Functions of consular officer
Functions of consular officer
Updated
2025-08-25
Lithuanian consular officers in the Republic of South Africa can:
- Issue a Certificate of Return for a person who has lost a passport or other identity document abroad;
- Issue certificates for a person who has lost a driver's license or vehicle registration certificate abroad;
- Accept applications for the issuance or exchange of a passport and personal identity card of the Republic of Lithuania;
- Accept declarations of residence from citizens who have left Lithuania for a period longer than 6 months, if this was not done in Lithuania;
- Accept applications from citizens of the Republic of Lithuania to change, correct, and supplement civil status records, and to register civil status acts performed in a foreign state in Lithuania;
- Act as an intermediary for obtaining certificates of criminal record;
- Issue consular certificates as provided for by law;
- Issue Schengen visas to citizens of foreign countries;
- Verify original documents for a person wishing to reinstate Lithuanian citizenship;
- Perform certain notarial acts for citizens of the Republic of Lithuania;
- Act as an intermediary in the consular legalization of documents;
- Provide information and issue permits for the repatriation of remains to Lithuania;
- In case a person loses money abroad, provide information on the fastest ways for their relatives in Lithuania to transfer money to them in a foreign state;
- In exceptional cases, when there are no other options for an affected citizen to receive assistance from other sources, act as an intermediary in obtaining material assistance from the state budget after the person receiving this assistance signs a written commitment to repay it upon returning to Lithuania;
- If there is a justified need, meet with detained citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and, upon their request, visit them in places of detention;
- Demand that the laws of that foreign state and international treaties are observed with regard to Lithuanian citizens who have been arrested or convicted abroad;
- During elections, provide an opportunity for citizens of the Republic of Lithuania to vote in diplomatic and consular missions;
What Consular Officers Cannot Do
Lithuanian consular officers in the Republic of South Africa cannot:
- Act as travel agents, translators, or guides;
- Provide funeral company services;
- Provide banking or postal services;
- Act as an intermediary for employment in foreign states, or for obtaining foreign visas, residence permits, or work permits;
- Provide accommodation or other lodging;
- Ensure better service in medical or detention facilities than is provided to citizens of that country;
- From their personal funds or the budget, lend or otherwise give money, hire a lawyer, or pay for hospital, hotel, or other bills;
- Act as your legal defense in court;
- Influence or otherwise interfere with the work of law enforcement or other institutions of a foreign state;
Legal Acts Regulating the Functions of Consular Officers
