Consular Notification and Access

Consular Notification and Access
Worldwide Caution:
The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution.
Americans in the Middle East:
Americans in the Middle East should follow the latest guidance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and can contact the U.S. Department of State to receive information or assistance.
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Consular Notification and Access
What is Consular Notification and Access?
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.
Steps to Follow When a Foreign National Is Arrested or Detained in the U.S.
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
• Use Statement 1 on the Consular Notification Statements (immediately below these instructions) in the relevant language to inform the national, without delay, that he or she may have his or her consular officers notified and may communicate with them.
• If the foreign national requests that his or her consular officers be notified, notify the nearest embassy or consulate of the foreign national’s country without delay. Email is the preferred method for consular notification.
We maintain contact information for foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S.
Use the
Suggested Notification Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of Arrests or Detentions
• Forward any communication from the foreign national to his or her consular officers without delay.
3.
If the foreign national’s country is on the
list of mandatory notification countries and jurisdictions
• Notify that country’s nearest embassy or consulate, without delay, of the arrest or detention.  Email is the preferred method for consular notification.
We maintain contact information for foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S.
Use the
Suggested Notification Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of Arrests or Detentions
• Use Statement 2 on the Consular Notification Statements (immediately below these instructions) in the relevant language to tell the national, without delay, that you are making this notification and that he or she may communicate with the consulate.
• Forward any communication from the foreign national to his or her consular officers without delay.
4.
Keep a written record of
• What information you provided to the foreign national and when.
• The foreign national’s requests, if any.
• Whether you notified consular officers and, if so, the date and time and the means used to notify them (e.g., email, fax, or phone.) If you used fax or email to notify the consular officers, you should keep the fax confirmation sheet or sent email in your records.
• Any other relevant actions taken.
These steps should be followed for all foreign nationals regardless of their immigration status.
Consular Notification Statements
Download a PDF of consular notification statements in various languages
Steps to Follow When a Foreign National Is Seriously Injured/Sick, Dies or Is Placed in Guardianship (Minors) or Trusteeship (Adults)
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 the fax sheets below or a letter/email containing the same information.
Suggested Notification Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of Death or Serious Injuries
Suggested Notification Sheet for Notifying Consular Officers of the Possible Appointment of a Guardian or Trustee for a Foreign National
Free Online Training (Live and Pre-recorded)
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.
NEW! We now offer a pre-recorded training.
Visit the Training & Outreach page
for information on State Department activities to increase consular notification and access awareness and compliance.
Importance of Consular Notification
Consular Notification Training Video
Diplomats and the Law: Dispelling Myths
Video: Law Enforcement Interactions with Diplomats
U.S. Passport Records Access for Law Enforcement
If you are a law enforcement officer seeking U.S. passport records,
contact Passport Services
U.S. Visa Records Access for Law Enforcement
If you are a law enforcement officer seeking U.S. visa records,
email Visa Services
U.S. Law Enforcement Contact for Questions and Guidance on CNA
For law enforcement inquiries on consular notification and access,
email the CNA Team
Request CNA Resource Materials
These resources are provided (free of charge, postage included) to law enforcement and government agencies in the United States:
Handout
Pocket Reference Cards
To request copies of the resource materials, please send an email to
consnot@state.gov
Other Resources
Poster with the Statement to Offer Consular Notification in Multiple Languages
(NOTE: You must have Microsoft Adobe Reader installed on your computer to open the file.)
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