What is the role of an embassy for a traveller?
Embassy for a travelerWhether in the context of an expatriation, a business trip or pleasure, the traveler may be called upon to contact the embassy or consulate of his country of origin. Concretely, what is the role played by this institution with regard to fellow citizens who find themselves outside of French soil?
What is an Embassy?
The embassy exercises a mainly diplomatic role , that is to say that it represents the government, in particular the Head of State, of a country with the authorities of the country where it is established. As an intermediary between the two parties, the embassy conveys messages to both sides and participates in the maintenance and development of the bilateral relationship. This institution also informs its government of the realities and news of the host country. Finally, the embassy promotes its country, whether economically, culturally or scientifically.
For its part, the consulate is responsible for the public administration of its country. In this context, it plays the role of protector and defender of its nationals and their property, whether they reside or are just passing through the host country. The consulate therefore embraces a mission of administrative assistance to its nationals.
So, in summary, the embassy deals with the state-to-state relations while the consulate is in charge of those that are established between a country and its nationals. As for the representation, it is generally a permanent mission accredited to international organizations. For example, France has a permanent representative to the African Union in Addis Ababa and another to NATO in Brussels.
The role of an embassy for a traveler
Even with careful preparation, a trip is never completely safe from unforeseen events of all kinds. Thefts are unfortunately frequent and your valuables or even your identity papers can thus disappear. The embassy, for expatriates, plays an essential role in this case, more precisely the consular service of the diplomatic representation. After reporting the loss or theft of your passport to the local police, you must inform the consulate and follow the required procedures.
The embassy is able to provide you with a laissez-passer to allow you to return to France or an emergency passport if you need to go to another country. It is also possible to renew your passport on site if you stay there long enough. Sometimes, the cost of this operation is even lower than in France.
If you fall ill during your vacation, the French consulate can recommend a doctor or a list of approved French-speaking specialist doctors. Similarly, if you are the victim of an accident during your stay, the consulate is able to contact your family and discuss with them the measures to be taken, such as hospitalizing you on site or repatriating you. This institution also offers valuable advice to families on the formalities to be carried out in the event of the traveller's death. Finally, if you are arrested by the local police, the consulate can help you find a lawyer while informing your family.
The role of an embassy for an expatriate
According to the world register of French people living outside France, the number of French people living outside France was 1.8 million individuals as of December 31, 2019. The French embassy, for an expatriate, is important to more than a title :
In the event of a serious crisis or natural disaster, it brings together all its nationals and evacuates them if necessary .
Registration at the embassy allows your children to benefit from scholarships in local French schools
The consul has the functions of registrar. He is therefore authorized to receive declarations of birth or death of French people in his constituency and even of the civil marriage of French nationals.
The Embassy serves as a polling place during the elections
It organizes cultural activities and sometimes local language courses to facilitate integration. It is generally the meeting place for French nationals who can benefit from advice on various subjects. The French-speaking press is also available there.
Whether you are a traveler or an expatriate, consulates therefore play an important role during your stay abroad. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs also illustrates their importance with this infographic .
Take your precautions
The Embassy is not a travel agency. It is therefore not used to advise you of activities to do in such a region or recommended restaurants in such a locality. She is there for emergencies and to try to provide assistance when needed. She cannot give you money if you have lost your wallet or pay the lawyer's fees if you are in trouble with the local justice system. Similarly, the costs of consulting the doctor or hospitalization remain your responsibility if you fall ill.
It is therefore prudent to take out travel insurance or expatriation insurance to prevent this type of situation. In this way, you will leave with peace of mind and will be able to fully enjoy your stay.
Whether for your holidays or for a long-term expatriation, the French diplomatic missions spread over the five continents will be of great use to you. While emergencies are essentially their responsibility, embassies and consulates often represent a part of France whose presence warms the hearts of those abroad. On the ACS website , you have access to all the information you need to live a rewarding expatriation while avoiding disappointments as much as possible.
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