What is the function of the US Embassy?

Question

The more detailed the better! Thanks!!!

Also, when traveling abroad, under what circumstances would one go the the US Embassy?

Answer 1

They represent the President (Head of State) to the Head of State of the host country (via the Ambassador).  They also represent the U.S. Government to U.S. nationals in other countries and to nationals of the host country.

The main circumstances would be if you lost your passport or got into some sort of legal trouble (civil or criminal) in another country.

Answer 2

Generally the US embassy represents the people and the government of the US in foreign countries. It has many sub offices with their specialty including the consular section which directly represents the State department (Meaning it can issue visas, passports, birth certificates), office of the ambassodor, an official appointed by the President to maintain healthy relatioship with the designated country and many other offices. The US embassy also is committed to protecting US citizens overseas. In case there is an emergency, the embassy evacuates all US citizens to a safe place. The embasy has certain limitations in the foreign affairs. For example the cannot do any thing if a US citizen is arrested in foreign country other than visiting in jail, working with the citizen to get a good lawyer and notifiying the family about the incident. It is encouraged a US citizen registers with the embassy while traveling so that they can affectly notify you of any development that may endanger your safety. If your passport is lost/stolen then you must go to the embassy to get one or alternative document. In fact, one should go to the embassy for any advice - they serve the citizens very well.