Embassies
- General
- Internal
- External
The UK maintains foreign relations cordial or otherwise with almost every country in the world. Many of these relations have been developed for centuries and as a consequence of historical ties that the UK has built with most of the world, particularly during the eras of the British Empire and post-medieval Europe. Also notable is the UK’s often referenced ‘special relationship’ with the United States. The main thrust of the country’s current foreign policy is national security along with the co-ordination with international institutions, climate change and human rights.
There are a few hundred embassies, high commissions and consulates in the UK, many of which are located in London. Almost every Commonwealth country has a high commission in London. All developed countries and countries with emerging economies have permanent foreign missions in the London. Embassies, high commissions and consulates in London and around the UK can be contacted for enquiries regarding visas, passports and travel.
The UK has hundreds of high commissions, embassies and consulates in over a hundred countries. Many of its embassies particularly in the developing world are helping to assist in the development of local communities, the prevention of conflict and terrorism, and the promotion of human rights. Similarly those in emerging and developed countries are working to promote trade, build strategic partnerships and also to promote human rights.