Consular functions are a specifically defined set of activities through which the State protects its interests as well as the interests of its nationals abroad. They are an integral part of the foreign service, and they complement diplomatic activities especially on the practical side of administrative and legal assistance. The scope of consular functions is determined by international treaties, domestic legal regulations and administrative practice. The following section outlines individual consular functions and their scope.

 

1. Development of bilateral relations

The honorary consul promotes the development of commercial, economic, cultural and scientific relations between the Czech Republic and the receiving State.

The honorary consul namely:

• a) informs the supervising post of all important facts that may affect mutual  relations in the above areas,
• b) informs the supervising post of investment and export opportunities for Czech businesses in the consular district,
• c) facilitates contacts between natural and legal persons from the Czech Republic and the receiving State,
• d) organises events aimed at developing contacts in the above areas,
• e) informs the public in the receiving State about developments in the Czech Republic,
• f) develops people-to-people contacts,
• g) supports the local Czech community.

 

2. Assisting natural and legal persons

Honorary consuls provide assistance and support to Czech nationals and legal entities abroad. This involves namely:   

a) providing basic information on the receiving State, its legal system, customs and regulations,
b) in cooperation with the supervising post, assisting Czech nationals in distress, especially in cases of illness, injury, and loss of travel documents or money,
c) maintaining operational communication with the supervising post in cases of serious injury or death of Czech nationals,
d) in cooperation with the supervising post, arranging the repatriation of remains of deceased Czech nationals or their burial in the consular district,
e) in cooperation with the supervising post and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participating in response to  humanitarian crises and the provision of Czech development assistance.

 

3. Protecting the rights and interests of natural and legal persons

Honorary consul promptly notifies the supervising post in the event of:

• a) situations that may endanger the life, health or property of Czech nationals,
• b) occurrence of human-borne or animal-borne infectious diseases, and occurrence of pests,
• c) cases of Czech nationals arrested, taken into custody or imprisoned.

In cooperation with the supervising post or consular post, the honorary consul protects the rights and interests of Czech nationals, namely by:

• - ensuring that international treaties and the laws of the receiving State are respected,
• - in cases where the rights of Czech nationals are violated, helping to restore such rights, including by facilitating legal assistance,
• - assisting in the appointment of guardians for minor or legally incapacitated Czech nationals,
• - safeguarding the property of Czech nationals,
• - safeguarding the interests of Czech nationals in cases of succession mortis causa.  

4. Assistance to vessels and aircraft

The honorary consul:

• - a) informs the supervising post of local regulations applicable to ports and airports,
• - b) reports accidents involving Czech vessels and aircraft, as well as foreign vessels or aircraft with Czech nationals on board.

In cooperation with the supervising post, the honorary consul safeguards the rights of Czech vessels and aircraft under international and local law, issues relevant certificates concerning the voyage or flight, and takes steps to protect passengers, crew and cargo in the event of accidents or emergencies.

 

5. Travel documents

The honorary consul:

• - a) issues emergency travel documents to Czech nationals,
• - b) in cooperation with the supervising post, assists in arranging the delivery of newly issued travel documents to Czech nationals.

 

6. Authentication and certification of documents

Upon request, the honorary consul may, if expressly authorised to perform acts related to the authentication of documents):

• a)  certify that a copy is a true copy of the original document (certification of copies),
• b) authenticate signatures (legalisation),
• c) certify translation of documents.

 

7. Superlegalisation of official documents

In case there is no accessible diplomatic mission or consular post of the Czech Republic in the receiving State, the honorary consul may, by agreement with the supervising post, certify the authenticity of official seals and official signatures (superlegalisation).

 

8. Visa services

The honorary consul is not authorised to examine or process visa applications. On the basis of an agreement with the supervising post, the honorary consul may only provide applicants with basic information on the conditions and requirements for granting of a visa.