U.S. Consular Agency

A U.S. Consular Agency is a diplomatic office of the United States government that is located in a city that does not have a U.S. Embassy. Consular Agencies are headed by a U.S. consular officer who is responsible for providing assistance to American citizens in their host country. Services provided by a Consular Agency include issuing passports and reporting births, marriages, and deaths of American citizens abroad. In addition, Consular Agencies can provide notary services and issue emergency loans to stranded citizens. They also offer advice on the culture and customs of their host country. Although they do not have the same legal authority as an embassy, U.S. Consular Agencies play an important role in helping American citizens abroad.