Consular Notification and Access (2024)

In the United States, foreign governments have embassies (a foreign government’s headquarters) in Washington, DC and consulates (branch offices) in other cities. Both embassies and consulates provide assistance to that country’s citizens in the United States.

When foreign nationals are arrested or detained, they must be advised of the option to have the closest consulate or the embassy notified. For 58 countries, the closest consulate or the embassy must be notified, regardless of the foreign nationals wishes. This is consular notification.

Foreign government officials are entitled to communicate with their nationals in U.S. jails and prisons to check on their welfare and provide consular assistance. They may contact family, ensure legal representation and medical care, or provide reading materials. This is consular access.

Consular notification and access are mutual obligations based in treaties between the U.S. government and foreign governments.

The prompt, courteous offer to the foreign national of the possibility of consular assistance, and the prompt, courteous notification to the foreign national’s nearest consulate or the embassy so that they can provide consular services helps us model how we want U.S. citizens treated in a similar situation overseas. By providing appropriate consular notification and consular access to foreign governments, we help ensure that U.S. citizens have the same protections if arrested or detained abroad.

Refer to the following for detailed information on the consular notification and access process:

• Contact Info for Foreign Embassies and Consulates
• Consular Notification and Access Manual
• Consular Notification Pocket Reference Card
• Consular Notification Process Flow Chart

1. Determine the foreign national’s country of nationality. In the absence of other information, assume this is the country on whose passport or other travel document the foreign national is traveling.

2. If the foreign national’s country is NOT on the list of mandatory notification countries and jurisdictions:

3. If the foreign national’s country is on the list of mandatory notification countries and jurisdictions:

4. Keep a written record of:

These steps should be followed for all foreign nationals regardless of their immigration status.

Notify the foreign embassy or consulate. You can find contact information for the foreign embassies and consulates on our web page.

If a foreign national is medically detained for a contagious disease, it is necessary to notify the foreign embassy or consulate. See our information on notification for medical detentions/quarantine.

You may use thefax sheets belowor a letter/email containing the same information.

Suggested Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of Death or Serious Injuries

Suggested Fax Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of the Possible Appointment of a Guardian or Trustee for a Foreign National

We provide free training for law enforcement on consular notification and access. Email the CNA Team for information and to arrange training for your agency/department.

for information on State Department activities to increase consular notification and access awareness and compliance.

If you are a law enforcement officer seeking U.S. passport records, contact Passport Services.

Poster with the Statement to Offer Consular Notificationin Multiple Languages (NOTE: You must have Microsoft Publisher installed on your computer to use this poster. Insert your logo on the top right of the form in the space provided and save before printing.)