If the person is a citizen of the embassy's country, security personnel within the embassy can legally detain him there. If there is no legal arrest warrant issued by the embassy's country, no person, whether a citizen of the embassy's country or not, can be detained within the embassy.
The U.S. has embassies in all countries it recognizes apart from Bhutan, Iran, Maldives, North Korea, Syria and Yemen. It has 'interest sections' in other nation's embassies in Iran and Syria. It also has a de facto embassy in Taiwan.
U S embassies and consulates work under the Department of State. Even though the physical buildings of an American consulate or embassy are considered U.S. property and can serve as a safe haven for U.S. citizens in times of unrest, they are not immune to attack or destruction.
Technically you can walk up to an embassy if you are a passport holder. However, in practice they may not let you in if there isn't an urgent need. Embassies are generally an extension of government services, from the perspective of a citizen.
What is the task of a Consulate? An Embassy is the diplomatic representation of a country's government in another country. It transmits messages of its home government to the government of the host country and vice versa.
Go to the EmbassyIf you're out of the country, the U.S. government can help. Get to the nearest embassy and find the Overseas Citizens Services (OCS). This division of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs that's responsible for the welfare of U.S. citizens traveling abroad.
You may be eligible for an appointment if your immediate family member has died or is seriously ill or injured while abroad and you need to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 business days). If you're traveling in more than 72 hours, learn more about Where to Apply.
For visits exceeding 30 days: A valid national passport and a Bahamas visa are required for U.S. resident non-citizens wishing to stay longer than 30 days.
The Bahamas is an independent country. It was formerly a British Territory for 325 years. It became independent in 1973 and joined the United Nations during the same year. Despite its proximity to the United States, at no point was the Bahamas ever a U.S. territory.
Green card holders do not require visas to visit The Bahamas. They should have a travel document that is valid for six months from the date of departure from The Bahamas; sufficient funds to finance their trip; onward or return tickets to leave The Bahamas and proof of accommodation.
Country Summary: The vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, exercise caution in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street). Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault occur, but generally not in tourist areas.
Bahamians who want or need to obtain a visa for travel to the United States may qualify for B visas, designed for temporary travel for purposes of visiting family, tourism, or business. Applicants must apply online and attend an interview at the U.S.
Here are the required documents for a US visa:
- An online nonimmigrant DS-160 application form. You can file the form DS-160 here.
- Your valid passport.
- One photograph.
- Receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application.
- Social media details.
These services include renewing passports; replacing lost or stolen passports; providing aid in obtaining medical and legal assistance; notarizing documents;assisting with tax returns and absentee voting; making arrangements in the event of death; registering births to nationals abroad; certifying– but not performing
“A United States embassy,” it reads in section 16, “remains the territory of the receiving state, and does not constitute territory of the United States.” While embassies and consulates get special protections under international law, We can VERIFY, they aren't actually territory or “soil” of the country who runs them.
Getting Help in an EmergencyContact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or call these numbers in the United States: From the U.S. & Canada - 1-888-407-4747. From Overseas - +1 202-501-4444.
The U.S. Department of State's Office of Overseas Citizens Services (888) 407-4747 (or from overseas +1 202-501-4444) can assist U.S. citizens who are temporarily destitute abroad.
The role of the Embassy in such cases is to help the person contact others in the United States who will be able to send funds to the person in distress. The Embassy is not able to loan cash to individuals except under certain conditions.
If you are a US citizen living or visiting overseas at the time you are required to register, go to the nearest US Embassy or Consular office where personnel will assist you in registering. You can also register online at the Selective Service web site www.usa.gov/selective-service.
Summary: One of the most essential tasks of the Department of State and of U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is to provide assistance to U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad. The State Department is committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas.
From a traveller's perspective, there isn't much difference between an embassy, a consulate and a high commission. An embassy is the base for a country's diplomatic mission abroad – meaning all of the political, cultural and social relationships between the states. A consulate is where consular services are performed.
If you require an emergency document, send an email
- a scan or photograph of your lost or stolen passport or ID card;
- the telephone number on which you can be reached;
- proof that you cannot postpone your journey, for example a travel itinerary, flight details, other reservations or a letter from your employer;
Can't Pay for a Flight Home. During an emergency, the U.S. Embassy has several obligations and risks to consider. One of their primary obligations is ensuring the welfare of American citizens in the country. However, in the event of most emergencies, the embassy will not pay for a flight to get home.
The Embassy of the United States of America in Baghdad is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America in the Republic of Iraq. Ambassador Matthew Tueller is currently the Chief of Mission. At 104 acres (42 ha), it is the largest embassy in the world, and is nearly as large as Vatican City.
The picturesque islands of Antigua and Barbuda; Dominica; Grenada; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines don't have a physical U.S. diplomatic presence, although there has been a push in Congress to bring embassies to the islands.
U.S. Embassies and Consulates began a phased reopening in July 2020; however, many consulates remain closed for routine services. Consulates and Embassies remain open for emergency and mission-critical visa services and will continue to provide these emergency based services.
U.S. Missions in Countries of the Americas and the Caribbean
- U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- U.S. Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas.
- U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados.
- U.S. Embassy in Belize City, Belize.
- U.S. Consulate General in Hamilton, Bermuda.
- U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia.
- Consulate General São Paulo, Brazil.
Diplomats need strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills. They must have good judgment and high integrity. In addition, they must be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally. They must be able to learn at least one foreign language, often several, during their careers.
