

Sao Tome and 

Principe 1983 -- -- -- --

Saudi Arabia 1988 -- 1933122 -- --

Senegal 1969 -- -- -- --

Serbia 2001 188274 188275 COE 2002 1991

Seychelles 1979 195230 -- -- --

Sierra Leone -- 195230 -- -- --

Singapore 2005 195230 -- -- --

Slovakia 1993 198737 -- COE 1993 2001

122 Provisional Agreement Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Regard to Diplomatic and Consular Representation, Juridical 

Protection, Commerce and Navigation, Nov. 7, 1933, 11 Bevans 456, 142 L.N.T.S. 329 (effective Nov. 7, 1933).
66

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague 

Child Abduction 

Convention in 

relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Slovenia 1992 188274 188275 COE 1994 1995

Solomon Islands 1978 -- -- -- --

Somalia 1969 -- -- -- --

South Africa 1989 -- 181570 -- 1997

Spain 1970 -- 1903123 COE 1985 1988

Sri Lanka 2006 -- 181570 -- 2008

Sudan 1995 -- -- -- --

Suriname 1980 1855124 196360 -- --

Swaziland -- -- -- -- --

Sweden 1974 1911125 -- COE 1985 1989

Switzerland 1969 -- 1855126 COE 1988 1988

Syria 1978 -- 1924107

1944127 -- --

Taiwan -- -- 1948128 -- --

Tajikistan 1996 196831 193369 -- --

123 Treaty of Friendship and General Relations Between the United States of America and Spain, July 3, 1902, 11 Bevans 628 (entered into force Apr. 14, 1903).

124 Convention Regarding Consuls in the Colonies of the Netherlands, Jan. 22, 1855, 10 Bevans 28 (entered into force May 25, 1855).

125 Convention on Rights, Privileges, and Immunities of Consular Officers, June 1, 1910, 11 Bevans 730 (entered into force Mar. 18, 1911).

126 General Convention of Friendship, Reciprocal Establishments, Commerce, and for the Surrender of Fugitive Criminals, Nov. 25, 1850, 11 Bevans 894 (entered 

into force Nov. 8, 1855).

127 Agreement Relating to the Recognition of the Independence of Syria and to the Rights of the United States and Its Nationals, Sept. 7 & 8, 1944, 11 Bevans 

970, 124 U.N.T.S. 251 (effective Sept. 8, 1944).

128 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Between the United States of America and the Republic of China, with Protocol, Nov. 4, 1946, 6 Bevans 761, 

25 U.N.T.S. 69 (entered into force on Nov. 30, 1948). This agreement is administered on a nongovernmental basis by the American Institute in Taiwan and does 

not constitute recognition of the Taiwan authorities. See footnote 1 on page 4.
67

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague 

Child Abduction 

Convention in 

relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Tanzania 1977 195230 -- -- --

Thailand 1999 -- 196864 B 1982129 --

Timor-Leste (East 

Timor) 2004 -- -- -- --

Togo 1983 -- 196765 -- --

Tonga 1972 195230 -- COE 2000 --

Trinidad and Tobago 1969 195230 -- COE 1994 --

Tunisia 1969 199445 1904130 -- --

Turkey 1976 -- 1927131 COE 1988

B 1981132 2000

Turkmenistan 1996 196831 193369 -- --

Tuvalu 1982 195230, 47 -- -- --

Uganda -- -- -- -- --

Ukraine 1989 196831 193369 COE 1996 2007

United Arab 

Emirates 1977 -- -- -- --

United Kingdom 1972 195230 181570 COE 1985 1988

Uruguay 1970 -- -- -- 2004

Uzbekistan 1992 196831 193369 -- --

Vanuatu 1987 -- -- -- --

129 Treaty on Cooperation in the Execution of Penal Sentences Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of 

Thailand, Oct. 29, 1982, Senate Treaty Doc. No. 98-8 (entered into force Dec. 7, 1988).

130 Agreement on Relations in Tunis, Mar. 15, 1904, 7 Bevans 862 (entered into force May 7, 1904).

131 Agreement on Relations, Feb. 17, 1927, 11 Bevans 1109 (effective Feb. 17, 1927).

132 Treaty on the Enforcement of Penal Judgments Between the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey, June 7, 1979, 32 U.S.T. 3187 (entered into 

force Jan. 1, 1981).
68

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

133 Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Navigation and Commerce Between the United States of America and the Republic of Venezuela, Jan. 20, 1836, 12 Bevans 1038 

(entered into force May 31, 1836).

134 The United States and Vietnam concluded an agreed minute in 1994 in which each side made certain commitments with respect to consular relations. While 

paragraph 5 of this minute provides for automatic notification of the arrest or detention of passport holders of the sending country, its terms are nonbinding and 

the Department of State therefore does not consider Vietnam to be a “mandatory notification” (“list”) country. The agreed minute is on file with the Department of 

State Office of the Legal Adviser.

135 Agreement Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of the Yemen Relating to Friendship and Commerce, May 4, 1946, 12 Bevans 1223, 4 

U.N.T.S. 165 (effective May 4, 1946).

TABLE C: CONSULAR CONVENTION AND AGREEMENT STATUS OF ALL COUNTRIES

Country/Jurisdiction

If party to VCCR, 

year in force 

with U.S.

If party to 

bilateral consular 

convention, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to other 

bilateral agreement 

addressing consular 

issues, year in force 

with U.S.

If party to prisoner 

transfer agreement, 

agreement type and 

year in force with 

U.S.66

If party to Hague 

Child Abduction 

Convention in 

relation to U.S., year 

in force with U.S.

Venezuela 1969 -- 1836133 OAS 2001

COE 2003 1997

Vietnam 1992 --134 -- -- --

Yemen 1986 -- 1946135 -- --

Zambia -- 195230 -- -- --

Zimbabwe 1991 195230 -- -- 1995
69

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE D: COUNTRIES WITH BILATERAL AGREEMENTS CONTAINING PROVISIONS 

ON CONSULAR NOTIFICATION AND ACCESS

 Country/Jurisdiction If party to VCCR, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to bilateral 

convention addressing 

consular issues, year in 

force with U.S.

Article in bilateral 

convention concerning 

consular notification 

Notification of consulate 

mandatory, or only 

upon foreign national’s 

request?

Albania 1991 199127 Art. 1(5) Mandatory

Algeria 1969 199729 Art. 33(1) Mandatory

Antigua and Barbuda 1988 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Armenia 1993 196831 Art. 12(2)

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Azerbaijan 1992 196831 Art. 12(2)

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Bahamas 1977 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Barbados 1992 195230,32 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Belarus 1989 196831 Art. 12(2)

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Belgium 1970 197448 Art. 25(2) Upon request

Belize 2000 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Brunei -- 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Bulgaria 1989 197533 Art. 38(2) Mandatory

China (including Hong 

Kong and Macao) 1979 198234 Art. 35(2) Mandatory

Costa Rica 1969 195036 Art. 7(2)(b) Mandatory

Cyprus 1976 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Czech Republic 1993 198737 Art. 36(1) Mandatory

Denmark 1972 196150 Art. 3(2) Upon Request

Dominica 1987 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Eritrea 1997 195351 Art. 6(2) Upon request
70

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE D: COUNTRIES WITH BILATERAL AGREEMENTS CONTAINING PROVISIONS 

ON CONSULAR NOTIFICATION AND ACCESS

 Country/Jurisdiction If party to VCCR, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to bilateral 

convention addressing 

consular issues, year in 

force with U.S.

Article in bilateral 

convention concerning 

consular notification 

Notification of consulate 

mandatory, or only 

upon foreign national’s 

request?

Ethiopia -- 195351 Art. 6(2) Upon request

Fiji 1972 195230,38 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

France 1970 196852 Art. 34(1) Upon request

Gambia -- 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Georgia 1993 196831 Art. 12(2) 

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Germany 1971 195653 Art. 3(2) Upon request

Ghana 1969 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Grenada 1992 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Guyana 1973 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Hungary 1987 197339 Art. 41(1) Mandatory

Iran 1975 195754 Art. 2(4) Upon request

Ireland 1969 195455 Art. 16(1) Upon request136

Israel -- 195456 Art. 3(2) Upon request

Jamaica 1976 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Japan 1983 196457 Art. 16(1) Upon request

Kazakhstan 1994 196831 Art. 12(2) 

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Kiribati 1982 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Korea, South 1977 196358 Art. 5(2) Upon request

Kuwait 1975 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Kyrgyzstan 1994 196831 Art. 12(2)

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Luxembourg 1972 196359 Art. 3(4) Upon request

136 On the special consular notification and access requirements that apply to detained Irish nationals, see footnote 7 on page 25.
71

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE D: COUNTRIES WITH BILATERAL AGREEMENTS CONTAINING PROVISIONS 

ON CONSULAR NOTIFICATION AND ACCESS

 Country/Jurisdiction If party to VCCR, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to bilateral 

convention addressing 

consular issues, year in 

force with U.S.

Article in bilateral 

convention concerning 

consular notification 

Notification of consulate 

mandatory, or only 

upon foreign national’s 

request?

Malaysia 1991 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Malta 1997 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Mauritius 1970 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Moldova 1993 196831 Art. 12(2)

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Mongolia 1989 200740 Art. 37(1) Mandatory

Netherlands 1985 195760 Art. 3(2) Upon Request

Nigeria 1969 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Oman 1974 196061 Art. 2(2) Upon request

Pakistan 1969 196162 Art. 3(2) Upon request

Philippines 1969 194841 Art. 7(2) Mandatory

Poland 1981 197342 Art. 29(2)

Upon request if lawful 

permanent resident 

of U.S., mandatory 

otherwise137

Romania 1972 197344 Art. 22(1) Mandatory

Russia 1989 196831 Art. 12(2) 

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Saint Kitts and Nevis 1983 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Saint Lucia 1986 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Saint Vincent and the 

Grenadines 1999 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Seychelles 1979 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Sierra Leone -- 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Singapore 2005 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

137 On the special consular notification and access requirements that apply to detained Polish nationals, see footnote 18 on page 43.
72

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

LEGAL MATERIAL

TABLE D: COUNTRIES WITH BILATERAL AGREEMENTS CONTAINING PROVISIONS 

ON CONSULAR NOTIFICATION AND ACCESS

 Country/Jurisdiction If party to VCCR, year in 

force with U.S.

If party to bilateral 

convention addressing 

consular issues, year in 

force with U.S.

Article in bilateral 

convention concerning 

consular notification 

Notification of consulate 

mandatory, or only 

upon foreign national’s 

request?

Slovakia 1993 198737 Art. 36(1) Mandatory

Suriname 1980 196360 Art. 3(2) Upon Request

Tajikistan 1996 196831 Art. 12(2) 

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Tanzania 1977 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Thailand 1999 196864 Art. 1(2) Upon request

Togo 1983 196765 Art. 2(1) Upon request

Tonga 1972 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Trinidad and Tobago 1969 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Tunisia 1964 199445 Art. 39(1) Mandatory

Turkmenistan 1996 196831 Art. 12(2) 

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Tuvalu 1982 195230,47 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Ukraine 1989 196831 Art. 12(2) 

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

United Kingdom 1972 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Uzbekistan 1992 196831 Art. 12(2) 

Protocol ¶ 1 Mandatory

Zambia -- 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory

Zimbabwe 1991 195230 Art. 16(1) Mandatory
73

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

SUGGESTED STATEMENTS AND FAX SHEETS

PART FIVE: SUGGESTED STATEMENTS TO DETAINED FOREIGN NATIONALS, 

NOTIFICATION FAX SHEETS, AND CONSULAR IDENTIFICATION CARDS

The following section includes suggested statements to give to foreign nationals 

arrested or detained in the United States. The statements are provided both in 

English and in translations from the most commonly used foreign languages in the 

United States. 

 Statement 1: For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from “Mandatory 

 Notification” Countries 

 Statement 2: For Foreign Nationals from “Mandatory Notification” 

 Countries 

 Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of Arrests or Detentions

 Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of the Possible 

 Appointment of a Guardian or Trustee for a Foreign National

 Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of the Death, Serious Injury, 

 or Illness of a Foreign National

Diplomatic and Consular Officer Identification Cards
SUGGESTED STATEMENTS AND FAX SHEETS

74

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

In order to comply with the VCCR and applicable 

bilateral agreements with provisions on consular 

notification and access, the Department of State 

recommends that the suggested statements 

listed below be given to foreign nationals arrested 

or detained in the United States. You should give 

Statement 1 to those foreign nationals who are 

not from a “mandatory notification” (“list”) country. 

The foreign national should answer “yes” or “no” 

to this question, and you should record his or her 

answer. The Department of State recommends 

that the foreign national be asked to sign and 

date the form to confirm his or her answer and 

the date he or she was informed. You should give 

Statement 2 to those foreign nationals who are 

from a “mandatory notification” (“list”) country. 

A foreign national from such a country does 

not need to answer any questions, but a record 

should be kept that you provided this information 

to the foreign national.

The English versions of Statement 1 and 

Statement 2 have been translated into the 

languages most commonly used by foreign 

nationals in the United States. In the translations 

of Statement 1, the words “yes” and “no” appear in 

both the foreign language and in English, to help 

minimize the possibility of any misunderstanding 

between you and the foreign national. 

If at all possible, you should give the statement 

in the foreign national’s own language, or in a 

language he or she understands. If no translation 

into the foreign national’s own language is 

available, you should determine whether he or 

she can understand any of the other languages 

for which a translation is provided. If you have 

doubts about the foreign national’s ability to 

read, you should also give the statement orally if 

possible. Please notify the Department of State 

of additional languages for which translations 

would be helpful, and the Department may post 

additional translations on its website in response 

to such requests.

Translations for the following languages appear 

below:

Arabic

Cambodian (Khmer)

Chinese

Creole

Farsi (Persian)

French

German

Greek

Hindi

Italian

Japanese

Korean

Lao

Polish

Portuguese

Russian

Spanish

Tagalog (Filipino)

Thai

Vietnamese

The Department of State has designed a poster 

showing Statement 1 translated into these 

languages, to be used by law enforcement or 

corrections agencies in locations where foreign 

nationals who have been arrested or detained 

can see it. You may download an electronic copy 

of the poster from the Department’s website at 

http://travel.state.gov/consularnotification. The 

Department of State can also send you an 

electronic copy of the poster on CD-ROM or 

other electronic media upon request.

In the pages following the suggested statements, 

three fax sheets appear. You may photocopy 

and use these fax sheets for notifying foreign 

consulates, or model your own fax sheets after 

them:

Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of 

 Arrests or Detentions

Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers 

 of the Possible Appointment of a Guardian 

 or Trustee for a Foreign National 

Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of 

 the Death, Serious Injury, or Illness of a 

 Foreign National
ENGLISH 

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Statement 2:

For Foreign Nationals from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

75
ARABIC 

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

 (NO) 

Statement 2:

For Foreign Nationals from “Mandatory Notification” Countries

76
CAMBODIAN (KHMER)

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Statement 2:

For Foreign Nationals from “Mandatory Notification” 

Countries

(YES) (NO)

Printed Name Witness

Signature Date

Printed Name Witness

Signature Date 77
78

CHINESE 

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Դ԰Ў䴲㕢೑݀⇥ˈ೼㹿᢬⬭៪㗙䘂ᤩᯊৃҹ㽕∖៥ӀᇚԴⱘᚙމ䗮ⶹԴӀ೑ᆊ⌒偏㕢

೑ⱘ乚џ˗Դгৃҹ੠ԴӀ೑ᆊⱘ乚џ䗮䆱DŽԴӀ೑ᆊⱘ乚џ᳝ৃ㛑ᐂࡽԴѝপ⊩ᕟᧈ

ࡽǃ㘨LTDᆊҎǃࠄ᥶⚍ഄ⬭᢬䆓Դˈ੠خΫѯ߿ⱘџᚙDŽ

Դབᵰ㽕៥Ӏ䗮ⶹԴӀⱘ乚џˈৃҹ⦄೼ህᦤߎˈгৃҹ೼᮹ৢӏԩᯊ׭ᦤߎDŽ

Դ䳔㽕៥Ӏ⦄೼ህ䗮ⶹԴӀⱘ乚џ৫ ̨

㽕(YES)   ϡ㽕(NO)

⫼גԧкݭྦྷৡ˖_______________________ 䆕Ҏ˖________________________ Printed Name Witness 

亜ৡ˖_______________________________ ᮹ᳳ˖________________________ Signature Date 

 

Statement 2:

For Foreign Nationals from

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

䡈ѢԴⱘ೑(二)ˈ៥Ӏᖙ乏ᇚԴ㹿ᤩ៪㗙㹿᢬⬭ⱘᚙމ䗮ⶹԴӀ೑ᆊ⌒偏㕢೑ⱘ乚џDŽ

៥ӀӮሑᖿ䗮ⶹDŽ঺໪ˈԴ᳝ৃҹ੠ԴӀⱘ乚џ䗮䆱DŽԴᑊ䴲Ϋᅮ㽕᥹ফҪӀⱘᧈࡽˈ

ԚᰃԴӀⱘ乚џ᳝ৃ㛑ᐂࡽԴ㦋ᕫ⊩ᕟᧈࡽǃ㘨LTDԴⱘᆊҎ੠ࠄ᥶⚍ഄ⬭᢬䆓Դˈ

੠خΫѯ߿ⱘџᚙDŽ䇋೼ϟ䴶ᅤৡ㸼冫ԴᏆ㒣㹿ਞⶹҹϞֵᙃDŽ

⫼גԧкݭྦྷৡ˖_______________________ 䆕Ҏ˖________________________ Printed Name Witness 

亜ৡ˖_______________________________ ᮹ᳳ˖________________________ Signature Date 
CREOLE 

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification”Countries

Kòm yon moun ki pa sitwayen ameriken ke otorite yo ap arete oubyen ap mete nan prizon, ou 

gen dwa mande pou nou mete otorite nan konsula peyi ou ki isit o Zetazini okouran sitiyasyon 

an. Ou kapab tou pran kontak ak otorite ki nan konsila peyi ou. Yon ofisyèl nan konsila peyi ou 

kapab an mezi pou li ede w jwenn konkou avoka, e li kapab tou pran kontak ak manm fanmi ou 

e ofisyèl sa a kapab vizite w nan prizon an, ak lòt bagay ankò. Si ou vle nou mete otorite nan 

konsila peyi ou okouran, ou gen dwa fè demand pou yo fè avètisman sa a kounyela menm, 

oubyen nenpòt ki lòt lè nan lavni. Eske ou ta renmen nou mete otorite konsila peyi ou okouran 

kounyela menm? 

Statement 2: 

For Foreign Nationals from

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Akoz nasyonalite ou, nou gen obligasyon pou nou mete otorite konsila peyi ou ki isit o Zetazini 

okouran ke yo arete ou oubyen yo mete ou nan prizon. Nou pral fè sa osito posib. An plis de sa, 

ou kapab pran kontak ak otorite ki nan konsila peyi ou. Ou pa oblije aksepte èd yo, men li posib 

pou otorite konsila peyi ou ede w jwenn èd yon avoka, e yo byen kapab pran kontak ak manm 

fanmi ou, epi rann ou vizit nan prizon an, ak lòt bagay ankò. Silvouplè, siyen pou w fè wè ou te 

resevwa enfòmasyon sa a. 

79
FARSI 

Statement 1: 

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

شما منحيث يک شخص که تبعه ايالات متحده امريکا نيستيد و توقيف و بازداشت شده 

 ايد، ميتوانيد از ما بخواهيد تا راجع به وضع شما با مامورين قونسلگری کشور تان ،

اين جا، در ايالات متحده در تماس شويم. همچنان شما ميتوانيد که با مامورين 

قونسلگری خويش حرف بزنيد. يک مامور قونسلگری شايد بتواند به شمول کار های 

ديگر شما را در مورد استخدام يک وکيل قانونی کمک نمايد ، با خانواده شما در تماس 

 ،شود و در توقيف شما را ملاقات کند. اگرشما خواسته باشيد که ما با مامورين 

قونسلگری تان در تماس شويم، شما ميتوانيد همين حالا اين درخواست را ارائه کنيد 

ويا در آينده کدام وقت ديگر اين اطلاع را به ما بدهيد. آيا شما ميخواهيد که ما فعلاً با 

مامورين قونسلگری شما در تماس شويم؟ 

 )YES )بلی ( نه خير NO( 

:چاپ اسم ـــــــــــــ :شاهد ـــــــــــ

Witness Printed Name

امضا: ــــــــــــــ تاريخ: ـــــــــــ

Date Signature

Statement 2:

For Foreign Nationals from “Mandatory Notification” Countries

 

 دليل به مليت و تابعيت شما، ما مکلف هستي م تا مامورين قونسلگری شما را در ايالات 

متحده با خبر سازيم که شما توقيف و يا بازداشت شده ايد. ما اين کار را هرچه زود 

تر ممکن باشد انجام خواهيم داد. علاوه بر اين، شما ميتوانيد که با مامورين 

قونسلگری خويش در تماس باشيد. شما مکلف نيستيد که کمک های آنها را بپذيريد 

ولی مامورين قونسلگری شما شايد بتوانند علاوه بر مسايل ديگر در مورد استخدام 

وکيل قانونی شما کمکبا نمايند، با خانواده تان تماس بگيرند و از شما در توقيف ديدن 

کنند. لطفا امضا کنيد تا نشان دهيد که شما اين معلومات را دريافت .نموده ايد 

:چاپ اسم ـــــــــــــ :شاهد ـــــــــــ 

Witness Printed Name

امضا: ـــــــــــــــ تاريخ: ــــــــــ

Date Signature

80
FRENCH 

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Si vous êtes arrêté ou détenu, et ressortissant d’un pays autre que les Etats-Unis, vous pouvez 

nous demander de prévenir le consulat de votre pays ici aux Etats-Unis. Vous pouvez également 

communiquer avec vos fonctionnaires consulaires. Un fonctionnaire consulaire peut notamment 

être en mesure de vous aider à obtenir un avocat, contacter votre famille et vous rendre visite 

lors de votre détention. Si vous désirez que nous prévenions le consulat, vous pouvez en faire la 

demande maintenant ou plus tard, au moment de votre choix. Souhaitez-vous que nous 

prévenions maintenant votre consulat ? 

OUI (YES) NON (NO) 

Nom: ____________________________________ Témoin: ____________________________ 

Printed Name Witness 

Signature : ____________________________________ Date : ______________________________ 

Signature Date 

Statement 2:

For Foreign Nationals from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries 

Si vous êtes arrêté ou détenu, nous sommes tenus, en raison de votre nationalité, de prévenir le 

consulat de votre pays ici aux Etats-Unis. Nous le ferons le plus tôt possible. De plus, vous 

pouvez également communiquer avec vos fonctionnaires consulaires. Vous n’êtes pas oblige

d’accepter leur aide mais ils peuvent notamment être en mesure de vous aider à obtenir un 

avocat, contacter votre famille et vous rendre visite lors de votre détention. Nous vous prions de 

bien vouloir apposer ci-dessous votre signature, ce qui apportera la preuve que cette information 

vous a bien été communiquée. 

Nom: ____________________________________ Témoin: ____________________________ 

Printed Name Witness 

Signature : ____________________________________ Date : ______________________________ 

Signature Date 

81
GERMAN 

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Statement 2: 

For Foreign Nationals from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

82
GREEK

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Ως μη υπήκοος των Η.Π.Α. που έχετε συλληφθεί ή έχετε τεθεί υπό κράτηση, μπορείτε να μας ζητήσετε να 

ειδοποιήσουμε την προξενική αρχή της χώρας σας εδώ στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες σχετικά με την κατάστασή 

σας. Μπορείτε ακόμα να επικοινωνήσετε με την προξενική σας αρχή. Ανώτερος προξενικός υπάλληλος μπορεί 

να είναι σε θέση να σας βοηθήσει προκειμένου να λάβετε νομική εκπροσώπηση, και μπορεί να έρθει σε επαφή

με την οικογένειά σας και μεταξύ άλλων, μπορούν να σας επισκέπτονται κατά τη διάρκεια της κράτησής σας. 

Αν μας θέλετε να ειδοποιήσουμε την προξενική σας αρχή, μπορείτε να το ζητήσετε είτε τώρα, είτε οποιαδήποτε 

άλλη στιγμή στο μέλλον. Θέλετε να ειδοποιήσουμε τώρα την προξενική σας αρχή; 

 ΝΑΙ (YES) ΟΧΙ (NO) 

Ονοματεπώνυμο:_______________________________ Μάρτυρας:____________________________ 

Printed Name Witness 

Υπογραφή: ___________________________________ Ημερομηνία: __________________________ Signature Date

Statement 2:

For Foreign Nationals from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Λόγω της υπηκοότητάς σας, είμαστε υποχρεωμένοι να ειδοποιήσουμε την προξενική αρχή της χώρας σας εδώ 

στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες ότι έχετε συλληφθεί ή ότι βρίσκεστε υπό κράτηση. Θα το κάνουμε όσο το δυνατό πιο 

σύντομα. Επιπλέον, μπορείτε να επικοινωνήσετε με την προξενική σας αρχή. Δεν είναι υποχρεωτικό να 

δεχθείτε την βοήθειά τους, αλλά η προξενική σας αρχή είναι δυνατόν να σας βοηθήσει να λάβετε νομική 

εκπροσώπηση, όπως επίσης μπορεί να επικοινωνήσει με την οικογένειά σας και μεταξύ άλλων, να μπορούν να 

σας επισκέπτονται κατά τη διάρκεια της κράτησής σας. Παρακαλούμε όπως υπογράψετε σαν απόδειξη ότι 

λάβατε τούτη την γνωστοποίηση.

Ονοματεπώνυμο:_______________________________ Μάρτυρας:____________________________ 

Printed Name Witness 

Υπογραφή: ____________________________________ Ημερομηνία: __________________________ Signature Date

83
HINDI

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

֑ᳰֈձշչ֨֒է֐֒֠շᳱ֛֫ֆ֧ᱟձը֌շ֫֟չ֒᭢ֆ֞֒ᳰշ֑֞վ֛֛֑֛֚֞֒֞֞֟֒֞ֆ֐ ֨ ᱶ֒ո֞վ֛֛֞֒֞ֆ֫ը֌ ֨

֑֛է֊֡֒֫։շ֚֒շֆ ֛֧  ᳰշ ֛֐է֐֒֠շ֞֐ ᱹ ᱶը֌շ֧ ֈ֘շ ֧ ֧շ֞իե֚֔֒է֟։շ֞ᳯ֑֒ᲂ շ֫ը֌շᳱ ֟᭭եւ֟ֆշᳱ

֢֚ռ֊֞ ֈը֌է֌֊ ᱶ ֧ ֈ֘շ ֧ ֧շ֞իե֚֔֒է֟։շ֞ᳯ֑֒ᲂ֧֚֚ե֌շᭅ֏֠շ֚֒շֆ֛֧ ձշշ֞ի ᱹ ե֚֔֒է֟։շ֞֒֠

ը֌շֳ֫֞֊֢֊֠ᮧ֟ֆ֟֊֟։᭜֗ᳰֈ֔֞֊֧֐ᱶ֐ֈֈշ֚֒շֆ֛֞ն֒ը֌շ ֨ ֧֌ᳯ֧֚֚֒֗֞֒ե֌շᭅշ֚֒շֆ֛֞ն֒ ֨

է᭠֑ ֎֞ֆᲂշ֧ ֚֞եւ ֚֞եւ ֛֗վ֧֔ ֐ᱶը֌֚ ֟֐֔ ֊֧ ֏֠ը ֚շֆ֞ ֛ ֧  ֑ᳰֈը֌ռ֛֞ֆ ֨ ֧ ֛ ᳰշ ֛֐ը֌շ ᱹ ֧ 

շ֞իե֚֔֒է֟։շᳯ֑֒ᲂշ֢֚֫֟ռֆշ֒ᱶֆ֫թ֚է֟։֢֚ռ֊֞շ֧֟֔ձը֌է֏֠֟֊֧֗ֈ֊շ֚֒շֆ֛֧ ֑֞֏᭬֑֟֗ ᱹ

֐ᱶᳰշ֚֠֏֚֠֐֑ղ֚֞շ֚֒շֆ֛֧ ᭍֑֞ը֌ռ֛֞ֆ ᱹ ֧֛ᳰշ֛֐ը֌շ ᱹ ֧շ֞իե֚֔֒է֟։շ֞ᳯ֑֒ᲂշ֫թ֚֚֐֑

֢֚ռ֊֞ֈ"     ᱶ

֛֞դ(YES)  ֊֛ᱭ(NO)



ֹ֚֞֟֔ո֞֊֞֐BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB  ֚֞ᭃ֠BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

Printed Name      Witness 

֛᭭ֆ֞ᭃ֒BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB  ֆִ֞֒֠BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

Signature      Date

Statement 2:

For Foreign Nationals from “Mandatory Notification” Countries

ը֌շᳱ ᳦֑֒֞֠ֆ֞ շ֧ շ֞֒օ ֛֐֧֞֒ ֟֔ձ է֟֊֑֗֞ᭅ ֛ ᳰշ ֛֐ ֑֛֞ ֨ դ է֐֒֠շ֞ ֐ᱶ ը֌շ֧ ֈ֘ շ ֧ ֧ շ֞իե֚֔֒

է֟։շ֞ᳯ֑֒ᲂշ֢֚֫֟ռֆշ֒ᱶᳰշը֌շ֫֟չ֒᭢ֆ֞֒շ֑֒֟֔֞չ֑֛֑֞֞ը֌֛֚֟֒֞ֆ֐ ֨ ֛ᱶ ֛֐֟վֆ֊֠վ᭨ֈ֠ ᱹ

֚ե֏֛֗֫չ֞ղ֚֞շ֒ᱶչ֧ թ֚շ֧է֔֞֗֞ը֌ռ֛֞ֆ֫է֌֊ ᱶ ֧շ֞իե֚֔֒է֟։շ֞ᳯ֑֒ᲂ֧֚֚ ե֌շᭅշ֚֒շֆ֛֧  ᱹ

ը֌շ֧ ֟֔ձֶᱨ֒֠ ֊֛ᱭ ᳰշը֌ի֊շᳱ֐ֈֈ֔֔ᱶ ֧ᳰշ֊շ֞իե֚֔֒է֟։շ֞֒֠ը֌շֳ֫֞֊֢֊֠ ᮧ֟ֆ֟֊֟։᭜֗

ᳰֈ֔֗֞֊֧֐ᱶ֛֑֚֞ֆ֞շ֚֒շֆ֛֧ ն֒ը֌շ ᱹ ֧֌ᳯ֧֚֚֒֗֞֒ ե֌շᭅշ֚֒շֆ֛֧ ն֒է᭠֑֎֞ֆᲂշ ᱹ ֧֚֞եւ֚֞եւ

վ֧֔֐ᱶը֌֧֚֟֐֔֊֧ը֚շֆ֛֧ շ ᱹ ֣֌֑֑֛֞֎ֆ֞֊֧շ֧֟֔ձ֛᭭ֆ֞ᭃ֒շᳱ֟վ֑֧ᳰշը֌շ֑֛֫վ֞֊շ֞֒֠֟֐֔

չժ֛ ֨

ֹ֚֞֟֔ո֞֊֞֐BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB  ֚֞ᭃ֠BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

Printed Name      Witness 

֛᭭ֆ֞ᭃ֒BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB  ֆִ֞֒֠BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

Signature      Date

84
ITALIAN 

Statement 1: 

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Lei non è cittadino degli Stati Uniti d’America ed è stato arrestato o detenuto dalle autorità 

statunitensi. Come tale, può chiedere che le autorità consolari competenti del Suo Paese presenti 

negli Stati Uniti d’America vengano informate della Sua situazione. Inoltre, Lei può 

comunicare con i suddetti funzionari che, fra l’altro, potrebbero aiutarLa ad assumere un 

avvocato, contattare la Sua famiglia, o visitarLa mentre è in stato di detenzione. Se desidera che 

le autorità consolari del Suo Paese vengano informate, lo può chiedere adesso o in qualsiasi 

momento nel futuro. Desidera che contattiamo le suddette autorità in questo momento? 

SÌ (YES) NO (NO)

Nome in stampatello: __________________________ Testimone: _____________________________ 

Printed Name Witness

Firma: ______________________________________ Data: __________________________________ 

Signature Date 

Statement 2: 

For Foreign Nationals from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

In virtù della Sua cittadinanza, siamo obbligati a formalmente avvisare le autorità consolari 

competenti del Suo Paese presenti negli Stati Uniti d’America, che Lei è stato arrestato o 

detenuto. Lo faremo al più presto possibile. Inoltre, può comunicare con i suddetti funzionari, e 

benché non sia tenuto ad accettare la loro assistenza, essi potrebbero, fra l’altro, assisterLa ad

assumere un avvocato, contattare la Sua famiglia, o visitarLa durante lo stato di detenzione. La 

preghiamo di apporre la Sua firma nello spazio indicato qui sotto a conferma di aver ricevuto 

questo avviso. 

Nome in stampatello: __________________________ Testimone: _____________________________ 

Printed Name Witness

Firma: ______________________________________ Data: __________________________________ 

Signature Date 

85
86

JAPANESE

Statement 1: 

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from

“Mandatory Notification” Countries 

ᄝ᝝䉅䈚䈒䈲᜔⇐䈘䉏䈢㕖☨࿖Ꮢ᳃䈫䈚䈩䇮䈅䈭䈢䈲䇮ᒰዪ䈏☨࿖䈮䈅䉎䈅䈭䈢䈱࿖䈱

㗔੐㙚䈱ଥቭ䈮䈅䈭䈢䈱⟎䈎䉏䈩䈇䉎⁁ᴫ䈮䈧䈇䈩ᅴ⍮䈜䉎䉋䈉ⷐ⺧䈚䈩䉅䈇䈇䈪䈜䇯

䉁䈢䇮䈅䈭䈢䈱࿖䈱㗔੐㙚䈱ଥቭ䈫ᇎ⛊䉕ข䈦䈩䉅䈇䈇䈪䈜䇯㗔੐㙚䈱ଥቭ䈲䈅䈭䈢

䈏ᑯ匕ੱ䉕ᚻ(十)䈜䉎䈱䉕ഥ䈔䉎䈖䈫䈏䈪䈐䉎䈎䉅䈚䉏䉁䈞䉖䈚䇮ઁ䈮䉅䈇䉐䈇䉐䈅䉍䉁

䈜䈏䇮䈗ኅᣖ䈮ធ⸅䈚䈢䉍᜔⇐ਛ䈱䈅䈭䈢䉕⸰䈰䉎䈖䈫䉅䈅䉍䉁䈜䇯䉅䈚ᒰዪ䈏䈅䈭䈢

䈱࿖䈱㗔੐㙚䈱ଥቭ䈮ᅴ⍮䈜䉎䈖䈫䉕䈍ᦸ䉂䈭䉌䇮੹䇮䉁䈢䈲੹ᓟ䈇䈧䈪䉅䇮䈖䈱ᅴ

⍮䉕ⷐ⺧䈪䈐䉁䈜䇯䈖䈱ᯏળ䈮䇮䈅䈭䈢䈱࿖䈱㗔੐㙚䈱ଥቭ䈮ᒰዪ䈎䉌ᅴ⍮䈚䈩䈾䈚

䈇䈪䈜䈎䋿㩷㩷

䬾䬓䎃䎃䎋䎼䎨䎶䎌 䎃 䎃 䎃 䎃 䬓䬓䬗䎃䎃䎋䎱䎲䎌

ฬ೨䬽ᵴሼ૕⴫⸥䰆 ⸽ੱ䰆䎃

Printed Name䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃䎃 Witness 

⟑ฬ䰆 ᣣઃ䰆䎃

Statement 2: 

For Foreign Nationals from

“Mandatory Notification” Countries 

䈅䈭䈢䈱࿖☋䈱䉉䈋䈮䇮ᒰዪ䈲䈅䈭䈢䈏ᄝ᝝䉅䈚䈒䈲᜔⇐䈘䉏䈢䈖䈫䉕☨࿖䈮䈅䉎䈅䈭

䈢䈱࿖䈱㗔੐㙚䈱ଥቭ䈮ᅴ⍮䈚䈭䈔䉏䈳䈭䉍䉁䈞䉖䇯䈪䈐䉎䈣䈔ᣧ䈒䈠䈉䈚䉁䈜䇯ട䈋

䈩䇮䈅䈭䈢䈲䇮䈅䈭䈢䈱࿖䈱㗔੐㙚䈱ଥቭ䈫ᇎ⛊䉕ข䈦䈩䉅䈇䈇䈪䈜䇯ଥቭ䈱ഥ䈔䉕

ฃ䈔౉䉏䉎⟵ോ䈲䈅䉍䉁䈞䉖䈏䇮䈅䈭䈢䈱࿖䈱㗔੐㙚䈱ଥቭ䈲䈅䈭䈢䈏ᑯ匕ੱ䉕ᚻ

(十)䈜䉎䈱䉕ഥ䈔䉎䈖䈫䈏䈪䈐䉎䈎䉅䈚䉏䉁䈞䉖䈚䇮ઁ䈮䉅䈇䉐䈇䉐䈅䉍䉁䈜䈏䇮䈗ኅᣖ䈮

ធ⸅䈚䈢䉍᜔⇐ਛ䈱䈅䈭䈢䉕⸰䈰䉎䈖䈫䉅䈅䉍䉁䈜䇯䈖䈱ᖱႎ䉕ฃC䈚䈢⸽䈮⟑ฬ䉕䈚

䈩䈒䈣䈘䈇䇯㩷㩷

ฬ೨䬽ᵴሼ૕⴫⸥䰆 ⸽ੱ䰆

⟑ฬ䰆 ᣣઃ䰆

Printed Name

Signature Date

Signature Date

 Witness 
KOREAN 

Statement 1: 

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

‖䞮0G゚G⹎ῃGῃ㩗㧎㦒⪲daG䡚㨂G㼊䙂 ⡦0Gῂ⁞G㭧㧊⸖⪲ ‖䞮0G╏G6ὖ㦒⪲G䞮㡂⁞G⹎䞿㭧ῃG⌊㠦G

㧞0G ‖䞮GῃṖ㦮G 㡗アンペアὖG 㰗㤦㠦ỢG ‖䞮㦮G キロワット䢿㠦Gὖ䞮㡂G 䐋木⯒G 䞮☚⪳G 㣪㼃䞶G㑮G 㧞㔋┞┺ ‖䞮0

⡦䞲 ‖䞮G ῃṖ㦮G 㡗アンペアὖG 㰗㤦ὒG 䐋㔶䞶G 㑮☚G 㧞㔋┞┺ 㡗アンペアὖG 㰗㤦㦖G ‖䞮⪲G 䞮㡂⁞G ⻫㩗G ╖Ⰲ㧎㦚G

pc㧚䞶G㑮G㧞☚⪳G☚㤖㦚G㭚G㑮G㧞㦒Ⳇ ⶊ㠝木┺☚ ‖䞮㦮GṖ㫇ὒG㡆⧓䞮ⳆGῂ⁞G㭧㧎G‖䞮⯒G⹿ⶎ䞶G㑮G

㧞㔋┞┺ ‖䞮GῃṖ㦮G㡗アンペアὖG㰗㤦㠦ỢG╏G6ὖ㦒⪲G䞮㡂⁞G䐋木䞮☚⪳G㤦䞮㔶┺Ⳋ ‖䞮0G㰖⁞㧊⋮

䟻䤚G㠎㩲⧒☚G⁎⩂䞲G䐋木⯒G㣪㼃䞮㔺G㑮G㧞㔋┞┺ ‖䞮0G⹪⪲G㰖⁞G‖䞮GῃṖ㦮G㡗アンペアὖG㰗㤦㠦ỢG╏G

6ὖ㧊G䐋木䞮0Gộ㦚G㤦䞮㕃┞₢

㡞GOlzPG G 㞚┞㡺GOuvPG

㧎㐚㼊GGBⳛ 㯳㧎

daⳛ 㧒㧦

Statement 2: 

For Foreign Nationals from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

‖䞮㦮Gῃ㩗㦚Gアンペア㥶⪲G䞮㡂 ╏G6ὖ㦖G⹎䞿㭧ῃG⌊㠦G㧞0G‖䞮GῃṖ㦮G㡗アンペアὖG㰗㤦㠦ỢG‖䞮ṖG㼊䙂

⡦0Gῂ⁞♮㠞┺0Gアンペア㔺㦚G䐋木䞶G㦮ⶊṖG㧞㔋┞┺ ╏G6ὖ㦖G㧊⩂䞲G䐋木⯒GṖ⓻䞲G䞲G㫆4日䧞G㔺䟟䞶G

ộ㧛┞┺ 㧊㠦G 㿪Ṗ䞮㡂 ‖䞮0G ‖䞮G ῃṖ㦮G 㡗アンペアὖG 㰗㤦ὒG 䐋㔶䞶G ῢⰂṖG 㧞㔋┞┺ ‖䞮0G ⁎✺㦮G

䡧㫆⯒G⹮✲㔲G⹱㦚G䞚㣪0G㠜㦒⋮G㡗アンペアὖG㰗㤦㦖G‖䞮⪲G䞮㡂⁞G⻫㩗G╖Ⰲ㧎㦚Gpc㧚䞶G㑮G㧞☚⪳GG

☚㤖㦚G㭚G㑮G㧞㦒Ⳇ ⶊ㠝木┺☚ ‖䞮㦮GṖ㫇ὒG㡆⧓䞮ⳆGῂ⁞G㭧㧎G‖䞮⯒G⹿ⶎ䞶G㑮G㧞㔋┞┺

‖䞮ṖG㧊⩂䞲G㞞⌊GIUⳛ㦚G㧊⹎G✺㠞┺0G䚲㔲⪲daG㞚⧮㠦Gdaⳛ䞮㕃㔲㡺

㧎㐚㼊GGBⳛ 㯳㧎

daⳛ 㧒㧦

87
88

LAO

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

________________________________________________________________ 

Statement 2:

For Foreign Nationals from “Mandatory Notification” 

Countries 

(YES) (NO)

Printed Name Witness

Signature Date

Printed Name Witness

Signature Date
POLISH 

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Jako osoba nie będąca obywatelem USA, która zostaje aresztowana lub zatrzymana, może 

Pan(i) poprosić abyśmy powiadomili o Pana(i) sytuacji urzędników konsularnych Pana(i) kraju 

w Stanach Zjednoczonych. Może Pan(i) także komunikować się z tymi urzędnikami 

konsularnymi. Urzędnik konsularny może być w stanie pomóc Panu(i) w uzyskaniu porady 

prawnej oraz może m. in. powiadomić Pana(i) rodzinę i odwiedzić Pana(ią) w areszcie. Jeśli 

życzy sobie Pan(i), abyśmy powiadomili urzędników konsularnych Pana(i) kraju, może Pan(i) 

poprosić o takie powiadomienie teraz lub w dowolnej chwili w przyszłości. Czy chce Pan(i), 

abyśmy niezwłocznie powiadomili urzędników konsularnych Pana(i) kraju? 

TAK (YES) NIE (NO) 

Imię i nazwisko: _________________________ Świadek: ________________________ Printed Name Witness 

Podpis: _________________________________ Data: ___________________________ Signature Date 

Statement 2:

For Foreign Nationals from “Mandatory Notification” Countries

Ze względu na Pana(i) narodowość, mamy obowiązek powiadomić urzędników konsularnych 

Pana(i) kraju w Stanach Zjednoczonych o tym, że został Pan(i) aresztowany lub zatrzymany. 

Zrobimy to możliwie jak najszybciej. Ponadto może Pan(i) komunikować się z tymi 

urzędnikami konsularnymi. Nie ma Pan(i) obowiązku przyjąć ich pomocy, ale mogą oni być w 

stanie pomóc Panu(i) w uzyskaniu porady prawnej i mogą m. in. powiadomić Pana(i) rodzinę 

oraz odwiedzić Pana(ią) w areszcie. Proszę potwierdzić otrzymanie tych informacji swoim 

podpisem. 

Imię i nazwisko: _________________________ Świadek: ________________________ Printed Name Witness 

Podpis: _________________________________ Data: ___________________________ Signature Date 

89
PORTUGUESE 

Statement 1:

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Statement 2: 

For Foreign Nationals from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

90
RUSSIAN 

Statement 1: 

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from “Mandatory Notification” Countries 

В случае ареста или задержания Вы, не будучи гражданином США, вправе потребовать, 

чтобы мы уведомили представителей Вашего консульства в Соединённых Штатах о 

Вашей ситуации. Вы также имеете право находиться в контакте с представителями 

Вашего консульства. Сотрудник Вашего консульства может оказать Вам содействие в 

найме адвоката или юрисконсульта, связаться с Вашей семьёй, посетить Вас в месте 

задержания и т.п. Если Вы желаете, чтобы мы уведомили представителей Вашего 

консульства, с требованием об этом можно обратиться сейчас или в любое время в 

дальнейшем. Хотите ли Вы, чтобы мы уведомили представителей Вашего консульства 

сейчас? 

Да (YES) Нет (NO) 

Имя/фамилия: ____________________________ Свидетель: _________________________ 

Printed Name Witness 

Подпись: _________________________________ Дата: _______________________________ 

Signature Date 

 

Statement 2: 

For Foreign Nationals from “Mandatory Notification” Countries 

В связи с Вашим гражданством, мы обязаны уведомить консульское учреждение Вашего 

государства в Соединённых Штатах о том, что Вы арестованы или задержаны. Это будет 

сделано при первой возможности. Вы также имеете право находиться в контакте с 

представителями Вашего консульства. Вы не обязаны принимать помощь от 

представителя консульства, но он может оказать Вам содействие в найме адвоката или 

юрисконсульта, связаться с Вашей семьёй, посетить Вас в месте задержания и т.п. Ваша 

подпись засвидетельствует то, что настоящая информация была Вами получена. 

Имя/фамилия: ____________________________ Свидетель: _________________________ 

Printed Name Witness 

Подпись: _________________________________ Дата: _______________________________ 

Signature Date

91
SPANISH 

Statement 1: 

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

SÍ (YES) NO (NO)

Statement 2: 

For Foreign Nationals from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

92
TAGALOG (FILIPINO)

Statement 1: For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

Kung kayo’y maaresto o madetained dito sa Amerika, at kahit na hindi naman kayo U.S.

Citizen, maaari ninyong ipakiusap na ipagbigay alam ang nangyaring ito sa inyo, sa consular 

officer ng Philippine Embassy na narito sa Amerika. Puwede ring kayo na mismo ang 

kumontak sa Philippine Embassy. Maaaring kayong magpatulong sa mga namamahala ng 

ganitong kaso sa Embahada ng Pilipinas , na maghanap ng makakahawak ng inyong kaso, 

magkaroon ng isang makakakontak sa inyong kamag-anakan, para kayo’y madalaw o

mapuntahan sa inyong kinaroroonan at nang may makapag-asikaso ng mga dapat gawin. At 

kung gusto na ninyo silang kontakin, ngayon mismo o kung kailan ninyo gusto, magsabi lang 

kayo. Gusto na ba ninyong ipagbigay alam namin sa Philippine Embassy ang tungkol sa inyo? 

Gusto ba ninyong kontakin na namin sila? 

Opo (YES) Huwag na p o. (NO) 

i-print ang buong pangalan: ________________________ Testigo: _________________________________________

Printed Name Witness

Pirma: __________________________________________ Petsa: ___________________________________________ 

Signature Date 

 

Statement 2: 

For Foreign Nationals from “Mandatory Notification” Countries

Dahil sa kayo’y Taga Pilipinas, kailangan po naming ipagbigay alam sa Philippine Embassy 

dito sa Amerika na kayo’y naaresto o nakadetained. Kailangan ho naming gawin ito sa lalong 

madaling panahon . Puwede rin naman na kontakin ninyo ang Philippine Embassy. Hindi ho 

naman kailangang magpatulong kayo sa kanila , Pero baka ho naman may maitulong sila sa 

inyong makahanap ng hahawak ng inyong kaso, O kaya’y kontakin ang inyong kamag-anakan 

nang madalaw o mapuntahan kayo sa inyong kinaroroonan. At matulungan kayo tungkol sa 

mga iba pang bagay. Pir ahan ninyo ito bilang pagpapatunay na itong impormasyong ito’y 

nakarating, sinabi at ipinaliwanag sa inyo. 

i-print ang buong pangalan: ________________________ Testigo: _________________________________________

Printed Name Witness

Pirma: __________________________________________ Petsa: __________________________________________ 

Signature Date

93
ในฐานะบุคคลที่มิไดถือสัญชาติสหรัฐซึ่งถูกจับหรือถูกคุมขังอยู 

ทานอาจขอรองใหเราแจงแกเจาหนาที่กงสุลจากประเทศของทานซึ่งประจําอยูในสหรัฐใหทรา

บถึง สถานะของทาน ทานอาจติดตอกับเจาหนาที่กงสุลของทาน 

โดยเจาหนาที่กงสุลอาจสามารถ ชวยทานจัดหาตัวแทนทางกฎหมาย 

ติดตอกับครอบคร วของท ั าน และมาเยี่ยมทานใน ที่คุมขังเหลานี้เปนตน 

หากตองการใหเราแจงเจาหนาที่กงสุลของทาน ก็สามารถขอให เราดําเนินการไดในบัดนี้ 

หรือเมื่อใดก็ตามในภายหลัง ทานตองการใหเราแจงเจาหนาที่ 

กงสุลของทานในเวลานี้เลยหรือไม

ตองการ (YES) ไมตองการ (NO) 

ชื่อตัวบรรจง: ___________________________ พยาน: _________________________ 

Printed Name Witness

ลายเซ็น: ______________________________ วันที่: __________________________ 

Signature Date

 

เนื่องจากสัญชาติที่ทานถืออยู เราจําเปนตองแจงแ กเจาหนาที่กงสุลจากประเทศของ 

ทานซึ่งประจําอยูในสหรัฐใหทราบวาทานถูกจับหรือถูกคุมขังอยู โดยจะแจงโดยเร็วที่สุด 

นอกจากนี้ ทานอาจติดตอกับเจาหนาที่กงสุลของทาน โดยทานไมจําเปนตอง 

รับความชวยเหลือจากเจาหนาที่กงสุล แตเจาหนาที่กงสุลอาจสามารถชวยทานจัดหา 

ตัวแทนทางกฎหมาย ติดตอกับครอบครัวของทาน และมาเยี่ยมทานในที่คุมขัง เหลานี้ เปนตน 

โปรดลงลายเซ็นเพื่อแสดงวาทานไดรับทราบขอความขางตนนี้

ชื่อตัวบรรจง: ___________________________ พยาน: _________________________ 

Printed Name Witness

ลายเซ็น: ______________________________ วันที่: __________________________ 

Signature Date

94
VIETNAMESE 

Statement 1: 

For All Foreign Nationals Except Those from 

“Mandatory Notification” Countries

ườ ố ị ỳ ệ đ ị ắ ị ề ầ

ứ ự ủ ướ ạ ỳ ề ả ủ

ũ ể ạ ớ ứ ự ủ ướ ứ

ự ể ườ đạ ệ ể ạ ớ đ

ớ ă ệ ế ố

ứ ự ủ ướ ể ầ ờ ấ

ứ ố ứ ự ướ

ế ườ ứ

Statement 2: 

For Foreign Nationals from “Mandatory Notification” Countries 

ố ị ủ ắ ộ ả ứ ự ủ

ướ ở ỳ đ ị ắ ị ẽ ệ

ề ạ ớ ứ ự ủ ướ

ắ ộ ả ậ ự đỡ ủ ọ ư ứ ự ể

ườ đạ ệ ể ạ ớ đ ớ ă

ệ để ứ ỏ đ ậ đượ

ế ườ ứ

95
96

FAXSHEET–CONSULARNOTIFICATION

SUBJECT:

NOTIFICATIONOFARRESTORDETENTIONOFANATIONALOFYOURCOUNTRY

DATE/TIME: ______________________________________________________

TO:Embassy/Consulateof________________in___________________,_____

(COUNTRY)(CITY)(STATE)

FROM:

Name/Office_____________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

City_____________________________________State__________ZipCode_________

Telephone(_________)__________________Fax(________)____________________

Wearrested/detainedthefollowingforeignnational,whoweunderstandisa

nationalofyourcountry,on_____________________________.

(DATE)

Name:______________________________________________________________________

DateofBirth/PlaceofBirth:_____________________________________________________

Nationality/Country:___________________________________________________________

PassportIssuingNation:________________________________________________________

PassportNumber:___________________________________________________________________

Thispersonhasbeenormaybechargedwiththefollowingoffense(s):

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Formoreinformation,pleasecall_________________________betweenthehoursof__________________.

Pleaserefertocasenumber______________________________________________________whenyoucall.

ADDITIONALINFORMATION:97

FAXSHEET–CONSULARNOTIFICATION

SUBJECT:

NOTIFICATIONOFPOSSIBLEAPPOINTMENTOFGUARDIANORTRUSTEE

DATE/TIME:___________________________________________________________

TO:

Embassy/Consulateof________________in___________________,_____

(COUNTRY)(CITY)(STATE)

FROM:

Name/Office_____________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

City_____________________________________State__________ZipCode_________

Telephone(_________)__________________Fax(________)____________________

Stepsarebeingtakenforthepossibleappointmentofaguardian

ortrusteeforthefollowingforeignnational,whoweunderstandisa

nationalofyourcountryandwhoappearstobeeithera:

minorchildORanadultlackingfullcapacity.

(CIRCLEONE)

Name:______________________________________________________________________

DateofBirth/PlaceofBirth:_____________________________________________________

Nationality/Country:___________________________________________________________

PassportIssuingNation:________________________________________________________

PassportNumber:___________________________________________________________________

AHEARINGISSCHEDULEDFOR:

___________,____________________________,______________AT____________________a.m./p.m.

(DAY)(MONTH)(YEAR)(TIME)(CIRCLE)98

FAXSHEET–CONSULARNOTIFICATION

SUBJECT:

NOTIFICATIONOFDEATH,SERIOUSINJURYORILLNESSOFANATIONALOFYOURCOUNTRY

DATE/TIME:_________________________________________________________________

TO:Embassy/Consulateof________________in___________________,_____

(COUNTRY)(CITY)(STATE)

FROM:

Name/Office_____________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

City_____________________________________State__________ZipCode_________

Telephone(_________)__________________Fax(________)____________________

Thefollowingindividual,whoweunderstandisanationalofyourcountry:

hasdied,wasseriouslyinjured,ORisseriouslyillwithinourjurisdiction.

(CIRCLEONE)

Name:_____________________________________________________________________

DateofBirth/PlaceofBirth:____________________________________________________

Nationality/Country:__________________________________________________________

PassportIssuingNation:_______________________________________________________

PassportNumber:__________________________________________________________________

DateofDeath:___________________________PlaceofDeath:_____________________________

ApparentCauseofDeath:____________________________________________________________

Formoreinformation,pleasecall_________________________betweenthehoursof__________.

Pleaserefertocasenumber______________________________________________whenyoucall.

ADDITIONALINFORMATION:

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

99

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR OFFICER IDENTIFICATION CARDS

The Department of State’s Office of Protocol issues identification documents to diplomatic and 

consular officers and other foreign government personnel stationed in the United States on 

official business, and who are entitled to some degree of diplomatic or consular immunity. These 

identification cards can help you ensure that persons seeking to visit detainees at your facility for 

purposes of consular access are in fact authorized to perform consular functions in the United 

States on behalf of a foreign government. 

During business hours (8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern), you may direct any questions regarding 

an individual’s official status or immunity to the Department’s Office of Protocol at (202) 647-

1985. After hours, you may direct such questions to the Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic 

Security at (202) 647-7277, (571) 345-3146, or (866) 217-2089, or send a fax to (202) 895-3613. 

You may also consult www.state.gov/m/ds/immunities/c9118.htm.

Below are samples of the different types of diplomatic and consular identification cards. Because 

different degrees of immunity exist, you should carefully read the back of the card.
IDENTIFICATION CARDS

100

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS
IDENTIFICATION CARDS

101

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

102

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

PART SIX: CONSULAR NOTIFICATION AND ACCESS MODEL STANDARD OPERATING 

PROCEDURE

In the pages that follow you will find a model standard operating procedure and written 

guidelines for law enforcement agencies.

 Policy 

 Definitions

 Consular Notification Procedures 

 Facility Access and Visitation Privileges of Consular Officers 

 Documentation and Recordkeeping 

 Death, Serious Injury, or Serious Illness of a Foreign National 

 References
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

103

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

The obligations of consular notification and 

access are not codified in any federal statute. 

Implementing legislation is not necessary 

because executive, law enforcement, and 

judicial authorities can implement these 

obligations through their existing powers 

on the basis of the relevant international 

agreements and written guidance such as this 

manual. Implementation may also be facilitated 

through issuance of internal directives, orders, 

or similar instructions by appropriate federal, 

state, and local officials to their subordinates. 

For example, many local police departments 

incorporate instructions on consular notification 

into their internal manuals. 

The Department of State strongly encourages all 

law enforcement agencies to develop standard 

operating procedures for complying with 

consular notification and access requirements. 

Such procedures help your agency avoid costly 

litigation and diplomatic complaints. Moreover, 

a written directive governing procedures for 

assuring compliance with consular notification 

and access requirements is now required 

for accreditation by the Commission on 

Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies 

(CALEA).138

The model standard operating procedure 

(SOP) below is intended for law enforcement 

agencies to use as a template. 

Please add or remove language to best fit your 

agency’s needs. The Department of State does 

not intend this model SOP to be a complete 

or comprehensive restatement of the United 

States’ international legal obligations under 

the VCCR or any bilateral agreement. Instead, 

the model SOP provides one set of suggested 

procedures that, if followed, will in most 

cases ensure that your department or agency 

complies with the law on consular notification 

and access. Going through the procedures 

precisely as outlined in the model SOP is not 

necessarily the only means by which your 

agency can ensure compliance with this body 

of law. For a more complete description of the 

legal regime governing consular notification 

and access, including many of its nuances, 

you should read Parts One through Four of this 

manual.

Questions and comments about the model 

SOP can be emailed to consnot@state.gov. A 

version of the model SOP reflecting any updates 

that may have occurred subsequent to this 

manual’s publication is available for download 

at www.travel.state.gov/consularnotification.

138 See CALEA Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies (5th ed. 2006), standard 1.1.4, available at http://www.calea.org.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

104

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

ARRESTS/DETENTIONS/DEATHS/SERIOUS 

INJURIES OF FOREIGN NATIONALS 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of this Standard Operating 

Procedure is to provide written policies and 

procedures on the arrest, detention, death, or 

serious injury of foreign nationals.

___________________________

INDEX

A. Policy

B. Definitions

C. Consular Notification Procedures

D. Facility Access/Visitation Privileges of 

Consular Officials

E. Documentation/Recordkeeping

F. Death, Serious Injury, or Serious Illness 

of a Foreign National

G. References

___________________________

A. POLICY

It is the policy of [NAME OF LAW 

ENFORCEMENT AGENCY] to comply 

with all United States treaty obligations on 

consular notification and access. 

B. DEFINITIONS

1. Arrest or detention: Any arrest, detention, or 

other commitment to custody which results 

in a foreign national being incarcerated for 

more than a few hours triggers consular 

notification requirements. A brief traffic 

stop or an arrest resulting in a citation for 

a misdemeanor and release at the scene 

does not trigger such requirements. 

On the other hand, requiring a foreign 

national to accompany a law enforcement 

officer to a place of detention may trigger 

the consular notification requirements, 

particularly if the detention lasts for a 

number of hours or overnight. The longer 

a detention continues, the more likely it 

is that consular notification requirements 

are triggered.

2. Foreign national: Any person who is not a 

U.S. citizen; same as “alien.” Aliens who 

are lawful permanent residents in the 

United States and who have a resident 

alien registration card (“green card”) are 

foreign nationals. So are undocumented 

or “illegal” aliens.

3. Consular officer or consul: A foreign 

official authorized by the Department of 

State to provide assistance to the foreign 

government’s citizens in the United 

States. Different from “counsel,” which 

is an attorney authorized to provide legal 

advice. Consuls are not authorized to 

practice law.

4. Diplomat: A foreign official at the country’s 

embassy in Washington, D.C., assigned 

to represent the country. Diplomats may 

also perform consular functions, and 

should be treated the same as a consular 

officer.

5. “Mandatory” notification: Consular 

notification procedures that apply when 

you arrest or detain a foreign national 

from any of the 57 countries that have 

agreed to special rules with the United 

States. For such a foreign national, you 

must notify the consular officer regardless 

of whether the national requests or wants 

you to do so. The “mandatory” list of these 

57 countries is at www.travel.state.gov/

consularnotification.

6. “Upon request” notification: Consular 

notification procedures that apply when 

you arrest or detain a foreign national 

from any country not on the “mandatory” 

list of 57 countries.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

105

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

C. CONSULAR NOTIFICATION 

 PROCEDURES

1. Obligation triggered at time of booking. 

The notification process will begin at 

the time the arrested foreign national is 

booked into the detention facility. The 

booking officer who processes the foreign 

national is responsible for implementing 

the notification process.

2. Determine the foreign national’s country. In 

the absence of other information, assume 

this is the country on whose passport the 

foreign national travels. Absent citizenship 

documentation or other evidence to the 

contrary, accept the foreign national’s own 

statement as to his or her nationality.

3. Determine whether or not this country is a 

mandatory notification (“list”) country. If the 

foreign national’s country is not on the list 

of “mandatory notification” countries, he or 

she is from an “upon request” country.

a. For foreign nationals whose country is 

 on the list of mandatory notification 

countries:

i. Notify the nearest consulate of the 

foreign national’s country via fax 

immediately or as soon as reasonably 

possible, and in no case longer than 

the end of the booking shift. Notify the 

consulate even if the foreign national 

does not want notification. Contact 

information for consulates is at www.

travel.state.gov/consularnotification.

ii. Never tell the consular officer that 

the foreign national has requested 

asylum. If the consular officer insists 

on information the foreign national 

does not want disclosed, contact your 

supervisor or the Department of State 

at (202) 647-4415.

iii. Inform the foreign national that you 

notified his or her consulate. You may 

use the sample statement, available 

in several languages, at www.travel.

state.gov/consularnotification.

iv. Make a note of the completed 

 notification in the case file and keep 

the fax and fax confirmation sheet.

b. For foreign nationals whose country is

 not on the list of mandatory 

 notification countries:

i. As soon after the arrest as reasonably 

possible but no later than booking, 

inform the foreign national that he 

or she may have his or her consular 

officers notified of the arrest or 

detention. You may use the sample 

statement, available in several 

languages, at www.travel.state.gov/

consularnotification.

ii. Make a note of the foreign national’s 

decision in the case file.

iii. If the foreign national requests 

notification, notify the nearest 

consulate of the foreign national’s 

country as soon as reasonably 

possible but no later than 72 hours 

after arrest. Contact information for 

consulates is at www.travel.state.gov/

consularnotification.

iv. Never tell the consular officer that 

the foreign national has requested 

asylum. If the consular officer insists 

on information the foreign national 

does not want disclosed, contact your 

supervisor or the Department of State 

at (202) 647-4415.

v. Make a note of the completed 

notification in the case file and keep 

the fax and fax confirmation sheet.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

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D. FACILITY ACCESS AND VISITATION 

 PRIVILEGES OF CONSULAR 

 OFFICERS

1. Give consular officers and diplomats 

visiting a detained foreign national the 

same access privileges as attorneys 

visiting a client. Consular officers and 

diplomats are required to adhere to the 

same visitation guidelines, rules, and 

regulations as attorneys.

2. Consular officers and diplomats 

must have proper identification to 

gain facility access. They should be 

carrying identification cards issued by 

the Department of State. If you have 

reason to doubt the authenticity of the 

identification card, call the Department 

at (202) 647-1985 or after hours at (571) 

345-3146 or (866) 217-2089.

E. DOCUMENTATION AND 

 RECORDKEEPING

1. Document the consular notification 

and/or offer of notification in CJIS 

[OR OTHER APPLICABLE RECORD 

SYSTEM] on the foreign national’s note 

screen.

2. Make the consular notification by fax if 

possible, and by telephone if not. Place 

a copy of the fax and fax confirmation 

receipt in the foreign national’s file. 

You may use the sample fax sheet 

available at www.travel.state.gov/

consularnotification.

3. If notification must be made by 

telephone, note the name and location 

of the consulate notified, the name 

of the person to whom you gave the 

information, and the date and time of 

notification. Make an audio recording 

of the telephone call if possible and 

preserve it.

4. For foreign nationals from “upon 

request” countries, make a notation 

that you told the national that he or she 

may have the consulate notified, and 

note the national’s response. Indicate 

the date and time of your offer and the 

national’s response. You may use the 

sample statement at www.travel.state.

gov/consularnotification.

5. For foreign nationals from mandatory 

notification (“list”) countries, make a 

notation that you told the national that 

you notified the consulate. You may use 

the sample statement at www.travel.

state.gov/consularnotification.

6. Print the note screen and include it in 

the paperwork for the foreign national’s 

records file.

7. The supervisor will be responsible for 

ensuring the proper notations are made 

in the record.

F. DEATH, SERIOUS INJURY, OR 

 SERIOUS ILLNESS OF A FOREIGN 

 NATIONAL

8. [NAME OF LAW ENFORCEMENT 

AGENCY] will be subject to the guidelines 

outlined in [AGENCY’S STANDARD 

OPERATING PROCEDURES].

9. In addition to the above procedures, 

when a foreign national dies, is 

seriously injured or becomes seriously 

ill, notify the nearest consulate of his 

or her country immediately or as soon 

as reasonably possible. Make such 

notification by fax if possible, and by 

telephone if not. You may use the sample 

fax sheet available at www.travel.state.

gov/consularnotification.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

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10. Document this notification in the incident 

report, and place a copy of the fax and 

the fax confirmation receipt in the foreign 

national’s file.

Signature of Law Enforcement Agency 

Head:

G. REFERENCES

1. U.S. Department of State Publication 

10969, Consular Notification and 

Access: Instructions for Federal, State, 

and Local Law Enforcement and Other 

Officials Regarding Foreign Nationals 

in the United States and the Rights of 

Consular Officials to Assist Them (3rd 

ed. 2010), available at www.travel.state.

gov/consularnotification.

2. Commission on Accreditation for Law 

Enforcement Agencies, Standards for 

Law Enforcement Agencies (5th ed. 

2006), standard 1.1.4, available at www.

calea.org.

3. American Correctional Association 

and Commission on Accreditation for 

Corrections Standards, PerformanceBased Standards for Adult Local 

Detention Facilities (4th ed. 2004), p. 

100 (standard 4-ALDF-6A-06), available 

at www.aca.org/store/bookstore.
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PART SEVEN: CONTACT INFORMATION FOR FOREIGN EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES 

IN THE UNITED STATES

The following section includes the contact information for all foreign embassies and 

consulates in the United States. 

 Country Name

 Country’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. 

 Telephone Number

 Fax Number
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In the pages that follow you will find the name of 

each country in the world along with the names 

of certain other jurisdictions. Accompanying 

the names are the telephone and fax numbers 

of that country’s embassy in Washington, 

D.C., as available to the Department of 

State in October 2009. Due to consulates 

opening, closing, and changing their contact 

information, this list is in constant flux, and 

the Department therefore recommends that 

you check the website www.travel.state.gov/

consularnotification for the most up-to-date 

contact information. If in attempting contact 

with an embassy or consulate you discover 

that corrections need to be made to this list, 

please contact the Department’s Bureau of 

Consular Affairs Office of Policy Coordination 

and Public Affairs at (202) 647-4415, by fax at 

(202) 736-7559, or send an email to consnot@

state.gov.

For countries with consulates in other U.S. 

cities, the name of the city also appears, along 

with the consulate’s telephone and fax. For 

countries without an embassy or consulate 

in the United States, the contact information 

of their United Nations mission in New York 

appears. Where required, you should notify 

the consulate nearest the place of arrest or 

detention.

In rare cases, you may arrest or detain 

someone carrying a passport bearing the 

name of a country that no longer exists, or the 

name of a territory along with the name of a 

country that has jurisdiction over the territory 

(e.g., Hong Kong and China). For advice on 

who to contact in such cases, see the question 

“How do I figure out what country the foreign 

national is from, so that I know which consulate 

to notify? What if the national’s passport is from 

a country that no longer exists?” on page 23.

AFGHANISTAN

Washington, DC (202) 298-9125; 

fax (202) 298-9126

New York. NY (212) 972-2277;

 fax (212) 972-9046 

ALBANIA

Washington, DC (202) 223-4942; 

fax (202) 628-7342 

ALGERIA

Washington, DC (202) 265-2800; 

fax (202) 265-1978/265-3898

New York, NY (212) 255-7381; 

 fax (212) 255-7380

ANDORRA

New York, NY (212) 750-8064; 

fax (212) 750-6630

ANGOLA

Washington, DC (202) 785-1156; 

fax (202) 822-9049 or (202) 785-1258

New York, NY (212) 223-3588; 

 fax (212) 980-6006

Houston, TX (713) 212-3840; 

 fax (713) 212-3841 

ANGUILLA (SEE UNITED KINGDOM)

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Washington, DC (202) 362-5211; 

fax (202) 362-5225

ARGENTINA

Washington, DC (202) 238-6460; 

fax (202) 332-3171

Atlanta, GA (404) 880-0805; 

 fax (404) 880-0806

Chicago, IL (312) 819-2660; 

 fax (312) 819-2626

Houston, TX (713) 871-8935; 

 fax (713) 871-0639

Los Angeles, CA (323) 954-9155; 

 fax (323) 934-9076

Miami, FL (305) 373-1889; 

 fax (305) 371-7108

New York, NY (212) 603-0400; 

 fax (212) 541-7746 

ARMENIA

Washington, DC (202) 319-1976; 

fax (202) 319-2982

Glendale, CA (818) 265-5900; 

 fax (818) 265-3800
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AUSTRALIA

Washington, DC (202) 797-3000; 

fax (202) 797-3331

Atlanta, GA (404) 760-3400; 

 fax (404) 760-3401

Chicago, IL (312) 419-1480; 

 fax (312) 419-1499

Honolulu, HI (808) 529-8100; 

 fax (808) 529-8142

Los Angeles, CA (310) 229-2300; 

 fax (310) 229-2381

New York, NY (212) 351-6500; 

 fax (212) 351-6501

San Francisco, CA (415) 536-1970; 

 fax (415) 536-1982 

AUSTRIA

Washington, DC (202) 895-6700; 

fax (202) 895-6773

Chicago, IL (312) 222-1515; 

 fax (312) 222-4113

Los Angeles, CA (310) 444-9310; 

 fax (310) 477- 9897

New York, NY (212) 737-6400; 

 fax (212) 772-8926 

AZERBAIJAN

Washington, DC (202) 337-5912; 

fax (202) 337-5913

BAHAMAS, THE

Washington, DC (202) 319-2660; 

fax (202) 319-2668

Miami, FL (305) 373-6295; 

 fax (305) 373-6312

New York, NY (212) 421-6420; 

 fax (212) 655-5926

BAHRAIN

Washington, DC (202) 342-0741; 

fax (202) 362-2192

New York, NY (212) 223-6200; 

 fax (212) 319-0687

BANGLADESH

Washington, DC (202) 244-0183; 

fax (202) 244-5366

Los Angeles, CA (310) 441-9399; 

 fax (310) 441-4458

New York, NY (212) 599-6767; 

 fax (212) 682-9211 

BARBADOS

Washington, DC (202) 939-9200; 

fax (202) 332-7467

Los Angeles, CA (213) 380-2198; 

 fax (213) 384-2763

Miami, FL (305) 442-1994; 

 fax (305) 567-2844

New York, NY (212) 867-8435; 

 fax (212) 867-8899

BELARUS

Washington, DC (202) 986-1606; 

fax (202) 986-1805

New York, NY (212) 682-5392; 

 fax (212) 682-5491 

BELGIUM

Washington, DC (202) 333-6900; 

fax (202) 338-4960

Atlanta, GA (404) 659-2150; 

 fax (404) 659-8474

Houston, TX (713) 426-3933; 

 fax (713) 224-1120

Los Angeles, CA (323) 857-1244; 

 fax (323) 936- 2564

New York, NY (212) 586-5110; 

 fax (212) 582-9657 

BELIZE

Washington, DC (202) 332-9636; 

fax (202) 332-6888

Los Angeles, CA (323) 634- 9900; 

 fax (323) 634-9903

BENIN

Washington, DC (202) 232-6656; 

fax (202) 265-1996
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BERMUDA (SEE UNITED KINGDOM)

BHUTAN

New York, NY (212) 826-1919; 

fax (212) 826-2998

BOLIVIA

Washington, DC (202) 232-4827/28; 

fax (202) 232-8017

Aspen, CO (970) 923-2668; 

 fax (970) 923-6716

Atlanta, GA (404) 522-0777; 

 fax (404) 873-3355

Boston, MA (617) 742-1500; 

 fax (617) 742-9130

Chicago, IL (312) 473-4138; 

 fax (312) 650-8997

Cincinnati, OH (513) 271-5381; 

 fax (513) 271-8189

Houston, TX (281) 463-0017; 

 fax (281) 463-0018

Los Angeles, CA (213) 388-0957/0475; 

 fax (213) 384-6272

Maple Grove, MN (763) 424-0265; 

 fax (763) 416-4684

Miami, FL (305) 358-6303/04; 

 fax (305) 374-6305

New Orleans, LA (504) 596-2720;

 fax (504) 596-2800

New York, NY (212) 687-0530; 

 (212) 499-7401; fax (212) 687-0532

Oklahoma City, OK (405) 239-5789/26; 

 fax (405) 235-5852

Phoenix, AZ (602) 231-9000; 

 fax (602) 275-8593

San Juan, PR (787) 722-3504/3030; 

 fax (787) 723-8457

San Francisco, CA (415) 495-5173; 

 fax (415) 399-8958

Seattle, WA (206) 244-6696;

 fax (206) 243-3795

St. Louis, MO (314) 725-9466;

 fax (314) 725-9103

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Washington, DC (202) 337-1500; 

fax (202) 337-1502

Chicago, IL (312) 951-1245; 

 fax (312) 951-1043

BOTSWANA

Washington, DC (202) 244-4990; 

fax (202) 244-4164

BRAZIL

Washington, DC (202) 238-2839/

2823/2831/2777; or (202) 714-8017; 

 fax (202) 238-2818/2783

Beverly Hills, CA (323) 651-2664; 

 (231) 453-1084; fax (323) 651-1274

Boston, MA (617) 542-4000; 

 (617) 816-6315; fax; (617) 542-4318

Chicago, IL (312) 464-0244/213-0293; 

 fax (312) 464-0299

Houston, TX (713) 961-3063/64/65; 

 (713) 569-0157 or (281) 384-4966; 

 fax (713) 961-3070

Miami, FL (305) 285-6200/02; 

 fax (305) 285-6229/59

New York, NY (917) 777-7777; 

 (917) 417-8097/8662; 

 fax (212) 827-0225

San Francisco, CA (415) 981-8170/6258; 

 fax (415) 981-4931 

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (SEE UNITED 

KINGDOM)

BRUNEI

Washington, DC (202) 237-1838; 

fax (202) 885-0560

New York, NY (212) 697-3465; 

 fax (212) 697-9889 

BULGARIA

Washington, DC (202) 387-7969; 

fax (202) 234-7973

Chicago, IL (312) 867-1904/05; 

 fax (312) 867-1906

Los Angeles, CA (310) 478-6700; 

 fax (310) 478-6277

New York, NY (212) 935-4646; 

 fax (212) 319-5955

BURKINA FASO

Washington, DC (202) 332-5577; 

fax (202) 667-1882

New York, NY (212) 308-4720/21; 

 fax (212) 308-4690 
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BURMA (ALSO KNOWN AS MYANMAR)

Washington, DC (202) 332-3044; 

fax (202) 332-4352

New York, NY (212) 744; 

 fax (212) 744-1290

BURUNDI

Washington, DC (202) 342-2574/75; 

fax (202) 342-2578

CAMBODIA

Washington, DC (202) 726-7742; 

fax (202) 726-8381

CAMEROON

Washington, DC (202) 265-8790; 

fax (202) 387-3826

CANADA

Washington, DC (202) 682-1740;

fax (202) 682-7726

Anchorage, AK (907) 264-6734; 

 fax (907) 264-6713

Atlanta, GA (404) 532-2000; 

 fax (404) 532-2050

Boston, MA (617) 262-3760; 

 fax (617) 262-3415

Buffalo, NY (716) 858-9500; 

 fax (716) 852-4340

Chicago, IL (312) 616-1860; 

 fax (312) 616-1878

Dallas, TX (214) 922-9806; 

 fax (214) 922-9815

Detroit, MI (313) 567-2340; 

 fax (313) 567-2164

Houston, TX (713) 821-1440; 

 fax (713) 821-1611

Los Angeles, CA (213) 346-2700; 

 fax (213) 620-8827

Miami, FL (305) 579-1600; 

 fax (305) 374-6774

Minneapolis, MN (612) 332-7486; 

 fax (612) 332-4061

New York, NY (212) 596-1628; 

 fax (212) 596-1790

CANADA (CON’T) 

Philadelphia, PA (267) 207-2721; 

fax (267) 207-2722

Phoenix, AZ (602) 508-3572; 

 fax (602) 508-3574

Raleigh, NC (919) 573-1808; 

 fax (919) 573-1809

San Diego, CA (619) 615-4286; 

 fax (619) 615-4287

San Francisco, CA (415) 834-3180; 

 fax (415) 834-3189

Seattle, WA (206) 443-1777; 

 fax (206) 443-9662 

CAPE VERDE

Washington, DC (202) 965-6820; 

fax (202) 965-1207

Boston, MA (617) 353-0014; 

 fax (617) 859-9798

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Washington, DC (202) 483-7800; 

fax: (202) 332-9893

CHAD

Washington, DC (202) 462-4009; 

fax (202) 265-1937

CHILE

Washington, DC (202) 785-1746; 

fax (202) 887-5579

Chicago, IL (312) 654-8780; 

 fax (312) 654-8948

Houston, TX (713) 621-5853; 

 fax (713) 621-8672

Los Angeles, CA (310) 785-0047; 

 fax (310) 785-0132

Miami, FL (305) 373-8623; 

 fax (305) 379-6613

New York, NY (212) 355-0612; 

 fax (212) 888-5288

Philadelphia, PA (215) 829-9520; 

 fax (215) 829-0594

San Francisco, CA (415) 982-7662; 

 fax (415) 982-2384

San Juan, PR (787) 725-6365; 

 (787) 721-5650 
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CHINA

Washington, DC (202) 328-2500/02; 

fax (202) 328-2582

Chicago, IL (312) 803-0095; 

 fax (312) 803-0110

Houston, TX (713) 520-1462; 

 fax (713) 521-3064

Los Angeles, CA (213) 807-8088; 

 fax (213) 380-1961

New York, NY (212) 244-9392; 

 fax (212) 564-9389

San Francisco, CA (415) 674-2917; 

 fax (415) 563-0494 

COLOMBIA

Washington, DC (202) 387-8338; 

fax (202) 232-8643

Atlanta, GA (770) 668-0512; 

 fax (770) 668-0763

Beverly, Hills, CA (323) 653-4299; 

 fax (323) 653-2964

Boston, MA (617) 536-6222; 

 fax (617) 536-9372

Chicago, IL (312) 923-1196; 

 fax (312) 923-1197

Houston, TX (713) 527-8919; 

 fax (713) 529-3395

Los Angeles, CA (213) 282-1137; 

 fax (213) 383- 2785

Miami, FL (305) 448-5558; 

 fax (305) 441-9537

New Orleans, LA (504) 525-5580; 

 fax (504) 525-4903

New York, NY (212) 949-9898; 

 fax (212) 972-1725

San Francisco, CA (415) 495-7195; 

 fax (415) 777- 3731

San Juan, PR (809) 754-6885; 

 fax (809) 754-1675 

COMOROS

New York, NY (212) 972-8010; 

fax (212) 983-4712

CONGO, REPUBLIC OF (BRAZZAVILLE) 

Washington, DC (202) 726-5500; 

fax (202) 726-1860

CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF 

(KINSHASA) 

Washington, DC (202) 234-7690; 

fax (202) 234-2609

COSTA RICA

Washington, DC (202) 328-6628; 

fax (202) 265-4795

Atlanta, GA (770) 951-7025; 

 fax (770) 951-7073

Chicago, IL (312) 263-2772; 

 fax (312) 263-5807

Houston, TX (713) 266-0484; 

 fax (713) 266-1527

Los Angeles, CA (213) 380-7915; 

 fax (213) 380-5639

Miami, FL (305) 871-7485/87;

 fax (305) 871-0860

New York, NY (212) 509-3066; 

 fax (212) 509-3068

San Francisco, CA (510) 790-0785; 

 fax (510) 792-5249

San Juan, PR (787) 723-6227; 

 fax (787) 723-6226 

CÔTE D’IVOIRE (ALSO KNOWN AS IVORY 

COAST) 

Washington, DC (202) 797-0300; 

fax (202) 462-9444

CROATIA

Washington, DC (202) 588-5899; 

fax (202) 588-8936

Chicago, IL (312) 482-9902; 

 fax (312) 482-9987

Los Angeles, CA (310) 477-1009; 

 fax (310) 477-1866

New York, NY (212) 599-3066; 

 fax (212) 599-3106 

CUBA

Washington, DC (202) 797-8518/19/20; 

fax (202) 797-0606

CYPRUS

Washington, DC (202) 462-5772; 

fax (202) 483-6710

New York, NY (212) 686-6016; 

 fax (212) 686-3660
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CZECH REPUBLIC

Washington, DC (202) 274-9100; 

(202) 469-8181; fax (202) 469-8161

Chicago, IL (312) 861-1037; 

 (312) 730-5179; fax (312) 861-1944

Los Angeles, CA (310) 473-0889; 

 (310) 266-1539; fax (310) 473-9813

New York, NY (646) 422-3344; 

 (917) 251-5649; fax (646) 422-3311 

DENMARK

Washington, DC (202) 234-4300; 

fax (202) 328-1470

Chicago, IL (312) 787-8780; 

 fax (312) 787-8744

New York, NY (212) 223-4545; 

 fax (212) 754-1904 

DJIBOUTI

Washington, DC (202) 331-0270; 

fax (202) 331-0302

DOMINICA

Washington, DC (202) 364-6781; 

fax (202) 364-6791

New York, NY (212) 599-8478; 

 fax (212) 661-0979 

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Washington, DC (202) 332-6280; 

fax (202) 265-8057

Boston, MA (617) 482-8121; 

 fax (617) 482-8133

Chicago, IL (773) 714-4924; 

fax (773) 714-4926

Jacksonville, FL (904) 346-0909; 

 fax (904) 346-0919

Miami, FL (305) 358-3220/21; 

 fax (305) 358-2318

Mobile, AL (334) 433-8894

New Orleans, LA (504) 522-1843; 

 fax (504) 522-1007

New York, NY (212) 768-2480; 

 fax (212) 768-2677

Philadelphia, PA (215) 923-3006; 

 fax (215) 923-3007

San Francisco, CA (415) 982-5144; 

 fax (415) 982-0237

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (CON’T) 

San Juan, PR (809) 725-9550; 

fax (809) 721-7820 

EAST TIMOR (SEE TIMOR-LESTE)

ECUADOR

Washington, DC (202) 234-7166/3497; 

fax (202) 667-3482

Beverly Hills, CA (323) 658-5146/1068; 

 fax (323) 658-1198

Chicago, IL (312) 338-1002/03; 

 fax (312) 338-1004

Houston, TX (713) 572-8731; 

 fax (713) 572-8732

Jersey City (201) 985-1300/1700/2960; 

 fax (201) 985-2959

Los Angeles, CA (323) 658-5146; 

 fax (323)658-1198

Miami, FL (305) 373-8520/36; 

 fax (305) 654-8143

New Orleans, LA (504) 523-3229;

 fax (504) 522-9675

New York, NY (212) 808-0187/0214/0170; 

 fax (212) 808-0188

Newark, NJ (973) 344-8837/8667; 

 fax (973) 344-0008

New Haven, CT (203) 752-1947/0827; 

 fax (203) 752-1389

Queens, NY (718) 651-8797/98;

 fax (718) 651-2297

Philadelphia, PA (215) 925-9060; 

 fax (215) 867-0894

San Francisco, CA (415) 982-1819/21; 

 fax (415) 982-1833 

EGYPT

Washington, DC (202) 966-6342; 

fax (202) 244-4319

Chicago, IL (312) 828-9162; 

 fax (312) 828-9167

Houston, TX (713) 961-4915; 

 fax (713) 961-3868

New York, NY (212) 759-7120; 

 fax (212) 308-7643

San Francisco, CA (415) 346-3422; 

 fax (415) 346-9480 
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EL SALVADOR

Washington, DC (202) 337-4032/

 4033/9141/9144; 

 fax (202) 337-2038

Boston, MA (617) 567-8484; 

 fax (617) 567-8686

Brentwood, NY (631) 273-1355/2256; 

 fax (631) 273-2559

Chicago, IL (312) 332-1393/578-5390; 

 fax (312) 332-4446

Coral Gables, FL (305) 774-0840; 

 fax (305) 774-0850

Dallas, TX (214) 637-1018/0732; 

 fax (214) 637-1106

Elizabeth, NJ (908) 820-0881/84; 

 fax (908) 820-0866

Houston, TX (713) 270-6239/70; 

 fax (713) 270-9683

Las Vegas, NV (702) 437-5337/39; 

 fax (702) 437-5336

Los Angeles, CA (213) 383-8580; 

 fax (213) 383-8599

Miami, FL (305) 371-8850; 

 fax (305) 371-7820

New York, NY (212) 889-3608; 

 (212) 679-2835

Nogales, AZ (520) 287-9405/25; 

 fax (520) 287-9416

San Francisco, CA (415) 771-8524/30/31;

 fax (415) 771-8522 

Santa Ana, CA (714) 972-8105/8124/8236; 

 fax (714) 972-8376

Woodbridge, VA (703) 490-4300; 

 fax (703) 490-4463

Woodstock, GA (770) 591-4140;

 fax (770) 591-4160

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Washington, DC (202) 518-5700; 

fax (202) 518-5252

ERITREA

Washington, DC (202) 319-1991; 

fax (202) 319-1304

ESTONIA

Washington, DC (202) 588-0101; 

fax (202) 588-0108

New York, NY (212) 883-0636; 

 fax (212) 883-0648

ETHIOPIA

Washington, DC (202) 587-1683/84/85/86;

fax (202) 587-0195

FIJI

Washington, DC (202) 337-8320; 

fax (202) 337-1996

New York, NY (212) 687-4130; 

 fax (212) 687-3963 

FINLAND

Washington, DC (202) 298-5800; 

fax (202) 298-6030

Los Angeles, CA (310) 203-9903; 

 fax (310) 203-9186

New York, NY (212) 750-4400; 

 fax (212) 750-4418 

FRANCE

Washington, DC (202) 944-6000; 

fax (202) 944-6166

Atlanta, GA (404) 522-4226; 

 fax (404) 495-1661

Boston, MA (617) 542-7376; 

 fax (617) 542-8054

Chicago, IL (312) 787-5359; 

 fax (312) 664-4196

Los Angeles CA, (310) 235-3200; 

 fax (310) 479-4813

Miami, FL (305) 372-9799; 

 fax (305) 372-9549

New Orleans, LA (504) 523-5772; 

 fax (504) 523-5725

New York, NY (212) 606-3689; 

 fax (212) 606-3620/606-3614

San Francisco, CA (415) 397-4330; 

 fax (415) 433-8357

GABON

Washington, DC (202) 797-1000; 

fax (202) 332-0668

GAMBIA, THE

Washington, DC (202) 785-1399; 

fax (202) 785-1430
116

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GEORGIA

Washington, DC (202) 387-9153; 

fax (202) 387-0864

New York, NY (212) 867-3617/3272; 

 fax (212) 867-3654

GERMANY

Washington, DC (202) 298-4000; 

fax (202) 298-4249

Atlanta, GA (404) 659-4760/61/62; 

 fax (404) 659-1280

Boston, MA (617) 369-4934; 

 fax (617) 369-4940

Chicago, IL (312) 202-0480; 

 fax (312) 202-0466

Houston, TX (713) 627-7770; 

 fax (713) 627-0506

Los Angeles, CA (323) 930-2703; 

 fax (323) 930-2805

Miami, FL (305) 358-0290/91; 

 fax (305) 358-0307

New York, NY (212) 610-9700; 

 fax (212) 610-9702

San Francisco, CA (415) 775-1061; 

 fax (415) 775-0187

GHANA

Washington, DC (202) 686-4520; 

fax (202) 686-4527 

New York, NY (212) 832-1300; 

 fax (212) 751-6743

GREECE

Washington, DC (202) 939-1300; 

fax (202) 939-1324

Atlanta, GA (404) 261-3391/13; 

 fax (404) 262- 2798

Boston, MA (617) 523-0100; 

 fax (617) 523-0511

Chicago, IL (312) 335-3915;

 fax (312) 335-3958

Houston, TX (713) 840-7522; 

 fax (713) 840-0614

Los Angeles, CA (310) 826-5555; 

 fax (310) 826-8670

New Orleans, LA (813) 865-0200; 

 fax (813) 865-0206

GREECE (CON’T)

New York, NY (212) 988-5500; 

fax (212) 734-8492

San Francisco, CA (415) 775-2102; 

 (415) 776-6815 

GRENADA

Washington, DC (202) 265-2561; 

fax (202) 265-2468

New York, NY (212) 599-0301; 

 fax (212) 599-1540 

GUATEMALA

Washington, DC (202) 745-4952; 

fax (202) 745-1908

Chicago, IL (312) 332-1587/3170; 

 fax (312) 332-4256

Miami, FL (305) 679-9945; 

 fax (305) 679-9983

Houston, TX (713) 953-9531; 

 fax (713) 953-9383

Los Angeles, CA (213) 365-9251/52; 

 fax (213) 365-9245

New York, NY (212) 686-3837; 

 fax (212) 447-6947

San Francisco, CA (415) 788-5651; 

 fax (415) 788-5653 

GUINEA

Washington, DC (202) 986-4300; 

fax (202) 986-4800

New York, NY (212) 687-8115

GUINEA-BISSAU

New York, NY (917) 645-7931 

GUYANA

Washington, DC (202) 265-6900; 

fax (202) 232-1297

New York, NY (212) 527-3215; 

 fax (212) 527-3229 

HAITI

Washington, DC (202) 332-4090/92; 

fax (202) 745- 7215

Boston, MA (617) 266-3660; 

 fax (617) 266-4060
117

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HAITI (CON’T) 

Chicago, IL (312) 922-4004; 

fax (312) 922-7122

Miami, FL (305) 859-2003/2006; 

 fax (305) 223-1641

New York, NY (212) 697-9767; 

 fax (212) 949-7966

San Juan, PR (809) 764-1392; 

 fax (809) 764-3109 

HOLY SEE

Washington, DC (202) 333-7121; 

fax (202) 337-4036

HONDURAS

Washington, DC (202) 682-7873/5947/

5948/5949; (202) 737-2972/78;

 fax (202) 737-2907

Atlanta, GA (770) 645-8881/79; 

 fax (770) 645-8808

Chicago, IL (773) 342-8281/89; 

 fax (773) 342-8293

Houston, TX (713) 785-5932/5625; 

 fax (713) 785-5931

Los Angeles, CA (213) 383-9244; 

 fax (213) 383-9306

Miami, FL (305) 269-9322/45/99; 

 fax (305) 269-9445

New Orleans, LA (504) 522-3118/19; 

 fax (504) 523-0544

New York, NY (212) 714-9450/51/52; 

 fax (212)714-9453

San Francisco, CA (415) 392-0076; 

 fax (415) 392-6726

HONG KONG (SEE CHINA)

HUNGARY

Washington, DC (202) 362-6730; 

fax (202) 966-8135/686-6412

Chicago, IL (312) 670-4079; 

 fax (312) 670-4276

Los Angeles, CA (310) 473-9344; 

 fax (310) 479-6443

New York, NY (212) 752-0669; 

 fax (212) 755-5986 

ICELAND139

Washington, DC (202) 265-6653; 

 fax (202) 265-6656

New York, NY (212) 593-2700; 

 fax (212) 593-6269 

INDIA

Washington, DC (202) 939-7000; 

fax (202) 483-3972

Chicago, IL (312) 595-0405/1410; 

 fax (312) 595-0416/17

Houston, TX (713) 626-2148/49; 

 fax (713) 626-2450

New York, NY (212) 774-0600; 

 fax (212) 988-6423

San Francisco, CA (415) 668-0682/83; 

 fax (415) 668-2073/7968 

INDONESIA

Washington, DC (202) 775-5200; 

fax (202) 775-5365

Chicago, IL (312) 595-1777; 

 fax (312) 595-9952

Houston, TX (713) 785-1691; 

 fax (713) 708-9644

Los Angeles, CA (213) 383-5126; 

 fax (213) 487-3971

New York, NY (212) 879-0600; 

 fax (212) 570-6206

San Francisco, CA (415) 474-9571; 

 fax (415) 441-4320 

IRAN

Washington, DC (202) 965-4990; 

fax (202) 965-1073

IRAQ

Washington, DC (202) 483-7500; 

fax (202) 462-8815

IRELAND

Washington, DC (202) 462-3939; 

fax (202) 232-5993

Boston, MA (617) 267-9330; 

 fax (617) 267-6375

Chicago, IL (312) 337-1868; 

 fax (312) 337-1954

New York, NY (212) 319-2555; 

 fax (212) 593-6269

139 Call the New York number for foreign nationals in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. For all 

others, call the Washington, D.C., number.
118

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IRELAND (CON’T) 

San Francisco, CA (415) 392-4214; 

fax (415) 392-0885

ISRAEL

Washington, DC (202) 364-5500; 

fax (202) 364-5607

Atlanta, GA (404) 487-6500; 

 fax (404) 874-5364

Boston, MA (617) 542-0041; 

 fax (617) 338-4995

Chicago, IL (312) 565-3300; 

 fax (312) 565-3871

Houston, TX (713) 627-3780; 

 fax (713) 627-0149

Los Angeles, CA (213) 852-5500; 

 fax (213) 852-5555

Miami, FL (305) 925-9400; 

 fax (305) 925-9451

New York, NY (212) 499-5301; 

 fax (212) 499-5355

Philadelphia, PA (215) 546-5556; 

 fax (215) 545-3986

San Francisco, CA (415) 398-8885; 

 fax (415) 398-8589 

ITALY

Washington, DC (202) 612-4420; 

fax (202) 612-2151

Boston, MA (617) 722-9201/02/03; 

 fax (617) 722-9407

Chicago, IL (312) 467-1550/51/52/53 ext. 117;

 fax (312) 467-1335

Detroit, MI (313) 963-8560;

 fax (313) 963-8180

Houston, TX (713) 850-7520; 

 fax (713) 850-9113

Los Angeles, CA (310) 820-0622; 

 (310) 826-3832/6207; 

 fax (310) 820-0727

Miami, FL (305) 374-6322; 

 fax (305) 374-7945

New York, NY (212) 737-9100; 

 fax (212) 249-4945

Newark, NJ (973) 643-1448; 

 fax (973) 643-3043

ITALY (CON’T) 

Philadelphia, PA (215) 592-7329/0079; 

fax (215) 592-9808

San Francisco, CA (415) 931-4924; 

 fax (415) 931-7205

JAMAICA

Washington, DC (202) 452-0660; 

fax (202) 452-0036

Miami, FL (305) 374-8431/32; 

 fax (305) 577-4970

New York, NY (212) 935-9000; 

 fax (212)935-7507 

JAPAN

Washington, DC (202) 238-6700; 

fax (202) 328-2187

Agana, GU (671) 646-1290; 

 fax (671) 649-2620

Anchorage, AK (907) 562-8424; 

 fax (907) 562-8434

Atlanta, GA (404) 240-4300; 

 fax (404) 240-4311

Boston, MA (617) 973-9772; 

 fax (617) 542-1329

Chicago, IL (312) 280-0400; 

 fax (312) 280-9568

Denver, CO (303) 534-1151; 

 fax (303) 534-3393

Detroit, MI (313) 567-0120; 

 fax (313) 567-0274

Honolulu, HI (808) 543-3111; 

 fax (808) 543-3170

Houston, TX (713) 652-2977; 

 fax (713) 651-7822

Los Angeles, CA (213) 617-6700; 

 fax (213) 617-6727

Miami, FL (305) 530-9090; 

 fax (305) 530-0950

Nashville, TN (615) 340-4300; 

 fax (615) 340-4311

New York, NY (212) 371-8222; 

 fax (212) 319-6357

Portland, OR (503) 221-1811; 

 fax (503) 224-8936
119

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JAPAN (CON’T) 

Saipan, CNMI (670) 323-7201; 

fax (670) 323-8764

San Francisco, CA (415) 777-3533; 

 fax (415) 974-3660

Seattle, WA (206) 682-9107; 

 fax (206) 624-9097 

JORDAN

Washington, DC (202) 966-2664; 

fax (202) 686-4491

KAZAKHSTAN

Washington, DC (202) 232-5488; 

fax (202) 232-5845

New York, NY (212) 888-3024; 

 fax (212) 888-3025 

KENYA

Washington, DC (202) 387-6101; 

fax (202) 462-3829

Los Angeles, CA (310) 274-6635

New York, NY (212) 486-1300; 

 fax (212) 688-0911 

KIRIBATI

Honolulu, HI (808) 521-7703; 

fax (808) 542-5159 (honorary consul) 

KOREA, NORTH

New York, NY (646) 674-6000; 

fax (212) 972-3154 (U.N. Mission)

KOREA, SOUTH

Washington, DC (202) 939-6657; 

fax (202) 342-1597

Agana, GU (671) 647-6488; 

 fax (671) 649-1336

Anchorage, AK (907) 561-5488; 

 fax (907) 563-0313

Atlanta, GA (404) 522-1611; 

 fax (404) 521-3169

Boston, MA (617) 641-2830; 

 fax (617) 641-2831

Chicago, IL (312) 822-9485; 

 fax (312) 822-9849

Honolulu, HI (808) 595-6109; 

 fax (808) 595-3046

KOREA, SOUTH (CON’T) 

Houston, TX (713) 961-0186; 

fax (713) 961-3340

Los Angeles, CA (213) 385-9300; 

 fax (213) 385-1849

New York, NY (646) 674-6001; 

 fax (646 674-6023

San Francisco, CA (415) 921-2251; 

 fax (415) 921-5946

Seattle, WA (206) 441-1011; 

 fax (206) 441-7912 

KOSOVO

Washington, DC (202) 380-3581; 

fax (202) 380-3628

KUWAIT

Washington, DC (202) 966-0702; 

fax (202) 966-8468

Los Angeles, CA (310) 556-0300; 

 fax (310) 556-0400

KYRGYZSTAN

Washington, DC (202) 449-9822; 

fax (202) 386-7550

LAOS

Washington, DC (202) 332-6416/17; 

fax (202) 332-4923

LATVIA

Washington, DC (202) 328-2840; 

fax (202) 328-2860

LEBANON

Washington, DC (202) 939-6300; 

fax (202) 939-6324

Detroit, MI (313) 758-0753; 

 fax (313) 758-0756

Los Angeles, CA (213) 243-0990/99; 

 fax (213) 612-5070

New York, NY (212) 744-7905; 

 fax (212) 794-1510 

LESOTHO

Washington, DC (202) 797-5533; 

fax (202) 234-6815
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LIBERIA

Washington, DC (202) 723-0437; 

fax (202) 723-0436

New York, NY (212) 687-1025

LIBYA

Washington, DC (202) 994-9601; 

fax (202) 944-9603

New York, NY (212) 752-5775; 

 fax (212) 593-4787

LIECHTENSTEIN

Washington, DC (202) 331-0590; 

fax (202) 331-3221

New York, NY (212) 599-0220; 

 fax (212) 599-0064

LITHUANIA

Washington, DC (202) 234-5860; 

fax (202) 328-0466

Chicago, IL (312) 397-0382; 

 fax (312) 397-0385

New York, NY (212) 354-7849; 

 fax (212) 397-0385 

LUXEMBOURG

Washington, DC (202) 265-4171; 

fax (202) 328-8270

New York, NY (212) 888-6664; 

 fax (212) 888-6116

San Francisco, CA (415) 788-0816; 

 fax (415) 788-0985 

MACAO (SEE CHINA)

MACEDONIA

Washington, DC (202) 667-0501; 

fax (202) 667-2131

New York, NY (212) 317-1727; 

 fax (212) 317-1484 

MADAGASCAR

Washington, DC (202) 265-5525; 

fax (202) 265-3034

New York, NY (212) 986-9491 

fax (212) 599-5021

MALAWI

Washington, DC (202) 721-0270/72; 

fax (202) 721-0288

New York, NY (212) 317-8738/18; 

 fax (212) 317-8729 

MALAYSIA

Washington, DC (202) 572-9755; 

fax (202) 572-9786

Los Angeles, CA (213) 892-1238; 

 fax (213) 892-9031

New York, NY (212) 682-0232; 

 fax (212) 983-1987

MALDIVES

New York, NY (212) 599-6195; 

fax (212) 972-3970 (U.N. Mission) 

MALI

Washington, DC (202) 332-2249; 

fax (202) 332-6603

MALTA

Washington, DC (202) 462-3611/12; 

fax (202) 387-5470

New York, NY (212) 725-2345; 

 fax (212) 779-7097 

MARSHALL ISLANDS

Washington, DC (212) 983-3040; 

fax (212) 983-3202

Honolulu, HI (808) 545-7767; 

 fax (808) 545-7211

MAURITANIA

Washington, DC (202) 232-5700; 

fax (202) 319-2623

MAURITIUS

Washington, DC (202) 244-1491/92; 

fax (202) 966-0983

MEXICO

Washington, DC (202) 736-1000; 

fax (202) 234-4498

Albuquerque, NM (505) 247-2147/39/4177; 

 fax (505) 842-9490
121

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MEXICO (CON’T) 

Atlanta, GA (404) 266-2233; 

fax (404) 266-2302/09

Anchorage, AK (907) 334-9573; 

 fax (907) 334-9673

Austin, TX (512) 478-2866; 

 fax (512) 478-8008

Boise, ID (208) 343-6228; 

 fax (208) 343-6237

Boston, MA (617) 426-4181/4942/8782;

 (617) 350-5263/64/66; 

 fax (617) 695-1957

Brownsville, TX (956) 542-8072/4090; 

 fax (956) 541-8727/542-7267

Calexico, CA (760) 357-4132/3862/4931; 

 fax (760) 357-6284

Chicago, IL (312) 738-2023; 

 (312) 523-4460; 

 fax (312) 491-9072/9237

Dallas, TX (214) 252-9250/52/53; 

 fax (214) 630-3511

Del Rio, TX (830) 734-9962; 

 fax (830) 774-6497

Denver, CO (303) 331-1110/12; 

 fax (303) 331-1872/0169

Detroit, MI (313) 964-5536;

 (313) 965-2503; (313) 580-7426; 

 fax (313) 964-4522

Douglas, AZ (520) 364-3107/42; 

 fax (520) 364-1379; 

 24-hour cell (520) 364-1379

Eagle Pass, TX (830) 773-9255/56; 

 fax (830) 773-9397

El Paso, TX (915) 533-3644; 

 (915) 544-9299; fax (915) 532-7163

Fresno, CA (559) 233-4241/0318; 

 fax (559) 233-5638

Houston, TX (713) 271-6800; 

 (713) 778-6108; 

 fax (713) 271-3201; (713) 772-1229

Indianapolis, IN (317) 951-0005; 

 fax (317) 951-4176

Kansas City, MO (816) 556-0800/01/02/03;

 fax (816) 556-0900

Laredo, TX (956) 723-0990/6360/6369; fax 

 (956) 723-1741

Las Vegas, NV (702) 383-9192 ext. 211/ 212; 

 fax (702) 383-0683

MEXICO (CON’T) 

Little Rock, AR (501) 372-6933; 

fax (501) 372-6109

Los Angeles, CA (213) 351-6800/10/25; 

 fax (213) 351-2114

McAllen, TX (956) 686-0243/0244/0554; 

 (956) 630-1777; 

 fax (956) 686-4901

Miami, FL (786) 268-4900; 

 fax (786) 268-4895

New Orleans, LA (504) 528-3722; 

 fax (504) 528-3724

New York, NY (212) 217-6400; 

 fax (212) 217-6493

Nogales, AZ (520) 287-2521/3381/3386; 

 fax (520) 287-3175

Omaha, NE (402) 595-1862/1863; 

 fax (402) 595-1845

Orlando, FL (407) 422-0514 ext. 314/315/316; 

 fax (407) 422-9633

Oxnard, CA (805) 984-8738/2162/2673; 

 fax (805) 984-8747

Philadelphia, PA (215) 922-4262/3834; 

 fax (215) 923-7281

Phoenix, AZ (602) 242-3649/7398; 

 (602) 995-5255; 

 fax (602) 995-2957/7496

Portland, OR (503) 229-0825; 

 fax (503) 274-1540

Presidio, (432) 229-2788; 

 fax (432) 229-2792

Raleigh, NC (919) 754-0046; 

 fax (919) 754-1726/1729

Sacramento, CA (916) 441-3287/3065; 

 fax (916) 441-3147

Saint Paul, MN (651) 771-5494 ext. 14; 

 fax (651) 772-4419

Salt Lake City, UT (801) 521-8502 

 fax (801) 521-0534

San Antonio, TX (210) 227-7080/8458; 

 fax (210) 227-1817

San Bernardino, (909) 889-9808/36/37;

 fax (909) 889-8285

San Diego, CA (619) 231-8414/6634;

 fax (619) 231-4802

San Francisco, CA (415) 354-1700; 

 fax (415) 495-3971

San Jose, CA (408) 294-3414/15 ext. 120; 

 fax (408) 294-4506
122

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MEXICO (CON’T) 

San Juan, PR (787) 764-8923/0258; 

fax (787) 250-0042

Santa Ana, CA (714) 835-3069/3749/0403; 

 fax (714) 835-3472/4930

Seattle, WA (206) 448-3526 ext. 101 or 102 

 or 103 or 113; fax (206) 448-8417

Tucson, AZ (520) 882-5596; 

 (520) 623-0146; (520) 884-9104; 

 fax (520) 882-8959

Yuma, AZ (928) 343-0066/9600/9699; 

 fax (928) 343-0077

MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF

Washington, DC (202) 223-4383; 

 fax 202-223-4391

MOLDOVA

Washington, DC (202) 667-1130; 

fax (202) 667-1204

MONACO

Washington, DC (202) 234-1530; 

fax (202) 244-7656

New York, NY (212) 286-0500; 

 fax (212) 286-1574 

MONGOLIA

Washington, DC (202) 333-7117; 

fax (202) 298-9227

MONTENEGRO

Washington, DC (202) 234-6108; 

fax (202) 234-6109

MONTSERRAT (SEE UNITED KINGDOM)

MOROCCO

Washington, DC (202) 462-7982; 

fax (202) 265-0161

New York, NY (212) 758-2625 

MOZAMBIQUE

Washington, DC (202) 293-7146; 

fax (202) 835-0245

NAMIBIA

Washington, DC (202) 986-0540; 

fax (202) 986-0443 

NAURU

Honolulu, HI (808) 532-7821

New York, NY (212) 937-0074; 

 fax (212) 937-0079 

NEPAL

Washington, DC (202) 667-4550; 

fax (202) 667-5534

New York, NY (212) 370-4188; 

 fax (212) 953-2038

NETHERLANDS

Washington, DC (877) 388-2443; 

fax (202) 364-2410

Chicago, IL (877) 388-2443; 

 fax (312) 856-9218

Los Angeles, CA (877) 388-2443; 

 fax (310) 0989

Miami, FL (877) 388-2443; 

 fax (786) 866-0497

New York, NY (877) 388-2443; 

 fax (212) 586-7222

NEW ZEALAND

Washington, DC (202) 328-4800; 

fax (202) 667-5227

Los Angeles, CA (310) 566-6555; 

 fax (310) 566-6556

New York, NY (212) 832-4038; 

 fax (212) 832-7602 

NICARAGUA

Washington, DC (202) 939-6570; 

fax (202) 939-6545

Houston, TX (713) 789-2762; 

 fax (713) 789-3164

Los Angeles, CA (213) 252-1170; 

 fax (213) 252-1177

Miami, FL (305) 220-6900; 

 fax (305) 220-8794

New Orleans, LA (504) 523-1507; 

 fax (504) 523-2359

New York, NY (212) 983-1981; 

 fax (212) 983-2646 

NIGER

Washington, DC (202) 483-4224/25/26/27; 

fax (202) 483-3169
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NIGER (CON’T)

New York, NY (212) 421-3260; 

fax (212) 483-3169 

NIGERIA 

Washington, DC (202) 986-8400; 

 (202) 822-1557; 

 fax (202) 362-5684

Atlanta, GA fax (770) 394-4671

New York, NY fax (212) 687-9303

NORWAY

Washington, DC (202) 333-6000; 

fax (202) 337-0870

Houston, TX (713) 521-2900; 

 fax (713) 521-9648

Minneapolis, MN (612) 332-3338; 

 fax (612) 332-1386

New York, NY (212) 421-7333; 

 fax (212) 754-0583

San Francisco, CA (415) 986-0766; 

 fax (415) 986-3318 

OMAN

Washington, DC (202) 387-1980; 

fax (202) 745-4933

PAKISTAN

Washington, DC (202) 243-6500; 

fax (202) 686-1534

Chicago, IL (312)-781-1831/33; 

 fax (312)-781-1839

Houston, TX (281) 894-6605; 

 fax (281) 890-1433

Los Angeles, CA (310) 441-5114; 

 fax (310) 474-4871

New York, NY (212) 879-5800; 

 fax (212) 517-6987

PALAU

Washington, DC (202) 452-6814; 

fax (202) 452-6281

PANAMA

Washington, DC (202) 483-1407; 

fax (202) 387-6141

Houston, TX (713) 622-4451, 

 fax (713) 622-4468

PANAMA (CON’T) 

Miami, FL (305) 447-3700; 

fax (305) 447-4142

New Orleans, LA (504) 525-3458; 

 fax (504) 424-8960

New York, NY (212) 840-2450; 

 fax (212) 840-2469

Philadelphia, PA (215) 574-2994; 

 fax (215) 574-4225

San Diego, CA (619) 235-4441

San Juan, PR (787) 792-1050; 

 fax (787) 793-0200

Tampa, FL (813) 242-0310; 

 fax (813) 886-3624

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Washington, DC (202) 745-3680; 

fax (202) 745-3679

PARAGUAY

Washington, DC (202) 483-6960/61/62; 

fax (202) 234-4508

Los Angeles, CA (310) 417-9500; 

 fax (310) 417-9520

Miami, FL (305) 374-9090; 

 fax (305) 374-5522

New Orleans, LA (504) 522-7424

New York, NY (212) 682-9441; 

 fax (212) 682-9443

PERU

Washington, DC (202) 230-9992; 

fax (202) 462-1088

Atlanta, GA (678) 336-7010; 

 fax (678) 990-1920

Boston, MA (617) 338-2190; 

 fax (617) 338-2742

Chicago, IL (312) 853-6173; 

 fax (312) 704-6969

Denver, CO (303) 355-8555; 

 fax (303) 355-8003

Dallas, TX (972) 234-0005; 

 fax (972) 234-0028

Hartford, CT (860) 548-0305; 

 fax (860) 548-0094

Houston, TX (713) 850-8846; 

 fax (713) 355-9377
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PERU (CON’T) 

Los Angeles, CA (213) 252-8111; 

fax (213) 252-8130

Miami, FL (305) 371-4836; 

 fax (305) 373-5388; (305) 381-6027

New York, NY (914) 447-1781; 

 fax (646) 735-3866

Patterson, NJ (973) 800-4252; 

 fax (973) 278-0254

San Francisco, CA (415) 362-5647; 

 fax (415) 362-2836

San Juan, PR (787) 250-0391; 

 fax (787) 250-0319 

PHILIPPINES

Washington, DC (202) 467-9319/12; 

fax (202) 467-9417

Chicago, IL (312) 332-6458/59; 

 fax (312) 332-3657

Honolulu, HI (808) 595-6316/19; 

 fax (808) 595-2581

Los Angeles, CA (213) 639-0980/81/82/83/85; 

 fax (213) 639-0990

New York, NY (212) 764-1330; 

 fax (212) 382-1146

San Francisco, CA (415) 433-6666/67/68;

 fax (415) 421-2641

Tamuning, GU (671)646-4620/30; 

 fax (671) 649-1868 

POLAND

Washington, DC (202) 232-4517; 

fax (202) 328-2152

Chicago, IL (312) 337-8166; 

 fax (312) 337-7841

Los Angeles, CA (310) 442-8500; 

 fax (310) 442-8515

New York, NY (646) 237-2100; 

 fax (646) 237-2105

PORTUGAL

Washington, DC (202) 232-7632; 

fax (202) 462-3726

Boston, MA (617) 536-8740

Houston, TX (713) 759-1188; 

 fax (713) 513-5270

PORTUGAL (CON’T) 

New Bedford, MA (508) 997-6151; 

fax (508) 992-1068

New York, NY (212) 221-3245; 

 fax (212) 221-3462

Newark, NJ (973) 643-4200

San Francisco, CA (415) 346-3400; 

 fax (415) 346-1410

Providence, RI (401) 272-2003; 

 fax (401) 273-6247

San Juan, PR (787) 755-8556; 

 fax (787) 755-8556 

QATAR

Washington, DC (202) 274-1600; 

fax (202) 237-0061

Houston, TX (713) 355-8221; 

 fax (713) 355-8184

New York, NY (212) 486-9335, 

 fax (212) 758-4952

ROMANIA

Washington, DC (202) 232-6634;

 (202) 332-4829; 

 fax (202) 232-4748; (202) 387-6902

Chicago, IL (312) 573-1315/1991; 

 fax (312) 573-9771

Los Angeles, CA (310) 444-0043; 

 fax (310) 445-0043

New York, NY (212) 682-9120/21; 

 fax (212) 972-8463

RUSSIA

Washington, DC (202) 939-8907; 

fax (202) 483-7579

Houston, TX (713) 337-3300; 

 fax (713) 337-3305

New York, NY (212) 348-1515; 

 fax (212) 831-9162

San Francisco, CA (415) 928-6878; 

 fax (415) 929-0306

Seattle, WA (206) 728-1910; 

 fax (206) 728-1871

RWANDA

Washington, DC (202) 232-2882; 

fax (202) 232-4544
125

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SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

Washington, DC (202) 686-2636; 

fax (202) 686-5740

SAINT LUCIA

Washington, DC (202) 364-6792; 

fax (202) 364-6723

New York, NY (212) 697-9360 

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Washington, DC (202) 364-6730; 

fax (202) 364-6736

New York, NY (212) 687-4490 

SAMOA

New York, NY (212) 599-6196; 

fax (212) 599-0797

SAN MARINO

New York, NY (212) 465-1012 

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE

New York, NY (212) 697-4211; 

fax (212) 687-8389 (U.N. Mission)

SAUDI ARABIA

Washington, DC (202) 342-3800; 

fax (202) 944-3113

Houston, TX (713) 785-5577; 

 fax (713) 785-1163

Los Angeles, CA (310) 479-6000; 

 fax (310) 479-2752

New York, NY (212) 752-2740; 

 fax (212) 688-2719 

SENEGAL

Washington, DC (202) 234-0540; 

fax (202) 332-6315

Houston, TX (713) 706-0300; 

 fax (713) 706-3304

New York, NY (917) 493-8950/51/52; 

 fax (917) 493-8953

SERBIA

Washington, DC (202) 332-0333; 

fax (202) 332-5974

Chicago, IL (312) 670-6707; 

 fax (312) 670 6787

Cleveland, OH (216) 344-2010; 

 fax (216) 344-2015

SERBIA (CON’T)

Denver, CO (303) 323-8700; 

fax (303) 339-4695

Metairie, LA (504) 465-1000 ext. 1015; 

 fax (504) 465-1023

New York, NY (212) 596-4241; 

 fax (212) 596-4363

SEYCHELLES

New York, NY (212) 972-1785; 

fax (212) 972-1786

SIERRA LEONE

Washington, DC (202) 939-9261; 

fax (202) 483-1793

SINGAPORE

Washington, DC (202) 537-3100; 

fax (202) 537-0876

Chicago, IL (312) 853-7555; 

 fax (312) 853-7036

New York, NY (212) 223-3331; 

 fax (212) 826-5028; (212) 838-9453

Miami, FL (305) 858-4225; 

 fax (305) 858-2334

San Francisco, CA (415) 543-4775; 

 fax (415) 543-4788 

SLOVAKIA

Washington, DC (202) 237-1054; 

fax (202) 237-6438

Los Angeles, CA (310) 209-1253; 

 fax (310) 209-1261

New York, NY (212) 286-8434; 

 fax (212) 286-8439

SLOVENIA

Washington, DC (202) 386-6610; 

fax (202) 386-6633

Cleveland, OH (216) 589-9220; 

 fax (216) 589-9210

New York, NY (212) 370-3006; 

 fax (212) 370-3581 

SOLOMON ISLANDS

New York, NY (212) 599-6192; 

fax (212) 661-8925 (U.N. Mission) 
126

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SOMALIA

New York, NY (212) 688-9410; 688-5046; 

fax (212) 759-0651 (U.N. Mission)

SOUTH AFRICA

Washington, DC (202) 232-4400; 

fax (202) 265-1607

Chicago, IL (312) 939-7929; 

 fax (312) 939-2588

Los Angeles, CA (323) 651-0902; 

 fax (323) 651-5969

New York, NY (212) 213-4880; 

 fax (212) 213-0102 

SPAIN

Washington, DC (202) 728-2330; 

fax (202) 728-2302

Boston, MA (617) 536-2506; 

 fax (617) 536-8512

Chicago, IL (312) 493-0197; 

 fax (312) 782-1635

Houston, TX (713) 974-1689; 

 fax (713) 974-6935

Los Angeles, CA (323) 938-0158; 

 fax (323) 938-2502

Miami, FL (305) 446-5511; 

 fax (305) 446-0585

New Orleans, LA (504) 525-4951; 

 fax (504) 525-4955

New York, NY (212) 355-4080; 

 fax (212) 644-3751

San Francisco, CA (415) 922-2995; 

 fax (415) 931-9706

San Juan, PR (787) 758-6090; 

 fax (787) 763-0190 

SRI LANKA

Washington, DC (202) 483-4025; 

fax (202) 232-7181

Los Angeles, CA (213) 387-0210; 

 fax (213) 387-0216

New York, NY (212) 986-7040; 

 fax (212) 986-1838

SUDAN

Washington, DC (202) 232-1492; 

fax (202) 232-1493

New York, NY (212) 421-2680 

SURINAME

Washington, DC (202) 244-7488; 

fax (202) 244-5878

Miami, FL (305) 265-4655; 

 fax (305) 265-4599

SWAZILAND

Washington, DC (202) 234-5002; 

fax (202) 234-8254

SWEDEN

Washington, DC (202) 467-2600; 

fax (202) 467-2699

Los Angeles, CA (310) 445-4008; 

 fax (310) 473-2229

New York, NY (212) 583-2550; 

 fax (212) 755-2732

SWITZERLAND

Washington, DC (202) 745-7900; 

fax (202) 387-2564

Atlanta, GA (404) 870-2000; 

 fax (404) 870-2011

Chicago, IL (312) 915-0061; 

 fax (312) 915-0388

Los Angeles, CA (310) 575-1145; 

 fax (310) 575-1982

New York, NY (212) 599-5700; 

 fax (212) 599-4266

San Francisco, CA (415) 788-2272; 

 fax (415) 788-1402 

SYRIA

Washington, DC (202) 232-6313; 

fax (202) 234-9548

TAIWAN: TAIPEI ECONOMIC AND 

CULTURAL REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE 

(TECRO)

140

Washington, DC (202) 895-1800; 

fax (202) 363-0999

Agana, GU (671) 472-5865; 

 fax (671) 472-5869

140 See also footnote 1 on page 4, and footnote 128 on page 66.
127

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TAIWAN: TAIPEI ECONOMIC AND 

CULTURAL REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE 

(TECRO)

140 (CON’T) 

Atlanta, GA (404) 872-1234; 

fax (404) 873-3474

Boston, MA (617) 737-2050; 

 fax (617) 737-1684

Chicago, IL (312) 616-0100; 

 fax (312) 616-1490

Honolulu, HI (808) 595-6347; 

 fax (808) 595-6542

Houston, TX (713) 626-7445; 

 fax (713) 626-1202

Kansas City, MO (816) 531-1298; 

 fax (816) 531-3066

Los Angeles, CA (213) 389-1215; 

 fax (212) 383-3245

Miami, FL (305) 443-8917; 

 fax (305) 444-4796

New York, NY (212) 317-7300; 

 fax (212) 754-1549

San Francisco, CA (415) 362-7680; 

 fax (415) 362-5382

Seattle, WA (206) 441-4586; 

 fax (206) 441-4320 

TAJIKISTAN

Washington, DC (202) 223-6090; 

fax (202) 223-6091

TANZANIA

Washington, DC (202) 939-6125; 

fax (202) 797-7408

THAILAND

Washington, DC (202) 944-3600; 

fax (202) 944-3611

Chicago, IL (312) 664-3129; 

 fax (312) 664-3230

Los Angeles, CA (323) 962-9574; 

 fax (323) 962-2128

New York, NY (212) 745-1770; 

 fax (212) 754-1907 

TIMOR-LESTE (ALSO KNOWN AS EAST 

TIMOR)

Washington, DC (202) 966-3202; 

fax (202) 966-3205

New York, NY (212) 759-3675; 

 fax (212) 759-4196

TOGO

Washington, DC (202) 234-4212; 

fax (202) 232-3190

TONGA

San Francisco, CA (415) 781-0365; 

fax (415) 781-3964

New York, NY (917) 369-1025; 

 fax (917) 369-1024 

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Washington, DC (202) 467-6490; 

fax (202) 785-3130

Miami, FL (305) 374-2199; 

 fax (305) 374-3199

New York, NY (212) 682-7272; 

 fax (212) 986-2146 

TUNISIA

Washington, DC (202) 862-1850; 

fax (202) 862-1858

TURKEY

Washington, DC (202) 612-6700; 

fax (202) 612-6744

Chicago, IL (312) 263-0644/1295; 

 fax (312) 263-1449

Houston, TX (713) 622-5849/0324/

 3205/3276; fax (713) 623-6639

Los Angeles, CA (323) 655-8832/8039/

 8056/8329; fax (323) 655-8681

New York, NY (212) 949-0159/60; 

 fax (212) 983-1293

TURKMENISTAN

Washington, DC (202) 588-1500; 

fax (202) 280-1003

TURKS AND CAICOS (SEE UNITED 

KINGDOM)

TUVALU

New York, NY (212) 490-0534; 

fax (212) 808-4975

UGANDA

Washington, DC (202) 726-7100/7102

fax (202) 726-1727
CONSULATE CONTACT INFORMATION

SUBJECT TO CHANGE — FOR LATEST, VISIT WWW.TRAVEL.STATE.GOV/CONSULARNOTIFICATION

UKRAINE

Washington, DC (202) 333-0606; 

fax (202) 333-0817

Chicago, IL (312) 642-4388; 

 fax (312) 642-4385

New York, NY (212) 371-5690; 

 fax (212) 371-5547

San Francisco CA (415) 398-0240; 

 fax (415) 398-5039 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Washington, DC (202) 243-2400; 

fax (202) 243-2432

UNITED KINGDOM

Washington, DC (202) 588-6500; 

fax (202) 588-7850

Atlanta, GA (404) 954-7700; 

 fax (404) 954-7702

Boston, MA (617) 245-4500/24; 

 fax (617) 621-0220

Chicago, IL (312) 970-3800; 

 fax (312) 970-3852

Houston, TX (713) 659-6270; 

 fax (713) 659-7094

Los Angeles, CA (310) 481-0031; 

 fax (310) 481-2960

New York, NY (212) 745-0310/0206; 

 fax (212) 754-3062

Orlando, FL (407) 254-3300; 

 fax (407) 254-3333

San Francisco, CA (415) 617-1300; 

 fax (415) 434-2018

URUGUAY

Washington, DC (202) 331-4219/1313; 

fax (202) 331-8142

Chicago, IL (312) 642-3430; 

 fax (312) 642-3470

Coral Gables, FL (305) 443-9764; 

 fax (305) 443-7802

New York, NY (212) 753-8191/92; 

 fax (212) 753-1603

Santa Monica, CA (310) 394-5777; 

 fax (310) 394-5140 

UZBEKISTAN

Washington, DC (202) 530-7291;

(202) 887-5300 ext. 3; 

 fax (202) 293-6804

New York, NY (212) 754-7403; 

 fax (212) 838-9812 

VANUATU

New York, NY (212) 593-0144; 661-4323;

fax (212) 422-3427; (212) 593-0219

VENEZUELA

Washington, DC (202) 342-2214; 

fax (202) 342-6820

Boston, MA (617) 266-9355

Chicago, IL (312) 236-9658

Houston, TX (713) 974-0027/28; 

 fax (713) 974-1413

Miami, FL (305) 577-4301; 

 fax (305) 372-5167

New Orleans, LA (504) 522-3284

New York, NY (212) 826-1660

San Francisco, CA (415) 955-1982

San Juan, PR (787) 766-4250

VIETNAM

Washington, DC (202) 861-0737; 

fax (202) 861-0917

San Francisco, CA (415) 922-1577; 

 fax (415) 922-1848 

YEMEN

Washington, DC (202) 965-4760; 

fax (202) 337-2017

New York, NY (212) 355-1730; 

 fax (212) 750-9613

San Francisco, CA (415) 567-3036; 

 fax (415) 567-3371

Saline, MI (313) 551-3126; 

 fax (313) 551-3129

ZAMBIA

Washington, DC (202) 265-9717/19; 

fax (202) 332-0826

New York, NY (212 )888-5770; 

 fax (212) 888-5213 

ZIMBABWE

Washington, DC (202) 332-7100; 

fax (202) 483-9326
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INDEX

A

access (see consular access)

accident investigations, 6, 10, 16, 17

 (see also shipwrecks; air crashes)

 absence of notification requirement, 17

adult lacking full capacity, 10, 18, 36, 41, 

 42, 97

 (see also incompetent adults)

aftercare, 20

air crashes, notification of, 2, 10, 16, 40,

 42

alien, 12, 14, 104

arraignment, notification at time of, 15, 16, 

 21-22

arranging counsel for detainee, 2, 9, 31, 32,

 34, 35, 40, 41-42

arrest, passim

Article 5 VCCR, 10, 36, 40-41

Article 36 VCCR, 7, 9, 17, 28, 34, 40, 41-42

Article 37 VCCR, 10, 18, 36, 40, 42

asylum, prohibition on telling consulate 

 about, 5, 8, 18, 25, 27, 28, 33, 105

B

Bevans, Charles I, 44

bilateral agreements requiring mandatory 

 notification, 7, 12, 26, 27, 39, 43, 47-52, 74

bilaterial agreements requiring notification 

 upon request, 8, 25, 43, 44, 53-54, 104

bilateral agreements generally, 6, 8, 9, 10

 17, 18, 19, 25, 28, 29, 32, 34, 35, 42-44, 45,

 46, 69-72

bilateral treaties (see bilateral agreements)

blanket policy of notifying, 27

blanket prisoner inventory, absence of, 9

booking, notification at time of, 21, 22, 105

British nationality, how to ascertain, 4, 5, 24, 

 44

British Overseas Territories, 4, 5, 23, 24, 44

British territories, former, 24, 44

Bureau of Prisions, 9

C

capital punishment, 19, 27, 29

charges against foreign national, requirement 

 to tell consulate of, 19, 29

citizenship, 12, 14

 vs. nationality, 12

civil commitment, notification requirements 

 for, 17, 18

collect calls, whether to allow, 28

communications between consular officers 

 and their nationals, requirement to allow, 2, 

 3, 9, 28, 40-42

competent authorities, definition of, 14

consul, 11, 104

 (see also consular officer)

consular access, passim

Consular Affairs, Bureau of, 37, 109

consular district, 19, 21, 42, 57

consular employees who are not consular 

 officers, requirement to allow visits by, 33

consular functions, 11, 32, 36, 39, 40-41,

 45, 46, 

consular identity card, 12, 13, 33, 99-101

consular notification procedures, 

 consequences for failure to follow, 30-31

consular officer(s), passim

 forms of assistance to detainee, 31-32

 non-priviledged nature of 

 communications, 32

 prohibition on acting as counsel, 32

 role in appointment of guardian, 35-36 

 role in deaths of foreign nationals, 9, 35

consular official, 11

 (see also consular officer)

consular post, meaning of, 21

consular services, partial list of, 39

consulate, passim

consulates, phone and fax no., 109-128

contact information for foreign embassies and 

 consulates in the United States, 109-128

coroner, notification by, 16

corrections officials, notification by, 15, 19, 22, 

 40

counsel vs. consul, 11

customary international law, 6, 28, 39, 43, 46

Czechoslovakia, passports of, 23
130

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

INDEX

D

death, notification requirements for, 2, 6, 9-10,

 14, 16, 40, 42, 98

death penalty

 (see capital punishment)

delivery of correspondence by consular 

 officer from court in home country, 31

 from detainee’s family, 31

 from detainee to family, government, or 

 court, 31

Denmark, special rules for, 43

Department of Homeland Security, 12, 15, 19,

 32, 46

Department of Justice, 15, 46

detentions, types that trigger notification 

 requirements, 17-20

diplomatic and consular officer identification 

 cards, 99-101

diplomatic officer, difference from consular 

 officer, 11, 104

Diplomatic Security, Bureau of, 99

disclosure of information, precautions for 

 privacy concerns, 8

driver’s license, as not proof of citizenship, 

 13, 23

dual nationals, notification requirements for 

 dual nationals of U.S. and other country, 14

 dual nationals of two other countries, 14, 24, 

 33

E

employees of consulate, whether to allow 

 access by, 33

English, inability to speak as non-indicative of 

 nationality, 13

F

family court, notification by, 16

Faroe Islands, 23

fax confirmation sheet, keeping of, 3, 5, 8, 25, 

 105-107

fax sheet for notifying consular officers of 

 arrests or detentions, 96

F (CON’T)

fax sheet for notifying consular officers of the 

 death, serious injury, or illness of a foreign 

 national, 98

fax sheet for notifying consular officers of the 

 possible appointment of a guardian or 

 trustee for a foreign national, 97

Federal Bureau of Investigations, notification 

 by, 15

foreign language, giving consular information 

 in, 23, 74

foreign national 

 definition of, 12, 104

 how to ascertain, 13, 23-24

friendship, commerce, and navigation 

 treaties, 39, 45

G

green card holder, rules for, 4, 5, 12, 43

Greenland, 23

guardianship for minor or incompetent adult, 

 notification of, 2, 6, 10, 14, 16, 18, 25, 35-36, 

 40-42, 97

H

Hague Child Abduction 

 Convention (1980), 45

halfway house, 20

Havana Convention on Consular 

 Agents (1928), 39

Hong Kong, 4, 5, 23-24, 29, 44

honorary consul, 11, 12

hospitalized foreign nationals, 10, 16, 18, 35

I

identification cards, 12, 13, 33, 99-101

illegal alien status, irrelevance to notification 

 requirement, 14, 104

illnesses of foreign nationals, notification of, 

 2, 9-10, 16, 35, 98

immigration detention, notification 

 requirement for, 17, 19 

immigration documents, requirement 

 to carry, 13
131

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

INDEX

I (CON’T) 

immigration status, irrelevance to notification 

 requirement, 14, 104

incompetent or incapacitated adults, 

notification requirements for, 2, 6, 10, 18, 

 25, 35-36

ineffective assistance of counsel for failure to 

 inform about consular notification, 31

information to third parties concerning 

 medical condition, 29

initial court appearances, 15, 16, 21, 22

injuries to foreign nationals, notification of, 2,

 6, 9-10, 16, 35, 98

intoxication offenses, notification 

 requirement for, 17

inventory of foreign nationals in U.S. 

 prisons, absence of, 8, 9

Iran, special rules for, 33, 43

Iranian Interests Section, 33

Ireland, special rules for, 25, 27, 34, 43, 53

Israel, special rules for, 43, 46

J

judicial officials, responsibility for 

 notification, 15, 16, 21, 22

judicial remedy (see remedies for 

 failure to notify)

K

Kosovo, citizenship documents of, 23

L

late notification, 30

law enforcement activities, prohibition of 

 during consular visit, 9, 34

lawful permanent residents (see green card 

 holder)

League of Nations Treaty Series 

 (L.N.T.S.), 44

legal authorities on consular notifications, 

 38-46

legally incompetent adults, notification 

 requirements for, 2, 6, 10, 18, 25, 35-36

L (CON’T) 

list countries (see mandatory notification)

litigation on consular notification, 8, 15, 16, 

 30, 32, 103

LPR (see green card holder)

M 

Macao, 4, 5, 23-24, 29, 44

magistrate judges, notification by, 15, 16

mandatory notification countries, 4, 5, 7, 18, 

 24, 26, 28, 43, 44, 47-52, 104

Marshals Service, notification by, 15

medical examiner, notification by, 16

medical records, whether to give to consular 

 officer, 36

mental health institution commitment, 

 notification requirement for, 18

mental illness, 18

mental incompetence, notification rules for, 2, 

 6, 10, 18, 25, 35-36

Mexico, special rules for, 27, 29

minors, notification rules for, 2, 10, 18, 25, 27, 

 35-36, 42, 97

Miranda warning, relation to consular 

 notification, 20, 22

monitoring of consular visit, rules for, 34-35

Montenegro, citizenship documents of, 23

mutual obligations, 2, 6, 29, 36

N

nationality, how to ascertain, 23-24

nearest consulate, meaning of, 21

new charges, whether to make new 

 notification, 19

non-consular officers, 33

notification outside consulate’s working hours, 

 absence of requirement, 25 

notification regardless of detainee’s 

 wishes, 7, 18, 24-25, 27

notification where detainee has already been 

 released, 17, 30
132

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

INDEX

O

OAS Inter-American Prisoner Transfer 

 Convention (1993), 45

obligation to assist detained foreign national, 

 32

P

parole, 20

passport as evidence of nationality, 3, 13, 

 23-24

passport from country that no longer exists, 

 23-24

persons lacking full capacity, 2, 6, 10, 18, 25, 

 35-36

Poland, special rules for, 4, 5, 12, 29, 43, 44

presentence report, 15, 22

prison regulations, requirement of consular 

 officer to follow, 9, 31, 34

prison transfers, 45

privacy, notification and concerns for, 8, 26, 

 27, 28, 29, 36

private consular visit, requirement of, 8, 9, 

 34-35

privacy laws, 26, 27, 36

privilege of consular communications, rules 

 concerning, 32

privileges and immunities of consular 

 officers, 32, 34, 39, 40

probate court, notification by, 16

prosecutors, responsibility for notification, 15, 

 22, 30

protecting powers, 33, 46

protective custody, 10

Protocol, Office of, 12

Q

quarantines, notification requirement for, 17, 

 18, 33, 35

R

re-arrests, 19-20

reasons for detention, requirement to 

 tell consulate, 29

R (CON’T)

receiving country or state, 36, 40, 41-42

reciprocity, principle of in consular 

 notification, 29, 36

recordkeeping, 3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 21, 23, 74, 106

refugees, 5, 27

release from prison, notification requirements,

 17, 20, 30

remedies for failure to notify, 31

review of conviction or sentence where 

 notification not provided, 31

right of consular officer to visit,

 even absent detainee’s consent, 5, 9, 33

right of detainee to require consular officer to 

 visit, absence of, 32

right of release to visit consular officers, 

 absence of, 9

S

sample consular notification 

 statements, 75-95

security regulations, requirement to abide by 

 during consular visit, 9, 31, 34

self-executing nature of VCCR, 16, 46, 103

sending country or state, 28, 36, 40-42, 68

Serbia, citizenship documents of, 23

shipwrecks, notification of, 2, 6, 10, 16, 40, 42

social security number as non-indicative of

 nationality, 13, 23

Soviet republics, former, 23, 44

special rule (see mandatory notification)

special rule countries (see mandatory 

 notification countries)

standard operating procedure, 46, 102-107

statelessness, 12

Strasbourg Prisoner Transfer Convention 

 (1983), 45

successor states, 43-44

Supremacy Clause, 16, 46
133

CONSULAR

NOTIFICATION 

AND ACCESS

INDEX

T

Taiwan, special rules for, 4, 5, 46, 48, 66, 126

telephone, inadequacy of allowing detainee to 

 use, 28

traffic stop or violation, absence of notification 

 requirement for, 17, 104

trafficking victims, 18

transfer to another prison, obligation to notify, 

 15, 19, 22

Treaties and Other International Agreements 

 of the United States of America (Bevans), 44

Treaties and Other International Acts Series 

 (T.I.A.S.), 44

Treaties in Force, 45, 57

trusteeship for minor or incompetent adult, 2, 

 10, 18, 36, 42, 97

Twitter feed for consular notification, 37

U

U.S. Attorney, notification by, 15

U.S. Constitution and rights thereunder, 6, 16, 

 20, 46

unaccompanied minors, 18

United Nations mission, notification of, 109

United Nations Treaty Series (U.N.T.S.), 44

United States Treaties and Other International 

 Obligations (U.S.T.), 44

“upon request” notification, 25, 43, 44, 53- 

 54, 104

V

veto power of detainee over notification, 

 absence of 24-25, 26

Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 

 (VCCR)(1963), passim

 countries not party to, 40, 46

Vietnam, agreed minute, 68

 

W

website on consular notification, 3, 37, 74, 109

wishes of detainee, notification despite, 7, 18, 

 24-25, 27

“without delay”, meaning of, 21-22, 25, 26

withholding of removal, prohibition on telling 

 consulate about, 8, 25, 28, 33

working hours of consulate, notification 

 outside of, 25

writing, whether notification must be provided 

 in, 23

written record of notification, whether to 

 keep, 3, 8, 13, 21, 23

Y

Yugoslav republics, former, 23, 61
Office of Policy Coordination and Public Affairs (CA/P)

Bureau of Consular Affairs

U.S. Department of State

2100 C St. NW, Room 4800

Washington, D.C. 20520

Telephone: (202) 647-4415

Fax: (202) 736-7559

Email: consnot@state.gov

Website: www.travel.state.gov/consularnotification

Twitter: @ConsularNotify

CNA_Cover.indd 2 8/18/2010