World Embassy & Consulate Map
Know where your embassies are before you travel. Essential emergency contacts for passport loss or trouble abroad.
Last updated: 2026-04-18
Select Your Country
Emergency Tip
Bookmark your embassy on Google Maps before traveling. Even offline, you can navigate to it in an emergency.
What Do Embassies & Consulates Do? — A Traveler's Guide
What most travelers don't know about embassies
Embassy vs. Consulate — What's the Difference?
Embassy
On map: Red pin- 1 Only ONE per country, located in the capital city
- 2 Highest-level diplomatic mission, headed by an Ambassador
- 3 Main role: government-to-government diplomacy & political relations
- 4 Usually also provides consular services (passports, visas)
Example: Japanese Embassy in Washington D.C. — handles Japan-US diplomacy. But also serves travelers for passport issues.
Consulate
On map: Blue pin- 1 Multiple per country, in major cities beyond the capital
- 2 Headed by a Consul-General
- 3 Primary role: citizen services — passport reissue, visa issuance, citizen protection
- 4 Your lifeline in an emergency abroad
Example: Japanese Consulate-General in New York — handles passports and emergencies for Japanese citizens in the NY area. Diplomacy is handled by the embassy in D.C.
Key Takeaway for Travelers
When you're in trouble abroad, it's the consulate that helps you. Even if you're not in the capital, a nearby consulate can assist. Think of it this way: the embassy represents your country, the consulate protects its citizens. Lost passport, crime victim, natural disaster — contact your nearest embassy or consulate immediately.
High Commission
Between Commonwealth nations (UK, Australia, Canada, etc.), embassies are called "High Commissions". Same function, different name.
Representative Office
Taiwan uses "Economic & Cultural Representative Offices" instead of embassies in countries without formal diplomatic ties. They provide the same passport & visa services.
Honorary Consulate
Simplified consulate in smaller cities. A local citizen is appointed as Honorary Consul. Can help with emergency contacts but cannot issue passports.
What They Can Do for You
🛂 Reissue passports / emergency travel documents
If your passport is lost or stolen, they issue emergency travel documents same day or next day.
🚑 Help with accidents or illness
Hospital referrals, contacting family, liaising with insurance. They can intervene during hospitalization.
👮 Assistance if arrested or detained
Provide lawyer lists, arrange visits, contact family. They cannot negotiate your release.
🌊 Disaster, terror, or conflict evacuation
Welfare checks, evacuation support, charter flights during major emergencies.
📄 Document certification
Residency certificates, signature verification, translation certification for local procedures.
💀 Support when a citizen dies abroad
Contact next of kin, arrange repatriation of remains, assist with local procedures.
What They Cannot Do
How to Visit an Embassy or Consulate
Appointments are often required
Especially for passport renewal or visa applications. For emergencies, they accept walk-ins, but call ahead if possible.
You need your passport (or ID) to enter
Show your country's passport to enter. If your passport is lost, present alternative ID (driver's license, national ID card). A police report for the loss will speed things up.
Expect security screening
Similar to airport security gates. Large bags and cameras may not be allowed. Smartphones are usually OK.
Business hours & emergency contacts
Usually weekdays 9-5 (local time). Closed on weekends and holidays, but most have 24/7 emergency phone lines. Save the emergency number before your trip.
Diplomatic Network by Country
Embassies + Consulates (Consulates-General) only. Excludes honorary consulates & liaison offices.
Is your passport ready?