Australian Consular Operations Handbook

February 2013

The policies, procedures, and service levels described in this handbook represent guidelines only and are not intended to create any legally binding duties or obligations on the Australian Government to provide any particular consular assistance or services. The most appropriate level of consular services will be determined on a case by case basis at DFAT's sole discretion. As situations vary from country to country, there may be constraints that limit the ability of DFAT to provide consular services, and these services may not necessarily follow what is set out in the handbook.

Whilst every care has been taken in preparing this handbook, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees, including any member of Australia's diplomatic and consular staff abroad, can accept liability for any injury, loss or damage arising in respect of, or in relation to, any statements contained herein.

DFAT reserves the right to modify, amend or terminate any policies, procedures or service levels whether or not described in this handbook at any time.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Confidentiality, privacy and police matters

Part 2: Consular services: welfare of Australians overseas

Part 3: Financial assistance

Part 4: Emergency loans and administration

Part 5: Legal advice, legal processes and notarial service

Appendices

Creative Commons

Notwithstanding the general copyright licence provided for on www.dfat.gov.au, and with the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and where otherwise noted, all material presented in this document is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence.

The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website (accessible using the links provided) as is the full legal code for the CC BY 3.0 AU licence.

The report should be attributed as the Australian Government Consular Operations Handbook.

Use of the Coat of Arms

The terms under which the Coat of Arms can be used are detailed on the It's an Honour website.

Contact us

Inquiries regarding the licence and any use of the report are welcome at:

Assistant Secretary
Consular Operations Branch
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
RG Casey Building John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221
Email: consular@dfat.gov.au

Consular Contacts

Consular contacts page

See also

Downloads