What Are the Branches of an Embassy?
An embassy represents the interests of the government and its citizens in a foreign country. Embassies vary in size; often they are larger in countries considered to be of greater economic and political importance. Embassies have a diplomatic function, but its other important departments are the consular office, its commercial department and its department of cultural affairs.
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Consular Department
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The consular office issues visas and passports. If you are an American citizen abroad, you need to contact this department if your passport is lost or stolen. Foreigners need to apply to this department for all types of visas, whether for work or holiday purposes. This is the one department that deals directly with the average citizen, and is the only one making money like an ordinary business. In places too small to sustain a full embassy, consular services are still usually available. Also, in large countries, there is usually a central embassy and several consular offices around the country.
Commercial Affairs
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This very important department promotes trade with the home country. For example, the commercial department of the U.S. embassy in London supports U.S. companies that want to do business in the U.K. It also provides information and support to British companies who want to do business in the U.S. Much of this department´s work involves attending trade delegations and organizing meetings with heads of industries and industrial organizations.
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Public Affairs
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This department does the most to promote the country´s image to the host country citizens. It is the public relations department, and is where the press office is located. Stories about the U.S. government are generated from this office and distributed to the major news media in the host country. It is also responsible for promoting the country´s culture. For example, the U.S. embassy in London organizes tours and talks by leading American authors, artists and academics. It also co-ordinates awards such as the Fulbright scholarships. Organizations wanting help with contacting an American speaker can approach this department for help.
Political
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Essentially, this is the original embassy department. Ambassadors have existed for hundreds of years, dispatched around the world by their governments to negotiate terms of political treaties, and gather information about activities in both friendly and rival countries. The ambassador´s job has not changed in many ways, although there are fewer marriage negotiations on behalf of royalty. However, the ambassador still has to diplomatically handle military and political affairs on behalf of the government.
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