What you need: An official request from a foreign country naming you as their choice for Honorary Consul. Approval from the Slovak Foreign Ministry. (Since 1999, the Ministry of Interior and other government bodies have investigated candidates and issued recommendations to the foreign ministry on whether or not the candidate should be approved.)
What you get: An identification card confirming that you are an Honorary Consul. A licence plate which allows you to cross borders without delay, and which may, although unofficially, hold sway over some police and border guards. Prestige.
What you do: Promote trade between Slovakia and the country you represent. Help citizens of both countries obtain visas for reciprocal travel (when applicable). Assist the foreign countries' citizens living or travelling in Slovakia. Participate in official visits between Slovakia and the country you represent.
Compiled by Matthew J. Reynolds from interviews with consuls and the Foreign Ministry
