Diplomatic Immunity - Diplomatic Immunity in The United States

Diplomatic Immunity in The United States

The following chart outlines the immunities afforded to foreign diplomatic personnel residing in the United States. In general, these rules follow the Vienna Convention and apply in other countries as well.

Category May be arrested or detained Residence may be entered subject to ordinary procedures May be issued traffic ticket May be subpoenaed as witness May be prosecuted Official family member
Diplomatic Diplomatic agent No No Yes No No Same as sponsor
Member of administrative and technical staff No No Yes No No Same as sponsor
Service staff Yes Yes Yes Yes No, for official acts. Otherwise, yes No
Consular Career Consular Officers Yes, if for a felony and pursuant to a warrant. Yes Yes No, for official acts. Testimony may not be compelled in any case. No, for official acts. Otherwise, yes No
Honorary consular officers Yes Yes Yes No, for official acts. Yes, in all other cases No, for official acts. Otherwise, yes No
Consular employees Yes Yes Yes No, for official acts. Yes, in all other cases No, for official acts. Otherwise, yes No
International organization Diplomatic-level staff of missions to international organizations No No Yes No No Same as sponsor
International Organization Staff Yes Yes Yes No, for official acts. Yes, in all other cases No, for official acts. Otherwise, yes No
Support staff of missions to international organizations Yes Yes Yes No, for official acts. Yes, in all other cases No, for official acts. Otherwise, yes No

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