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What is an Embassy?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

In foreign relations terms, an embassy can refer both to a permanent diplomatic mission and the building in which that mission is housed. Embassies are an important part of foreign relations, since they serve as a contact point between the visiting and host nation. Through an embassy, countries can reach resolutions to problems ranging from trade tariffs to political tensions before they escalate. Typically, an embassy is staffed by representatives of the foreign service of the visiting nation, and it is housed in a permanent structure which includes staff housing, offices, and spaces for public functions.

Three primary types of staff can be found in an embassy, along with administrative support staff. Consular officers deal with things like issuing visas and handling issues which arise for travelers while they are abroad. Political officers are responsible for following the political climate in the host nation and issuing reports to their home government. Economic officers handle economic negotiations such as disputes over taxes, tariffs, and patent negotiations. Together, the staff of the embassy is headed by an ambassador.

Diplomats and representatives of a foreign nation comprise an embassy.
Diplomats and representatives of a foreign nation comprise an embassy.

An ambassador is typically an appointed political figure. Most ambassadors have foreign service training, and receive additional training before they are deployed to ensure that they act as responsible representatives of their governments. In addition to members of the foreign service, embassies often use staffers from other agencies. Staff from other agencies may provide supplemental information or support to the embassy. For example, most national embassies are guarded by representatives of the military. A limited number of embassy staff may come from the host nation as well.

Diplomats represent their countries at foreign embassies.
Diplomats represent their countries at foreign embassies.

The diplomats or envoys which make up an embassy enjoy special privileges because of their status as political negotiators. Most nations, for example, do not attack diplomats from visiting nations. These privileges are also extended to embassies, which are usually accorded extraterritoriality, meaning that the host nation cannot enter the premises of the embassy without being specifically invited. Many refugees take advantage of this to evade persecution and prosecution in the host nation of an embassy.

Many employees who work in a U.S. embassy are in their host country on diplomatic passports.
Many employees who work in a U.S. embassy are in their host country on diplomatic passports.

In order to work for an embassy, employees must generally pass background checks and receive extensive training. Since diplomats are living representatives of their home nations, spotless characters and manners are required of embassy personnel. Typically, a diplomat is deployed for a period of several years, ensuring that he or she establishes connections in the local community and contributes to the enrichment of relations between the two countries.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HistoricalIndex researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HistoricalIndex researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon957432

Why is not possible for police to arrest you in your embassy in a foreign country?

watson42

I think it would be really cool to work at an Embassy; imagine the people you would meet, from all over the world.

widget2010

When I was trying to get my work visa while volunteering abroad, the country's government and police were being really slow about various steps in the process. The USA's Embassy was a great resource for me though, helping me to come up with possible ways to speed the process and promising to stick up for me if I was threatened in any way before my application was actually finished.

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    • Diplomats and representatives of a foreign nation comprise an embassy.
      By: lffile
      Diplomats and representatives of a foreign nation comprise an embassy.
    • Diplomats represent their countries at foreign embassies.
      By: auremar
      Diplomats represent their countries at foreign embassies.
    • Many employees who work in a U.S. embassy are in their host country on diplomatic passports.
      By: Pezography
      Many employees who work in a U.S. embassy are in their host country on diplomatic passports.
    • A diplomat must have excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
      By: Scott Griessel
      A diplomat must have excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
    • To work at an embassy, prospective employees must generally pass background checks and receive extensive training.
      By: Alex3
      To work at an embassy, prospective employees must generally pass background checks and receive extensive training.