Exequatur

• An exequatur is an official document certifying that the host government recognizes a foreign consul (head of an independent consular institution) in this capacity.

• The issuance of an exequatur completes the process of accrediting a consul to work in the host country. The exequatur implies that the consul has a consular patent issued by the state that sent him. The text of the exequatur may define the boundaries and composition of the consular district where the powers of the consul are valid; the boundaries of the consular district are described in a separate diplomatic correspondence.

• The exequatur is affixed with the signature of the head of the host state (or, depending on local practice, the head of government, the minister of foreign affairs) and the seal.

• According to diplomatic practice, in the event of refusal to issue an exequatur, the receiving state is not required to inform the designating state of the reasons for such a step.