Diplomatic credentials

Diplomatic credentials are documents presented by foreign ambassadors and ministers to the chief of state of the host government. The documents, which follow a standard text, identify the diplomats as representatives of their governments and empowered to speak for them.

According to diplomatic protocol, ambassadors or ministers may not represent their governments before a host government's foreign ministry until their credentials have been formally presented in person and have been accepted by the host government's chief of state. A diplomat whose credentials are accepted is considered accredited to the host government and is considered an officer of the host government as well as his own.

A recall letter of previously presented credentials is often submitted along with new credentials.

List of policies by state(s)

Afghanistan

The President of Afghanistan holds a ceremony for each incoming foreign Ambassador to accept their diplomatic credentials. The ceremony typically tales place in Arg, the Afghan presidential palace and press releases announce the accreditation.

European Union

The European Union has a standard policy across all of its member countries, with some minor variations. Letters of Credence from the presenting Ambassador must be signed by their Head of State. The foreign representative may be accompanied to the presentation of diplomatic credentials by up to two guests, usually staff of their Mission. In terms of etiquette, no speeches are allowed during the presentation of credentials, and a “dark suit or national costume should be worn.” The Union mandates a photographic account of the presentation be recorded and sent to the President of the European Commission.

Israel

Ambassadors are received by the President of Israel in group accreditation ceremonies where Letters of Credence are received.

United Kingdom

All recognized foreign ambassadors meet with the reigning British monarch and presents Letters of Credence, also known as Letters of High Commission among commonwealth countries, to the monarch. As a traditional gesture, the British Government takes the Ambassador to their Embassy by seventeenth-century carriages. All Foreign Missions have their credentials registered at the Court of St. James’ in London.

See also

• Protocol (diplomacy)
• Letter of credence

External links

• The International School of Protocol & Diplomacy MA Programme and Seminars and Workshops in protocol, diplomacy and cross cultural communication