A diplomatic mission is a group of people named by a State and headed by a chief of mission, to perform diplomatic functions on the territory of a foreign State.

According to the article 3 of the 1961 Vienna Convention, normal functions consist in:

- representing the sending State in the receiving State

- protecting in the receiving State the interests of the sending State and of its nationals, within the limits permitted by international law

- negotiating with the Government of the receiving State

- ascertaining by all lawful means conditions and developments in the receiving State, and reporting thereon to the Government of the sending State

- promoting friendly relations between the sending State and the receiving State, and developing their economic, cultural and scientific relations

Embassies are diplomatic missions treating affairs about States whereas consulates perform functions close to those performed by embassies but deal with companies and individuals (as a visa issue for instance...).

Embassies are generally located in the capital of a State and have very often a consulate section, that's why nearly all consulates are located in other cities or towns that capitals.