If you have been wondering what is the difference between an embassy, a high commission and a consulate are, then this article is for you. In this article, we will be highlighting the differences between an Embassy, a high commission and a consulate.

Many people still don’t know the difference between a high commission and an embassy. In fact, they don’t even know that they are inter-related.

They keep asking questions like is an Embassy the same as a high commission? what is the difference between an embassy and a high commission? Well, just keep reading to find out the answers to these and more.

What is an Embassy?

An embassy is a permanent diplomatic mission which is generally located in a country’s capital city. Although, there are some exceptions. That is, some country’s embassy may not necessarily be in the capital of the country.

This could be due to some national issues which may lead to other countries recognizing the capital city of one country as its official capital city.

Take Taiwan for instance, due to the uncertainty of Taiwan’s political status with regards to the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and several other countries do not acknowledge Taiwan as an independent state.

Another country with a similar issue is Kosovo.

An embassy represents the home country in another country and is responsible for handling major diplomatic issues as well as preserving the rights of its citizens abroad.

What is a High Commission?

A high commission is an embassy of one Commonwealth country in another commonwealth country.

The high commission is in charge of the diplomatic missions of one Commonwealth government to another.

What is a consulate?

A consulate is a smaller version of an embassy and is usually located in the larger tourist cities of a country, not necessarily the capital.

Differences between an embassy, a high commission and a consulate

Obviously, from the definitions above, you could spot the differences between these bodies. But for clarity purpose, we will be specifying their differences.

Difference between an embassy and a high commission

Embassies are diplomatic missions sent to non-Commonwealth countries. The head of missions at the embassy is called ‘Ambassador’.

On the other hand, High Commissions are diplomatic missions which a commonwealth country sends to other Commonwealth countries. The head of mission at the high commissions is the High commissioner.

Generally, An embassy is a diplomatic mission located in the capital city of another country which offers consular services. They also offer other kinds of services.

While a high commission is an embassy of a Commonwealth country located in another Commonwealth country.

So basically, if the two countries in the context are not commonwealth countries, the mission would be termed as an Embassy.

For example, Canada being a Commonwealth country has a high commission in Nigeria, another commonwealth country, not an embassy.

Difference between an Embassy and a Consulate

Just as we have defined earlier. A consulate is a smaller version of an embassy and is not usually located in the capital city of the country. The head of the consulate is the consul.

Consulates handle minor diplomatic issues such as issuing visas, assisting in trade relationships, and taking care of tourists and migrants.

We hope this article was helpful.