diplomatic and/or consular facility

Any Foreign Service establishment maintained by the US Department of State abroad. It may be designated a "mission" or "consular office," or given a special designation for particular purposes, such as "United States Liaison Office." A "mission" is designated as an embassy and is maintained in order to conduct normal continuing diplomatic relations between the US Government and other governments. A "consular office" is any consulate general or consulate that may participate in most foreign affairs activities, and varies in size and scope.