Consular immunity privileges are described in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 (VCCR).[1][2] Consular immunity offers protections similar to diplomatic immunity, but these protections are not as extensive, given the functional differences between consular and diplomatic officers. For example, consular officers are not accorded absolute immunity from a host country’s criminal jurisdiction, they may be tried for certain local crimes upon action by a local court, and are immune from local jurisdiction only in cases directly relating to consular functions.
Support staff of missions to international organizations
Yes
Yes
Yes
No, for official acts. Yes, in all other cases
Yes
No
^ abcReasonable constraints, however, may be applied in emergency circumstances involving self-defense, public safety, or the prevention of serious criminal acts.
^ abcdefghiThis table presents general rules. Particularly in the cases indicated, the employees of certain foreign countries may enjoy higher levels of privileges and immunities on the basis of special bilateral agreements.
^Note that consular residences are sometimes located within the official consular premises. In such cases, only the official office space is protected from police entry.
^ abcdeA small number of senior officers are entitled to be treated identically to "diplomatic agents".
