The Consular Corps is the official body comprising all Consular Officers resident in the State of North Carolina. Some Consular Officers also have jurisdiction in other States and territories.

Consular Officers are ranked as follows:

• Consuls General;
• Consuls;
• Vice-Consuls;
• and Consular Agents.

The post or head office of a Consular Office is referred to as a Consulate General, Consulate, Vice-Consulate or Consular Agency. An American or foreign citizen residing in the State of North Carolina may be appointed as an Honorary Consular Officer.

Generally speaking, Consular Officers perform the following functions:

• Represent their country and promote their country's trade within the Consular District;
• Assist and protect nationals of the country they represent;
• Explain their country's policies and achievements in fields such as culture and tourist attractions;
• Protect their country's shipping interests, legalize ship's papers, assist their country's seamen in distress and adjudicate on certain shipping matters; and
• Administer oaths, legalize foreign documents and issue passports, visas and certificates.

A list of all countries represented in North Carolina can be found here, along with specific information on each country. 

For more information on Consular Relations please contact the US DEPARTMENT OF STATE.