Pursuant to the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, only the diplomatic mission and consular posts of the sending State, and the members thereof, enjoy privileges and immunities in the receiving State.

Other public institutions or offices of the sending State, such as cultural institutes, chambers of commerce, tourist offices and similar institutions, do not enjoy any such privileges. Even if the members of staff of such institutions are civil servants of the sending State who have been issued with an official or diplomatic passport, no privileges will be granted.

Intergovernmental agreements governing the status of such institutions and their members of staff remain unaffected.

Please also note the information contained in Circular Note 12/10 of 28 May 2010 – Ref. 701-701 AM 16 Allg.

The Federal Foreign Office (Division 701) will be happy to answer any questions you may have on this subject.