consulate
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɑnsəɫət// UK //kˈɒnsjʊlət// con·sulate
n. an office in a foreign city where government staff help their own citizens with travel documents and legal issues.
n. a diplomatic office in a foreign country, typically headed by a consul, responsible for assisting nationals and promoting trade.
She went to the consulate to renew her passport.
The local consulate helped the stranded tourists arrange their flights home.
While the embassy handles high-level political relations, the consulate focuses on practical matters like visas and citizen support.
From Middle English consulat, consulate, from Latin consulātus, from consul + -ātus. In some senses, via French consulat. By surface analysis, consul + -ate (forms nouns denoting rank or office).