Services Available at Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates
Australian embassies, high commissions, and consulates provide a wide range of government, consular, and citizen-support services for Australians overseas, as well as selected services for foreign nationals engaging with Australia. These missions play a critical role in protecting Australians abroad, supporting trade and diplomacy, and facilitating travel and documentation.
This article outlines the key services available at Australian diplomatic missions, and explains what they can—and cannot—do.
1. What Are Australian Embassies and High Commissions?
Australia maintains diplomatic missions worldwide under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- Embassies operate in countries that are not members of the Commonwealth
- High Commissions operate in Commonwealth countries
- Consulates and Consulates-General provide regional or city-based services, often focusing on consular assistance
Together, these are referred to as Australian overseas missions.
2. Passport and Citizenship Services
One of the most common reasons Australians visit an embassy or consulate is for passport-related matters.
Available Services
- Lodgement of new Australian passport applications
- Passport renewals
- Replacement of lost or stolen passports
- Emergency passports or temporary travel documents
- Certification of identity for passport purposes
All passport services are managed by the Australian Passport Office, with overseas lodgement handled through embassies and consulates.
3. Consular Assistance for Australians Overseas
Australian missions provide consular assistance to Australians who encounter serious difficulties overseas.
Typical Assistance Includes
- Help if you are arrested or detained
- Assistance following serious illness, injury, or death
- Support during natural disasters or civil unrest
- Help contacting family or friends in Australia
- Advice on local laws and procedures
- Welfare checks in emergency situations
Important Limitations
Embassies cannot:
- Get you out of jail
- Pay legal fees, fines, or medical bills
- Intervene in court proceedings
- Act as your lawyer or insurer
Consular help is supportive, not a substitute for legal or financial responsibility.
4. Notarial and Documentary Services
Australian embassies and consulates can perform limited notarial-style services, particularly where local alternatives are unavailable.
Common Services
- Witnessing signatures
- Certifying copies of Australian documents
- Issuing Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage
- Administering affidavits or statutory declarations (where permitted)
However, Australian embassies do not issue Apostilles. Apostilles are issued in Australia by DFAT through designated offices.
5. Assistance for Deaths Overseas
If an Australian dies overseas, embassies can assist families by:
- Liaising with local authorities
- Providing guidance on repatriation or local burial
- Issuing official information and support
- Helping obtain death documentation
They cannot, however, cover costs or make arrangements without family instructions.
6. Travel Advice and Crisis Response
Australian embassies play a key role in:
- Supporting Australians during international crises
- Coordinating evacuations where approved by government
- Disseminating safety information and emergency guidance
Travel advice is published through Smartraveller, Australia’s official travel advisory service.
7. Services for Non-Australians
Australian embassies also provide services for foreign nationals, including:
Visa and Immigration Services
- Processing of certain Australian visa applications
- Biometric collection (in some countries)
- Information on Australian migration programs
Most visa processing is now handled online through Home Affairs, but embassies may still assist in limited circumstances.
8. Trade, Investment and Diplomatic Services
Beyond consular work, embassies support Australia’s broader interests by:
- Promoting trade and investment
- Supporting Australian businesses abroad
- Engaging in diplomatic and political relations
- Facilitating cultural and educational exchanges
These services are primarily government-to-government and business-focused.
9. What Australian Embassies Do Not Do
It is important to understand the limits of embassy services. They generally do not:
- Provide routine legal advice
- Act as banks or lenders
- Intervene in private disputes
- Process foreign Apostilles or legalisations
- Replace travel insurance
Understanding these boundaries helps set realistic expectations.
10. How to Access Embassy Services
To access services:
- Check the embassy or consulate website for appointment requirements
- Book appointments online where required
- Bring original documents and valid identification
- Be aware of local public holidays and limited hours
In emergencies, most embassies provide 24-hour consular emergency contact numbers.