Vienna Convention on Consular Relations
Done at Vienna on 24 April 1963
The States Parties to the present Convention,
Recalling that consular relations have been established between peoples since ancient times,
Having in mind the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations concerning the
sovereign equality of States, the maintenance of international peace and security, and the promotion of
friendly relations among nations,
Considering that the United Nations Conference on Diplomatic Intercourse and Immunities
adopted the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which was opened for signature on 18 April
1961,
Believing that an international convention on consular relations, privileges and immunities would
also contribute to the development of friendly relations among nations, irrespective of their differing
constitutional and social systems,
Realizing that the purpose of such privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to
ensure the efficient performance of functions by consular posts on behalf of their respective States,
Affirming that the rules of customary international law continue to govern matters not expressly
regulated by the provisions of the present Convention,
Have agreed as follows:
Article 1
Definitions
1. For the purposes of the present Convention, the following expressions shall have the meanings
hereunder assigned to them:
(a)
“consular post” means any consulate-general, consulate, vice-consulate or consular agency;
(b)
“consular district” means the area assigned to a consular post for the exercise of consular
functions;
(c)
“head of consular post” means the person charged with the duty of acting in that capacity;
(d)
“consular officer” means any person, including the head of a consular post, entrusted in that
capacity with the exercise of consular functions;
(e)
“consular employee” means any person employed in the administrative or technical service of a
consular post;
2