Originally Posted by
catbox9
I'm not sure the exact title I want for this thread. I mean, I think I know what embassies do (issue visas, provide assistance to citizens of the country, etc.) but maybe I'm not so sure.
Here's my story...
As an American citizen/passport holder, I've oftentimes noticed that my passport tells me to register with the embassy either in person or online - something I've never actually done. I've also heard stories that US embassies are supposedly treated like US soil even though they're in a foreign country.
Generally, the primary purpose of an embassy is to formally represent the sending country to the "host" country. This can encompass a wide range of things.
While it's commonly believed that embassy grounds possess
full extraterritorial status, this isn't the case unless specifically granted by treaty - i.e., the embassy isn't fully sovereign territory of sending country. The property is still under the local jurisdiction but treated with special provisions such as that the host country can't enter without permission.
The State Dept has a page on the sorts of emergency services they're supposed to be able to assist with. I've never had to avail myself of them and I imagine the quality of such can vary as it does with the government bureaucracy in general. Note that the embassy emergency services aren't meant to substitute for adequate personal funds or travel insurance.
http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...ergencies.html
Enrolling with the nearest embassy or consulate is now done online. This provides you with a subscription to relevant updates on the destination country and assists in locating you in the event of a disaster, emergency, etc.
https://step.state.gov/step/