tional may be afraid of his/her government and may wish
to apply for refugee status/asylum in the United States.
The privacy wishes of the foreign national should there-
fore be respected unless there is a mandatory notification
requirement. Only in mandatory notification cases should
you notify consular officials regardless of the alien's wishes.

Q. When we notify the consulate, should we
tell them the reasons for the detention?

A. Generally you may use your discretion in decid-
ing how much information to provide consistent with pri-
vacy considerations and the applicable international agree-
ments. Under the VCCR, the reasons for the detention do
not have to be provided in the initial communication. The
detainee may or may not want this information commu-
nicated. Thus we suggest that it not be provided unless
requested specifically by the consular officer, or if the de-
tainee authorizes the disclosure. Different requirements
may apply if there is a relevant bilateral agreement. (Some
of the bilateral agreements require that the reasons for the
detention be provided upon request.) If a consular official
insists that he/she is entitled to information about an alien
that the alien does not want disclosed, the Department of
State can provide guidance.

Q. Isn’t it wrong to follow “mandatory notifi-
cation” procedures if the alien doesn’t want his
consular officials notified? What about the alien’s
privacy interests? What if the alien is afraid of his
own government?

A. If the alien is from a “mandatory notification”
country, notification must be given even if the alien ob-
jects or claims to be afraid. If the alien is an asylum seeker,
arrangements can be made to protect the alien while en-
suring that his/her government's right to notification is
protected. Under no circumstances should the fact that a
foreign national has applied for asylum or withholding of
removal be revealed to that national’s government. Spe-
cific guidance on such cases may be obtained from the De-
partment of State.

Q. If the foreign national is from a “mandatory
notification” country and I notify the consulate as
required, should I tell the foreign national?

A. Yes. The alien should always be told that his
consulate has been notified. While the mandatory notifi-
cation agreements generally do not expressly require that
the national be informed of such notification, informing
the national is provided for in the VCCR. Most countries
with which the United States has a bilateral agreement
also belong to the VCCR.

Q. Can I comply with consular notification re-
quirements by simply letting the detained alien
have access to a telephone?

A. Not necessarily. It is the responsibility of the gov-
ernment officials responsible for the detention to ensure
that consular notification is made. If the alien is from a
mandatory notification country, you must ensure that
notification is given to the consular officials; permitting
the alien access to a phone, without taking further action,
will not be sufficient for this purpose. If the alien is not
from a mandatory notification country but wants consu-
lar notification, simply making a phone available also may
not be sufficient. There must be adequate arrangements
to ensure that the alien is actually able to make contact
with his/her consular officials, and the responsible law
enforcement officials must be able to confirm that contact
was in fact made.

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

A. Yes. Remember, always, that these are mutual
obligations. In general, you should treat the foreign na-
tional as you would want an American citizen to be treated
in a similar situation in a foreign country. This means
prompt, courteous notification to the foreign national of
the possibility of consular assistance, and prompt, cour-
teous notification to the foreign national’s nearest consu-
lar officials so that they can perform whatever consular
services they deem appropriate.

Questions About Failure To Notify

Q. If we failed to provide notification at the
time of arrest and the alien is still in custody, what
should we do?

A. Consular notification is “better late than never.”
You should follow the instructions in this booklet as soon
as you become aware that a foreign national is in deten-
tion but consular notification procedures were not fol-
lowed. A foreign government may commence providing
consular assistance at any time, and should be given the
opportunity to do so.

Q. If we failed to provide consular notification
but the alien is receiving consular assistance,
should we still go through the process of notifica-
tion?

A. If the foreign national has already established con-
tact with his/her consular officials, the Department of
State does not consider it necessary to remedy a failure to

21


Vienna Convention on Consular Kelations
Articles 5, 36, and 37

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 indi-
viduals and bodies corporate, within the limits per-
mitted by international law;

(b) furthering the development of commercial,
economic, cultural and scientific relations between
the sending State and the receiving State and other-
wise promoting friendly relations between them in
accordance with the provisions of the present Con-
vention;

(c) ascertaining by all lawful means conditions
and developments in the commercial, economic, cul-
tural and scientific life of the receiving State, report-
ing 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 appro-
priate documents to persons wishing to travel to the
sending State;

(e) helping and assisting nationals, both individu-
als and bodies corporate, of the sending State;

(f) acting as notary and civil registrar and in ca-
pacities of a similar kind, and performing certain
functions of an administrative nature, provided that
there is nothing contrary thereto in the laws and regu-
lations 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 terri-
tory 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, par-
ticularly where any guardianship or trusteeship is
required with respect to such persons;

(i) subject to the practices and procedures ob-
taining in the receiving State, representing or arrang-
ing appropriate representation for nationals of the
sending State before the tribunals and other authori-
ties of the receiving State, for the purpose of obtain-
ing, in accordance with the laws and regulations of
the receiving State, provisional measures for the pres-
ervation of the rights and interests of these nation-
als, where, because of absence or any other reason,
such nationals are unable at the proper time to as-
sume the defence of their rights and interests;

(j) transmitting judicial and extra-judicial docu-
ments 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 inspec-
tion provided for in the laws and regulations of the
sending State in respect of vessels having the nation-
ality of the sending State, and of aircraft registered
in that State, and in respect of their crews;

(1) extending assistance to vessels and aircraft
mentioned in sub-paragraph (k) of this Article and
to their crews, taking statements regarding the voy-
age of a vessel, examining and stamping the ship’s
papers, and, without prejudice to the powers of the
authorities of the receiving State, conducting inves-
tigations into any incidents which occurred during
the voyage, and settling disputes of any kind be-
tween the master, the officers and the seamen in so
far as this may be authorized by the laws and regu-
lations 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 receiv-
ing State or to which no objection is taken by the
receiving State or which are referred to in the inter-
national agreements in force between the sending
State and the receiving State.

45


Part Five
Legal Material

The following pages in this booklet summarize and provide the basic legal authorities that pertain to
the rights of consular officials to assist their nationals. They include the key legal provisions relating to
consular notification and access including, in the case of mandatory notification, excerpts from the bilat-
eral agreements. (Note: As each agreement excerpt is a verbatim quote, some inconsistencies in capitaliza-
tion and spelling conventions appear.)

The materials in this section include:

. A Legal Overview

. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, Articles 5, 36,
and 37 (full text)

° The Mandatory Notification Provisions (Excerpts from Bilat-

eral Agreements)

A Table of Agreements Pertaining to Consular Functions

41


Agreements Pertaining to Consular Functions

The following table lists most of the agreements in force between the United States and other countries or
jurisdictions (listed by short-form names) that relate to the performance of consular functions, including
provisions relating to the treatment of foreign nationals and to the rights of consular officers to assist them.
It is generally current through November 1, 1997. It is not a definitive record, however, and does not list all
relevant agreements. (For example, it does not include agreements that relate principally to visa matters.)

The first column indicates whether the country or jurisdiction is a party to or is governed by the multilat-
eral Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (“VCCR”).®

The second column (“Bilateral Consular Conventions”) lists bilateral consular conventions, agreements
dealing in significant part with consular matters, and agreements amending such conventions or agree-
ments, The third column (“Other Relevant Agreements”) lists other more general agreements that include
consular provisions of current relevance. These are generally treaties of Friendship, Commerce, and Navi-
gation (“FCN”). Where a year is entered in one of the columns, it indicates that there is a relevant agreement
signed that year.

The fourth column (“Prisoner Transfer Agreements”) indicates the existence of a multilateral and/or a
bilateral prisoner transfer agreement. An “S” indicates that the country is a party to the multilateral 1983
Council of Europe (Strasbourg) Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners. A “B” followed by a
date indicates that there is in force between the United States and that country a bilateral agreement which
was signed in the year indicated.

The fifth column indicates whether the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International
Child Abduction, which has been in force for the United States since July 1, 1988, is in force between the
United States and the listed country or jurisdiction.

Agreements relevant to specialized areas of consular work but not reflected in the following table in-
clude, in addition to visa agreements, social security totalization agreements and the Hague conventions
relating to international legal assistance.

When the chart indicates the year in which a relevant treaty was signed, information about the precise
date when the agreement entered into force (which may be some years after the date of signing) can be
found in Treaties in Force (a State Department publication) or may be obtained by calling the Office of the
Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, 202-647-2044.

6 Another multilateral consular convention is the 1928 Havana Convention on Consular Agents. Unlike the VCCR, it deals only with
the privileges and immunities of consular officers.

50


their telephone and facsimile numbers, is included
in this booklet to facilitate the provision of notifica-
tion by detaining officials to consular officials when
required.

Notification at the Foreign National's
Option

In all cases, the foreign national must be told of the
right of consular notification and access. The foreign
national then has the option to decide whether he/
she wants consular representatives notified of the
arrest or detention, unless the foreign national is from
a “mandatory notification” country. The mandatory
notification countries are listed on page 5 and in Part
Five of this booklet.

If the detained foreign national is a national of a
country not on the mandatory notification list, the
requirement is that the foreign national be informed
without delay of the option to have his/her
government's consular representatives notified of the
detention. If the detainee requests notification, a respon-
sible detaining official must ensure that notification is
given to the nearest consulate or embassy of the detainee’s
country without delay.

Mandatory Notification

In some cases, “mandatory notification” must be
made to the nearest consulate or embassy “without
delay,” “immediately,” or within the time specified
in a bilateral agreement between the United States
and a foreign national’s country, regardless of whether
the foreign national requests such notification. Manda-
tory notification requirements arise from different
bilateral agreements whose terms are not identical.
The exact text of the relevant provisions on manda-
tory notification in our bilateral agreements is repro-
duced in Part Five of this booklet.

Foreign nationals subject to mandatory notifica-
tion requirements should otherwise be treated like
foreign nationals not subject to the mandatory noti-
fication requirement. Thus, for example, the foreign
national should be informed that notification has
been made and advised that he/she may also spe-
cifically request consular assistance from his or her
consular officials.

14

Privacy concerns or the possibility that a foreign
national may have a legitimate fear of persecution
or other mistreatment by his/her government may
exist in some mandatory notification cases. The no-
tification requirement should still be honored, but it
is possible to take precautions regarding the disclo-
sure of information. For example, it may not be nec-
essary to provide information about why a foreign
national is in detention. Moreover, under no circum-
stances should any information indicating that a foreign
national may have applied for asylum in the United States
or elsewhere be disclosed to that person’s government. The
Department of State can provide more specific guid-
ance in particular cases.

Recordkeeping

Law enforcement agencies should keep written
records sufficient to show compliance with the above
notification requirements. These records should
show all notifications to foreign consular represent-
atives. In addition, in cases in which notification is
at the discretion of the detained foreign national,
these records should show that the foreign national
was informed of the option of consular notification,
the date when the foreign national was so informed,
and whether or not the foreign national requested
that consular officials be notified. If a confirmation
of receipt of notification is available, it should be
saved if possible.

The Department of State from time to time re-
ceives inquiries and complaints from foreign gov-
ernments concerning foreign nationals in detention.
The Department in such cases may request informa-
tion from the relevant law enforcement officials on
whether consular notification was in fact given.
Concerns about consular notification may also be
raised by foreign consular officials directly with the
responsible federal, state, and local officials. Good
recordkeeping will facilitate responding to these in-
quiries and to any consular notification issues that
may be raised in litigation.

Consular Access to Detained Foreign
Nationals

Detained foreign nationals are entitled to com-
municate with their consular officers. Any commu-
nication by a foreign national to his/her consular rep-


AFGHANISTAN
Washington, DC (202) 416-1620; fax (202) 416-1630
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) 213-5134

ANDORRA
New York, NY (212) 750-8064; fax (212) 750-6630

ANGOLA

Washington, DC (202) 785-1156; fax (202) 785-1258
Houston, TX (713) 212-3840; fax (713) 212-3841
New York, NY (212) 861-5656

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) 819-2620; fax (312) 819-2626
Houston, TX (713) 871-8935; fax (713) 871-0639
Los Angeles, CA (323) 954-9155; fax (323) 954-9155
Miami, FL (305) 373-1889; (305) 371-7108

New York, NY (212) 603-0400; fax (212) 541-7746

ARMENIA
Washington, DC (202) 319-1976; fax (202) 319-2982
Beverly Hills, CA (310) 657-6102; fax (310) 657-7419

AUSTRALIA

Washington, DC (202) 797-3000; fax (202) 797-3168
Atlanta, GA (404) 760-3400; fax (404) 760-3401
Chicago, IL (312) 419-1480; fax (312) 419-1499
Honolulu, HI (808) 524-5050; fax (808) 531-5142
Kolonia, Micronesia (691) 320-5448

Los Angeles, CA (310) 229-4800; fax (310) 277- 2258
New York, NY (212) 421-6910

San Francisco, CA (415) 536-1970; fax (415) 536-1982

AUSTRIA

Washington, DC (202) 895-6767; fax (202) 895-6750
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) 337-3500; fax (202) 337-5911

BAHAMAS
Washington, D.C. (202) 319-2660; fax (202) 319-2668
Miami, FL (305) 373-6295; fax (305) 373-6312

New York, NY (212) 421-6420/22; fax (212) 759-2135

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 (212) 867-8435; fax (305) 567-2844

New York, NY (212) 867-8435; fax (212) 986-1030

BELARUS
Washington, DC (202) 986-1604; fax (202) 986-1805
New York, NY (212) 682-5392; fax (212) 682-5491

BELGIUM

Washington, DC (202) 333-6900; fax (202) 333-3079
Atlanta, GA (404) 659-2150; fax (404) 659-8474
Chicago, IL (312) 263-6624; fax (312) 263-4805

Los Angeles, CA (213) 857-1244; fax (213) 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) 469-7343; fax (323) 469-7346

BENIN
Washington, DC (202) 232-6656; fax (202) 265-1996

BHUTAN
New York, NY (212) 826-1919; fax (826-2998

BOLIVIA

Washington, DC (202) 232-4828; fax (202) 232-8017
Miami, FL (305) 670-0709; fax (305) 670-2548

New York, NY (212) 687-0530; fax (212) 687-0532
San Francisco, CA (415) 495-5173; fax (415) 399-8958
St. Louis, MO (3 14) 725-9466; fax (314) 725-9103

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Washington, DC (202) 337-1500; fax (202) 337-1502
New York (212) 751-9018; fax (212) 751-9135

BOTSWANA
Washington, DC (202) 244-4990; fax (202) 244-4164

BRAZIL

Washington, DC (202) 238-2700; fax (202) 238-2827
Chicago, IL (312) 464-0244; fax (312) 464-0299
Houston, TX (713) 961-3063; fax (713) 961-3070


} A bilateral consular convention between the United States and the Mongolian People’s Republic was signed in 1990 and approved.
by the U.S. Senate in August, 1992, but instruments of ratification had not been exchanged and the convention had not entered into
force as of the publication of this brochure.

¥4 Also applicable to Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles.

Treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation, with protocol and exchange of notes, between the United States and The Nether-
lands, signed at The Hague, March 27, 1956; applicable to Suriname as of February 10, 1963, 8 UST 2043.

Treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation with accompanying protocol. Signed at Nanking, November 4, 1946; entered into
force on November 30, 1948, 6 Bevans 761.

7 A treaty of amity and economic relations was in force between the United States and the Republic of Viet-Nam (South Viet-Nam)
from November 30, 1961, until 1967. The status of this agreement, published at 12 UST 1703, remains under review by the United’
States.

18The United States and Vietnam entered into an agreed minute in 1994, in which each side made certain undertakings with respect
to consular relations and the conduct of consular functions.

58


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) 980-9475
San Francisco, CA (415) 392-4214; fax (415) 392-0885

ISRAEL

Washington, D. C. (202) 364-5500; fax (202) 364-3607
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) 358-8111; fax (305) 371-5034

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) 612-4400; fax (202) 518-2151
Boston, MA (617) 542-0483/4; fax (617) 542-3998
Chicago, IL (312) 467-1550/51; fax (312) 467-1335
Houston, TX (713) 850-7520/1; fax (713) 850-9113

Los Angeles, CA (310) 826-5998/3832; fax (310) 820-0727
Miami, FL (305) 374-6322; fax (305) 374-7945

New York, NY (212) 737-9100; fax (212) 249-4945
Philadelphia, PA (215) 592-7329; fax (215) 592-9808

San Francisco, CA (415) 931-4924/292-92 10; fax (415) 931-
7205

JAMAICA

Washington, DC (202) 452-0660; fax (202) 452-0081
Miami, FL (305) 374-8431; fax (305) 577-4970

New York, NY (212) 935-9000; fax (212) 832-0411

JAPAN

Washington, DC (202) 238-6700; fax (202) 328-2187
Agana, Guam (671) 646-1290; fax (671) 649-2620
Anchorage, Alaska (907) 279-8428; fax (907) 279-9271
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) 536-2226; fax (808) 537-3276
Houston, TX (713) 652-2977; fax (713) 651-7822
Kansas City, MO (816) 471-0111; fax (816) 472-4248
Los Angeles, CA (213) 617-6700; fax (213) 617-6727
Miami, FL (305) 530-9090; fax (305) 530-0950

New Orleans, LA (504) 529-2101; fax (504) 568-9847
New York, NY (212) 371-8222; fax (212)) 319-6357
Portland, OR (503) 221-1811; fax (503) 224-8936
Saipan (670) 234-7201; fax (670) 234-8764

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) 966-3110

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, DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S
REPUBLIC OF (NORTH KOREA)

New York, NY (212) 972-3105; fax (212) 972-3154 (U.N.
Mission)

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (SOUTH KOREA)
Washington, DC (202) 939-5634; fax (202) 342-1597
Agana, Guam (671) 647-6488; fax (671) 649-1336
Anchorage, Alaska (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
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

KUWAIT
Washington, DC (202) 966-0702; fax (202) 966-0517

KYRGYZSTAN
Washington, DC (202) 338-5141/42; fax (202) 338-5139

LAOS
Washington, DC (202) 332-6416/17; fax (202) 332-4923

LATVIA
Washington, DC (202) 726-8213; fax (202) 726-6785

LEBANON

Washington, DC (202) 939-6300; (202) 939-6324
Detroit, MI (313) 393-5874

Los Angeles, CA (213) 467-1253; fax (213) 467-2935
New York, NY (212) 744-7905

LESOTHO
Washington, DC (202) 797-5533; fax (202) 234-6815

LIBERIA
Washington, DC (202) 723-0437; fax (202) 723-0436
New York, NY (212) 687-1025


SUDAN
Washington, DC (202) 338-8565; fax (202) 667-2406
New York, NY (212) 421-2680

SURINAME
Washington, D. C. (202) 244-7488; fax (202) 244-5878
Miami, FL (305) 593-2163; fax (305) 599-1034

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
Houston, TX (713) 650-0000; fax (713) 650-1321

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)

Washington, DC (202) 895-1800; fax (202) 363-0999
Agana, Guam (671) 472-5865; fax (671) 472-5869
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
New York, NY (212) 472-7645/744-2196

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

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; fax (312) 263-1449
Houston, TX (713) 622-5849; fax (713) 623-6639
Los Angeles, CA (213) 937-0118; fax (213) 932-0061
New York, NY (212) 949-0160; fax (212) 983-1293

TURKMENISTAN
Washington, DC (202) 588-1500; fax (202) 588-0697

TUVALU (See UNITED KINGDOM)

UGANDA
Washington, DC (202) 726-7100/02

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

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Washington, DC (202) 243-2400; fax (202) 243-2432

UNITED KINGDOM

Washington, DC (202) 588-6500; fax (202) 588-7870
Atlanta, GA (404) 954-7700; fax (404) 954-7702
Boston, MA (617) 248-9555; fax (617) 621-0220
Chicago, IL (312) 346-1810

Cleveland, OH (216) 621-7674

Houston, TX (713) 659-6270; fax (713) 659-7094

Los Angeles, CA (310) 481-0031; fax (310) 481-2960
New York, NY (212) 752-8400; fax (212) 754-3062
San Francisco, CA (415) 981-3030; fax (415) 434-2018

URUGUAY

Washington, DC (202) 331-1313/16; 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) 753-8581; fax (212) 753-1603
Santa Monica, CA (310) 394-5777; fax (310) 394-5140


Country/ vCcCR Bilateral Other Prisoner Child
Jurisdiction Consular Relevant Transfer Abduction
Conventions Agreements Agreements

Seychelles Yes 1951? _- _ -
Sierra Leone _ 1951? _ - _
Singapore _ 1951? - _ _
Slovakia” Yes 1973 — Yes (S) _
Slovenia * Yes _- 1881 Yes (S) Yes
Solomon Islands Yes _— _ _ _
Somalia Yes - - _ -
South Africa Yes - — - Yes
Spain Yes _ 1902 Yes (S) Yes
Sri Lanka _ - _ _ —_
Sudan Yes - _ - _
Suriname Yes 1855 1963 15 _ _
Swaziland _ _ — — —
Sweden Yes 1910 _ Yes (S) Yes
Switzerland Yes 1855 _ Yes (S) Yes
Syria Yes _ 1924°

1944 - -
Taiwan _- - 1946 6 _ _
Tajikistan* Yes 1964 19894

1933 - _
Tanzania Yes 1951? _ - -
Thailand _ _ 1966 Yes (B 1982) -
Togo Yes _ 1966 - -
Tonga Yes 1951? _ _ _
Trinidad and Tobago Yes 1951? _ Yes (S) _
Tunisia Yes 1988 1904 _ _-
Turkey Yes _ 1927 Yes (S;B 1979) -
Turkmenistan? Yes 1964 1989 *

1933 _ -
Tuvalu Yes 1951? _ - _
Uganda _- - _ _ _-
Ukraine? Yes 1964 19894

1933 Yes (S) -
United Arab Emirates Yes _ _- _ -

56


ARABIC

Statement 1:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National’s Option

O) CLA> Cpa sonione gl Mule yoguie AS) pet) Auauroul ory ¥ (dol pel
CaS 13) Bamcall GLY yl yf bas dale daluasd ttes Und! boo gables
5 ob Flat conn re Alig Coe ipluond Jo fire gelociany ad AUS 9 Gud yi
Ma ood Ay 5g wtb Ley Least ly plone ole Jquaodl pd Lib ac Line
Oh Sap wtblg al Creeluonil coolsbual glad! Lea coy) 13) bow!
gM any Jetianall pd Cady gl gd gl Gh jUoS¥I Ne culled
she gl baile eh yuanve | Ngegdg ab Ag) Galion tll pad Jounal
SA Calan tll Caraly faunal sled! Lis oy 53 fe

noe

(8 gl par ple B Ala gady Pe.)

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification is Mandatory

igh Ln lye yaad yaa jUadly thar cuts «cpa ple Lal
aay Aylorio! gl de youll PLU! Ai ad oly 455 pat! Bascal LY yl
gh Geile Ly lund Ipagdy ab lilgal cpapluatll Cyndy fsa! Unde
chet Coe pads ab apily ipptinc Lise quis pple yab cal Ali sh jy
wAaSi Lay Mas y plore cle Jpsconl 1 Oi as Lua gad Lad!
9) (glace sell Jal pykian Alario! lhe (yt Abi sh 3s
Sag Lo & jul

27


Article 36: Communication and
Contact With Nationals of the
Sending State

1. With a view to facilitating the exercise of con-
sular 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 ac-
cess to them. Nationals of the sending State shall
have the same freedom with respect to communica-
tion with and access to consular officers of the send-
ing State;

(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 con-
sular 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 communica-
tion 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 con-
cerned 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, cus-
tody 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. Never-
theless, consular officers shall refrain from taking
action on behalf of a national who is in prison, cus-
tody or detention if he expressly opposes such ac-
tion.

46

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 com-
petent authorities of the receiving State, such authori-
ties 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 with-
out delay of any case where the appointment ofa
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 re-
ceiving State concerning such appointments;

(c) ifa vessel, having the nationality of the send-
ing State, is wrecked or runs aground in the territo-
rial 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 in-
form without delay the consular post nearest to the
scene of the occurrence.


Part One

Basic Instructions

The following pages summarize the basic requirements of consular notification and access in a format
designed to be distributed or posted as readily accessible instructions or notices to all federal, state, or local
officials who may, in the performance of their official functions; have contact with a foreign national in a
situation triggering a requirement to notify the foreign national’s consular officials. Also included are sug-
gested notification statements to be given to a detained foreign national, a suggested fax notification to be
transmitted to a detained foreign national’s consular officials, and samples of identification cards that a
consular official may present when seeking access to a detained foreign national.

These basic instructions and implementation tools, which may be freely photocopied and posted as no-
tices, include:

° Summary of Requirements Pertaining to Foreign Nationals
. Steps To Follow When a Foreign National Is Arrested or Detained
. Mandatory Notification Countries and Jurisdictions
. Suggested Statements to Arrested or Detained Foreign Nationals
1. When Consular Notification is at the Foreign National's Option
2. When Consular Notification is Mandatory
. Suggested Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of Arrests or Detentions
. Consular Identification Cards



SPANISH

Statement 1:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National’s Option

Como no es ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, al ser arrestado
© detenido tiene derecho a pedirnos que notifiquemos a los
representantes consulares de su pais aqui en los Estados
Unidos, si lo desea. Entre otras cosas, un funcionario
consular de su pais puede ayudarle a obtener asesoramiento
legal, ponerse en contacto con su familia y visitarle en la
carcel. Si Ud. desea que notifiquemos a los funcionarios
consulares de su pais, puede solicitarlo ahora o en
cualquier oportunidad en el futuro. Después de que se haya
notificado a los funcionarios consulares de su pais, ellos
podran llamarle o visitarle. ~Desea que notifiquemos a los
funcionarios consulares de su pais?

YES (SI) NO

(Sirvase poner un circulo alrededor de Si o No)

38

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

Debido a su nacionalidad, estamos obligados a notificar a
los representantes consulares de su pais aqui en los
Estados Unidos que Usted ha sido arrestado o detenido.
Después de notificar a sus funcionarios consulares, ellos
podran llamarle o visitarle. Usted no est4 obligado a
aceptar su ayuda, pero ellos pueden ayudarle a obtener
asesoramiento legal, ponerse en contacto con su familia y
visitarle en la caércel, entre otras cosas. Notificaremos a
los funcionarios consulares de su pais tan pronto como sea
posible.


provide consular notification by going through the proce-
dures described in this booklet. The consular notification
procedures are a mechanism to ensure that a foreign gov-
ernment can provide consular assistance to its nationals
who are detained. Once the foreign government's consu-
lar officials are aware of the detention it is not necessary,
for the mere sake of formality, to follow consular notifica-
tion procedures. If the foreign government officials in-
volved are not consular officials, however (e.g., if they are
law enforcement officials), then consular notification pro-
cedures should still be followed.

Q. If we failed to provide consular notification
and the alien has already been released from de-
tention, should we still go through the process of

notification?

A. If the alien is still involved in proceedings related
to the reasons for which he/she was originally detained,
the Department of State would recommend that he/she be
advised of the possibility of consular assistance even if no
longer detained, because consular assistance could still be
useful. If proceedings against the alien have ended, so
that consular assistance is unlikely to have any continu-
ing relevance, the Department does not consider that it is
necessary to provide notification.

Q: What is the remedy if we failed to give con-
sular notification?

A. If the foreign national is still in detention, you
should provide notification as soon as you become aware
that it was not provided. This will ensure that the foreign
government is given the opportunity to provide consular
assistance for the remaining period of detention.

If the Department of State receives a complaint that
consular notification was not provided, it will take appro-
priate action. For example, the Department may request
the relevant facts from the detaining federal, state, or lo-
cal authority; discuss the matter with the foreign govern-
ment involved; apologize on behalf of the Government of
the United States to the concerned foreign government
fora failure to provide consular notification; intervene to
ensure that consular access is permitted; or seek to work
with the involved federal, state, or local detaining offi-
cials to improve future compliance.

Some aliens are attempting to obtain judicial remedies
(such as new trials or sentencing hearings) for failures to
give notification. Others have sought executive clemency.
For further information on these developments, consult
with the appropriate federal or state authorities, or call
the Department of State.

22

Questions About
Consular Access and Assistance

Q. What can we expect a consular officer to do
once notified?

A. A consular officer may do a variety of things to
assist a foreign national. The consular officer may speak
with the detained foreign national over the phone and/or
arrange one or more consular visits to meet with the de-
tainee about his/her situation and needs. A consular of-
ficer may assist in arranging legal representation, moni-
tor the progress of the case, and seek to ensure that the
foreign national receives a fair trial (e.g., by working with
the detainee’s lawyer, communicating with prosecutors,
or observing the trial). The consular officer may speak
with prison authorities about the detainee’s conditions of
confinement, and may bring the detainee reading mate-
rial, food, medicine, or other necessities, if permitted by
prison regulations. A consular officer frequently will be
in touch with the detainee’s family, particularly if they
are in the country of origin, to advise them of the detainee’s
situation, morale, and other relevant information.

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 have only
an Embassy in Washington, D.C., and will rarely be able
to visit their nationals imprisoned in locations remote from
there. Other countries have consulates located in many
major U.S. cities and may regularly perform prison visits
throughout the United States. Each country has discre-
tion in deciding what level of consular services it will ac-
tually provide.

Q. Can we rely on the consular officer to ar-
range for legal counsel?

A. No. If the foreign national has a right to counsel
and requests that he/she be given a court-appointed law-
yer, the usual process of arranging counsel should be fol-
lowed. While a consular officer is permitted to assist in
arranging counsel, the consular officer may or may not
actually choose to take such action.

Q. Is a consular officer entitled to act as legal
counsel for a detained alien?

A. No. Consular officers are not permitted to prac-
tice law in the United States. They may, however, par-
ticipate in litigation as “friends of the court,” and they
may assist an alien and his/her legal counsel in prepara-
tion of the alien's defense.


FRENCH

Statement 1:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National's Option

Si vous étes détenu ou en ¢tat d’arrestation, et ressortissant d’un autre pays que les Etats-Unis,
vous avez le droit de nous demander, si vous le souhaitez, de prévenir le consulat de votre pays
ici aux Etats-Unis. Un représentant consulaire de votre pays peut notamment étre en mesure de
vous aider a obtenir un avocat et peut contacter votre famille et vous rendre visite au cours de
votre détention. Si vous souhaitez que nous prévenions le consulat, vous pouvez le demander
maintenant ou a n’importe quel moment plus tard. Une fois prévenus, les officiers consulaires
Pourront vous appeler ou vous rendre visite. Désirez-vous que nous prévenions votre consulat?
YES NO

OUI NON
(Entourez la réponse correcte)

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory
Si vous étes détenu ou en état d’arrestation, nous sommes tenus, en raison de votre nationalité, de
prévenir le consulat de votre pays ici aux Etats-Unis. . Une fois prévenus, les représentants
consulaires pourront vous appeler ou vous rendre visite Vous n’étes pas obligés d’accepter leur
aide, mais ils peuvent notamment étre en mesure de vous aider a obtenir un avocat, contacter
votre famille et vous rendre visite au cours de votre détention. Nous préviendrons votre consulat

le plus tét possible.


Part Four

Translations of Suggested Statements To Be Made
to Foreign Nationals To Be Arrested or Detained

How To Use the Translations

There appear below, in thirteen different languages commonly used by foreign nationals in the United
States, statements that can be shown to a foreign national who has been arrested or detained and who does
not understand English. There are two statements for each foreign language, which are shown below in
English and on the following pages in translation. Statement 1 is for use if consular notification is at the
foreign national’s discretion, and Statement 2 for use if consular notification is mandatory. These statements
are the same as Statement 1 and Statement 2 on page 7 of this booklet, except that Statement 1 includes an
additional sentence asking the foreign national to circle “yes” or “no” to indicate whether consular notifica-
tion should be made. The words “yes” and “no” then appear in both the foreign language and in English, to
help minimize the possibility of any misunderstanding between the federal, state, or local government offi-

cials and the foreign national. The additional language is shown in italics in Statement 1 as it appears in
English below.

Statement 1:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National's Option

As anon-U.S. citizen who is being arrested or detained, you are entitled to have
us notify your country’s consular representatives here in the United States. A
consular official from your country may be able to help you obtain legal counsel,
and may contact your family and visit you in detention, among other things. If
you want us to notify your country’s consular officials, you can request this noti-
fication now, or at any time in the future. After your consular officials are noti-
fied, they may call or visit you. Do you want us to notify your country’s consular
officials? Please circle “yes” or “no.”

Yes (in foreign language)/Yes (in English) No (in foreign language)/No (in English)

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

Because of your nationality, we are required to notify your country’s consular
representatives here in the United States that you have been arrested or detained.
After your consular officials are notified, they may call or visit you. You are not
required to accept their assistance, but they may be able to help you obtain legal
counsel and may contact your family and visit you in detention, among other
things. We will be notifying your country’s consular officials as soon as possible.


VIETNAMESE

Statement I:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National’s Option

Vi quy vi khéng phdi la céng dan Hoa Ky nén khi bi bat hodic bi cau luu, néu
muén, quy vi c6 quyén yéu cdu ching tdi thong bdo cho dqi dién lanh su vy cla
quy quéc tai Hoa Kj. Ngoai nhing dich vy khdc, nhdn vién IGnh sy vy cia quy
quéc cén c6 thé gidp quy vi fim kiém luGt su, va c6 thé lién hé vai gia dinh cba
quy vi va thdm viéng quy vi tai ndi bi cau Iuu. Néu quy vj mun ching tdi théng
bdo cho nhan vién ldnh sy vy cla quy quéc, quy vi nén yéu cdu ngay bay gid
hodic bat c& ldc ndo trong tudng lai. Sau khi ching 101 thong bdo cho nhan vién
lanh sy vy cla quy vi, ho ¢6 thé sé goi hodc thdm viéng quy vi. Quy vi'cé mudn
ching ti thong bao cho nhén vién ldnh su vu cia quy quéc khong?

YES (CO) NO [KHONG}
Xin khoanh tron CO hodc KHONG

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

Vi quéc tich ca quy vi, ching t6i budc phdi théng bdo cho dai dién lanh su vy
ca quy quéc tai Hoa Ky la quy vi dé bi bat hode bi cu luu. Sau khi ching 16i
théng bao cho nhén vién Idnh sy vy cia quy vi, ho cd thé sé goi hode tham
viéng quy vi. Quy vi khéng bat budc phai nhan sy gitp dé cia ho, nhung ngodi
nhing dich vy khdc, ho cén cé thé gitp quy vi fim kiém luat su, va cd thé lién hé
véi gia dinh cla quy vi va thém viéng quy vi tai noi bi cau luu. Ching tdi sé
théng bao cho nhén vién lanh sy vu cla quy quéc cding sém cang hay.

39


lateral agreement providing for mandatory notification.
The Department also encourages prosecutors to make simi-
lar inquiries. Inquiries such as these will help promote
compliance with the consular notification procedures and
facilitate the provision of consular assistance by foreign
governments to their nationals.

Q. Who is responsible for notification of deaths
and of sea and air wrecks?

A. Notification should be made by the appropriate
state or local authority, be it a coroner or a probate court
official. In cases of serious injury, wrecks, accidents, or
major disasters (such as an airline crash), the competent
authority may vary, but government officials responsible
for such situations should ensure that notification is given
when required.

Q. Who is responsible for notification of ap-
pointments of guardians?

A. Notification should be made by probate court offi-
cials or by representatives of the state or local equivalent
ofan attorney general, or by any other appropriate official
involved in the guardianship process.

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

A. State and local governments must comply with
the consular notification and access obligations because
these obligations are embodied in treaties that are the law
of the land under the Supremacy Clause of the United
States Constitution. The federal government, however,
would be responsible for a dispute with a foreign govern-
ment concerning obligations under the relevant treaties.

Questions About When
Consular Notification Should Be Given

Q. What kinds of detentions are covered by this
obligation?

A. The VCCR provides for informing the foreign
national of the right to consular notification and access if
the national is “arrested or committed to prison or to cus-
tody pending trial or is detained in any other manner.”
While there is no explicit exception for short detentions,
the Department of State does not consider it necessary to
follow consular notification procedures when an alien is
detained only momentarily, e.g., during a traffic stop. On
the other hand, requiring a foreign national to accompany
a law enforcement officer to a place of detention may trig-
ger 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
a reasonable person would conclude that the Article 36
obligation is triggered.

Q. Do we have to inform and notify even when
the detention is only while a traffic citation is writ-
ten, or for a similar brief time?

A. No. The VCCR on its face requires informing a
foreign national that a consular official may be notified
whenever a foreign national is arrested or detained in any
manner, without distinguishing arrests that do not result
in a significant detention. The purpose of this require-
ment, however, is to ensure that a government does not
place an alien in a situation in which the alien cannot
receive assistance from his/her own government. When
an alien is cited and immediately released, this consider-
ation is not relevant because the alien is free to contact
consular officials 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 situation contemplated by the VCCR.

Q. If we have a foreign national detained in a
hospital, do we have to provide consular notifica-
tion?

A. Yes, if the foreign national is detained pursuant to
governmental authority (law enforcement, judicial, or
administrative) and is not free to leave. He/she must be
treated like a foreign national in detention, and appropri-
ate notification must be provided.

Q. Are aliens in immigration detention covered
by the consular notification requirement?

A. Yes, as a general matter. Consular notifica-
tion is provided for in the Immigration and Naturaliza-
tion Service's regulations (8 C.F.R. 236.1(e)). The Depart-
ment of State does not, however, ordinarily consider aliens
who are found inadmissible at a port of entry and required
to remain there until they can depart to be detained within
the meaning of the VCCR. Immigration officials may
permit such aliens access to consular officials as a matter
of discretion, however—e.g., in situations where the de-
tention becomes prolonged because onward transporta-
tion is significantly delayed.

Q. Do I have to give a foreign national consular
notification even if I give the Miranda warning?

A. Yes. Consular notification should not be confused
with the Miranda warning, which is given regardless of
nationality to protect the individual's constitutional rights
against self-incrimination and to the assistance of legal

19


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

NEPAL
Washington, DC (202) 667-4550; fax (202) 667-5534
New York, NY (212) 370-4188; fax (212) 953-2038

NETHERLANDS

Washington, DC (202) 244-5300; fax (202) 362-3430
Chicago, IL (312) 856-0110; fax (312) 856-9218
Houston, TX (713) 622-8000; fax (713) 622-3581
Los Angeles, CA (310) 268-1598; fax (310) 312-0989
Miami, FL (305) 350-5650

New York, NY (212) 246-1429; fax (212) 333-3603

NEW ZEALAND

Washington, D. C. (202) 328-4800; fax (202) 667-5227
Los Angeles, CA (310) 207-1605, fax (310) 207-3605
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) 483-4224-27; fax (202) 483-3169
New York, NY (212) 421-3260; fax (212) 483-3169

NIGERIA

Washington, DC (202) 986-8400; fax (202) 822-1562
Atlanta, GA (770) 394-6261

New York, NY (212) 850-2228; fax (212) 687-1476

NORWAY

Washington, DC (202) 944-8939; fax (202) 337-0870
Houston, TX (713) 521-2900; fax (713) 521-9473
Miami, FL (305) 358-4386; fax (305) 374-4369
Minneapolis, MN (612) 332-3338; fax (612) 332-1386
New York, NY (212) 421-7333; fax (212) 754-0583

San Francisco, CA (415) 986-0766-8; fax (415) 986-3318

OMAN
Washington, DC (202) 387-1980; fax (202) 745-4933

PAKISTAN

Washington, DC (202) 939-6209; fax (202) 232-4142
Los Angeles, CA (310) 441-5114; fax (310) 441-9256
New York, NY (212) 879-5800

PALAU
Washington, DC (202) 452-6814; fax (202) 452-6281

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY MISSION
Washington, DC (202) 255-3332

PANAMA

Washington, DC (202) 483-1407; fax (202) 483-8416
Atlanta, GA (404) 522-4114; fax (404) 522-4120
Houston, TX (713) 622-4451; fax (713) 622-4468
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) 625-4876
San Francisco, CA (415) 391-4268; fax (415) 391-4269
Tampa (813) 251-0316; (813) 831-6685

PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Washington, DC (202) 745-3680; fax (202) 745-3679

PARAGUAY

Washington, DC (202) 483-6960-62; fax (202) 234-4508
Kansas City, KS (913) 281-5252

Los Angeles, CA (818) 907-1959

Miami, FL (305) 374-9090

New Orleans, LA (504) 522-7424

New York, NY (212) 432-0733

PERU

Washington, DC (202) 833-9868; fax (202) 659-8124
Chicago, IL (312) 853-6173; fax (312) 704-6969
Houston, TX (713) 355-9571; fax (713) 781-1739

Los Angeles, CA (213) 252-5910; fax (213) 252-8130
Miami, FL (305) 374-1305; fax (305) 381-6027

New York, NY (212) 481-7410; fax (212) 481-8606
Patterson, NJ (201) 278-2221; fax (201) 278-0254

San Francisco, CA (415) 362-7136; fax (415) 362-2836
San Juan, PR (787) 250-0391; fax (787) 250-0319

PHILIPPINES

Washington, DC (202) 467-9300; fax (202) 328-7614
Chicago, IL (312) 332-6458; fax (312) 332-3657
Honolulu, Hi (808) 595-6316; fax (808) 595-2581

Los Angeles, CA (213) 639-0980; fax (213) 639-0990
New York, NY (212) 764-1330; fax (212) 382-1146
Saipan (670) 234-1848

San Francisco, CA (415) 433-6666; fax (415) 421-2641
Tamuning, Guam (671) 646-4620; (671) 649-1868

POLAND
Washington, DC (202) 232-4517; fax (202) 328-2152
Chicago, IL (312) 337-8166; fax (312) 337-7841


Suggested Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers
of Arrests or Detentions

Date:
Time:

To: Embassy/Consulate of in >
(Country) (City) (State)

Subject: NOTIFICATION OF ARREST/DETENTION OF A NATIONAL OF YOUR COUNTRY

From:
Name:
Office:
Street Address:
City:
State:
ZIP Code:
Telephone: (___)
Fax: (___)

We arrested/detained the following foreign national, whom we understand to be a national of your country,
on >

Mr./Mrs./Ms:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Passport Number:
Date of Passport Issuance:
Place of Passport Issuance:

To arrange for consular access, please call between the hours of

and . Please refer to case number when you call.

Comments:


PORTUGUESE

Statement 1:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National’s Option

Como cidaddo de outro pais que est4 sendo preso ou detido,
cabe-lhe decidir se deseja que notifiquemos os
representantes consulares do seu pais aqui nos Estados
Unidos. Um funcionfério do consulado do seu pais poder&
ajud4-lo a obter assisténcia juridica e entrar em contato
com a sua familia e visitaé-lo durante a sua detengdo, entre
outras coisas. Se é seu desejo que notifiquemos as
autoridades consulares do seu pais, essa notificag&o pode
ser solicitada, agora ou a qualquer momento no futuro. Uma
vez notificadas as autoridades do seu consulado, elas
poderfo cham4-lo ou visité-lo. £ seu desejo que nés
notifiquemos as autoridades consulares do seu pais?

Yes (Sim) No (N&o)

Por favor indique com um circulo se Sim ou Nao.

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

Devido a sua nacionalidade, nés somos obrigados a notificar
os representantes consulares do seu pais aqui nos Estados
Unidos sobre a sua prisdo ou detenc&o. Uma vez notificadas
as autoridades do seu consulado, elas poderdo visit&é-lo. Ndo
se lhe exige que aceite essa assisténcia, mas as autoridades
do seu consulado lhe podem ajudar a obter assessoramento

juridico e entrar em contato com sua familia e visita-lo

durante a sua deten¢gdo, entre outras coisas. Nés
notificaremos as autoridades do seu consulado o mais pronto
possivel.

36


JAPANESE

Statement 1:

When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National's Option

HB, RASHRPORARHRE LT. RAMS
ERBAMPRRIGBRL TL SSREAMHVET. AAD
SIREOCBEIL, HLEMFRACBATSEMITY. b
GiORKRE OBR, SAMRPOSDLEUMT SSORE
EMICKCHSMEMHECA. LLHCIEMAAONSE
AOHRZHAT SORA. SAC. Rick oMRTL.

EOBRRCEET. GEES. BRERA. Hot
BBEMIEY, HSWVSHCLEMATS— EMCEE,
HLTNLAROBBE OMRERSALET A?

YES (IxbY) NO (LYLYA%)

(YES Ris NOFA THOT FEL. )

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

RAMI, HCLOBMRIC, FERAARERRIC HEM
RARIIHKRS CL EBATSLRAHVET. ABB
(SHRERTER, HERIBBEEIEY, HSWSHE
LEBATSCEMCERS, HARES BRORMERT

SURILHVECAM, HELMPRBALBET SFMT,

HLEORKE OER, SHWRPOHLEMMT SSO
BEMoaTKhSPtMnEtA,. CESZEMR<K BAOR
BEIBRLES.

33


Steps To Follow When a Foreign National
Is Arrested or Detained

1.Determine the foreign national’s country. In the absence of other
information, assume this is the country on whose passport or other
travel document the foreign national travels.

2. If the foreign national’s country is not on the mandatory notifica-
tion list on the next page:

¢ Offer, without delay, to notify the foreign national’s consu-
lar officials of the arrest/detention. For a suggested statement
to the foreign national, see page 7 (Statement 1). Translations
of the statement into selected foreign languages are in Part Four
of this booklet.

«If the foreign national asks that consular notification be
given, notify the nearest consular officials of the foreign
national’s country without delay. For phone and fax numbers
for foreign embassies and consulates in the United States, see
Part Six of this booklet. A suggested fax sheet for making the
notification is on page 9.

3. If the foreign national’s country is on the list of mandatory notifica-
tion countries on the next page:

¢ Notify that country’s nearest consular officials, without de-
lay, of the arrest / detention. Phone and fax numbers are in Part
Six, and you may use the suggested fax sheet on page 9 for
making the notification.

* Tell the foreign national that you are making this notifica-
tion. A suggested statement to the foreign national is found on
page 7 (Statement 2), and translations into selected languages
are in Part Four.

4. Keep a written record of the provision of notification and actions
taken.


Summary of Kequirements Pertaining to Foreign Nationals

1. When foreign nationals are arrested or detained, they must be
advised of the right to have their consular officials notified.

2. In some cases, the nearest consular officials must be notified of
the arrest or detention of a foreign national, regardless of the
national’s wishes.

3. Consular officials are entitled to access to their nationals in de-
tention, and are entitled to provide consular assistance.

4. Whena government official becomes aware of the death of a for-
eign national, consular officials must be notified.

5. When a guardianship or trusteeship is being considered with re-
spect to a foreign national who is a minor or incompetent, consu-
lar officials must be notified.

6. Whena foreign ship or aircraft wrecks or crashes, consular offi-
cials must be notified.

These are mutual obligations that also pertain to American citizens abroad.
In general, you should treat a foreign national as you would want an Ameri-
can citizen to be treated in a similar situation in a foreign country. This
means prompt, courteous notification to the foreign national of the possi-
bility of consular assistance, and prompt, courteous notification to the for-
eign national’s nearest consular officials so that they can provide whatever
consular services they deem appropriate.


counsel. Consular notification is given as a result of in-
ternational legal requirements, so that a foreign govern-
ment can provide its nationals with whatever consular
assistance it deems appropriate. You should follow con-
sular notification procedures with respect to detained for-
eign nationals in addition to providing Miranda or other
warnings when required.

Q. If the alien’s government is aware of the case
and helping with our investigation, should we still
go through the process of notification?

A. Yes. It is important to distinguish between a
government's consular officials and other officials, such
as law enforcement officers, who have different functions
and responsibilities. Even if law enforcement officials of
the alien's country are aware of the detention and are help-
ing to investigate the crime in which the alien was alleg-
edly involved, it is still important to ensure that consular
notification procedures are followed.

Questions About How Consular
Notification Should Be Given

Q. How quickly do I need to inform the de-
tainee of the right to consular notification?

A. The VCCR requires that a foreign national be no-
tified “without delay” of the right to consular assistance.
There should be no deliberate delay, and notifica-
tion should occur as soon as reasonably possible
under the circumstances. Once foreign nationality is
known, advising the national of the right to consular no-
tification should follow promptly.

In the case of an arrest followed by a detention, the
Department of State would ordinarily expect the foreign
national to have been advised of the possibility of consu-
lar notification by the time the foreign national is booked
for detention. The Department encourages judicial au-
thorities to confirm during court appearances of foreign
nationals that consular notification has occurred as re-
quired.

Q. Does the notification to the foreign national
have to be in writing?

A. No. You may inform the detainee orally or in
writing. Providing the notification in writing may be
helpful, however, particularly when the foreign national
does not clearly understand English. A sample notifica-
tion statement is on page 7 of this booklet; translations of
the statement into a number of foreign languages are in

20

Part Four. In addition, the Department of State strongly
recommends that a written record of the fact of notifica-
tion be maintained.

Q. If the foreign national requests that consu-
lar officials be notified, how quickly do I have to
do so?

A: This notification should also occur “without de-
lay” after the foreign national has requested that it be made.
The Department of State also considers “without delay”
here to mean that there should be no deliberate delay,
and that notification should occur as soon as rea-
sonably possible under the circumstances. The De-
partment of State would normally expect notification to
consular officials to have been made within 24 hours, and
certainly within 72 hours. On the other hand, the De-
partment does not normally consider notification of ar-
rests and detentions to be required outside of a consulate’s
regular working hours. In some cases, however, it will be
possible and convenient to leave a message on an answer-
ing machine at the consulate or to send a fax even though
the consulate is closed. (If a message is left on an answer-
ing machine, the Department of State encourages a fol-
low-up call during normal business hours to ensure that
it was received.) In addition, in cases of emergencies (such
as deaths or serious accidents), efforts should be made to
contact consular officials outside of normal hours.

Q. In the case of a “mandatory notification”
country, how quickly must the notification be pro-
vided to consular officials?

A. The bilateral agreements that provide for manda-
tory notification use such formulations as “without de-
lay” and “immediately.” A few provide that notification
should occur immediately and not later than within two,
three, or four days. Thus, the same guidance as above
would generally apply: there should be no deliberate
delay, and notification should occur as soon as rea-
sonably possible under the circumstances.

Q. Can we simplify the process by always noti-
fying consular officials, regardless of the alien’s
wishes, instead of worrying about which countries
are “optional” and which are “mandatory”?

A. No. You should not adopt a policy of notifying
consular officers in every case regardless of whether noti-
fication is mandatory. The VCCR provides for giving the
foreign national the option of having consular officials
notified in part because of a concern that some foreign
nationals will not want the fact of their arrest or deten-
tion disclosed unnecessarily. In some cases, a foreign na-


Suggested Statements to
Arrested or Detained Foreign Nationals

Statement 1:
When Consular Notification is at the Foreign National's Option
(For Translations, See Part Two)

As anon-U.S. citizen who is being arrested or detained, you are entitled to have us notify
your country's consular representatives here in the United States. A consular official from
your country may be able to help you obtain legal counsel, and may contact your family and
visit you in detention, among other things. If you want us to notify your country's consular
officials, you can request this notification now, or at any time in the future. After your
consular officials are notified, they may call or visit you. Do you want us to notify your
country's consular officials?

Yes No

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification is Mandatory
(For Translations, See Part Two)

Because of your nationality, we are required to notify your country's consular
representatives here in the United States that you have been arrested or detained. After your
consular officials are notified, they may call or visit you. You are not required to accept their
assistance, but they may be able to help you obtain legal counsel and may contact your
family and visit you in detention, among other things. We will be notifying your country's
consular officials as soon as possible.


CHINESE

Statement 1:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National’s Option

HEAR BA RRR S Fl OH, ARERR PER
RNBORKABRARERHRR. KABMBH AW A HH
HRA, BORARAURAMERURSS.
RRA BRN BRA YE, RT UD ae Le te fT
RB MR. CRA yl ES Bl SE Pe A OR Ta eR OB
Up ir BRA RB OY ED

4 B (YES) 4% B (NO)

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

HTRAES, RUREEREMRABRRANATER RE
BRR RA RS Bl) GH. ABMS BE ee 7D
BUTE ERARRAR. FERRE SAT, ER HA
TOP RRAE EHH, BRRAKA, URRMEHRIRS
S. MAR RMR RE HEE i.

28


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



Country/ vccR Bilateral Other Prisoner Child
Jurisdiction Consular Relevant Transfer Abduction
Conventions Agreements Agreements
Cameroon Yes _- - _ -
Canada Yes 1935 _ Yes (S; B 1977) Yes
Cape Verde Yes - — _ _
Central African _ _— - _ _
Republic
Chad _ _ _— — _
Chile Yes _ 1833 _ Yes
China Yes 1979 a aa _
1980
1981
Colombia Yes 1850 1846 - Yes
Comoros _ _ = _ =
Congo (Brazzaville) — — ~ — —
Congo (Kinshasa) Yes _ _ _ —_
(formerly Zaire)
Costa Rica Yes 1948 1851 - _
Cote d'Ivoire _ _ — = _
(Ivory Coast)
Croatia * Yes _ 1881 Yes (S) Yes
Cuba Yes 1926 _ _ -
Cyprus Yes 1951? _ Yes (S) Yes
Czech Republic” Yes 1973 - Yes (S) _
Denmark Yes _ 19518 Yes (S) Yes
Djibouti Yes _ _ — —
Dominica Yes 1951? _ _ _
Dominican Republic Yes =_ — — —
Ecuador Yes _ 1839 _ Yes
Egypt Yes _ _ — _
El Salvador Yes — _ _ -
Equatorial Guinea Yes _ _ — —
Eritrea Yes _ _ _ _
Estonia Yes _ 1925 Yes (S) _—
Ethiopia _ - 1951 _ _
Fiji Yes 1951? _ _ _
1972
Finland Yes =_ 1934 Yes (S) Yes
1953

52


=
|

CONSULAR
IDENTIFICATION CARD
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF STATE Photo u = The bearer shallbe treated with due reepect and a notice of viotstion

women RU-68-4761-51 fhe pce) may beleeued. Chit of Protocot
exes 06/30/92 oa earantes LAW ENFORCEMENT INQUIRIES SHOULD
erect enn 03/19/68 BEDIRECTED To 202 6.1008 FROM
nue JOHN.P. SMITH ~ SAMPLE ~ : {aon ea BIZ AT ALL OTHER TIMES,
rme CONSUL, GENERAL

PISS

}

to immunity for official apis only.

Red bordered cards are issued to career consular ot

Bh: ¥ ai
incorsetonal aw shal not be omenstiojrodion wih spect
to acts performed in the exercise of consular functions. This

oft  severted before, and proven to, the appropriate:
miorties. The bearer fet immune from areet or the

Chiet of Protoco!

=
7
f

CONSULAR
IDENTIFICATION CARD
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF STATE

wuwmen RU-B5-4567-51

comes 06/30/91

pate or anim 03/19/50

name SBAN L, GREENE - SAMPLE -
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

LAW ENFORCEMENT INQUIRIES SHOULD
‘BE DIRECTED TO (202) 647-1985 FROM

‘BAM TO SPM AND Department of State
(202) 647-2482 AT ALL OTHER TIMES. Washington, D¢ 20520

SSSR]

SIOWATURE (NOT VALID UNLESS SIONED)

q
y
4
y
6
;
j
j
4
4
4
4

accordance: agreement, this person enjoys immunity
‘ONSULAI trom crminsfeatchon, The bearer shah tat be hate sry for
of erreet oF detention, but may be given # notice of violation.
IDENTIFICATION CARD £333 “The beerer shalibe ive and a
UNITED STATES ale taken prevent any attack on bearer person, freedom,

PAR 4 u
DEPARTMENT OF STATE . Chiat of Protocot

suwaen RUW75~1238-51
exmnes 06/30/92 ; welbmnccten Yo ae sa 1008 ROA
NTE AND

Dare or ommn 04/26/40 . Suro sressten ‘OTHER TIMES.

=

CONSULAR
IDENTIFICATION CARD

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF STATE

mowecn  BY=65°6789751

SESSA SONATA,



United States Department of State IDENTIFIC ‘ATION C ARDS &

Office of Protocol
The United States Department of State, Office of Protocol, issues identification documents to foreign government personnel who are entitled
to immunity. Samples of the ID's are provided here. Because there are different degrees of immunity, law enforcement officers should read
carefully identification cards presented to them. Questions regarding an individual's status or immunity should be referred during working hours
to the Office of Protocol, 202/647-1985; after hours to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, 202/647-7277.

This parson has been duly notitie othe Doparimant of Stata and

under
‘The bearer shail not be lable to any form of arrest or detention, but
may be given a notice of violation.

DIPLOMATIC
IDENTIFICATION CARD

UNITED STATES “Tha beerer shellbe treated with dve reepect and al appropriate steps
DEPARTMENT OF STATE Sate akon prover arrest ont bewer spre, reson

muwwen RUe85-4571-51

exrmes 96/30/92

pareor ona 03/09/42

peak Dd. BARRIS — SAMPLE -

SSS SSCS

Blue bordered cards are issued to diplornatic cer and thei familie. sreenited
| sry and ia mnie : bt

— ‘Ths person hes been duly notified tothe Department ot eon,
UNITED STATES ‘ E . tnaee rom cree
DEPARTMENT OF STATE tA Seems vaaiebary on reno tenon Pat
Diplomatic Identification Card ;

UNITED NATIONS

SORA

‘Tha person hes been duly notified to the Department of State and
under International erininal
‘The bearer shall not be Hable to any form of arrest of detention, but

Sa

OFFICIAL
IDENTIFICATION CARD

‘SIONATUAE (NOT VALI UNLESS S'GNED)

6

4 4 may be given a notice of

g 9 The bearer shall be treated with due belles ealyaboreed
4 DEPARTMENT OF STATE H stage taton aprovent ayes cn saerabtinagl

g % Prexwcol

A) swnocn RU: 4

cones s/s 92 a al ighareeeanones ay? 1 FOUND, RETURN TO:
cro ee i Ripncenners, Samet,
5 feta postage quiartoed
5 y

4 i

H. 4

Green bordered cards are issued to embassy administrative and technical staff employees and their families.
This card signifies that the bearer is entitled to full criminal immunity and may not be arrested or detained.

This person hae bean uly notified to the Department sf Sate

under Intemational law from jurtediction ah
OFFICIAL -ARD pers . imapct iat peomes aye cure H faci sion Te am
IDENTIFICATION C sek Serena
DEPARTMENT OF STATE E ‘ . Chiet of Protocol
muwaeR wigs hhs) 5
4 ENFORCEMENT INQUIRES “OUND, TO:
corves 08/3909 He 2 : WIRES aeRO” Suma tt
ATE OF BT op20 fae ‘SAM TO SPM EASTERN Ti Department of State
cies (Goer 2012 ATALL OTMER TES. Washington, DC 20620
Return postage guaranteed
S1QNATURE (NOT VALID UNLESS SIGNED)

Green bordered cards are issued to embassy service staff employees. This card signifies that the bearer is
entitled to immunity for official acts only.


LIBYA
New York, NY (212) 752-5775; fax (212) 593-4787

LIECHTENSTEIN
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) 397-0885
New York, NY (212) 354-7849; fax (212) 354-7911

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

MACEDONIA, THE FORMER YUGOSLAV
REPUBLIC OF

Washington, DC (202) 337-3063; fax (202) 337-3093
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

MALAWI
Washington, DC (202) 797-1007; fax (202) 265-0976

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 (UN
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 (202) 234-5414; fax (202) 232-3236

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; fax (505) 842-9490
Atlanta, GA (404) 688-3258; fax (404) 266-2309
‘Austin, TX (512) 478-2866; fax (512) 478-8008
Boston, MA (617) 426-4181; fax (617) 695-1957
Brownsville, TX (210) 542-2051; fax (210) 542-7267
Calexico, CA (760) 357-3863; fax (760) 357-6284
Chicago, IL (312) 855-1380; fax (312) 855-9257
Corpus Christi, TX (512) 882-3375; fax (512) 882-9324
Dallas TX (214) 630-7341; fax (214) 630-3511

Del Rio, TX (512) 755-2352; fax (512) 775-9451
Denver, CO (303) 331-1110; (303) 830-2655

Detroit, MI (313) 964-4515; fax (313) 964-4522

Eagle Pass, TX (830) 773-9255; fax (830) 773-9397

El Paso, TX (915) 533-3644; fax (915) 532-7163
Fresno, CA (559) 233-9770; fax (559) 233-6156
Houston, TX (713) 271-6800; fax (713) 271-3201
Laredo, TX (956) 723-6369; fax (956) 723-1741

Los Angeles, CA (213) 351-6800; fax (213) 383-4927
McAllen, TX (956) 686-0243/44; fax (956) 686-4901
Miami, FL (305) 716-4977; fax (305) 593-2758
Midland, TX (915) 687-2334; fax (915) 687-3952
New Orleans, LA (504) 522-3596; fax (504) 525-2332
New York, NY (212) 217-6400; fax (212) 545-8197
Nogales, AZ (520) 287-2521; fax (602) 287-3175
Orlando, FL (407) 422-0514; fax (402) 733-4123
Oxnard, CA (805) 483-4684

Philadelphia, PA (215) 922-4262; fax (215) 923-7281
Phoenix, AZ (602) 242-7398; fax (602) 242-2957
Portland, OR (503) 274-1442; fax (503) 274-1540
Presidio, TX (915) 229-2788; fax (915) 229-2792
Raleigh, NC (919) 754-0046

Saint Louis, (314) 436-3065; (314) 436-2695
Sacramento, CA (916) 441-3287; fax (916) 441-3176
Salt Lake City, UT (801) 521-8502 fax (801) 521-0534
San Antonio, TX (210) 227-1085; fax (210) 227-1817
San Bernadino, CA (714) 889-9836; fax (714) 889-8285
San Diego, CA (619) 231-8414 fax (619) 231-4802
San Francisco, CA (415) 392-5554; fax (415) 392-3233
San Jose, CA (408) 294-34 14; fax (408) 294-4506

San Juan, PR (787) 764-0258; fax (787) 250-0042
Santa Ana, CA (714) 835-3069; fax (714) 835-3472
Seattle, WA (206) 448-3526; fax (206) 448-4771

St. Louis, MO (314) 436-3233; fax (314) 436-2695
Tucson, AZ (602) 882-5595; fax (602) 882-8959

MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF
Washington, DC (202) 223-4383; fax 202-223-4391

MOLDOVA
Washington, DC (202) 667-1130; fax (202) 667-1204

MONACO
New York, NY (212) 286-0500; fax (212) 286-1574

MONGOLIA
Washington, DC (202) 333-7117; fax (202) 298-9227

MOROCCO
Washington, DC (202) 462-7982; fax (202) 265-0161


Dominica.
Fiji.

and, in any event, not later than after three calen-
dar days.

Consular Convention (with Czechoslovakia), TIAS
11083, Article 36, paragraph 1 (signed 1973; entered
into force 1987)

See the text for the United Kingdom.
See the text for the United Kingdom.

Gambia, The. See the text for the United Kingdom.

Georgia. See the text for the U.S.S.R.

Ghana. See the text for the United Kingdom.
Grenada. See the text for the United Kingdom.
Guyana. See the text for the United Kingdom.

Hong Kong. [f @ national of the sending State is ar-

Hungary.

Jamaica.

rested or placed under any form of detention within
the consular district, the competent authorities of
the receiving State shall immediately, but no later
than within four days from the date of arrest or de-
tention, notify the consulate of the sending State.
If it is not possible to notify the consulate of the
sending State within four days because of commu-
nications difficulties, they should try to provide no-
tification as soon as possible.

Agreement on the Maintenance of the United
States Consulate General in the Hong Kong Spe-
cial Administrative Region of March 15, 1997, para-
graph 3(f)(2), and related agreed minute (identical
language in agreement with China)

In any case where a national of the send-
ing State has been placed under detention pending
trial or subjected to any other deprivation of per-
sonal liberty, the competent authorities of the re-
ceiving State shall notify the appropriate consulate
of the sending State accordingly. Notification shall
be made without delay and in any event within three
days.

Consular Convention, 24 UST 1141, Article 41,
paragraph (1) (signed 1972; entered into force 1973)

See the text for the United Kingdom.

Kazakhstan. See the text for the U.S.S.R.

Kiribati.

Kuwait.

48

See the text for the United Kingdom.
See the text for the United Kingdom.

Mauritius.
Moldova.
Mongolia.

Nigeria.
Philippines. Consular Officers of either High Con-

Poland.

Romania.

Kyrgyzstan. See the text for the U.S.S.R.
Malaysia.

Malta.

See the text for the United Kingdom.
See the text for the United Kingdom.
See the text for the United Kingdom.
See the text for the U.S.S.R.

If a citizen of the sending country is ar-
rested or detained in any manner, the authorities of
the receiving state shall, within 72 hours, notify the
consular post or embassy of the arrest or detention
of the person and permit within 24 hours of such
notification access by a consular officer of the send-
ing state to the citizen who is under arrest or de-
tained in custody.

Memorandum of Understanding, TIAS 11457, para-
graph 3 (signed 1987; entered into force 1987)

See the text for the United Kingdom.

tracting Party shall be informed immediately when-
ever nationals of their country are under detention
or arrest or in prison or are awaiting trial in their
consular districts and they shall, upon notification
to the appropriate authorities, be permitted without
delay to visit and communicate with any such na-
tional.

Consular Convention, 11 Bevans 74, Article VII,
paragraph 2 (signed 1947; entered into force 1948)

The appropriate authorities of the receiv-
ing State shall immediately inform a consular of-
ficer of the sending State of the detention or arrest of
any national of the sending State who has not been
admitted to a permanent residence in the receiving
State. In the case of the detention or arrest of a na-
tional of the sending State who has been admitted to
permanent residence in the receiving State, the ap-
propriate authorities of the receiving State on the
request of such national, shall immediately inform a
consular officer of the sending State of such deten-
tion or arrest.

Consular Convention, 24 UST 1231, Article 29,
paragraph 2 (signed 1972; entered into force 1973)

In all instances when a national of the
sending state is placed under any form of depriva-
tion or limitation of personal freedom, the compe-
tent authorities of the receiving state shall inform
the consular establishment of the sending state with-


POLISH

Statement 1:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National's Option

Jako osoba nie bedaca obywatelem USA, ktora zostaje aresztowana lub
zatrzymana, ma Pan(i) prawo do tego - jesli sobie tego Pan(i) zyczy -
abySmy powiadomili przedstawicieli konsularnych Pana(i) kraju tutaj w
Stanach Zjednoczonych. Urzednik konsulamy Pana(i) kraju moze
migdzy innymi byé w stanie poméc Panu(i) w uzyskaniu porady
prawnej oraz moze powiadomié Pana(i) rodzing oraz odwiedzié
Pana(iq) w areszcic. Jeéli chcialby Pan(i), abySmy powiadomili
urzednikéw konsulamych Pana(i) kraju, to moze Pan(i) poprosié o takie
powiadomienie teraz lub w dowolnej chwili w przyszlosci. Po
powiadomieniu urzednikéw konsularnych Pana(i) kraju, beda oni mogli
zadzwonié lub odwiedzié Pana(iq). Czy chce Pan(i), abySmy
powiadomili urzgdnikéw konsularnych Pana(i) kraju?

Yes Tak No Nie

(Prosze zakreSlié Tak lub Nie)

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

Ze wzgledu na Pana(i) narodowosé, mamy obowiazck powiadomié
przedstawicieli konsularnych Pana(i) kraju tutaj w Stanach
Zjednoczonych o tym, ze zostal Pan(i) aresztowany lub zatrzymany. Po
powiadomieniu urzgdnikéw konsularnych Pana(i) kraju, bedq oni mogli
zadzwonié lub odwiedzié Pana(ia). Nie ma Pan obowiazku przyjaé ich
pomocy, ale moga migdzy innymi byé oni w stanie poméc Panu(i) w
uzyskaniu porady prawnej i moga powiadomi¢ Pana(i) rodzing oraz
odwiedzié Pana(iq) w areszcie. Mozliwie jak najszybcie} powiadomimy
urz¢dnikéw konsularnych Pana kraju.


Country/ vCCR Bilateral Other Prisoner Child
Jurisdiction Consular Relevant Transfer Abduction
Conventions Agreements Agreements

France Yes 1968 _ Yes (S; B 1983) Yes
Gabon Yes - _ _ -
Gambia, The _- 1951? _ _- _
Georgia? Yes 1964 1989 ¢

1933 Pending (S) _
Germany Yes — 1923

1953 Yes (S) Yes
Ghana Yes 1951? - _ _
Greece Yes 1902 a Yes (S) Yes
Grenada Yes 1951? - _ _
Guatemala Yes _- 1849 _ _
Guinea Yes _ - _ _
Guinea-Bissau _ _ _ —- _
Guyana Yes 1951? - _ -
Haiti Yes _ _ _ _
Holy See Yes ~ _ - _-
Honduras Yes - 1927 _ Yes
Hong Kong Yes _ 1997 Pending (B) Yes
Hungary Yes 1972 _ Yes (S) Yes
Iceland Yes _ _ Yes (S) Yes
India Yes - _ — —
Indonesia Yes - -_ - _
Tran Yes - 1955 _ _
Iraq Yes - _— _ _
Ireland Yes 1950 _ Yes (S) Yes

1952

Israel _ - 1951 Pending (S) Yes
Italy Yes 1878 _ Yes (S) Yes
Jamaica Yes 1951? - _ _
Japan Yes 1963 1953 _ _
Jordan Yes _ _— _ _
Kazakhstan? Yes 1964 1989 *

1933 _ =
Kenya Yes _ _ _ _
Kiribati Yes 1951? - _ _
Korea, North Yes _ _ _ _

53


KOREAN

Statement 1:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National’s Option

Se yosWes AX +S Sol Me Set Talo] a
eos, use] Messe) Jz Wx] 'FRUT US
th walel Bate Ass} AM] ESS SF You,
Sa ASel7] SHAFT Galo] 74H SMES SUT A
HU Felt SAl eto] gat Belol7] SB was a
aoa, Ag EE 4S] THUY Aes UF Med F
slo] SARE SE QPF] BAe APES SS YE
se ae M4. Pet Sal H7be] Pareja Fw
at AS gay? ul (YES) of 2
(NO) ers sto] Seo] BS BA] 4] 2)

34

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

Sle] HA Veo, oso] Ae Fal ets] Yard zl
Al a AZ. SHS USES SR AES FH UU.
sae) SAt Bele SRS BT BA Ae SE PES
ae ASU. BAe 2S9] SRS AGE UO, 2S
NSA Ags At ES, Sol Ae SR Taw Bal
ai Wet Ye SS SP URSUT. 7s St Be] Fale] Yat
BES SR ssc.


Mandatory Notification Countries and Jurisdictions

Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas, The
Barbados
Belarus
Belize

Brunei
Bulgaria
China!

Costa Rica

Cyprus
Czech Republic
Dominica
Fiji

Gambia, The
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
Hong Kong”
Hungary
Jamaica
Kazakhstan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Malaysia
Malta

‘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.

2 Hong Kong reverted to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997,
and is now officially referred to as the Hong Kong Special Ad-
ministrative Region, or “SAR.” Under paragraph 3(f)(2) of the
March 25, 1997, U.S.-China Agreement on the Maintenance of
the U.S. Consulate General in the Hong Kong Special Adminis-
trative Region, U.S. officials are required to notify Chinese offi-
cials of the arrest or detention of the bearers of Hong Kong pass-

Mauritius

Moldova

Mongolia

Nigeria

Philippines

Poland (non-permanent residents only)
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 Kingdom?
USSR!
Uzbekistan

Zambia

Zimbabwe

ports in the same manner as is required for bearers of Chinese
passports —i.e., immediately, and in any event within four days
of the arrest or detention.

3 British dependencies also covered by this agreement are
Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Montserrat, and the
Turks and Caicos Islands. Their residents carry British pass-
ports.

4 Although the U.S.S.R. no longer exists, some nationals of its
successor states may still be traveling on its passports. Manda-
tory notification should be given to consular officers for all na-
tionals of such states, including those traveling on old U.S.S.R.
passports. The successor states are listed separately above.


Q. Do I have to permit a consular officer to have
access to a detainee?

A. Yes. 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. The
consular officer must refrain from taking action on behalf
of the foreign national if so requested by the national, how-
ever.

Q. Are consular officers entitled to visit when-
ever they want to?

A. No. Law enforcement authorities may make rea-
sonable regulations about the time, place, and manner of
consular visits to detained foreign nationals. Those regu-
lations cannot, however, be so restrictive that the purpose
of consular assistance is defeated. These matters are ad-
dressed in Article 36 of the VCCR. The Department urges
law enforcement authorities to grant foreign consular of-
ficials liberal access to detained persons, granting the con-
sular 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. If the consular officer questions having to
follow a particular security rule, the consular officer should
be advised to address the question 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. Can a consular officer be subject to search
prior to visiting a prisoner?

A. Yes. Even though a consular officer has certain
privileges and immunities, the officer must comply with
applicable prison security rules. On the other hand, be-
cause a consular officer is entitled to be treated with re-
spect, any search of a consular officer should not be un-
necessarily intrusive.

Q. Isaconsular officer entitled to meet privately
with a detained foreign national?

A. Yes, asa general rule. The VCCR entitles consu-
lar officers to converse with their nationals. It does not
explicitly state that such conversations may be private,

but some of the bilateral agreements do contain such ex-
plicit requirements. The Department of State believes that
consular officers should normally be able to converse in
private. This does not mean, however, that the conversa-
tion cannot be observed for security reasons.

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. Is there a guiding principle I can follow in
providing consular access?

A. Yes. Remember, always, that these are mutual
obligations. In general, you should permit a consular of-
ficer the same access to a foreign national that you would
want an American consular officer to have to an Ameri-
can citizen in a similar situation in a foreign country.

Questions About Contacting
the Department of State

Q. Do we need to notify the U.S. Department
of State when we detain a foreign national?

A. No. Your obligations are to inform the detainee of
the right to consular notification, and to make the notifi-
cation to the detainee’s embassy or consulate if the de-
tainee requests or if the detainee is from a “mandatory
notification” country. You do not need to inform the State
Department about the detention, and in fact we generally
prefer that you not do so, since informing the State De-
partment often causes confusion about whether the for-
eign consulate has been informed properly in a timely
manner. On the other hand, it may be appropriate to in-
form us of unusual cases, provided that this is not done in
lieu of making any required notification to a foreign con-
sulate. Also, if you have questions about the VCCR con-
sular notification obligation or related matters, the De-
partment stands ready to help with information and ad-
vice.

Q. How can I get answers to other questions?

A. Additional inquiries may be directed to the Office
of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Consular Affairs,
L/CA, Room 5527A, U.S. Department of State, Wash-
ington, D.C. 20520; telephone number 202-647-4415;
facsimile number 202-736-7559. Urgent telephone in-
quiries after regular business hours may be directed to the
State Department Operations Center, 202-647-1512.

23


GAMBIA, THE
Washington, DC (202) 785-1399; fax (202) 785-1430

GEORGIA
Washington, DC (202) 387-2390; fax (202) 393-6060

GERMANY

Washington, DC (202) 298-8140; fax (202) 298-4249
Atlanta, GA (404) 659-4760-62; fax (404) 659-1280
Boston, MA (617) 536-4414; fax (617) 536-8573
Chicago, IL (312) 580-1199; fax (312) 580-0099
Detroit, MI (313) 962-6526; fax (313) 962-7345
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) 308-8700; fax (212) 308-3422
San Francisco, CA (415) 775-1061; fax (415) 775-0187
Seattle, WA (206) 682-4312; fax (206) 682-3724

GHANA
Washington, DC (202) 686-4520; fax (202) 686-4527
New York, NY (212) 832-1300; fax (212) 751-6743

GREECE

Washington, DC (202) 232-8222; fax (202) 939-5824
Atlanta, GA (404) 261-3391/3313; 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 (504) 523-1167; fax (504) 524-3610
New York, NY (212) 988-5500; fax (212) 734-8492
San Francisco, CA (415) 775-2103; fax (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) 443-4830
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) 483-9420; fax (202) 483-8688

GUINEA-BISSAU
Washington, DC (301) 947-3958; fax (301) 947-3958
New York, NY (212) 338-9380 or 94; fax (212) 573-6094

GUYANA
Washington, DC (202) 265-6900/01; 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
Chicago, IL (312) 922-4004; fax (312) 922-7122

Miami, FL (305) 859-2003/06; fax (305) 223-1641

New York, NY (212) 697-9767; fax (212) 949-7966

San Juan, PR (809) 764-1392; fax (809) 764-3 109

HOLY SEE
Washington, D. C. (202) 333-7121; fax (202) 337-4036

HONDURAS

Washington, DC (202) 737-2972; fax (202) 737-2907
Chicago, IL (773) 342-8289; fax (773) 342-8293

Houston, TX (713) 622-7911; fax (713) 622-6540

Los Angeles, CA (213) 383-9244/9317; fax (213) 383-9306
Miami, FL (305) 447-6948/6375; fax (305) 447-9036

New Orleans, LA (504) 522-3118; fax (504) 523-0544
New York, NY (212) 269-3611-12; fax (212) 509-8391

San Francisco, CA (415) 392-0076; fax (415) 292-6726

HONG KONG (See CHINA)

HUNGARY

Washington, DC (202) 362-6730; fax (202) 966-8135
Los Angeles, CA (310) 473-9344; fax (310) 479-6443
New York, NY (212) 752-0669; fax (212) 755-5986

ICELAND*

Washington, DC (202) 265-6653; fax (202) 265-6656

New York, NY (212) 593-2700; fax (212) 593-6269
*Note: Call the New York number for foreign nationals that are

arrested/detained in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and

Rhode Island; all others call the Washington, DC number.

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) 879-7800; 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

TRAN
Washington, DC (202) 965-4990

IRAQ
Washington, DC (202) 483-7500; fax (202) 462-5066


ing and assisting nationals... of the sending State”,
“safeguarding the interests of nationals . . . of the
sending State in cases of succession mortis causa in
the territory of the receiving State...” , and “safe-
guarding ... the interests of minors and other per-
sons lacking full capacity who are nationals of the
sending State, particularly where any guardianship
or trusteeship is required with respect to such per-

sons.

The special importance of providing assistance
to citizens who are arrested or detained is reflected
in the fact that these issues are addressed, addition-
ally, in Article 36 of the VCCR. To facilitate the for-
eign government's ability to protect its nationals in
these circumstances, Article 36(1)(b) of the VCCR
provides that a detained person must be informed
that consular officials of his/her country may be
notified about the detention. If the detainee “so re-
quests,” the consular officials must be notified of the
detention. Article 36(1)(c) provides for access to de-
tainees by consular officials.

The special needs for government assistance in
cases of death, vulnerability due to incompetence,
and major accidents are also reflected in the VCCR
by giving these matters additional treatment, in Ar-
ticle 37. Article 37 provides expressly for consular
notification in the situations it addresses.

The full text of Articles 5, 36, and 37 of the VCCR
are reproduced below.

Bilateral Agreements

As noted above, prior to the VCCR the United
States entered into numerous treaties with specific
countries to address the conduct of consular rela-
tions. We have done fewer such treaties since the
United States ratified the VCCR, but may still enter
into a bilateral consular treaty if special circum-
stances suggest the need for an agreement in addi-
tion to, or in lieu of, the VCCR. (The United States
has also entered into a small number of non-binding
memoranda of understanding, in which goals and
principles relatings to consular assistance have been
set forth.)

Importantly, some of our bilateral consular agree-
ments require that consular officials be notified of
the arrest and/or detention of one of their nationals
regardless of their national’s request. These are com-

monly called “mandatory notification agreements”
and the countries to which they pertain are called
“mandatory notification countries.” They are listed
on page 5 in this booklet, and the text of the manda-
tory notification provisions is reproduced below.
While the mandatory notification requirement per-
tains to over 50 countries, it flows from a much
smaller number of treaties. This is because, under
international law principles relating to successor
states, a treaty that applied to a country when it was
part of another country may in some circumstances
continue to apply to that country when it becomes
independent. Thus, one of the mandatory notifica-
tion agreements now applies to two countries? an-
other applies to 32 countries, and a third applies to
12 countries.*

Note that the United States is party to many bi-
lateral agreements that do not contain “mandatory
notification” provisions but that nevertheless con-
tain other important provisions relevant to the pro-
vision 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).

The large number of bilateral agreements and the
many variations in their provisions makes it unreal-
istic to include any of their text other than the man-

? The Czech Republic and Slovakia are covered by the Consular
Convention between the United States of America and the
Czechoslovak Socialist Republic (signed 1973; entered into force
1987), TIAS 11083.

3 Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brunei, Cyprus,
Dominica, Fiji, The 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, the United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimba-
bweare covered by the Consular Convention Between the United
States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland (signed1951; entered into force 1952), 3 UST
3426. British dependencies also covered by this agreement are
Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Montserrat, and the
Turks and Caicos Islands. Their residents carry British pass-
ports.

* Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan,
Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and
Uzbekistan are covered by the Consular Convention between
the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics (signed 1964; entered into force 1968), 19 UST 5018.

43


datory notification provisions in this booklet. The
most commonly referred to agreements relevant to
the provision of consular services are listed below,
however, under the heading “Agreements Pertain-
ing to Consular Functions.”

Customary International Law

While the field of consular relations is now largely
occupied by the treaties discussed above, the United
States still looks to customary international law as a
basis for insisting upon adherence to the right of con-
sular notification, even in the case of countries not
party to the VCCR or any relevant bilateral agree-
ment. Consular notification is in our view a univer-
sally accepted, basic obligation that should be ex-
tended even to foreign nationals who do not benefit
from the VCCR or from any other applicable bilat-
eral agreement. Thus, in all cases, the minimum re-
quirements are to notify a foreign national who is
arrested or detained that the national’s consular of-
ficials may be notified upon request; to so notify con-
sular officials if requested; and to permit consular
officials to provide consular assistance if they wish
to do so.

Basis for Implementation

The obligations of consular notification and ac-
cess are binding on states and local governments as
well as the federal government, primarily by virtue
of the Supremacy Clause in Article VI of the United
States Constitution, which provides that “all Trea-
ties made, or which shall be made, under the Au-
thority 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
United States v. Arlington, 669 F.2d 925 (4th Cir.), cert.
denied, 459 U.S. 801 (1982).

44

Customary international law—the basis for con-
sular notification and access obligations in the ab-
sence of any treaty—is also binding on federal, state,
and local authorities in these circumstances (where
there is no controlling contrary federal authority).

The obligations of consular notification and ac-
cess are not codified in any federal statute. Imple-
menting legislation is not necessary (and the VCCR
and bilateral agreements are thus “self-executing”)
because executive, law enforcement, and judicial au-
thorities can implement these obligations through
their existing powers.

Implementation can be directly on the basis of
the relevant treaties and written guidance such as
this booklet. 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 police departments incorporate instructions on
consular notification into their local manuals. The
Department of State encourages local law enforce-
ment entities to develop practical guidance based on
the instructions in this booklet or to adapt the five
pages of “basic instructions” at the front of this book-
let for general distribution to law enforcement offic-
ers in the field.

It is also open to government entities to adopt
laws or regulations for the purpose of implement-
ing these obligations. The Immigration and Natu-
ralization Service has adopted such regulations,
which are published in the Code of Federal Regula-
tions, Title 8, Section 236.1(e).

AE

Inquiries on this subject may be directed to the
Office of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Consular
Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC.
20520; telephone number: 202-647-4415; facsimile
number: 202-736-7559.


Part Six: Foreign Embassies and Consulates in the
United States (as of January 2003)

The following information provides the short-form name of the country, followed by telephone
and fax numbers as available to the Department of State in January 2003. Consular notification should be
made to the listed location nearest to the place of arrest or detention. Washington, DC information is
generally for embassies to the United States; numbers for other locations are for consular offices outside
of Washington or, in the case of some countries without embassies or consular offices in the United
States, for the country's mission to the United Nations in New York. Corrections to the listed numbers
may be provided to the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Public Affairs and
Policy Coordination, telephone 202-647-4415; facsimile 202-736-7559.

In a few instances an entity that is not recognized as a country is listed because aliens may be
traveling in the United States on travel documents issued by that entity. In addition, some aliens may still
be traveling in the United States on documents issued by the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
(U.S.S.R.), the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and the former Socialist Federal
Republic of Czechoslovakia. The successor states or entities of these three former countries are as
follows:

Former U.S.S.R:

Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Georgia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Moldova
Russia
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan

Former Yugoslavia:

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Croatia

Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Slovenia

Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)

Former Czechoslovakia:

Czech Republic
Slovak Republic


GEKMAN

Statement I:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National's Option

Als fremder Staatsbirger, der in den Vereinigten Staaten verhaftet
oder festgenommen wurde, haben Sie das Recht, zu verlangen, daB wir
die konsularische Vertretung Ihres Landes hier in den USA
benachrichtigen, Ein Konsulatsbeamter Ihres Landes kann Ihnen unter
anderem bei der Auswahl eines Rechtsbeistands behilflich sein, sich
mit Ihrer Familie in Verbindung setzen und Sie in der Haftanstalt
besuchen. Wenn Sie winschen, daB wir das Konsulat lhres Landes
benachrichtigen, konnen Sie uns dies jetzt oder zu einem beliebigen
spateren Zeitpunkt wissen lassen. Nachdem Ihr Konsulat benachrichtigt
worden ist, kénnen die Konsulatsbeamten Sie anrufen oder besuchen.
Winschen Sie, da®B wir thr Konsulat benachrichtigen?
YES (JA) NO (NEIN)
(BITTE MACHEN SIE EINEN KREIS UM JA ODER NEIN)

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

Aufgrund threr Staatsangehérigkeit sind wir verpflichtet, die
konsularische Vertretung Ihres Landes in den Vereinigten Staaten
davon zu benachrichtigen, daB Sie verhaftet oder festgenommen
wurden. Nachdem Ihr Konsulat benachrichtigt worden ist, kann ein
Konsulatsbeamter Sie anrufen oder besuchen. Sie sind nicht
verpflichtet, seine Hilfe anzunehmen, aber er kann Ihnen unter anderem
bei der Auswahl eines Rechtsbeistands behilflich sein, sich mit Ihrer
Familie in Verbindung setzen und Sie in der Haftanstalt besuchen. Wir

werden Ihr Konsulat so bald wie mdéglich benachrichtigen.

31


CROATIA
Washington, DC (202) 588-5899; fax (202) 588-8936
Los Angeles, CA (310) 477-1009; fax (310) 477-1866

CUBA
Washington, DC (202) 797-8518; fax (202) 797-8521

CYPRUS
Washington, DC (202) 462-5772; fax (202) 483-6710
New York, NY (212) 686-6016

CZECH REPUBLIC

Washington, DC (202) 274-9100; fax (202) 966-8540
Los Angeles, CA (310) 473-0889; fax (310) 473-9813
New York, NY (212) 717-5643; fax (212) 717-5064

DENMARK

Washington, DC (202) 234-4300; fax (202) 328-1470
Chicago, IL (312) 787-8780; fax (312) 787-8744

Los Angeles, CA (310) 443-2090; fax (310) 443- 2099
New York, NY (212) 223-4545; fax (212) 754-1904

DJIBOUTI
Washington, DC (202) 331-0270; fa (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 (847) 441-1831; fax (847) 441-1833
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
San Juan, PR (809) 725-9550; fax (809) 721-7820

EAST TIMOR
Washington, DC (202) 721-1555; fax (301) 608-3567
New York, NY (212) 759-3675; fax (212) 759-4196

ECUADOR

Washington, DC (202) 234-7166; fax (202) 667-3482
Beverly Hills, CA (323) 658-6020/5146; fax (323) 658-1934
Chicago, IL (312) 329-0266; fax (312) 329-0359

Houston, TX (713) 622-1787; fax (713) 622-8105

Miami, FL (305) 539-8214/15; fax (305) 539-8313

New Orleans, LA (504) 523-3229; fax (504) 523-3229
New York, NY (212) 808-0170/71; fax (212) 808-0188
Newark, NJ (201) 985-1300

Philadelphia, PA (215) 925-9060; fax (215) 867-0894

San Francisco, CA (415) 957-5921/22; fax (415) 957-5923

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

EL SALVADOR

Washington, DC (202) 331-4032; fax (202) 331-4036
Chicago, IL (312) 332-1393/578-5390; fax (312) 332-4446
Dallas, TX (214) 637-1018/0732; fax (214) 637-1106
Houston, TX (713) 270-6239/6270; fax (713) 270-9683
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

San Francisco, CA (415) 781-7924; fax (415) 781-1136

EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Washington, DC (202) 518-5700; fax (202) 518-5252

ERITREA
Washington, DC (202) 319-1991; fax (202) 319-1304
Oakland, CA (510) 986-1991

ESTONIA
Washington, DC (202) 588-0101; fax (202) 588-0108
New York, NY (212) 883-0636; fax (212) 883-0648

ETHIOPIA
Washington, DC (202) 274-4555; fax (202) 686-9621

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
Houston, TX (713) 528-2181; fax (713) 528-1933

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) 606-3620/3614
San Francisco, CA (415) 397-4330; fax (415) 433-8357

GABON
Washington, DC (202) 797-1000; fax (202) 332-0668


Part Four: Translations of Suggested Statements

How To Use the Translations .....

Arabic ....... 27
Chinese... 28
Farsi ...

French...
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Polish
Portuguese ...
Russian .....
Spanish...

Vietnamese ....

Part Five: Legal Material

Legal Overview..

Historical Backgroun

The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (“VCCR”).

Bilateral Agreements ....

Customary International Law...

Basis for Implementation ....

Vienna Convention on Consular Relations
Article 5
Article 36
Article 37

Bilateral Mandatory Notification Provisions

Agreements Pertaining to Consular Functions (Country List)

Part Six: Embassies and Consulates

Phone and Fax numbers for Foreign Embassies and Consulates in the United States ......

iv


Country/ vCCR Bilateral Other Prisoner Child

Jurisdiction Consular Relevant Transfer Abduction
Conventions Agreements Agreements
Afghanistan _ _ _ _ -
Albania Yes - 1922 _ _
Algeria Yes 1989" _ _ _
Andorra Yes - — _ _
Angola Yes _ - _ _
Antigua and Yes 1951? _ _ _-
Barbuda
Argentina Yes _ 1853 _ Yes
Armenia? Yes 1964 1989 4 ~ _
1933
Australia Yes _ - - Yes
Austria Yes _ 1928 Yes (S) Yes
Azerbaijan > Yes 1964 19894 - _
1933,
Bahamas, the Yes 1951? — Yes (S) Yes
Bahrain Yes _ _- _- _
Bangladesh Yes _— _ _ _
Barbados Yes 1951? _ _ _
Belarus? Yes 1964 1989 *
1933 _ _—
Belgium Yes 1969 1963 Yes (S) _
Belize _ 1951? _ — Yes
Benin Yes - _ _ _
Bhutan Yes _ _- - _
Bolivia Yes — 1858 Yes (B1978) _—
Bosnia and Yes _ 1881 _ Yes
Herzegovina *
Botswana _ _ _ _ _
Brazil Yes _ 1828 _ _
Brunei No® 1951? _ > _
Bulgaria Yes 1974 —_ Yes (S) _
Burkina Faso Yes _ _ _— Yes
Burma Yes _ _ _ _
(also known as
Myanmar)
Burundi _ — = _ -
Cambodia — _ _ — _

51


out delay and, in any event, not later than after two Tajikistan. _—_See the text for the U.S.S.R.
days. , Tanzania. See the text for the United Kingdom.
pornaaph i tehened 197% OST a ari Tonga. See the text for the United Kingdom.
Russia. See the text for the U.S.S.R. Trinidad and Tobago.
Saint Kitts and See the text for the United Kingdom.
Nevis. See the text for the United Kingdom. Turkmenistan.
Saint Lucia. See the text for the U.S.S.R.
See the text for the United Kingdom. Tuvalu. See the text for the United Kingdom.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Ukraine. See the text for the U.S.S.R.

See the text for the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom. A consular officer shall be informed
immediately by the appropriate authorities of the
territory when any national of the sending state is
confined in prison awaiting trial or is otherwise de-
tained in custody within his district.

Consular Convention, 3 UST 3426, Article 16, para-
graph 2 (signed 1951; entered into force 1952)

US.S.R. The appropriate authorities of the receiv-
ing state shall immediately inform a consular of-
ficer of the sending state about the arrest or deten-
tion in other form of a national of the sending state.

Consular Convention, 19 UST 5018, Article 12,
paragraph 2 (signed 1964; entered into force 1968)

Seychelles. See the text for the United Kingdom.

Sierra Leone. See the text for the United Kingdom.
See the text for the United Kingdom.

Slovakia. In all instances when a national of the
sending State is placed under any form of depriva-
tion or limitation of personal freedom, the compe-
tent authorities of the receiving State shall inform
the consulate of the sending State without delay,
and, in any event, not later than after three calen-
dar days. Upon request, the consular officer shall
be immediately informed of the reason for the na-
tional being placed under deprivation or limitation

Singapore.

of personal freedom. Uzbekistan. See the text for the U.S.S.R.
Consular Convention (with Czechoslovakia), Zambia. See the text for the United Kingdom.
TIAS 11083, Article 36, paragraph 1 (signed 1973; Zimbabwe. _ See the text for the United Kingdom.

entered into force 1987)

49


resentative must be forwarded by the appropriate
local officials to the consular post without delay.

Foreign consular officers must be given access to
their nationals and permitted to communicate with
them. Such officers have the right to visit their na-
tionals, to converse and correspond with them, and
to arrange for their legal representation. They must
refrain from acting on behalf of a foreign national,
however, if the national opposes their involvement.
In addition, consular officers may not act as attor-
neys for their nationals.

The rights of 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.
Federal, state, and local rules of this nature may not,
however, be so restrictive as to defeat the purpose of
consular access and communication. Such rules
“must enable full effect to be given to the purposes”
for which the right of consular assistance has been
established.

The above requirements are set out in Article 36
of the VCCR. Additional requirements may apply
to particular countries because of bilateral agree-
ments.

Deaths of Foreign Nationals

If federal, state, or local government officials be-
come aware of the death of a foreign national in the
United States, they must ensure that the nearest con-
sulate of that national’s country is notified of the
death. 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 en-
sure 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.

The above requirements are set out in Article 37
of the VCCR. Additional requirements may apply
to particular countries because of bilateral agree-
ments.

Appointments of Guardians or Trustees
for Foreign Nationals

Whenever a probate court or other legally com-
petent authority considers appointing a guardian or
trustee with respect to a foreign national who is a
minor or an adult lacking full capacity, the nearest
consular authorities for that national’s country must
be informed without delay. The legal procedures for
appointment of a guardian or trustee can proceed,
but — if possible without prejudice to the appoint-
ment process — the consular authorities should be
permitted to express any interest their government
might have in the issue.

The above requirements are set out in Article 37
of the VCCR. Additional requirements may apply
to particular countries because of bilateral agree-
ments.

Accidents Involving Foreign
Ships or Aircraft

Ifa ship or airplane registered in a foreign coun-
try wrecks or crashes in the United States, the near-
est consular officials of that country must be noti-
fied without delay. This requirement is set out in
Article 37 of the VCCR. Additional requirements
may apply to particular countries because of bilat-
eral agreements. Once notified, consular officials
may undertake to coordinate contacts with the vic-
tims’ families or other emergency actions required
by the foreign government concerned.

15


Los Angeles, CA (213) 651-2664; fax (213) 651-1274
Miami, FL (305) 285-6200; fax (305) 285-6229

New York, NY (212) 757-3080; fax (212) 956-3794
San Francisco, CA (415) 981-8170; fax (415) 981-3628

BRUNEI
Washington, DC (202) 237-1838; fax (202) 885-0560

BULGARIA
Washington, DC (202) 387-7969; fax (202) 234-7973

BURKINO FASO
Washington, DC (202) 332-5577; fax (202) 667-1882

BURMA (formerly MYANMAR)
Washington, DC (202) 332-9044/45; fax (202) 332-9046
New York, NY (212) 535-1310; fax (212) 737-2421

BURUNDI
Washington, DC (202) 342-2574; 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
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) 616-1877
Dallas, TX (214) 922-9806; fax (214) 922-9815
Detroit, MI (313) 567-2340; fax (313) 567-2164

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) 596-1600; fax (212) 596-1793
San Francisco, CA (415) 834-3180, fax (415) 834-3189
San Jose, CA (408) 289-1157; fax (408) 289-1168
Seattle, WA (206) 443-1777; fax (206) 443-9662/443-9735

CAPE VERDE
Washington, DC (202) 965-6820; fax (202) 965-1207
Boston, MA (617) 353-0014; fax (617) 859-9798

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Washington, D. C. (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) 963-9066; fax (713) 961-3910

Los Angeles, CA (310) 785-0113; fax (310) 785-0132
Miami, FL (305) 371-3219; fax (305) 374-4270

New York, NY (212) 355-0612; fax (212) 688-5879
Philadelphia, PA (215) 829-9520; fax (215) 829-0594
San Francisco, CA (415) 982-7662; fax (415) 982-2384
San Juan, PR (809) 725-6365; (809) 725-7295

CHINA

Washington, DC (202) 328-2500/02;fax (202) 328-2582
Chicago, IL (312) 803-0095; fax (312) 803-0105
Houston, TX (713) 524-0780; fax (713) 524-8466

Los Angeles, CA (213) 807-8088; fax (213) 380-1961
New York, NY (212) 868-7752; fax (212) 629-2698
San Francisco, CA (415) 563-4885

COLOMBIA

Washington, DC (202) 387-8338; fax (202) 232-8643
Atlanta, GA (770) 668-0451; fax (770) 668-0763
Beverly, Hills, CA (323) 653-9863; 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) 795-7195; 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, D. C. (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 Orleans, LA (504) 581-6800; fax (504) 581-6850
New York, NY (212) 509-3066; fax (212) 509-3068
San Francisco, CA (415) 392-8488; fax (415) 392-3745
San Juan, PR (787) 723-6227; fax (787) 723-6226
Tampa, FL (813) 248-6741; fax (813) 248-6741

COTE D'IVOIRE (IVORY COAST)
Washington, DC (202) 797-0300; fax (202) 462-9444


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) 462-3 726
Boston, MA (617) 536-8740

New York, NY (212) 246-4580; fax (212) 459-0190
Newark, NJ (201) 622-7300

San Francisco, CA (415) 346-3400

QATAR
Washington, DC (202) 274-1600; fax (202) 237-0061
Houston, TX (713) 355-8221; fax (713) 355-8184

ROMANIA

Washington, DC (202) 232-4747; fax (202) 232-4748
Los Angeles, CA (310) 444-0043; fax (310) 445-0043
New York, NY (212) 682-9120; fax (212) 972-8463

RUSSIA

Washington, DC (202) 939-8907; fax 202-939-8917
New York, NY (212) 348-0926; 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

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 (UN Mission)

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
New York, NY (212) 697-4211; fax (212) 687-8389 (UN
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

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
San Francisco, CA (415) 543-4775; fax (415) 543-4788

SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Washington, DC (202) 965-5160; fax (202) 965-5166

SLOVENIA

Washington, DC (202) 332-9332; fax (202) 667-4563
Cleveland, OH (216) 589-9220

New York, NY (212) 370-3006; fax (212) 370-3581

SOLOMON ISLANDS
New York, NY (212) 599-6192; fax (212) 661-8925 (UN
Mission)

SOMALIA

Since May 8, 1991, there have been no accredited Somali
diplomats or consular officers in the United States.
Although the United States and Somalia have not broken
consular relations, consular notification cannot effectively |
made at this time. This situation, however, is subject to
change. You should check the State Department's website
for the current status whenever you have custody of a
Somali national

SOUTH AFRICA

Washington, DC (202) 232-4400; fax (202) 232-3402
Chicago, IL (312) 939-7929; fax (312) 939-2588

Los Angeles, CA (323) 651-5902; 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) 782-4588; fax (312) 782-1635
Houston, TX (713) 783-6200; fax (713) 783-6166

Los Angeles, CA (213) 938-0158; fax (213) 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) 483-4025/4028; fax (202) 232-7181
Los Angeles, CA (323) 634-0479; fax (323) 634-1095


Questions About Foreign Nationals

Q: Who is a “foreign national”?

A. For the purposes of consular notification, a “for-
eign national” is any person who is not a U.S. citizen.

Q. Isa foreign national the same as an “alien”?

”

A. Yes. The terms “foreign national” and “alien
are used interchangeably.

Q. Isa person with a U.S. “green card” consid-
ered a foreign national?

A. Yes. Lawful permanent resident aliens, who have
a resident alien registration card (INS Form I-551), com-
monly known as a “green card,” retain their foreign na-
tionality and must be considered “foreign nationals” for
the purposes of consular notification.

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

A. No, although some law enforcement entities do
routinely ask persons taken into detention whether they
are U.S. Citizens. 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 re-
quirements are not relevant. If you have reason to ques-
tion whether the person you are arresting or detaining is
a US. citizen, however, you should inquire further about
nationality so as to determine whether any consular noti-
fication obligations apply.

Q. Short of asking all detainees about their na-
tionality, how might I know that someone is a for-
eign national?

A. A foreign national may present a foreign passport
or an alien registration document as identification. If they
present a document that indicates birth outside the United
States, or claim to have been born outside the United
States, they 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.) Unfamiliarity with English may also indicate for-
eign nationality. Such indicators could be a basis for ask-
ing the person whether he/she is a foreign national.

Q. What about undocumented and “illegal”
aliens?

A. All foreign nationals are entitled to consular noti-
fication and access, regardless of their visa or immigra-
tion status in the United States. Thus “illegal” aliens
have the same rights to consular assistance as do “legal”

18

aliens. There is no reason, for purposes of consular noti-
fication, to inquire into a person’s legal status in the United
States.

Q. What about dual nationals?

A. A person who is a national/citizen of two or more
countries other than the United States should be treated
in accordance with the rules applicable to each of those
countries.

A person who is a citizen of the United States and an-
other country may be treated exclusively as a U.S. citizen
when in the United States. In other words, consular no-
tification is not required if the detainee is a U.S. citizen.
This is true even if the detainee’s other country of citizen-
ship is a mandatory notification country.

Questions About Who Is Responsible
for Consular Notification

Q. Who is actually responsible for notification?

A. The responsibility for consular notification,
whether in the case of an arrest and detention, a death, or
the appointment of a guardian for a foreign national, lies
with what are generally called “competent authorities.”
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 re-
quired. This interpretation makes sense as a practical
matter: compliance with the notification requirements
works best when it is assumed by those government offi-
cials closest to the foreign national’s situation and with
direct responsibility for it.

Q. Who is responsible for notification of arrests
and detentions?

A. The law enforcement officers who actually make
the arrest or who assume responsibility for the alien's de-
tention ordinarily should make the notification.

Q. What is the responsibility of judicial offi-
cials and prosecutors for notification of arrests and
detentions?

A. Because they do not hold foreign nationals in cus-
tody, judicial officials and prosecutors are not responsible
for notification. The Department of State nevertheless
encourages judicial officials who preside over arraignments
or other initial appearances of aliens in court to inquire at
that time whether the alien has been provided with consu-
lar notification as required by the VCCR and/or any bi-


Table of Contents

Part One: Basic Instructions

Summary of Requirements

Steps To Follow When a Foreign National Is Arrested or Detained .......
Mandatory Notification Countries and Jurisdictions .....
Suggested Statements ....
Suggested Fax Sheet...

Consular Officer Identification Cards

Part Two: Detailed Instructions
Arrests and Detentions of Foreign Nationals......
Notification to Consular Officials at the Foreign National’s Option
Mandatory Notification to Consular Officials

Recordkeeping ..
Consular Access to Detained Foreign Nationals
Deaths of Foreign Nationals ....
Appointments of Guardians or Trustees for Foreign Nationals........

Accidents Involving Foreign Ships or Aircraft

Part Three: Frequently Asked Questions

About Consular Officers...
About Foreign Nationals
About Who Is Responsible for Consular Notification ....
About When Consular Notification Should Be Given......
About How Consular Notification Should Be Given
About Failure To Notify ....
About Consular Access and Assistance ....

About Contacting the Department of State .....

iii


Legal Overview

Historical Background

A function of governments has long been to pro-
vide services to their citizens/nationals abroad.
These “consular” services include certain legal ser-
vices, such as notarizing documents or assisting with
the estate of a citizen who dies abroad. They also
include looking for missing citizens, determining
whether citizens are safe, assisting in evacuating citi-
zens from countries where their lives are endangered,
and other similar “welfare and whereabouts” ser-
vices. Another important consular function is the
provision of assistance to citizens who are detained
by a foreign government. Protecting such citizens
may include attempting to ensure that they receive
a fair and speedy trial with benefit of counsel; visit-
ing them in prison to ensure that they are receiving
humane treatment; and facilitating communications
with their families.

The performance of such consular functions was
originally a subject of customary international law
but not uniformly addressed in any treaty. Eventu-
ally, however, efforts were made to codify in inter-
national treaties the rights of governments to pro-
vide consular services to their citizens. Such treaties
might be called treaties, conventions, or agreements,
but all would generally have the status of treaties in
international law, in that they would be binding on
the countries that adhered to them.

When the United States first began to codify its
consular relations in international agreements with
other countries, the vehicle was often a treaty of
Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation (“FCN”).
Later, bilateral conventions dealing exclusively with
consular matters became more common. They are
often simply referred to as “consular conventions.”In
1963, however, the multilateral Vienna Convention
on Consular Relations (“VCCR”),! was completed
and countries throughout the world began ratifying

' Done at Vienna April 24, 1963; entered into force March 19,
1967; entered into force for the United States December 24, 1969;
21 UST 77; TIAS 6820; 596 UNTS 261.

42

it. Today, most countries, including the United States,
are parties to the VCCR. The VCCR to a large ex-
tent codified customary international law and thus
represents the most basic principles pertaining to the
performance of consular functions. Since the VCCR
entered into force for the United States on Decem-
ber 24, 1969, we have relied increasingly on it as the
principal basis for the conduct of our consular ac-
tivities. Bilateral consular conventions continue to
be negotiated from time to time, however.

Vienna Convention on Consular
Relations (“VCCR”)

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 the treatment of U.S. citizens abroad by for-
eign governments. As of June 1997, some 165 differ-
ent countries were party to the VCCR (another 26 or
so were not). The VCCR provides rules for the op-
eration of consulates and for the functions of con-
suls and honorary consuls of a “sending” country
(ie., the country that has sent the consular official
abroad) in a “receiving” country (the country to
which the foreign consular official has been sent).
Much of the VCCR addresses the “privileges and
immunities” of consular officers (e.g., the fact that
they may not be sued for officials acts). Some of the
VCCR’s articles, however, address what consular
officers may actually do for their nationals in the
“host country.”

Article 5 of the VCCR enumerates appropriate
consular functions and includes a “catch-all” provi-
sion that consular functions include “performing any
... 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.”
Other specifically enumerated functions relevant to
the issues addressed in this booklet include “help-


FARSI

Statement 1:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National's Option

el oye aad CMe 4 CAI pi 4 EAI Vals GL &;
OF AylE 4 Ant ple @5Gy pe yo Layla Gm odd Etlajgh SM YT pe op SK Ol pay Le
eth SEE yp tS Spt ety obalé Sy tne GWE Gale pT 52 at De”
OLGE. yy base, LE sal gis oh al So claps op ode 9 AS SUS Sy AY Gly ils
pr algae ns (gee OU AS Spe OF ual gy tal ot S12 Slt catlah Je yp
Le BS Spe” OTS LE ate gle SS ye ota ag LT ted pales Ly pel pty cade 0951
Ae ab UT 6 Sy Gol LEY aS” pal ety al A cael SE pal Ol pe 5} EAE SI oo
YES - Bees CML aise} ep! 2 Oy tS Lp OWT aylé

NO —

whe yates o glo Ly at Geely Cael teetal oe

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

pl pers PLB yl By gS pon OF aE a end BIS UE cal coli
LP ag Land el oy! CBee Corl SE UE Yen WELLE ne pee Cala
Se ee y2 OUT hy ba Syd Ly UT SOS tend ab yo UE slaly LE tL a a ils
jhe bby bls) LH esl ple stall iS Ly dbaly So clajey pple cul
Spo WS IaNE EL |) Gale Se cred eas) 0 ta? BDU Bato jt 2 PY

ily meal pt Oley AS”

29


About This Booklet

This booklet contains instructions and guidance relating to the arrest and detention of foreign nationals,
deaths of foreign nationals, the appointment of guardians for minors or incompetent adults who are for-
eign nationals, and related issues pertaining to the provision of consular services to foreign nationals in the
United States. This booklet 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 governrnents. The instructions and guidance herein should 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 such officials’ authority or to matters within such officials’ competence.

The continued cooperation of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in ensuring that foreign
nationals in the United States are treated in accordance with these instructions will permit the United States
to comply with its consular legal obligations domestically. It will also help ensure that the United States can
insist upon rigorous compliance by foreign governments with respect to United States citizens abroad. The
Department of State appreciates the assistance of all law enforcement officials in helping to achieve these
objectives.

Ifyou have any questions
not addressed in this booklet,
write or call:

Office of Public Affairs and
Policy Coordination
CA/P, Room 4800
Bureau of Consular Affairs
U.S. Department of State

- Washington, DC 20520

Telephone: (202) 647-4415
Fax: (202) 736-7559

For urgent telephone inquiries outside
normal business hours, you may
call the State Department Operations
Center at (202) 647-1512.

The full text of this publication is available at http://travel.state.gov/consul_notify.html. The
Department of State expects to update it every 2-5 years. Note that the instructions in this booklet are in
addition to those pertaining to the treatment of foreign diplomatic and consular officers. For information
on the treatment of such officers, see the Department of State publication titled “Diplomatic and Consular
Immunity: Guidance for Law Enforcement and Judicial Authorities.”


Country/ vCCR Bilateral Other Prisoner Child

Jurisdiction Consular Relevant Transfer Abduction
Conventions Agreements Agreements
Korea, South Yes 1963 _ — =
Kuwait Yes 1951? _ - -
Kyrgyzstan ? Yes 1964 1989 ¢
1933 _- _
Laos Yes _~ _— -_ —
Latvia Yes _ 1928 Yes (S) _
Lebanon Yes -— 1924°
1944 _
Lesotho Yes _ _ _ -
Liberia Yes 1938 _ _ _-
Libya - _ _ - —
Liechtenstein Yes _ _ _ _
Lithuania Yes _- _— Yes (S) _
Luxembourg, Yes _ 1962 Yes (S) Yes
Macedonia, Yes _ 1881 - Yes
former
Yugoslav Republic of *
Madagascar Yes _ 1896 © _ -
Malawi Yes _ _ _ _
Malaysia ‘Yes 1951? — - _
Maldives Yes —- — _- _
Mali Yes _ _ _ -
Malta _ 1951? - Yes (S) -
Marshall Islands TM Yes _- 1986 @ - _
Mauritania _ _ _ _ _
Mauritius Yes 1951? _ _ Yes
Mexico Yes 1942 _ Yes (B 1976) Yes
Micronesia, Yes _ 1986 _ _
Federated
States of ®
Moldova? Yes 1964 1989*
1933 _- _
Monaco = _ _— _ Yes
Mongolia Yes 1987 * _ _ _
Morocco Yes _ 1836 _ _
Mozambique Yes - _ _ _-


RUSSIAN
Statement 1:
When Consular Notification Is at the Foreign National's Option

B cnyyae apecta HH 3afepxxanna Bsr, He Gyny4u rpaxjanuHom CIILA, snpase
norpeGosats, ¥TO6sI MBI, ecnH Bar aToro xkenaeTe, yBeROMHM Npencraputench Bawero
koncybersa B Coequnenusrs Ilrarax AMepuxu. CoTpyquHux Bamtero KOHCyIECTBa MOET
oxazaTs Bam copeiicrsue B HaliMe agBOKaTa HJIH OpHCKOHCy/IbTa, CBA3aTECH C Bawieit
cembeii, nocerutt Bac b Mecte 3aqepkaHus # T.n. Ecnw Bet xenaete, 8TOObI MbI
yBeqOMHNIH NpenctapuTened Bamero KoucysbcTBa, c TpeOOBaHHeM 06 3TOM MOXKHO
o6paTHTEca ceitaac HH B mi0Go¢ BpeMs B JanbHeltuiem. [locne nomy4eHHa Takoro
yBeqoMmenus paSoTHHKaMH Baulero KOHCys5CTBA, OHH, BO3MOXHO, NoceTaT Bac WK

no3BoHat Bam mo Tenedory.

Xorute nu Bel, ¥7o6e! MbI yBeqomMnH Bare KOHcysBCTBO? ya swe.
(Coorsercrayounce oGnecri:) YES NO

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

B caa3u c Bal rpaxkaHCTBOM, MbI O6A3aHbI YBEROMUT KOHCyIbCKOe yupexTeHHe
Bauiero rocynapcrsa 8 Coequnenubix Ilrarax AmMepHku 0 Tom, 170 BsI apecToBaHb! HH
s3aqepxanet. Tlocne namy¥eHHa TaKOro yBeAOMMCHHA, COTPYAHHK Batiero KoHcynbcrTHA,
BO3MOXHO, NoceTut Bac 14 No3B0HHT Bam mo Tenebouy. Bui He 0693aHb! IIpPHHMMaT.
TOMOMLb OT NpewcraBvTens KOHCyNbCTBa, HO OH MoxeT OKa3aTs Bam coyelicTaue B Halime
ajjpoKaTa HIM COBETHHKa M0 NpaBosbIM BOMpocaM, cBA3aTECA C Balle cembelt, NOCETHTS
Bac B Mecte 3aqepxKanna 4 T.1. MbI yBe,OMMM KOHCymBCKOoe yapexfenne Bamiero

rocyfjapcTBa Kak MOXHO CKoOpee.

37


Mandatory Notification Provisions

(Excerpts From Bilateral Agreements)

The following are the provisions in bilateral agree-
ments between the United States and other countries
that require mandatory consular notification. Under
international law principles relating to successor
states, a treaty that applied to a country when it was
part of another country may in some circumstances
continue to apply to that country when it becomes
independent. Thus, three of the bilateral consular
agreements now apply to two or more foreign coun-
tries. As a result, while over 50 countries are cov-
ered by bilateral consular agreements providing for
mandatory consular notification, these obligations
arise from a much smaller number of agreements.
The relevant treaty text is shown under the govern-
ing agreement.

Citations to “Bevans” are to Treaties and Other In-
ternational Agreements of the United States of America,
1776-1949, compiled under the direction of Charles
IL Bevans. Citations to “UST” are to United States
Treaties and Other International Obligations (calendar-
year volumes published since 1950). Citations to
“TIAS” are to Treaties and Other International Acts Se-
ries, issued singly in pamphlets by the Department
of State (use of this citation generally means that the
agreement has not yet been published in UST).

Antigua and Barbuda. See the text for the
United Kingdom.

Armenia. See the text for the U.S.S.R.
Azerbaijan. See the text for the U.S.S.R.
Bahamas, the. See the text for the United Kingdom.
Barbados. See the text for the United Kingdom.

Belarus. See the text for the U.S.S.R.

Belize. See the text for the United Kingdom.
Brunei. See the text for the United Kingdom.
Bulgaria. In any case in which a national of the

sending State is subjected to any form of depriva-
tion or limitation of his personal freedom, the com-
petent authorities of the receiving State shall in-
form the consulate of the sending State immediately

and, in any event, not later than after three calen-
dar days from the date on which the national was
placed under any form of deprivation or limitation
of personal freedom. Upon his request, a consular
officer shall be informed of the reasons for which the
national has been arrested or deprived of personal
freedom.

Consular Convention, 26 UST 687, Article 38, para-
graph 2 (signed 1974; entered into force 1975)

China. If a national of the sending State is ar-

rested or placed under any form of detention within
the consular district, the competent authorities of
the receiving State shall immediately, but no later
than within four days from the date of arrest or de-
tention, notify the consulate of the sending State.
If it is not possible to notify the consulate of the
sending State within four days because of commu-
nications difficulties, they should try to provide no-
tification as soon as possible. Upon the request of a
consular officer, he shall be informed of the reasons
for which said national has been arrested or detained
in any manner.

Consular Convention, 33 UST 2973, Article 35
paragraph 2 (signed 1980; entered into force 1982)
(not applicable to people who carry “Republic of
China” passports issued by Taiwan)

Costa Rica. A consular officer shall be informed im-

mediately by the appropriate authorities of the re-
ceiving State when any national of the sending State
is confined in prison awaiting trial or otherwise
detained in custody within his consular district by
such authorities.

Consular Convention, 1 UST 247, Article VII
(signed 1948; entered into force 1950)

Cyprus. See the text for the United Kingdom.
Czech Republic.

In all instances when a national of the
sending State is placed under any form of depriva-
tion or limitation of personal freedom, the compe-
tent authorities of the receiving State shall inform
the consulate of the sending State without delay,

47


Statement 1:
When Consular Notificaton Is at the Foreign National’s Option

In quanto cittadino non statunitense arrestato o detenuto, Lei ha il diritto di chiederci di
contattare i rappresentanti consolari del Suo paese qualora lo desideri. Un rappresentante
consolare del Suo paese potra, per esempio, aiutarLa ad ottenere assistenza legale, avvertire la
Sua famiglia o farLe visita durante la detenzione. Qualora Lei desideri che informiamo i
rappresentanti consolari del Suo paese, pud chiedere che questa notifica venga esequita subito o
in qualsiasi altro momento nel futuro. Dopo di che i Suoi rappresentanti consolari saranno stati
avwvertiti ¢ possibile che cerchino di contattarLa telefonicamente o che Le facciano visita.
Desidera che prendiamo contatto con i rappresentanti consolari del Suo paese?

YES (SI NO (NO)

(FARE UN CERCHIO INTORNO ALLA RISPOSTA DESIDERATA)

32

Statement 2:
When Consular Notification Is Mandatory

A causa della Sua nazionalita siamo obbligati ad avvertire il rappresentante consolare del Suo
paese negli Stati Uniti del Suo arresto o della Sua detenzione. Dopo di che i Suoi rappresentanti
consolari saranno stati notificati, ¢ possibile che cerchino di contattarLa telefonicamente o farLe
visita. Non @ obbligatorio accettare la loro assistenza, ma é possibile che loro vi aiutino, per
esempio, a trovare assistenza legale, avvertino la Sua famiglia o Le facciano visita quando si
trova in stato di detenzione. Avvertiremo i rappresentanti consolari del Suo paese al pid presto
possibile.


Part Two
Detailed Instructions on the Treatment
of Foreign Nationals

The instructions in this booklet should be fol-
lowed by all federal, state, and local government of-
ficials, whether law enforcement, judicial, or other,
insofar as they pertain to foreign nationals subject to
such officials’ authority or to matters within their
competence. These instructions relate to the arrest
and detention of foreign nationals, deaths of foreign
nationals, the appointment of guardians for minors
or incompetent adults who are foreign nationals, and
related issues pertaining to the provision of consu-
lar services to foreign nationals in the United States.
They are intended to ensure that foreign govern-
ments 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 booklet are based on in-
ternational legal obligations designed to ensure that
governments can assist their nationals who travel
abroad. While these obligations are in part matters
of “customary international law,” most of them are
set forth in the Vienna Convention on Consular Re-
lations (“VCCR”), and some are contained in bilat-
eral agreements, conventions, or treaties (i.e., agree-
ments between the United States and just one other
country). The agreements discussed herein have the
status of treaties for purposes of international law
and Article VI, clause 2 of the Constitution of the
United States (“all treaties made . . . shall be the su-
preme law of the land”). They are binding on fed-
eral, state, and local government officials to the ex-
tent that they pertain to matters within such officials’
competence.

These instructions focus primarily on providing
consular notification and access with respect to for-
eign nationals arrested or detained in the United
States, so that their governments can assist them. The
obligations of consular notification and access ap-
ply to United States citizens in foreign countries just
as they apply to foreign nationals in the United
States. When USS. citizens are arrested or detained
abroad, the United States Department of State seeks
to ensure that they are treated in a manner consis-

tent with these instructions, and that U.S. consular
officers can similarly assist them. It is therefore par-
ticularly important that federal, state, and local gov-
ernment officials in the United States comply with
these obligations with respect to foreign nationals
here.

These instructions also discuss obligations relat-
ing to deaths of foreign nationals, to the appointment
of guardians for foreign nationals who may be mi-
nors or incompetent adults, and to foreign aircraft
or ship wrecks. Like the obligations of consular no-
tification and access, these are mutual obligations
that also apply abroad.

The Department of State appreciates the contin-
ued cooperation of federal, state, and local law en-
forcement agencies in helping to ensure that foreign
nationals in the United States are treated in accor-
dance with these instructions. Such treatment will
permit the United States to comply with its consu-
lar legal obligations domestically and to continue to
expect rigorous compliance by foreign governments
with respect to United States citizens abroad.

Arrests and Detentions of
Foreign Nationals

Whenever a foreign national is arrested or de-
tained in the United States, there are legal require-
ments to ensure that the foreign national’s govern-
ment can offer him/her appropriate consular assis-
tance. In all cases, the foreign national must be told of
the right of consular notification and access. In most cases,
the foreign national then has the option to decide
whether to have consular representatives notified of
the arrest or detention. In other cases, however, the
foreign national’s consular officials must be notified
of an arrest and/or detention regardless of the for-
eign national’s wishes. Whenever a foreign national is
taken into custody, the detaining official should determine
whether consular notification is at the option of the for-
eign national or whether it is mandatory. A list of all
embassies and consulates in the United States, with

13


UZBEKISTAN
Washington, DC (202) 887-5300; fax (202) 293-6804
New York, NY (212) 754-6178; fax (212) 486-7998

VANUATU
New York, NY (212) 593-0144; fax (212) 593-0219 (UN
Mission)

VENEZUELA

Washington, DC (202) 342-2214; fax (202) 342-6820
Boston, MA (617) 266-9355

Chicago, IL (312) 236-9655

Houston, TX (713) 961-5141

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, D. C. (202) 965-4760; fax (202) 337-2017

YUGOSLAVIA, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
Washington, DC (202) 332-0333; fax (202) 332-3933

ZAMBIA
Washington, DC (202) 265-9717/19; fax (202) 332-0826

ZIMBABWE
Washington, DC (202) 332-7100; fax (202) 483-9326


Country/ VCCR Bilateral Other Prisoner Child
Jurisdiction Consular Relevant \ Transfer Abduction
Conventions Agreements Agreements

Namibia Yes — _ = _—
Nauru ~ — _— — _—
Nepal Yes - 1947 _ -
Netherlands Yes _— 1957 * Yes (S) Yes
New Zealand Yes — _ _ Yes
Nicaragua Yes _ _ _ _
Niger Yes _ _ _ _
Nigeria Yes 1951? _- _ _
Norway Yes — 1928 Yes (S) Yes
Oman Yes _ 1958 _ _
Pakistan Yes _ 1959 _ _
Palau _ _ 1986 —- _
Panama Yes _ 1913 Yes (B 1979) Yes
Papua New Guinea Yes _ — _ _
Paraguay Yes _ 1859 _ _
Peru Yes _— — Yes (B 1979) _
Philippines Yes 1947 _ _ _
Poland Yes 1972 _ Yes (S) Yes
Portugal Yes _ _ Yes (S) Yes
Qatar — ~ _ _ _
Romania Yes 1972 _— Yes (S) Yes
Russia > Yes 1964 19894

1933, _ _
Rwanda Yes _ _ _ _
Saint Kitts and Nevis Yes 1951? —_ _ Yes
Saint Lucia Yes _ _ _ _
Saint Vincent and Yes 1951? _ _ _

the Grenadines
Samoa Yes — _— _ _
San Marino — — — = —
Sao Tome and Principe Yes _ _ _ -
Saudi Arabia Yes ~ 1933 _ _
Senegal Yes _ _— — —
Serbia and Yes _ 1881 _ _
Montenegro*

55


Country/ VCCR Bilateral Other Prisoner Child

Jurisdiction Consular Relevant Transfer Abduction
Conventions Agreements Agreements

United Kingdom Yes 1951 _ Yes (S) Yes
Uruguay Yes _ _ _ _
Uzbekistan > Yes 1964 1989 *

1933 _ _
Vanuatu Yes _ — _ _
Venezuela Yes - 1836 _ Yes
Vietnam Yes _ 1961”

19948 _- _
Yemen Yes _ 1946 _ _
Zambia — 19512/ _ _ _
Zimbabwe - 1951 2/ - _ Yes
Notes

‘The bilateral consular convention with Algeria was ratified by the U.S. Senate in August 1992. Instruments of ratification were
exchanged on June 30, 1997, and the convention entered into force on July 30, 1997.

?Consular convention between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, signed
at Washington, D.C., June 6, 1951, entered into force September 7, 1952, 3 UST 3426.

*The United States considers that consular relations with each of the successor states of the former Soviet Union are governed by
agreements in force on this subject at the time of the dissolution of the former Soviet Union, most notably the 1964 Consular Conven-
tion Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, signed at Moscow, June 1, 1964, entered into
force July 13, 1968, and its related protocol, and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, done at Vienna, April 24, 1963, 21
UST 77 (“VCCR”).

* Agreement concerning passports and the mutual visits by inhabitants of the Bering Straits Region. Signed at Jackson Hole, Wyo-
ming on September 13, 1989; entered into force on July 10, 1991. Applicable only as relevant.

The United States considers that consular relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, the Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia, and Serbia and Montenegro are governed by agreements in force on this subject at the time of the dissolution of the
former Yugoslavia, most notably the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, done at Vienna, April 24, 1963, 21 UST 77 (“VCCR”).
Abilateral consular convention signed with the former Yugoslavia in 1988 never entered into force. It is the United States’ view that
the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has dissolved and that no successor state represents its continuation.

‘The United States has encouraged Brunei to accede formally to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Brunei has stated in
the past that it deems accession unnecessary on the grounds that it has adopted many of the Convention’s provisions into its
domestic law.

’ The United States considers that consular relations with the Czech Republic and Slovakia are governed by the agreements on this
subject in force at the time of the dissolution of the former Czechoslovakia, most notably the Vienna Convention on Consular
Relations, done at Vienna, April 24, 1963, 21 UST 77 (“VCCR”), and the bilateral Consular Convention Between the United States of
America and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, signed at Prague July 9, 1973, entered into force Nov. 6, 1987, TIAS 11083.

* Applicable to all Danish territories except Greenland and to all territories over which the United States has jurisdiction or interna-
tional responsibility except the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

°Convention between the United States and France relating to rights in Syria and Lebanon, signed at Paris April 4, 1924, entered into
force July 13, 1924, 7 Bevans 925.

“Convention on navigation and commerce between the United States and France, signed at Washington on June 24, 1822, and
extended to Madagascar in 1896, 7 Bevans 822.

"Formerly a member of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, now a sovereign State.

” Agreement for the implementation of the Compact of Free Association between the Government of the United States and the
Governments of the Marshall Islands and of the Federated States of Micronesia, Title II, Pub. L. 99-239, 48 U.S.C. 1681 note.

57


Part Three
Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Consular Officers

Q. What is a “consular officer”?

A. Aconsular officer is a citizen of a foreign country
employed by a foreign government and authorized to pro-
vide assistance on behalf of that government to that
government's citizens in a foreign country. Consular of-
ficers are generally assigned to the consular section of a
foreign government's embassy in Washington, D.C., or
to consular offices maintained by the foreign government
in locations ‘in the United States outside of Washington,
D.C.

Q. What is a “consul”?

A. The terms “consular officer” and “consul” mean
the same thing, for purposes of the issues discussed in
this booklet.

Q. How is a consular officer different from le-
gal “counsel”?

A. The term “consul” should not be confused with
“counsel,” which means an attorney-at-law authorized
to provide legal counsel and advice.

Q. What is an “honorary consul”?

A. An honorary consul is a citizen or lawful perma-
nent resident of the United States who has been autho-
rized by a foreign government to perform official func-
tions on its behalf in the United States.

Q. Is an honorary consul to be treated in the
same way as a consular officer?

A. Yes, when an honorary consul is performing the
kinds of functions addressed in this booklet. A foreign
government can authorize its honorary consuls to per-
form prison visits or even to accept consular notification
on the government's behalf. As a practical matter, how-
ever, since honorary consuls and their addresses and phone

numbers may change more frequently than the phone num-
bers of embassies and consulates, the Department of State
assumes that consular notification will generally be given
to consular officers who serve at an embassy or consulate.
Such officers may then ask an honorary consul closer to
the actual place of detention to visit the detained alien.

Q. How are diplomatic officers different from
consular officers?

A. A diplomat is an officer of a foreign government
assigned to an embassy in Washington, D.C. Many dip-
lomatic officers are authorized by their governments to
perform consular functions, and thus to act as consular
officers.

Q. Should I treat a diplomatic officer the same
as a consular officer?

A. Yes, for purposes of the matters discussed in this
booklet. Consular notification can be given to a diplo-
matic officer if no consular officer is closer or available. A
diplomatic officer should be permitted to conduct prison
visits and to perform the other kinds of consular func-
tions discussed herein.

Q. How can I be sure that someone who claims
to be a consular officer, a consul, an honorary con-
sul, or a diplomatic officer is in fact one?

A. Diplomatic and consular officers (including con-
suls and honorary consuls) have identification cards is-
sued by the Department of State. The cards look like the
cards shown in Part One (pages 11 and 12). If you have
any doubt about the authenticity of a State Department
identification card, you can call the State 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. - 5:00 p.m., EST). Outside of those hours, you
may call 202-647-7277.

17