Australian embassies promote Australia to the rest of the world. From the highest level of ambassador to the lowest ranking clerk, each person’s task is to put Australia in a favorable light throughout the rest of the world.

Most nations have Australian embassies in their capital cities. The embassy, led by an ambassador, is the official representative of the people of Australia. In countries where Australia has a vigorous trade presence, you can also find Australian consulates. Their job is to work closely with Australia’s trading partners to promote trade. They also work with Australians living in that country to help provide a number of services. You can receive:

1. Limited financial help in an emergency from the Australian consulates.

2. The latest travel advice and warnings, as well as help with lost passports and visas.

3. Help from the Australian consulate with legal matters, including notification of your next of kin.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate Australian embassies in Asia

Because its commonwealth status, the Australian embassy in India goes by the name of the Australian High Commission in India. Singapore is another important trading partner with Australia. The Australian embassy in Singapore also has high commission status.

I recommend: The Australian High Commission in India keeps careful watch on Australian travelers in India to help ensure their safe travel. The Australian embassy in Singapore operates in a busy trade center of Asia.

Find Australian embassies in Europe

Australia has diplomatic relations with the nations of Europe. The United Kingdom and Australia are close trading partners, as well as members of the same commonwealth. Australia and France work closely together as allies as well.

I recommend: The Australian High Commission to the United Kingdom has headquarters in London with an Australian consulate in Edinburgh. The Australian embassy in France operates from Paris.

Contact the Australian embassy in the United States and Canada

Australia consulates operate out of Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, New York City and San Francisco. Consular offices are open part-time in Denver, Houston and Seattle. The main embassy in Canada is in Ottawa.

I recommend: The Australian Embassy in the US has its main offices in Washington, DC. The Australian consulate in Chicago doesn’t deal with visas, but it does work closely with agri-businesses in the heartland of the United States to promote Australian agriculture. The Australian consulate in Los Angeles also works closely with Australians in the region to promote trade with the United States. The Australian embassy in Canada has high commission status.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While Australian consulates can do a lot of things to help Australian citizens in a foreign country, you shouldn't expect them to do things like help you make travel arrangements or find lost luggage. They also cannot get you out of prison or pay your legal costs. Don't expect Australian consulates to obtain work permits, provide interpreter services or perform wedding ceremonies.